Feel the energy of the Japanese Drums (Wadaiko)
with Beatriz Wadaiko
KODÕ - One Earth Tour 2028 - SHOSO
10th February 2028
Tonhalle - Mendelssohn Saal
Düsseldorf
©Takashi Okamoto
Let your soul dance to the rhythm of life.
Kodo One Earth Tour 2028: SHOSO
New Production by Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble
Kodo premiered SHOSO in Tokyo’s Asakusa in 2022, then took the spirited production on a nationwide tour in 2023. After deeply moving audiences throughout Japan, this rousing performance is now poised to venture overseas for the first time.
In these rapidly changing times, Kodo remains dedicated to playing taiko, honing its sound on Sado Island, immersed in
nature. This stance is one of unwavering conviction in its prime mission: to connect people around the globe through the resonant sound of taiko.
SHOSO is a coined word that evokes a sense of soaring and running. Director Yoshie Abe chose this title to capture the energy that drives human creativity and channel it into a dynamic work for Kodo to take from Sado Island to the world.
Abe is Kodo’s deputy ensemble leader and the first woman to assume a leadership role within the troupe since its inception. On stage, she is mainly featured on taiko drums and vocals. In 2009 and 2010, Abe appeared in the Akram Khan Company production “Gnosis,” playing taiko, singing, and dancing opposite Akram Khan. Her performance earned her nominations in 2010 for the 11th Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Outstanding Female
©Takashi Okamoto
One of the programme highlights is an updated rendition of the 1983 masterpiece Chonlima by Kabuki musician and composer
Roetsu Tosha. Under Tosha’s guidance, Kodo faithfully sharpened their playing of Chonlima’s original musical nuances.
Tosha also added a new part that incorporates a modern perspective, giving it a renaissance forty years on. The result is a
profound, striking programme piece that embraces learning from the past and attention to detail.
For its international debut, SHOSO will retain its original premiere structure as a base, with the artistic direction evolving to place a stronger focus on each individual cast member. It promises to showcase their individuality and the spirit of Kodo today, bringing audiences a compelling performance with the power and intensity of a sprint.
We all have energy and creativity deep within, just waiting to be unleashed. Kodo wants to share that with audiences all over the
world. As they set out on this new tour with SHOSO, one thing is for sure: spirits are set to soar.
©Takashi Okamoto
Message from the Director of “SHOSO”
This performance brings the energy that surges up from our depths to the stage. I wanted to capture that in a programme and take it from Sado Island to people all over the world.
For the title, I invented the word “SHOSO” by combining the kanji characters for soaring and running. I wanted a title that conjures a sense of liveliness and speed—like leaping across the sea, through the sky, and beyond.
Since Kodo was founded, our members have lived together on Sado Island, learning and creating every day. One of the core themes of our mission has always been to remind people of the common bonds we share through our ongoing One Earth Tour, fostering a sense of oneness. As we play taiko and create new music, we reflect on our group’s roots and
purpose. I feel that striving for One Earth has even more meaning today.The news is filled with unsettling, unprecedented events throughout the world. Even amid these turbulent times, our resolve to keep playing taiko never changes. We sincerely hope that the powerful vibrations of our drums become a source of strength for people everywhere.
This performance is brimming with vitality and velocity. I look forward to sharing this force of nature with all of you.
Yoshie Abe
Deputy Ensemble Leader
Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble