On March 8, the Japanese Drumming Ensemble, also known as Kodo, performed in the Boston Latin School auditorium. Students enjoyed a lively two-hour performance featuring singers and traditional Japanese instrumentalists, as well as intriguing costumes and choreography.
Kodo was founded in 1981 with the goal of bringing traditional Japanese art forms to the broader world in a way that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Since its creation, the ensemble has performed in over 50 countries and participated in esteemed events, such as the Nobel Peace Prize Concert and the World Cup. In 1997, the Japanese Drumming Ensemble established the Kodo Cultural Foundation, with the goal of creating local development programs.
The cultural foundation has often been involved in working with students. In Japan, they have launched programs regarding social education and workshops to nurture the next generation of Kodo performers. Performances specifically targeted at students, such as the one at BLS, also provide a valuable perspective on global music.
Kodo emphasizes the use of taiko, a range of Japanese percussion instruments that make an appearance in the showcases. Taiko, however, also refers to the percussion art form itself. The shows demonstrate a childlike aspect to emphasize that the performers are “children of the drums.”
“[Kodo] can be translated as ‘heartbeat,’ the primal source of all rhythm. The great taiko is indeed thought to be reminiscent of a mother’s heartbeat as felt from the womb, and babies are often lulled to sleep by its thunderous vibrations,” explains Kodo’s mission statement.
Kodo previously performed in the 2023 show entitled Tsuzumi, selling out Boston’s Symphony Hall. The performance placed an emphasis on the drums, providing it with a grandiose character. In partnership with the Celebrity Series of Boston and the Japanese Society of Boston, Kodo returned this year with a new show called Warabe. This performance blended intense physicality with traditional Japanese sounds to create a unique and culturally rich experience that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
“It’s a creative way to show talents and entertain others at the same time, as well as showing culture for different communities,” states Apollo Duck (III), a member of BLS theatre, when discussing the best parts of Boston’s Kodo performances.
On March 9, the Warabe showcase performed at Symphony Hall, reigniting the passion and intensity they brought two years earlier. BLS students had the opportunity to see the show a day earlier in the auditorium.
This special Warabe showcase that was based on Kodo’s classic style paid homage to previous iterations of the ensemble. Students were both able to witness aspects of traditional Japanese culture and indulge in the history of cultural preservation for Japanese-Americans.
When asked why these performances matter, BLS Asian Students In Action External Liaison and drummer Aaron Liu (II) explains, “Although we do have our regular music department, it only showcases Western music, so having Kodo just here for other BLS students […] gives a better perspective.”