Eiichi Saito
Acting
Biography
Eiichi Saito joined Kodo in 1982. Since then, he has been a featured performer on domestic and international tours, as well as in recordings and collaborations with artists of varying genres. For four decades, he has captivated and invigorated audiences worldwide with his energetic performances. In addition to his stage activities, Saito shares his passion for creative exchange by leading workshops that convey the power of taiko through self-discovery. Along with the ever-popular annual live-in taiko workshop “Kodo Juku” on Sado Island, he also leads workshops on demand throughout Japan and around the world. In 2020, Saito’s alter-ego—That Banana Guy—launched a series of how-to videos to share his original Wave Method for Taiko Drumming online.
Known For
Live action documentary footage of a concert by the Kodo drummers of Japan at the Acropolis, Greece, in 1995, with commentary by members of the drum group concerning the concert and the drum troupe
Kodō: Live at the Acropolis
Kodo's first original video performance, recorded at Ryotsu Shimin Kaikan on Sado Island, Japan. Tracklist 1. Zoku 2. Lion 3. Yamauta / O-Daiko 4. Irodori
Kodō
KODO has been exploring the limitless possiblities of the traditional Japanese drum, "Taiko" for over 30 years. In their pursuit of striving to take their theatrical art further, KODO has actively been seeking new collaborations with other musicians and mentors. One result of this can be seen in "One Earth Tour Special", a performance that has Tamasaburo Bando, one of Kabuki's most renowned performers, serving as artistic director. Under Tamasaburo's keen direction, KODO's aim is to reincarnate their performance, not just a mere improvement in quality, but to reinvent their performance with power and grace. It will show KODO's journey back to the basics of drumming to capture the beauty of simple movement. With sold our tours and over 500,000 units sold in the US, KODO will continue to captivate American audiences with the "One Earth Tour Special" release.
Kodō - One Earth Tour Special
This live Video is a recording of the powerful stage finale of "Kodo 30th Anniversary One Earth Tour 2011," held at Tokyo's Aoyama Theatre in December 2011 after an extensive nationwide tour throughout Japan.