Life of a Japanese Drummer | The KODŌ Story ★ ONLY in JAPAN

[@cristinesatolamontagne7319]

From a former apprentice (2006-2007, 25th class), thank you so much for making this video! When I lived on Sado, I didn't have access to a camera, phone, internet, etc. so a video like this is so meaningful to me. Kodo truly is a magnificent village of artists who live a unique and treasured way of life, and Earth Celebration is beyond magical in so many ways. I am excited to share this video.

[@vbart1776]

Cristine Sato LaMontagne thanks. Are you allowed a family life

[@sujoyteslesl]

Hey, Christine. I thought the whole concept of being an apprentice was the most intriguing thing about this video. It seems like John was able to generously cover some of the basics about the apprenticeship, but it left me wanting to know more about it. Good on you for taking on such a unique challenge. What a great chapter to write into anybody's life. All the best. Stay safe.

[@MartyDittmar]

🙌

[@onlyinjapan]

@@sujoyteslesl I did not have access to the apprentice area unfortunately. I asked but ... in January, they'd just had graduation and many apprentices were cut. It's a gutting experience to fail after 2 years of work. I wish I had had that angle to cover more. You have to be under 25 to become an apprentice and it's the only way to become a member. Those that make it really appreciate it a great deal knowing what other members had to go through to get in. Those that didn't, though hurt, go on so much stronger in life than before they started. Leo mentions making rice - he meant GROWING it from start to finish. That point was so clear. Thanks for asking about more info. If you're interested, I believe anyone under 25 can apply and info in on the kodo website.

[@sujoyteslesl]

@@onlyinjapan you know, you may have just inadvertently written up a great addendum for this video that you may text to include in a director's cut of sorts. Once again, thoroughly enjoyed the video. There is lots of rewatch value in this.

[@thecheekychinaman6713]

You can definitely sense how John's work is shifting from a subjective travel vlog approach into a more objective, documentary style. Loving it, he wasn't kidding when he said this new channel was going to bring it! Off topic John, how do you brainstorm your ideas, and how many ideas get left on the cutting board?

[@onlyinjapan]

TheCheekyChinaman ♾ infinite! ＼＼\\٩( 'ω' )و //／／

[@tommyherber9767]

the video certainly has a documentary style. And i think videos like this, are always compared to NKH Beginn Japanology, in that comparison Johns Videos have a different focus, more on people and their emotions and less historical.

[@sharangbhattacharya6401]

@@tommyherber9767 Very true. (Just telling) it is Japanology plus

[@sharangbhattacharya6401]

@@HerkNewz69 Oh well didn't know that. I thought he was referring to Japanology plus.

[@mr.o8539]

I love his voice and presentation! He has that japanese documentary aesthetic down to a dot.

[@TokyoLlama]

Fantastic video, John. Definitely keen to go to earth celebration and see Kodo in person.

[@stationplaza4631]

They are the very definition of physical as well as mental fitness.

[@cherrydragon3120]

Military personal could probably learn a few things from these people

[@sp1976]

Very well put together. Keep up the fantastic work John!!!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thank you Irvan! It's nice to release another episode!

[@JessyWinNguyen]

Agreed! The drone footage is beautiful!!

[@NocturnEternal]

The first time I learned of Kodo was 1998 when one of my favorite thrash metal bands, Sepultura, collaborated with them for their album “Against”. I’m just amazed at what I have learned about them. Please listen to “Kamaitachi” by Sepultura. It’s instrumental and frankly, no vocals were really needed for that track. Thank you John. This was worth being woken up for.

[@onlyinjapan]

Woah! I don;t know about all their collabs! This is great - thanks for letting me know. The mix of metal and drums, flute is amazing! Deep - powerful.

[@OllamhDrab]

See, they can even bring punks and metalheads together. :) *tease.* :)

[@NocturnEternal]

OllamhDrab 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@NocturnEternal]

John Daub * ONLY in JAPAN You’re welcome John!

[@Kealiile]

I was just watching “cobra kai” on netflix and couldnt get over how much daniel looked like john! “ karate kid”

[@onlyinjapan]

Daniel LaRusso certainly didn't learn patience - he's still a hot head without balance! LOL

[@narcisacaimol4138]

Exactly he's so look alike of Ralph Macchio💖

[@sometimeswegoplaces]

Beautiful story of discipline and music. They are the heart of Sado Island.

[@cherrydragon3120]

Music is the very core of emotion and expression. The very nature of humanity.

[@czarodzi9967]

The degree of discipline of the members is amazing! Thanks for the opportunity to see them behind the scenes.

[@markusmottus1686]

This needs to be more promoted because their way of life is something we all need in one way or another! Thank you John for bringing this to us!🇯🇵❤

[@onlyinjapan]

Markus Möttus we can learn a lot from Kodo. Over the years, they’ve learned a lot from their travels too. I live their mission of bringing us all together. Thank you Markus!

[@markusmottus1686]

@@onlyinjapan An honourable mission, together we are strong! Keep it up!💪

[@matthiasbutz517]

They really dedicate themselves to their art, amazing skills!

[@Peso255]

They're so synchronized, you'd think their hearts beat at the same time. 🥁

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Well said, Peso!

[@MartyDittmar]

That is such a good way of looking at it! So true! I watched the Earth Celebration all stars again after watching this.... so amazing their synchronisation

[@cherrydragon3120]

I wouldn't be surprised

[@joeysu7591]

When you put art, passion & discipline in one, you'll gain contentment and happiness. Thank you so much for this, John. Much appreciated. 👍👍👍 🥁🥁🥁💕🎊

[@CaiqueBrite]

"amazing" isn't describing the quality and emotion of your videos anymore, John. I need to learn a new hyper amazing word for them.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

man I allways love these documentary videos they are professionally made to the point they can be a program for nhk world.

[@michaelsasano8622]

John... John... John. Amazing my brother! Totally loved this and the editing is superb! I'm going to share this with my niece. She's in a Taiko Drumming group here on Oahu and she'll appreciate seeing the dedication and how drummers practice and train. Thank you for sharing this!

[@onlyinjapan]

Michael Sasano aloha! Wonderful! I wonder what other Taiko performers will think of how Kodo trains?! It’s pretty intense. I absolutely love listening to Taiko drums. Kanae and I were talking about taking lessons! The neighbors may not like it though.

[@michaelsasano8622]

@@onlyinjapan Hi John. I'll let you know what my niece thinks after she sees this. She's performed all across Hawai'i so I'm curious to know as well. You and Kanae should definitely give it a try! And who knows? Maybe your neighbors are Taiko members too and are just waiting to hear someone start practicing so they could join in. Lol! 😊

[@bettyG101]

I love Taiko drumming. Mom and dad had a small Taiko drum (and still do) when I was young...I use to play it all the time in Okinawa. That's where I developed my love for drumming. I'm glad you said you can feel it....yes indeed, you can feel the drums in your chest! Everyone should see this at least once in their lives. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@cherrydragon3120]

Fcourse you can feel it. Music is the very core and essence of Human spirituality.

[@jason_from_canada]

This was a pleasure to watch! Getting to know the Kodo members and their motivations for choosing drums as not just a job, but a way of life. Beautiful shots of the performance and a story well told! I loved when you said when you know what's inside each of those beats, it has a new meaning, well said! 👍🥁

[@ytc6227]

One of my favourite videos about Japan. It deserves more views!!!

[@onlyinjapan]

It does! Give it time 😉 channel grows, this episode grows too!

[@ytc6227]

@@onlyinjapan Great attitude John. Keep up the good work!

[@willritchie5647]

Wonderful insight into the soul, discipline and tradition of taiko and of kodo itself..this is one thing I want to experience live when tourism starts again 😍👍✈

[@IPraisetheTrinity]

This is amazing! I remember the first time I watched Only in Japan was only 3 years back. I was on a JAL plane going to the US and it kept me awake all 16 hours of my flight. I am glad I found this channel and until now I wait for every new episode. Thank you, John, for existing and sharing Japan to us.

[@Pebbles2639]

Wonderful video. I am completely amazed at the stamina of these performers 0.o Thank you for sharing the inside look into Kodo :)

[@JessyWinNguyen]

Kodo is amazing!!

[@emmaclairepatterson4075]

Jon, this is top tier content. It should have way more views. This was such a unique inside peak at a fascinating piece of Japanese culture. And it’s only in Japan! And only on Sado island (never heard of that) which seemed really cool. すごいな

[@sharangbhattacharya6401]

Never seen Sado Island. Thank you! John you made my day.

[@geordie1174]

idk what happened to the main channel but thank god johns still making content for us all. best videos about japan on the internet.

[@shelleywebb6450]

I first heard about Kodo while I was in high school. My music teacher showed us a documentary in class that always stuck with me. I was lucky to have seem them perform live twice. Once in Toronto, Canada and once in London, Uk. Maybe one day I'll get to see them in Japan.

[@sellagoe]

I love how john include cinematic looks of the island 💯

[@venidamcdaniel1913]

I got to experience this at the worlds fair as an honored Toyota international teacher. First in San Francisco then in Japan. I will never forget it.

[@JoeSmalltaiko]

​ @ONLY in JAPAN * John Daub (this was tucked away as a comment reply, but it was suggested I just put this as a comment) Dropping in (Hi Crissy!)... Hello, I was in the cohort a year after Cristine's (I'm 26th class, 2007-2009). This really was a nice trip down memory lane as I haven't been back to Sado since EC2010. Fantastic, excellent work, ​ Over the years there have been a few non-Japanese nationals to go through the apprentice center, and I'm humbled and privileged to be one of them as well. Even though it really wasn't that long ago, it feels removed as faces change and Kodo continues to evolve while retaining its artistic core and values. The apprentice center, which isn't shown in this documentary, has at certain points over time been featured in various short documentaries here and there, both in Japanese and English, so you can probably find some stuff there floating on youtube. What Chieko-san and Leo-san and Chie-san mention about absolutely applies. @vbart1776 As an apprentice, you wouldn't be allowed a family life, nor would it really be possible, as the approximately two year apprenticeship is all-encompassing. It's rooted in communal living of one's apprentice cohort. The primary purpose is to develop an individual as part of an apprentice cohort from which some of the individuals would become (or at least be considered) for members or staff. So, on top of no romantic relationships, there's no smoking or drinking (except maybe under festival circumstances when it's offered), and exposure and use of media is really limited. But then again, apprentices recognize those rules for what they are and are generally not focused on such restrictions, since there's an overwhelming amount of things that require one's focus - and more importantly, they want to focus on those things. As for Kodo members, some would be married and have families, although I imagine for newest members, their focus is on integrating and being part of the ensemble. To say the apprentice experience is 'intense' doesn't really adequately explain it. And performing members of course could easily scoff and say, "You think that's intense...?" So, there's ups and downs, and the challenges and difficulties are constant. You're mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted - and through all that you have to keep going and do more and dig within yourselves, often on a daily basis. You do and learn as many different things as possible, and in most cases the knowledge isn't spoon fed to you, either. Taiko (along with dance and singing) are central within that, but definitely not the only aspects of being there. It really is an extension of life. So, although like most apprentices, I didn't become a member, the experiences there definitely have shaped, informed, and helped me as a person, and I am thankful for that. Crissy - actually one of my fond memories is of receiving a bunch of stuff you left for me after I arrived, including a blue work jumpsuit that was several sizes too small. I held onto it as a backup, and one day I did end up needing it as my usual one got soaked in a storm. I had to run back and was hunting for something dry, and realized that was the only option. Somehow I squeezed into it, although it looked pretty hilarious...

[@LouTheLoo]

Once again, thank you for making such quality content, John! ありがとうございます。

[@seizethedayandlive]

It's now held at the port? Wow; years ago--around 1990--it was held in a forest (on the island)! Definitely a highlight of my life.

[@demoandcustomerservicevide4223]

By far one of the best episodes I ever watched John. This is the best episode on your channel....

[@DarkstOfficial]

Love it John! Great work, thanks to bringing Kodo, to the people who are in middle of nowhere like me!

[@lindblumsan3799]

thanks for making a great video, amazing work as always!!

[@Kasavo]

Hey John, youve done a fantastic work. I love the production quality of the new videos. Dont be discouraged by the rough start of your new channel, it was your genuine passion that propelled your work from the beginning of your previous channel. We are with you all the way man. Keep up the good work and you can count on our support. Your genuine passion is the secret ingredient, and it is one of those things that are very hard to fake! looking forward to your new content! cheers!

[@MartyDittmar]

I love everything about this episode John! So much respect for KODO, they really take everything they do to the next level but you can also see how much they all love it. They really do beat as one and transform into hive mind during their performances. Thanks to you I also supported & watched Earth Celebration live on KZbin this year & my favourite song was the one also at 22:26, watching them perform live was incredible, such hard work but their smiles said it all. Now I just need to see them live & in person! Thanks for another item on my Japan bucket list, Sado island looks to have a lot to offer. 😃

[@k-lukawaii9573]

I love Taiko. Feeling the reverberations thru ur chest during a live performance is absolutely magical

[@Goku95a]

Great video John, thanks 👍 Would love to see Kodo live

[@raymondcenteno5835]

I'm with you there. This would be amazing in person

[@Lisa-rh3zr]

Wow! Fantastic Music and they work so hard to perform and those Drums are amazing. Would love to see them perform Live!! Thanks

[@yoma2655]

The power! What a great art form!

[@DRealSelix]

Ok, this is on my bucket-list too.. to visit and experience a live Taiko drumming event.

[@FrauVomErdbeerkopf]

Thanks for sharing their story! Their dedication is amazing. Love it!😍 Please keep up your great reports!

[@persianOUTKAST]

as always, such a masterfully done video *Mr. Daub* . *LOVED* every moment. keep up the good work !!! ( seeing *Hana* at the end was a nice/cute touch )

[@onlyinjapan]

She helped me a lot on this one :) thanks @persianOUTKAST

[@Proberaumwurst]

The videos on your new channel are getting better and better, I'm really impressed. At the same time you're keeping the spirit of the old channel. This one is a great video as well, as always. Please never stop :)

[@dodgeman6277]

Great video John love it thanks for sharing.

[@PickingBlueberries]

I really like this format, great job!

[@anthonycortez3423]

Not skipping ads for this channel is the best i could do to show support aside from sharing. This is what you call content. 💓💓💓😤😤😤😤

[@yevercase3339]

great video on sado island with the Kodo members and taiko drums! awesome work John. ♥️

[@KonSimpl72]

Great stuff! More of/like this, please.

[@triatharva]

Watching John's videos again makes me remember all the videos I have watched from and feel Soo homely

[@cybeam1]

John, thanks so much for the fascinating deep insights in how much dedication it requires to represent Japan's thousands of years old soul in taiko drumming!! Rock on!!

[@raymondcenteno5835]

I loved watching the Earth Celebration online. Thank you for introducing us to Kodo. It's amazing to see how much hard work and dedication the members have towards the craft and themselves. I love Taiko and I want to visit Sadogashima one day to watch this live.

[@onlyinjapan]

Raymond Centeno me too! They’re showing the archives for Earth Celebration for another 2 months. GreT to see you watching them play live too! They gave ONLY in JAPAN a nice shout out :)

[@pebkac1245]

I love taiko drummers. The first time i heard taiko drummers was at disney world, and boy were they epic.

[@GilAsakawa]

This is an awesome report, John -- I've shared it on my networks. I love learning the history of the music and the group. I've interviewed them and written about them when they've toured the US but it's cool to see them in their home and community. Great work, great editing of the footage you've filmed before -- it's amazing to see how you put together a report -- a documentary, really -- from narrative elements you've been collecting over time. You and your team shot such terrific quality footage, especially during last year's Earth Celebration! Thanks for this treat. As a funny aside, Netflix just launched two seasons of "Cobra Kai," the modern-day sequel to the '80s "Karate Kid" movies, and we've been watching them and the original films. It's hilarious to hear you make the connection between Kodo's training and the introduction of "Daniel-san" to Mr. Miyagi's discipline.

[@onlyinjapan]

Gil Asakawa yes, I see several similarities. The way they sync together, feel the other performer in stage - just like Miyagi-do Karate 🥋 just me (and Hana) it was a nice team for this one! I miss Hana. Thanks Gil!

[@rinatjhen5225]

Good job. You need Kanae to be your assistant/camerawomen 👍😍

[@GilAsakawa]

@@onlyinjapan It was nice to see Hana's photo in the credits...

[@adobongcarrots]

Thank you youtube for recommending this. I thought John was not making vids anymore.

[@lhauschild]

Great video John! Really great to see a documentary style video from you!

[@wescreek3493]

thank yoi John for the very best knowledge vids keep up the great vids

[@seeksustainablejapan]

this is awesome John! I can't wait to go to this year's festival and see the Earth Celebration for myself - thanks for the video!

[@Psychol-Snooper]

Thanks for another great video, and thank you for not having an ad every minute!

[@HSHSHS537]

Finally! I just realized you have a new channel!! Was waiting for new videos on the old account. These video qualities are the best! Hope you can keep making amazing content on this new channel.

[@manci.manwlhs]

Gosh I love Taiko!! I've seen Kodo once or twice here in Vienna and some other groups as well.

[@jerrislittlereef4023]

I'm so glad that John is back to creating documentary style videos again, that's why I subscribed to his channel years ago for this kind of experience.

[@sassieminx5547]

Just saw this group in Las Vegas. Amazing is the only word to describe it.

[@anchorman84]

I'm really feeling the heart and soul you're putting into this new channel. Great work John!

[@UFOBobTV]

This is fascinating story. I was moved by all the performers dedication, hard work and exuberance on stage.

[@sujoyteslesl]

Wow, John, you've been talkin about this video for months now. And the result was really satisfying. There is just enough content covering various interesting facets of kodo as well as the festival to you want to go out and find out more for oneself. And that's the Hallmark of a good documentary or profile piece. Well done.

[@rrussdraws]

Always enjoy a good ol only in japan video. Great job John!

[@lofishorts8255]

Thank you for the quality production!

[@keithepstein2812]

Excellent video, John. Interesting subject matter. The videography is first rate, as is the storytelling.

[@Virginie-ro8yo]

a very nice story and a great experience. thanks for the share. And also, the resonance of those drums is amazing !

[@JustIzzan]

that older man having so much stamina and passion is really inspiring

[@zakkwylde72]

Great video John! Watched when you were live in the island! hard working people and passionate about music!

[@rheffner3]

Terrific video. Terrific performers.

[@timothyschollux]

The concert highlights are amazing!

[@graceho7845]

I’ve always loved Japanese performing art. They all put their heart and soul into the performance and expression. I used to learn Electone, which is a sort of keyboard instrument from Japanese Yamaha. When we perform, we are in sync with the instrument. Just like how the Japanese would have it. I just love Japanese spirit when It comes to instrument performance

[@shirishpanwalkar]

Great video! It deserves at least a million views. Keep it up!

[@HanaVictoria]

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!! Thank you John for giving us an exclusive look into the Kodo lifestyle! What an inspiration they are...! (Also, the end made me smile so big xD)

[@MartyDittmar]

Hana Victoria 😆

[@hellohi821]

Nice to see you, Hana!

[@kati0073]

Thank you John for making a topic I thought I was totally not interested in really fun and instructive to watch!! Your enthusiasm is really catching!!

[@ijabba4423]

Production on new channel has been superb John, keep it up.

[@SheppardP90]

Great work again. Thanks 🙂

[@forestsnowfall]

Wow, they're so regimented and disciplined. You really see that come through and pay off in their performance. Great video!

[@malblount1792]

So good, I just watched it all again 😃Brilliant John 👍

[@jcshinobi1973]

Wow. So amazing. Thank you for making this. I always wanted to know more about These musicians.

[@ianmartinez91]

Another great video John! Now I'm dreaming of going to Sado island to watch Earth Celebration!

[@miguelrodriguez9362]

Yeah! Was waiting for a new ep. let’s go 💪🏼👏🏻

[@imsunasong3912]

Super wonderful video!!!

[@davidmatchett2947]

I have been twice to see The Yamato drummers here in Western Australia. They are fantastic

[@mick3027-i4d]

Love this culture so much thank you John for presenting it to us xx

[@funtrain23]

So much energy coming out of those drums

[@alexv.s.5055]

Wow great video! It was awesome to see what it was like behide the scenes of training. 👍☺️

[@SilkyC]

Japanese drumming is just so beautiful to watch!!!! The history, the passion and the love of preserving such culture is such a joy to watch! As always - thank you for sharing John!

[@cherrydragon3120]

Its unique for sure. Very unique

[@beingmechris]

This documentation about Kodo is really good. The quality and recordings are incredible. I love Taiko drums.

[@tech1238]

Beautiful production and story telling ❤️

[@AndrewDrazdikJr]

Historical review of the traditional arts of Japan and "on location" production methods are very good. The video quality is also very appropriate for audio visual media with the KZbin audience of personal computing. Great job!

[@yamabushi_nate7825]

Wow this was just incredible.

[@paradaiso]

Thank you for always sharing such high quality videos! I’ve been wanting to visit Sado for quite a while and I was able to learn a lot of new things about it I also want to try taiko too and this video convinced me I should absolutely do it, I can see the benefits such and experience can bring ahah

[@chrismiralles1054]

Amazing video awesome lots of interesting information on the topic it's lots of fun learning about things in Japan its really helpful and you gain knowledge.Enjoy watching the video lots of love and abundance blessings,Thank you for the wonderful videos. "Thank you" 💖💖

[@fabiobium3130]

Wow, it's really impressive to see the way they treat the Kodō tradition. It's a way of life, it's not just about practicing the drum, it's also at taking responsibilities and having a leadership posture.

[@clarefriend1376]

This is the BEST video you’ve ever done. I had the great pleasure of hearing one of the traveling troops in the 1990. Never knew the history behind their craft!