Taiko Drum Experience at Sado Island: Home of World-Famous Kodo Group (Japan Travel Guide)

by Japan, Art, History & Music30 comments

If you’ve been to Tokyo before, I bet you’ve seen a drumming game in the arcades of Akihabara that the Japanese seemingly love to play and it’s actually called as Taiko no Tatsujin. (Taiko Drum)

Back when I revisited Japan, the Niigata Tourism Board asked me if I wanted to learn more about “taiko. Upon mention of that word, I remembered the drums that I saw in the arcades, and I also mentioned a PlayStation game that I used to play called ‘Patapon‘, which seemed to have been inspired out of taiko playing too. They said that if I found those fascinating, I would be more fascinated by the real thing — of course!

From what I’ve learned, taiko is a traditional Japanese percussion instrument that has deep roots in ancient Japanese mythology. It has been used in warfare to motivate troops, send out orders, and set a marching pace (apart from it being used in theatre, festivals, and rituals).

Nowadays, however, ‘taiko’ is more often used as a term to refer to the drumming performance itself — commonly to a style called kumi-daiko (ensemble-style playing). It’s said that there are over 5,000 taiko groups active in Japan and the Kodo performing arts ensemble, which hails from Sado Island, is one of the most popular taiko groups not only in the country but worldwide too.

So when they asked me if I wanted to sail to Sado Island to try taiko drumming with one of the former members of Kodo, it was a sure ‘yes’ from me!

» READ: 4-Day Itinerary in Niigata, Japan

Sado Island Taiko Centre

Run by Kodo Cultural Foundation, the Sado Island Taiko Centre (also called Tatakokan) is nestled on top of a hill beside the neighborhood of Kodo village, beautifully overlooking Mano Bay and the Osado mountain range. It has been built from local Sado Island timber and features a spacious hall, a traditional cooking classroom, an exhibition room, and several meeting rooms available for rent.

All throughout the year, a range of events and ‘Taiko Experience’ programs are being offered here that make use of decades of experience and know-how by the famous group of Kodo. One of those programs includes hands-on experiences from Kodo instructors who teach beginners how to play the taiko drum.

Fortunately, I had the pleasure to meet and be taught by a 10-year veteran member of Kodo, Shinichi Sogo — or “Shin-chan sensei“, an honorific which he wanted to be called — and he was an amazing person who was bubbling with energy and warmth!

Shinichi Sogo

Shin-chan sensei didn’t seem to speak English but my accompanying translator (Yasushi-san) told me that he has been with Kodo since 1981 and has since participated in over 1,000 performances in 30 countries worldwide. After he stopped performing, he became a staff member for a while; but since 2007, he decided to serve as an instructor in the Sado Island Taiko Centre.

But before I go on… let me just ask you: how old do you think he is?

Well, I thought he was in his 40s; but apparently, he was about to reach 60!!! I complimented him on how young he looked and he said that taiko drum players almost always look younger than they do — or that it could also be the genes.

We both laughed, but I guess it has some truth to it because I can imagine the kind of exercise and training that taiko players have to do to play and perform with these taiko drums.

I proceeded to survey the hall and saw all the taiko drums that were set up around us. I gladly quipped, “So how many other people will be joining us today?

He beamed, “No one. It’s just you. I’m going to be teaching you privately today!

AWESOME.

My Taiko Drum Experience

Odaiko

Shin-chan sensei led me to the front of the hall and gestured towards 2 huge one-of-a-kind taiko drums that were called odaiko — which literally means “big fat drum”. These were apparently hand-carved by Kodo members from an enormous 600-year-old keyaki (Japanese zelkova tree).

They called the biggest odaiko, which somewhat looks like a potato, ‘Yamaimo-kun‘. Whereas the other one which was laid down with only a cover on one side was called ‘Butabana-chan’, mainly because it has a part on the side that looks like a pig’s snout.

After pulling out some bachi (thick drum sticks), Shin-chan sensei hit the bigger odaiko for a couple of times… and that was the first time that I heard the sound of a taiko drum up close, and it sent out such a deep echo that reverberated across the wooden halls.

I instantly felt goosebumps! More so when Shin-chan sensei played a powerful odaiko solo for me (which you can see in the video above at 00:01)

Suffice to say, I was floored. I can just imagine a spectacular group of taiko drum players performing for the upcoming 2020 Japan Olympics and that would be SO amazing! After all, from what I’ve already witnessed, taiko drumming has a unique and dynamic playing style.

It is fast, it is loud, and it is intense! In fact, if you were to watch a group performance (such as that of the video below by Kodo) you might agree with me when I say that taiko performances are like 50% music and 50% dance / choreographed movements that are akin to Japanese martial arts!

Obviously, to be able to perform the taiko drum well, you would really need to have the muscle and the stamina to do so. Shin-chan sensei told me that in Kodo, they have VERY intense training and practices since they are taught to attack their drums with their entire bodies and with a Zen-like concentration. Well, just by looking at the Kodo video above, I can definitely believe that!

After he let me have my fun with the big taiko drums for a few minutes, he led me to the smaller ones in the hall so that he could teach me how to properly play the taiko.

I initially thought that there was a special and complicated technique to it because Shin-chan sensei’s strikes sounded way too different from mine (well, of course, he was a professional after all). But anyhow, he told me to relax, to stand straight, and to set my feet a bit wider apart than shoulder-width.

Afterward, he told me that I simply have to keep my bachi straight and that as I try to produce a sound, I needed to let both the weight of my bachi and my arm fall down on the taiko drum… and that was it!

Unlike typical drum playing, he told me not to force the sticks down; instead, I have to let gravity do the work. I tried it again and my beats sounded way better than before!

Chu-Daiko

…But then, of course, to keep my arms playing was an entire matter of its own.

For the rest of our session, apart from learning other striking techniques, Shin-chan sensei and I did several pieces together: a part where he played several pieces in which I have to mimic them in return (and vice versa), and then a whole Japanese song that he taught me which I tried to memorize so that I could play it continuously without stopping. By the end of it all, I bet that if my arms could talk, they would be complaining about how I’ve been skipping ‘arm day’ at the gym!

Nevertheless, learning and doing taiko drumming was SO much fun! Shin-chan sensei, like I already mentioned before, was also positively infectious given his overflowing energy. Therefore, it would be so enjoyable should you come to this hall together with your friends or your family!

Taiko Centre Programs

The majority of Sad Island Taiko Centre’s programs are geared toward beginners. Much like what I did, participants will learn more about taiko drum whilst gaining the opportunity to play it with others.

Below are the options they offer:

  • Individual Course – for individuals, families, and small groups of friends.
    • Offered 3 times a day (10:00AM, 13:30PM, and 15:00PM) during Saturdays, Sundays, & public holidays. They can also be offered during weekdays, just inquire.
    • Each of these sessions last approximately 60 minutes.
    • Fee: 2,000 yen (or $18~) for adults and 1,000 yen ($9~) for children. Kids under the age of 5 are free.
    • Capacity: 25 people
      .
  • Group/Field Trip Course – a 90-minute program for large groups
    • Age requirements: for those with ages 6 and up (please inquire first if you’re a group that includes children ages 5 and under)
    • Fee: 2,100 yen per adult (can go down to 1,800 yen per adult for groups of 36 and more)
    • Group size: 10 to 70 people
      .
  • Taiko Player Groups – Kindly let the center know about your details, the length of your workshop, and the budget.
    .

Sado Travel Guide

» Sado Island Taiko Centre details

150-3 Ogi Kanetashinden, Sado, Niigata 952-0611
Tel. +81-259-86-2320
Fax. +81-259-86-2385
Open: 9:00–17:00
Closed: Mondays (when Monday is a public holiday, it will be closed on Tuesday instead.)
*Has FREE WiFi and restroom facilities.

» How to get to Sado Island

There are three ferry routes to Sado from mainland Niigata Prefecture:

  • Niigata–Ryotsu: most-used line, departs every hour, ¥6,520 yen for jet ferries (1 hour) and ¥2,510 yen for car ferries (2.5 hours)
  • Naoetsu–Ogi: ¥2,720 yen, 2.5 hours, 4-5 times daily
  • Teradomari–Akadomari: ¥2,960 yen, 2 hours, 2-3 times daily

The frequency of the ferries may increase during festivals and then decrease during winter or bad weather. (If you’re thinking of heading to Sado Island by plane, they do have a small airport near Ryotsu but it’s not currently in operation).

» How to get to Niigata in order to reach the ferry routes leading to Sado Island

By plane: If you’re coming from South Korea, Shanghai, Taipei, or Guam, it’s possible to fly directly to Niigata. Otherwise, there are also domestic flights coming from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo.

By train: There are several trains that go to Niigata, but your best bet, especially when coming from Tokyo, is to take the “Toki” or “Max Tokishinkansen (bullet train) on JR East’s Joetsu Shinkansen line. It takes just about less than 2 hours and costs about ¥10,500 one-way ($90~ or Php 4,500~).

It’s best to purchase a JR East pass or Japan Rail pass for this if you’re staying in Japan for a long time and planning to jump from one place to another — after all, these passes offer unlimited free travel on JR train lines. Anyhow, your train costs can go lower if you take the Moonlight Echigo from Shinjuku (but it takes 6 hours: leaves at night and arrives in Niigata early morning) for ¥5,900 each way.

This can go lower for ¥2,000 during Seishun 18 promo season which is usually around March 1 – April 10, July 20 – September 20, and December 10 to January 10.

» How to reach the Sado Island Taiko Centre

By car. You can either get a taxi or rent a car at Ryotsu after you get off your ferry. It takes approximately 1 hour to get to the Taiko Centre from Ryotsu Port. (If you’re coming from Akadomari Port, it will take 30 minutes and then 10 minutes if from Ogi Port.)

By bus. There are occasional buses on the island but the number of routes can be quite limited. Nevertheless, if you use Niigata Kotetsu Sado’s route bus (Kesennumi Line), you can get off at the ‘Taiko experience building’ bus stop.

If you need further help, just use the directions feature in Google Maps — I find this as a very helpful tool if I want to reach a certain place from a particular location. (However, Google Maps doesn’t work offline if you want routes or transportation schedules, so I recommend that you get a pocket WiFi or a SIM Card to stay connected online).

» How to book your spot at the Sado Island Taiko Centre

They take inquiries via phone or fax (details mentioned above). You can also email them at [email protected]

Make sure that you book at least 3 days before your date of visit. Rest assured, you can request translators who can speak English during your experience.

» Where to stay in Sado Island

Luxury: Hotel Azuma / Mid-Range: Kohan no Yado Yoshidaya or AirBnB / Budget: Sado Bellemer Youth Hostel

» Helpful Japanese phrases

Hello: Konnichiwa (Kohn-nee-chee-wah)
Thank you (normal): Arigatō. (Ah-REE-gah-tohh)
Thank you (less formal): Arigatō gozaimas (Ah-REE-gah-tohh goh-zahy-mahs)
Thank you (informal): Dōmo (DOHH-moh)
Yes: Hai (Hai)
No: Iie (E-eh)
Goodbye (long term): Sayōnara (Sah-yohh-nah-rah)
Goodbye (informal): Ja ne (Jahh neh)

Excuse me: Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-SEN)
I’m sorry: Gomen nasai (Goh-men-nah-sahy)
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Dareka eigo ga hanasemasu ka? (Dah-reh-kah ey-goh gah hah-nah-seh-mahs kah?)
Help!: Tasukete! (Tahs-keh-teh!)
Cheers!: Kanpai! (Kan-pie!)

• • •

» Top Niigata Tours «

Nagano Snow Monkey Park

Nagano Snow Monkey Park
+ Zenko-ji Temple Tour with Sake Tasting

Sado Gold Leaf Painting

Sado Gold Leaf Painting
Bring out your creative side with real gold!

• • •

Taiko Drum

Overall

I LOVE learning more about a country’s culture especially those related to the arts, and that’s simply why I never pass up on opportunities such as this!

That being said, it was truly an honor that I got the opportunity to learn more about taiko drumming, as one of Japan’s olden cultures, from a member of today’s most famous Japanese taiko ensemble. It has even been more of a joy to know that there are still groups like Kodo that continue to perform with it.

…I guess my next goal then is to see Kodo perform LIVE on stage! Otherwise, I hope I get to see them in the upcoming 2020 Japan Olympics — and I bet I will.

• • •

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30 Comments

  1. Andrea

    What an incredible experience! Super awesome!

    Reply
  2. Jose Dihiansan

    I really wanted to try using the Taiko Drums ever since i’ve played “patapon. I’d definitely do this when i go to japan! Thanks for sharing this awesome info also love the short lesson on Japanese language! :)

    Reply
    • Aileen

      I’m happy to meet a fellow ‘Patapon’ player! I mentioned it to my friends and it seemed that I was the only one who knew it haha!

      Reply
  3. jasmine

    First of all, awesome pictures! This has got to be a very cool experience for anyone not just those who love drumming. I bet its fun for kids as well! japan seems to have lots of cool culture I hope I get to visit one day soon. I know my kids would love visit just as much as I would!

    Reply
    • Aileen

      I hope you guys get the chance to visit soon!

      Reply
  4. Mary Edwards

    This looks like a ton of fun. These musicians are extremely talented!! My husband would love to check this out. He played the drums in a band when we were in our twenties. And he loves every kind of percussion instrument out there now!

    Reply
    • Aileen

      Oh, then you better bring your husband here! He will absolutely enjoy it for sure :D

      Reply
  5. Censie Sawyer

    What a cool experience and something you will never forget. Those groups are pretty amazing. so talented. Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope we get to see them one day.

    Reply
    • Aileen

      I hope so too!

      Reply

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