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.
@vbart17764 жыл бұрын
Cristine Sato LaMontagne thanks. Are you allowed a family life
@sujoyteslesl4 жыл бұрын
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.
@MartyDittmar4 жыл бұрын
🙌
@onlyinjapan4 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@sujoyteslesl4 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@thecheekychinaman67134 жыл бұрын
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?
@onlyinjapan4 жыл бұрын
TheCheekyChinaman ♾ infinite! \\\\٩( 'ω' )و ////
@tommyherber97674 жыл бұрын
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.
@sharangbhattacharya64014 жыл бұрын
@@tommyherber9767 Very true. (Just telling) it is Japanology plus
@sharangbhattacharya64014 жыл бұрын
@@HerkNewz69 Oh well didn't know that. I thought he was referring to Japanology plus.
@mr.o85394 жыл бұрын
I love his voice and presentation! He has that japanese documentary aesthetic down to a dot.
@TokyoLlama4 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video, John. Definitely keen to go to earth celebration and see Kodo in person.
@stationplaza46314 жыл бұрын
They are the very definition of physical as well as mental fitness.
@cherrydragon31202 жыл бұрын
Military personal could probably learn a few things from these people
@sp19764 жыл бұрын
Very well put together. Keep up the fantastic work John!!!
@onlyinjapanGO4 жыл бұрын
Thank you Irvan! It's nice to release another episode!
@JessyWinNguyen4 жыл бұрын
Agreed! The drone footage is beautiful!!
@NocturnEternal4 жыл бұрын
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.
@onlyinjapan4 жыл бұрын
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.
@OllamhDrab4 жыл бұрын
See, they can even bring punks and metalheads together. :) *tease.* :)
@NocturnEternal4 жыл бұрын
OllamhDrab 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@NocturnEternal4 жыл бұрын
John Daub * ONLY in JAPAN You’re welcome John!
@Kealiile4 жыл бұрын
I was just watching “cobra kai” on netflix and couldnt get over how much daniel looked like john! “ karate kid”
@onlyinjapan4 жыл бұрын
Daniel LaRusso certainly didn't learn patience - he's still a hot head without balance! LOL
@narcisacaimol41382 жыл бұрын
Exactly he's so look alike of Ralph Macchio💖
@sometimeswegoplaces4 жыл бұрын
Beautiful story of discipline and music. They are the heart of Sado Island.
@cherrydragon31202 жыл бұрын
Music is the very core of emotion and expression. The very nature of humanity.
@czarodzi99674 жыл бұрын
The degree of discipline of the members is amazing! Thanks for the opportunity to see them behind the scenes.
@markusmottus16864 жыл бұрын
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!🇯🇵❤
@onlyinjapan4 жыл бұрын
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!
@markusmottus16864 жыл бұрын
@@onlyinjapan An honourable mission, together we are strong! Keep it up!💪
@matthiasbutz5174 жыл бұрын
They really dedicate themselves to their art, amazing skills!
@Peso2554 жыл бұрын
They're so synchronized, you'd think their hearts beat at the same time. 🥁
@onlyinjapanGO4 жыл бұрын
Well said, Peso!
@MartyDittmar4 жыл бұрын
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
@cherrydragon31202 жыл бұрын
I wouldn't be surprised
@joeysu75914 жыл бұрын
When you put art, passion & discipline in one, you'll gain contentment and happiness. Thank you so much for this, John. Much appreciated. 👍👍👍 🥁🥁🥁💕🎊
@CaiqueBrite4 жыл бұрын
"amazing" isn't describing the quality and emotion of your videos anymore, John. I need to learn a new hyper amazing word for them.
@OmegaKatanaXIII4 жыл бұрын
man I allways love these documentary videos they are professionally made to the point they can be a program for nhk world.
@michaelsasano86224 жыл бұрын
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!
@onlyinjapan4 жыл бұрын
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.
@michaelsasano86224 жыл бұрын
@@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! 😊
@bettyG1014 жыл бұрын
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. 👍🏼👍🏼
@cherrydragon31202 жыл бұрын
Fcourse you can feel it. Music is the very core and essence of Human spirituality.
@jason_from_canada4 жыл бұрын
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! 👍🥁
@ytc62273 жыл бұрын
One of my favourite videos about Japan. It deserves more views!!!
@onlyinjapan3 жыл бұрын
It does! Give it time 😉 channel grows, this episode grows too!
@ytc62273 жыл бұрын
@@onlyinjapan Great attitude John. Keep up the good work!
@willritchie56474 жыл бұрын
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 😍👍✈
@IPraisetheTrinity4 жыл бұрын
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.
@Pebbles26394 жыл бұрын
Wonderful video. I am completely amazed at the stamina of these performers 0.o Thank you for sharing the inside look into Kodo :)
@JessyWinNguyen4 жыл бұрын
Kodo is amazing!!
@emmaclairepatterson40753 жыл бұрын
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
@sharangbhattacharya64014 жыл бұрын
Never seen Sado Island. Thank you! John you made my day.
@geordie11744 жыл бұрын
idk what happened to the main channel but thank god johns still making content for us all. best videos about japan on the internet.
@shelleywebb64504 жыл бұрын
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.
@sellagoe3 жыл бұрын
I love how john include cinematic looks of the island 💯
@venidamcdaniel191311 ай бұрын
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.
@JoeSmalltaiko4 жыл бұрын
@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...
@LouTheLoo4 жыл бұрын
Once again, thank you for making such quality content, John! ありがとうございます。
@seizethedayandlive8 ай бұрын
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.
@demoandcustomerservicevide42234 жыл бұрын
By far one of the best episodes I ever watched John. This is the best episode on your channel....
@DarkstOfficial4 жыл бұрын
Love it John! Great work, thanks to bringing Kodo, to the people who are in middle of nowhere like me!
@lindblumsan37994 жыл бұрын
thanks for making a great video, amazing work as always!!
@Kasavo4 жыл бұрын
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!
@MartyDittmar4 жыл бұрын
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-lukawaii95738 ай бұрын
I love Taiko. Feeling the reverberations thru ur chest during a live performance is absolutely magical
@Goku95a4 жыл бұрын
Great video John, thanks 👍 Would love to see Kodo live
@raymondcenteno58354 жыл бұрын
I'm with you there. This would be amazing in person
@Lisa-rh3zr2 жыл бұрын
Wow! Fantastic Music and they work so hard to perform and those Drums are amazing. Would love to see them perform Live!! Thanks
@yoma26554 жыл бұрын
The power! What a great art form!
@DRealSelix3 жыл бұрын
Ok, this is on my bucket-list too.. to visit and experience a live Taiko drumming event.
@FrauVomErdbeerkopf4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing their story! Their dedication is amazing. Love it!😍 Please keep up your great reports!
@persianOUTKAST4 жыл бұрын
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 )
@onlyinjapan4 жыл бұрын
She helped me a lot on this one :) thanks @persianOUTKAST
@Proberaumwurst4 жыл бұрын
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 :)
@dodgeman62774 жыл бұрын
Great video John love it thanks for sharing.
@PickingBlueberries2 жыл бұрын
I really like this format, great job!
@anthonycortez34234 жыл бұрын
Not skipping ads for this channel is the best i could do to show support aside from sharing. This is what you call content. 💓💓💓😤😤😤😤
@yevercase33394 жыл бұрын
great video on sado island with the Kodo members and taiko drums! awesome work John. ♥️
@KonSimpl724 жыл бұрын
Great stuff! More of/like this, please.
@triatharva4 жыл бұрын
Watching John's videos again makes me remember all the videos I have watched from and feel Soo homely
@cybeam14 жыл бұрын
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!!
@raymondcenteno58354 жыл бұрын
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.
@onlyinjapan4 жыл бұрын
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 :)
@pebkac12454 жыл бұрын
I love taiko drummers. The first time i heard taiko drummers was at disney world, and boy were they epic.
@GilAsakawa4 жыл бұрын
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.
@onlyinjapan4 жыл бұрын
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!
@rinatjhen52254 жыл бұрын
Good job. You need Kanae to be your assistant/camerawomen 👍😍
@GilAsakawa4 жыл бұрын
@@onlyinjapan It was nice to see Hana's photo in the credits...
@adobongcarrots4 жыл бұрын
Thank you youtube for recommending this. I thought John was not making vids anymore.
@lhauschild4 жыл бұрын
Great video John! Really great to see a documentary style video from you!
@wescreek34932 жыл бұрын
thank yoi John for the very best knowledge vids keep up the great vids
@seeksustainablejapan Жыл бұрын
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-Snooper4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for another great video, and thank you for not having an ad every minute!
@HSHSHS5374 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Gosh I love Taiko!! I've seen Kodo once or twice here in Vienna and some other groups as well.
@jerrislittlereef40234 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Just saw this group in Las Vegas. Amazing is the only word to describe it.
@anchorman844 жыл бұрын
I'm really feeling the heart and soul you're putting into this new channel. Great work John!
@UFOBobTV4 жыл бұрын
This is fascinating story. I was moved by all the performers dedication, hard work and exuberance on stage.
@sujoyteslesl4 жыл бұрын
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.
@rrussdraws4 жыл бұрын
Always enjoy a good ol only in japan video. Great job John!
@lofishorts82554 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the quality production!
@keithepstein28124 жыл бұрын
Excellent video, John. Interesting subject matter. The videography is first rate, as is the storytelling.
@Virginie-ro8yo Жыл бұрын
a very nice story and a great experience. thanks for the share. And also, the resonance of those drums is amazing !
@JustIzzan4 жыл бұрын
that older man having so much stamina and passion is really inspiring
@zakkwylde724 жыл бұрын
Great video John! Watched when you were live in the island! hard working people and passionate about music!
@rheffner34 жыл бұрын
Terrific video. Terrific performers.
@timothyschollux4 жыл бұрын
The concert highlights are amazing!
@graceho78454 жыл бұрын
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
@shirishpanwalkar4 жыл бұрын
Great video! It deserves at least a million views. Keep it up!
@HanaVictoria4 жыл бұрын
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)
@MartyDittmar4 жыл бұрын
Hana Victoria 😆
@hellohi8214 жыл бұрын
Nice to see you, Hana!
@kati00733 жыл бұрын
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!!
@ijabba44234 жыл бұрын
Production on new channel has been superb John, keep it up.
@SheppardP904 жыл бұрын
Great work again. Thanks 🙂
@forestsnowfall4 жыл бұрын
Wow, they're so regimented and disciplined. You really see that come through and pay off in their performance. Great video!
@malblount17924 жыл бұрын
So good, I just watched it all again 😃Brilliant John 👍
@jcshinobi19734 жыл бұрын
Wow. So amazing. Thank you for making this. I always wanted to know more about These musicians.
@ianmartinez914 жыл бұрын
Another great video John! Now I'm dreaming of going to Sado island to watch Earth Celebration!
@miguelrodriguez93624 жыл бұрын
Yeah! Was waiting for a new ep. let’s go 💪🏼👏🏻
@imsunasong39122 жыл бұрын
Super wonderful video!!!
@davidmatchett29474 жыл бұрын
I have been twice to see The Yamato drummers here in Western Australia. They are fantastic
@mick3027-i4d Жыл бұрын
Love this culture so much thank you John for presenting it to us xx
@funtrain234 жыл бұрын
So much energy coming out of those drums
@alexv.s.50554 жыл бұрын
Wow great video! It was awesome to see what it was like behide the scenes of training. 👍☺️
@SilkyC3 жыл бұрын
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!
@cherrydragon31202 жыл бұрын
Its unique for sure. Very unique
@beingmechris3 жыл бұрын
This documentation about Kodo is really good. The quality and recordings are incredible. I love Taiko drums.
@tech12383 жыл бұрын
Beautiful production and story telling ❤️
@AndrewDrazdikJr2 жыл бұрын
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_nate78254 жыл бұрын
Wow this was just incredible.
@paradaiso Жыл бұрын
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
@chrismiralles10544 жыл бұрын
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" 💖💖
@fabiobium31304 жыл бұрын
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.
@clarefriend13764 жыл бұрын
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!