Kodo
Kodō
Synopsis
Shot on high-definition video during the 1998-99 "One Earth" tour of Japan's celebrated Kodo drummers, this illuminating documentary explores the lives and philosophy of the Kodo group, who beat taiko--the signature drums of their art--to express the universal language of Kodo, a word derived from ko (or "heartbeat") and do (a reference to a childlike purity of spirit). "To beat taiko is to face yourself," says leading player Ryutaro Kaneko, expressing Kodo's goal of a complete merging of mind, body, and spirit in the act of drumming. Made up of 42 members (20 of whom actually perform on stage), the Kodo group is seen training (four months each year, with eight months of touring) at Kodo village on the Japanese island of Sado, where the group had its origins in the early 1970s before officially naming itself "Kodo" in 1981.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 2001
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Masahiro Itô
- Original Title
- Kodō
- Spoken Languages
- Japanese
- Runtime
- 1h 9m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Masahiro Itô
Department Leadership Roster
Masahiro Itô
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Kodo.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kodo
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Kodo about?
Shot on high-definition video during the 1998-99 "One Earth" tour of Japan's celebrated Kodo drummers, this illuminating documentary explores the lives and philosophy of the Kodo group, who beat taiko--the signature drums of their art--to express the universal language of Kodo, a word derived from ko (or "heartbeat") and do (a reference to a childlike purity of spirit). "To beat taiko is to face yourself," says leading player Ryutaro Kaneko, expressing Kodo's goal of a complete merging of mind, body, and spirit in the act of drumming. Made up of 42 members (20 of whom actually perform on stage), the Kodo group is seen training (four months each year, with eight months of touring) at Kodo village on the Japanese island of Sado, where the group had its origins in the early 1970s before officially naming itself "Kodo" in 1981.
Who directed Kodo?
Kodo was directed by Masahiro Itô.
Who stars in Kodo?
The principal cast of Kodo includes Kodō Drummers, Yuriko Ishida.
When was Kodo released and how long is it?
Kodo was released in 2001 with a total runtime of 1h 9m.