Blending Taiko with Medical Care to Benefit Society
Atsushi Sugano
Kodo Cultural Foundation Managing Director
The first time I met Dr. Morimoto, he talked to me about the "state of war" on Sado Island in the medical and welfare sector, due to an overwhelming lack of doctors and nurses to meet patient requests for health services. He talked about the importance of two things we could do on Sado Island to overcome that problem. One was helping people build "fortresses of inner peace." The other was cultivating wisdom through dialogue that would foster peace, and creating a place for people to learn these skills. He said Exadon was based on those ideas.
When I heard him describe his ideas, I felt they resonated with Kodo's mission statement, its One Earth Tour theme, and the Kodo Village Concept. Taking part in the planning of the Exadon movement has opened my eyes once more to the possibilities and appeal of taiko as a means to nurture the hearts of many and to help with social issues.
Kodo Cultural Foundation
Thanks to the support of many people, Kodo Cultural Foundation (KCF) was established in 1997 to allow Kodo to increase its activities based on their home of Sado Island. The Foundation's primary mission is to carry out public interest activities focused on social education and giving back to the local community. If Kodo’s performances were likened to flowers, then the Foundation would be the roots that support those blooms. KCF activities include holding workshops, planning Sado's annual music festival "Earth Celebration," managing Kodo Apprentice Centre, and carrying out performing arts research.On November 1, 2011, Kodo Cultural Foundation was recognized as a Public Interest Corporation in Japan. Since then, the Foundation has increased its promotion of public interest activities, which revolve around four main pillars.
Four Pillars of Activity
Helping Future Leaders Develop Skills Through Training and Experience-Based Learning
Two facilities housed in repurposed schools are at the heart of Kodo Cultural Foundation's activities: Kodo Apprentice Centre and Fukaura Schoolhouse. These former schools now form a place where the Foundation can empower young people by training them for purposeful roles in regional communities, performing arts, and culture. The Foundation also creates opportunities for Kodo to share its valuable know-how with the next generation through hands-on learning experiences centred on taiko, traditional performing arts, and local communities.
Human Resource Development
Regional Revitalization
Utilizing Local Resources to Boost Local Communities
Kodo's home of Sado Island is a fascinating place with stunning nature and rich history. Kodo Cultural Foundation is dedicated to helping Sado Island and its residents thrive through a broad range of local activities including:
● the management of Sado Island Taiko Centre.
● collaborations with local people and groups.
● projects that promote tourism on Sado Island.
● development of local specialty products.
● townscape preservation and practical use.
● utilization of former school facilities.
Performing Arts and Culture Promotion
Promoting Performing Arts Through Research, Education, and Social Activities
Kodo Cultural Foundation carries out research centered around Sado Island's performing arts and lifestyle culture. It uses this research to make recommendations for practical use of traditional culture in modern society. The Foundation also facilitates a range of social and educational activities connected to performing arts and culture, such as performances, workshops, and lectures by members of the Kodo Group. KCF is constantly expanding the activities it offers in Japan and abroad.
International Exchange
Creating a Place and Opportunities for International Cultural Exchange
Kodo Cultural Foundation provides forums for international cultural exchange on Sado Island such as live-in workshops, where people from other countries can play taiko and experience the local culture and lifestyle. Also, the Foundation invites international guest artists to Sado for creative exchange at the island's annual performing arts festival, "Earth Celebration." Every year since 1988,
this renowned event has brought collaborators and festivalgoers to Sado Island from all over Japan and around the world.
Inquiries
Kodo Cultural Foundation
Kodo Village, 148-1 Ogi Kanetashinden, Sado, Niigata 952-0611, Japan
Tel. +81-259-81-4100
Telephone assistance available on weekdays 9:30–17:00 (JST)
Please include your name and contact telephone number (with country & area codes) with your inquiry, as sometimes a reply by email is not possible due to system errors. Thank you.
Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble
Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form. The ensemble is dedicated to studying Japanese and global performing arts and constantly pushes the envelope with its original creative expression.
Ensemble Leader: Yuichiro Funabashi
All Kodo performances and creative activities are planned and produced by Kitamaesen Co., Ltd.
Photo: Takashi Okamoto
Inquiries about Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble:
Contact Kitamaesen Co., Ltd.
Tel: +81-259-86-3630
Fax. +81-259-86-3631
Kodo Village, 148-1 Ogi Kanetashinden, Sado, Niigata 952-0611, Japan
Telephone assistance available 9:30–17:00 (Mon.–Fri./JST)
Please include your name and contact telephone number (with country & area codes) with your inquiry, as sometimes a reply by email is not possible due to system errors. Thank you.
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Sado Island Taiko Centre (a.k.a. Tatakokan) was built from local Sado Island timber and features a large hall, traditional cooking classroom, exhibition room, and meeting rooms. The Centre is managed and operated by Kodo Cultural Foundation.
Tatakokan offers “Taiko Experience” programs and a range of other events to the public throughout the year. The facilities are also available for use by the local community and visiting groups for activities such as workshops, performances, rehearsals, and meetings.
The Centre has large balconies that overlook Mano Bay and the Osado mountain range, providing visitors with stunning natural views all year round. Tatakokan is home to two huge taiko drums that were hand-carved from an enormous 600-year-old keyaki (Japanese zelkova) log by members of Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble. These one-of-a-kind drums are on display and ready to be played by visitors to the Centre. Please drop by and enjoy the views and drums as part of your next visit to Sado Island.
Sado Island Taiko Centre
(Tatakokan)
*Equipped with free WIFI, barrier-free access, & accessible restroom facilities.
Inquiries
Sado Island Taiko Centre
(Tatakokan)
Tel: +81-259-86-2320
Fax. +81-259-86-2385
150-3 Ogi Kanetashinden, Sado, Niigata 952-0611, Japan
Open: 9:00–17:00 (Tue–Sun)
Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a public holiday, closed Tuesday instead.)
Please include your name and contact telephone number (with country & area codes) with your inquiry, as sometimes a reply by email is not possible due to system errors. Thank you.