What is taiko exactly?
Taiko is a Japanese word that literally means "big drum". It refers to a traditional Japanese drum used in various contexts. In Buddhist temples, taiko accompanies ceremonies and sutra recitations, while the instrument plays a central role in Shinto shrines during festivals (matsuri) and rituals in which the kami, the gods or spirits, are addressed.
Outside religious contexts too, taiko had an important function. In village communities it was used to call people together, announce rituals or warn of danger. Historically, taiko even functioned as a means of communication in military contexts, for example to indicate marching rhythms or signals for attack and retreat.
Is taiko considered music?
Not exclusively. Traditionally, taiko is not always primarily seen as "music" (ongaku), but rather as rhythm (hyōshi), bodily practice and ritual sound. The emphasis is on timing, breathing, collective synchronization and physical and mental discipline.
Taiko music therefore is not only about sound, but also about movement and collaboration. The musicians use their whole body to drum. This makes taiko an art form in which strength, energy and community spirit come together.
What does the name Kodo mean?
The name Kodo refers to two Japanese ways of writing that sound the same but have different meanings. On the one hand, Kodo means "heartbeat": ko stands for drum and dō for movement. In this way taiko is seen as the primal rhythmic heartbeat of life, connecting people, nature and community. On the other hand, Kodo can also be read as "drum children". In this meaning, openness, learning, discipline and respect for tradition are central, without rigidity. It is about an attitude of lasting curiosity.
Why is Kodo considered such an important group?
Kodo is widely regarded as the most well-known and influential taiko group in the world. The group is based on Sado Island and emerged in 1981 from an earlier group, Ondekoza. Since their international breakthrough, Kodo has played a key role in the worldwide dissemination of ensemble taiko. In 2024 they received the Award for cultural ambassador of Japan.
Their performances combine musical precision with physical intensity and a strong ritualistic quality, which has made them an international point of reference.
Konichiwa, Chris Leon. Promoter of Kodo in the Benelux for 23 years already. How did you come into contact with them?
That contact came through Jo Van Driessche, the promoter of Kodo and my personal friend, who at the time organized the Brugge Festival, Belgium's oldest world music festival. We traveled together to Osaka, where I saw Kodo perform live for the first time. After the concert we were invited backstage and introduced to the entire Kodo group.
A year later I also attended the Earth Celebration Festival on Sado Island, where Kodo is based. This is a festival where Kodo invites international artists they met on their One Earth Tour around the world.
How did you then become their promoter?
When Jo Van Driessche no longer acted as promoter, this created an opportunity. I applied to become the new Belgian promoter of Kodo. Some time later I was told that my candidacy had been approved. This is how I started organizing my first three concerts in the middle of the week in Brugge. That mutual trust means that we still work together today, more than thirty-five years later.
What does it involve to be a promoter?
The European tour is put together by the Kodo management. Each promoter receives their available dates. Then my story starts:
- Finding the perfect venue/halls.
- Booking hotels under the best conditions
- Setting up a marketing plan
- Graphic design of posters, flyers, banners etc.
- Setting up social media campaigns: website/facebook/Instagram etc.
- Arranging transport from arrival to departure
- Booking catering
- Planning technical visits
- Complying with the Rider specifications down to the last detail
What should I imagine about the KODO group?
The group consists of fourteen percussionists and six staff members, including a tour manager, a lighting designer, two stage managers, an artistic director and a tour driver. Kodo Village offers an apprentice program. After a strict selection, about twenty students are admitted to a two-year program to become a Kodo drummer. Only a few succeed. The training is physically and mentally very demanding: students run ten to fifteen kilometers daily before breakfast and are trained to become ambidextrous, so they can play equally skillfully with both hands. Kodo drummers are, without exaggeration, true top athletes.
Does this top sport also include a top diet?
Certainly. The Kodo members eat mainly Japanese but here and there with Western influences. Kodo's regular caterer in Belgium, Mr. Lode Arnouts, knows perfectly what they want and always finds a perfect balance here.
Have you ever been allowed to play one of these drums yourself? And what can you tell me about Kodo's drums?
Indeed, during my stay on Sado island in their rehearsal room located in Kodo Village, I had the opportunity to try this. It was a unique experience. Unlike classical theater, where ōtsuzumi and kotsuzumi are used, Kodo works exclusively with taiko drums. These include, among others, the hiradaiko (flat drum), shime-daiko (tightly stretched drum), nagadō-daiko (drum with long body) and the monumental ōdaiko.
Kodo uses the Hiradaiko (flat drum), shime-daiko (tightly stretched drum), nagado-daiko (drum with long body) and odaiko (large drum). The Odaiko easily weighs three hundred fifty kg. The Kodo members carry this drum themselves to the stage. During the preparation of the concert, much attention is paid to correctly tensioning the ropes on the small drums, which are used in the piece "Monochrome".
During the setup, only the production staff are allowed in the hall. However, during rehearsals, no one else may be present. Similarly, during preparation, marking lines are placed on the stage so that the drums are positioned correctly during the concert. This also takes into account the correct lighting.
After Kodo's performance, it is exclusively the members of the Kodo group who very carefully transport the drums back to the trucks. Many trucks…
Have you ever been on a European tour?
Indeed, in 2010 I was the second truck driver for the European Kodo tour. It was a unique experience. We left Belgium heading towards Lugano to drive to Scotland where we arrived two hours before the performance and all Kodo members were waiting for us. Five days later we drove from Aberdeen to Munich. There is always something to experience.
How does that international collaboration continue?
The former tour manager Mr. Takashi Akamine was close to my heart but unfortunately he passed away two years ago. Our collaboration always proceeded very punctually according to Japanese standards. The collaboration with the current tour manager Mio Teycheney-Takashiro is also excellent.
I find it an honor to serve as a promoter of Kodo. 2026 is a special year.
Why?
2026 is indeed a special year as Japan and Belgium celebrate their 160-year friendship bond and Kodo's performance in Belgium is an integral part of the festivities organized by the Japanese Embassy in Belgium for this occasion.
Additionally, Kodo also celebrates fifty years of Monochrome, an iconic work that was first performed in 1976 and still stands as a milestone within their repertoire. The new Japanese ambassador Takeshi Osuga and his wife are also invited to the concert in Brussels.
Something more about the name of the Kodo tour perhaps?
The name of the tour has always been "One Earth Tour" since its inception and is a message of hope and peace that Kodo wishes to convey. In a world with relentless pandemics and wars, Kodo continues its tour, hoping that the sound of its resonating drums will uplift and connect people, create ripples of hope and transform darkness into light.
The new production is called "Luminance". With their music, Kodo wishes, like light, to bring clarity not only to see but also to feel. Based on the Japanese taiko tradition, they present mostly their own compositions.
Tomorrow - What does that look like for you?
Until the end of March, Kodo is on tour in nine countries including Belgium and performs in twenty-one cities. Ensuring it is a success in Belgium is therefore my top priority. I am Kodo's promoter in the Benelux and look forward to bringing Kodo back to the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Arigato, Chris Leon: Agenda Kodo concerts Belgium
3 March 2026 BOZAR / Palace of Fine Arts in Brussels
4 March 2026 Concertgebouw in Brugge
13 March 2026 Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerpen
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