Tokyo a la Mode. Web Magazine for Japanese Fashion and Urban Culture

Earth Celebration

By Bobby /Aug 11, 2007
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One of the best times I had in Japan, no, make it my life, was on an island called Sado just off the western shore of Niigata Prefecture.  Sado is the homebase of a world famous taiko group called Kodo.  Kodo is not just about banging drums, they live a lifestyle committed to their art and through their music share a message of oneness with the human spirit.

Kodo has spread this message by touring around the world, in fact, I think they are more famous outside of Japan than inside.  But once a year, every August, Kodo throws a gathering of people and music at their home in Sado called “Earth Celebration.”

The three day event features concerts, workshops and other events.  When Kodo tours, they meet other musicians around the world and a lucky few are invited to perform at Earth Celebration.  The year I went I saw a Korean drumming group and a latin band from Venezuela.  This year’s guests are drummers from India and Puerto Rico.

But the real lucky ones are the people who get to watch these concerts.  The audience comes from all over Japan and the world, but the coolest thing about the crowd is the one spirit vibe.  Everyone is just so happy to be there and be a part of something special.  I wasn’t sure what was stronger, the energy coming off the stage or the energy in the crowd.

When you get to Sado, stay at Sobama Beach.  You can pitch a tent at the campground there.  I didn’t get to stay at the beach, instead, a family opened up their home and my friends and I stayed there in a large tatami room with futons for about $30 a night.

As we left Sado on the ferry, Kodo performed for us on the pier.  The island got smaller and smaller, but we could still hear the sound of the taiko.  They wanted our last memory of Sado to be the beat of the drum.  I can still hear them now.

This year’s Earth Celebration is August 17-19.