KASA/MIX TOUR 2003

Kodo Arts Sphere America and RhythMix Cultural Works present KASA/MIX TOUR 2003
September 1st - September 12th.

"I look back on the Sado Island tour as some of the happiest days of my life--second only to the birth of my children, in fact"

Stan Shikuma, Seattle KokonTaiko

This is an incredible opportunity to study the Folkloric drumming, song and dance of Japan. KASA/MIX TOUR 2003 will take you to the Kodo Apprentice Center on Sado Island to study with the internationally renowned Kodo artists Eiichi Saito, Yoko Fujimoto and Chieko Kojima. The apprentice center is located in a beautiful mountainous area near the Japan Sea. Here you will experience life where Kodo’s apprentices are training, and local people are preparing "Demon Taiko" for festival performances.

KASA/MIX TOUR 2003 will start in Tokyo with a visit to the Miyamoto Taiko Drum Museum, and include special activities in Tokyo to be
announced on the website soon.

Traveling by train and ferry we will go to Sado Island to rest at the Ogi no Yu onsen (hotsprings) and stay at Hana no Ki Inn before embarking on the 5 days of sessions at Kodo's apprentice center. Hana no Ki is located in the classic Japanese village of Shukunegi. It is owned by a famous potter, who will be giving workshops in addition to serving splendid local cuisine.

"A year ago today I returned to my home in the mountains of Wakayama. I had just spent ten wonderful days drumming with an extraordinary group of people, sharing an amazing experience that will live in my memory as one of the greatest in my lifetime."

Mark H Rooney, Odaiko New England, Kishu Ryujin Daiko, and Shippu Uchi Daiko

Born in Ofune, Tochigi-prefecture, Chieko Kojima joined Ondekoza in 1976 and thus began her encounter with folk dancing. Since the formation of Kodo, Chieko has carved out a niche for herself as the principal dancer for the group, and is noted for her original dance style. Recently Chieko has also been performing with ‘Hanayui’. and traveling with her solo performance series, ‘Yukiai’.

"To add dance to your daily regime is to fill each day with more energy, passion and zest for life. In my workshop, you won’t merely learn dance steps, it is my hope that you will also discover the vitality of ancient dances which have been passed down from generation to generation. I feel that power every time I dance, and it is my dream to share this invigorating force with as many people as possible."
-Chieko Kojima

 

Yoko Fujimoto is an original Kodo member and the group’s principal vocalist. Both with Kodo and in solo projects, Yoko has collaborated with countless artists in countries throughout the world. Her recent projects include her role in ‘Hanayui’ and her ‘Voice Circle’ workshops. Don’t miss your chance to experience her magic.

"There are many ‘hearts’ within each of us, and each one holds a different voice. The day I realized that my voice didn’t have to be high or loud or large was the day I began to sing in my own way, and the beginning of a new path towards personal freedom of expression. The "Voice Circle" is a workshop I designed in order to share this joy with as many people as possible." -Yoko Fujimoto

Kodo's Eiichi Saito has emerged as not only a central performer on stage but as the group's primary workshop leader. Eiichi's workshops focus on developing a passionate approach to playing taiko. His workshops mix hard work, hard play and the high-energy style that has become Eiichi's trademark. The workshops are aimed at promoting expression through physical awareness, not only for drummers but for anybody who wants to know about the approach to drumming that is central to Kodo's life....

The price of the trip includes all workshops, airfare, (from SF or LA) accommodations, local transportation to scheduled activities, two meals per day while on Sado, museum and hot springs. $2,675.

We are encouraging taiko players, professional musicians and dancers to join us on this trip. Because there are only 20 spaces available and it is a special privilege to study with Kodo, an application is required. To receive an application or if you have any questions, please email Janet Koike at: Rhythmix@earthlink.net.

Check out more photos and comments from Japan 2001!

"My friend, Eric Chang went on the RhythMix trip to Sado in 2001, and it's all he can talk about"

Charles Kellogg, Sacramento Taiko Dan, 2001 NA Taiko Conference Assistant Coordinator taiko

DATE

DAY

AM

PM

STAY

September 1

Monday

Depart from U.S.

September 2

Tuesday

Arrive in Tokyo

Asia House, Tokyo

September 3

Wednesday

TBA

Evening performance with Togi Sensei

Asia House, Tokyo

September 4

Thursday

Depart from Tokyo - Travel to Sado

Arrive on Sado

Visit to Ogi no yu (onsen/hotsprings)

Hana no Ki, Sado

September 5

Friday

Visit to Kodo Village Travel to Apprentice Center

Welcome performance
by Hanayui
and Orientation

First Day of Workshop

Kodo Apprentice Center, Iwakubi, Sado

September 6

Saturday

Second Day of Workshop

Kodo Apprentice Center, Iwakubi, Sado

September 7

Sunday

Third Day of Workshop

Kodo Apprentice Center, Iwakubi, Sado

September 8

Monday

Fourth Day of Workshop

Kodo Apprentice Center, Iwakubi, Sado

September 9

Tuesday

Fifth Day of Workshop

Move to

Ogi no yu onsen

Hana no Ki, Sado

September 10

Wednesday

Depart from Sado

Arrive in Tokyo

Asia House, Tokyo

September 11

Thursday

Tokyo Day (TBA)

Asia House, Tokyo

September 12

Friday

Free Time

Travel back to U.S.

FROM

TO

ACTIVITY

6:30AM

Wake up

6:40AM

Exercise and jogging

7:15 AM

Breakfast

8:00AM

Cleaning

9:00AM

12:00PM

Workshop

12:30PM

1:30PM

Lunch

2:00PM

5:00PM

Workshop

6:30PM

7:30PM

Dinner

7:30PM

9:00PM

Free

9:00PM

10:00PM

Apprentice practice
(observation possible)

11:30PM

Lights Out