Kodo, the premier Taiko group of Japan renown for its history and excellence, held a series of presentations, demonstrations, and a reception in New York’s Asia Society Monday night to celebrate their longstanding ties with the various Taiko groups in North America.
While their mentorship and exchange with the North American Taiko community has undoubtedly galvanized the rise of Taiko here, Kodo has nonetheless organized the event with the intention of showing gratitude to the North American Taiko community for their support throughout the years.
Alan introduces Kodo at the Asia Society on March 14, 2011.
In introducing Kodo, Soh Daiko’s Alan Okada stressed their crucial role in establishing and preserving Taiko as a major art form in North America as well as throughout Japan. We are indebted to Kodo for allowing the transmission of such valuable cultural capital throughout America via the KASA (Kodo Arts Sphere America) organization.
In fact, Kodo and Soh Daiko have nearly 30 years of exchange and collaboration between them, and Soh Daiko’s development was assisted by support from Kodo.
After a round of awe-inspiring performances from the members that included a series of harmonious vocalizations, Atsushi Sugano gave a presentation that described the idyllic and nature-oriented life of the Kodo community in Sado Island off the Northwestern coast of Japan. The group, as he noted, lives in the Sado Island community using sustainable practices, building furniture that allow environmental improvement. The furniture, which is designed by Kodo members, are donated to the local community schools and organizations. Kodo also educates visiting school and community groups about Taiko, helping spread the traditional art down the generations.
After the presentation, Chieko Kojima performed her famed Hana Hachijo, which showcases the epitome of artful and highly refined Japanese drumming. Speaking to the audience afterwards, she emphasized the role of Taiko in bringing the community together through communal experience and joy.
Former Soh Daiko members Peter Wong and Monona Yin look on as Chieko Kojima of Kodo accepts a thank you gift
During the reception, members of Kodo greeted members of various NYC Taiko groups, as they have done in other cities in the US. With characteristic humility and geniality, Kodo members received their invited guests with a champagne toast for lasting collaboration and unity.
Kodo members thank the NYC taiko community for their support with a song
Kanpai!!
