Sado trip! ② Surprising and emotional sound! Sado Island Taiko Centre “Tatakoukan” (Sado City, Niigata Prefecture)

2021.9.7

Sado Citysado-tripSado KisenExperience和太鼓Niigata Prefecture鼓童

Why don’t you try traditional Japanese drums?

The Sado Island Taiko Centre “Tatakoukan” is located about 10 minutes by car from Ogi Port in Sado City.  All the buildings are made of wood from Sado, and the interior is enhanced by the warmth of the wood.

At this centre, you can actually learn taiko from members of the taiko entertainment group “Kodo”, which is based in Sado and is active around the world.

This is a large drum with a diameter of about 120 cm, which is also a symbol of the facility.  It is nicknamed “Yamaimo-kun” because it resembles a sliced Japanese yam.

Actually, this taiko drum was made by the members of Kodo.  The material is a large Zelkova tree that was originally in the grounds of Zendouji Temple in Kakizaki-Ward, Joetsu City.

Kodo took a tree that had withered and had been cut down, and it was about to be disposed of.  The members made this taiko drum with the thought of “let’s make a taiko that will become a symbol”. Due to a Zeikova from Joetsu being used, you can feel the connection between Joetsu and Sado.

And another big drum is “Butabana-chan”.  “Yamaimo-kun” and “Butabana-chan” are made from the same tree.

Just like a pig, the drum has a rough nose, and when you hit the drum, air is released from the hole. It’s like a strong snort. Please try it when you come to Tatakoukan.

Following an introduction to the facility, we will introduce the details of the experience.

Kodo members will teach you a program drawing upon all their past Kodo activities and experiences.

This is a workshop where you can experience the fun of taiko by trying various games with taiko and forming strong bonds as you enjoy experiencing taiko together. Even if you have never hit a taiko drum, the members of Kodo will teach you the charm of playing taiko drums, which will warm your body and soul.

≪Taiko experience (tax included) ≫
■ 60 minutes: Junior high school students and above 2,200 yen / Elementary school students 1,100 yen / Preschoolers 600 yen
■ 30 minutes: Junior high school students and above 1,100 yen / Elementary school students 550 yen / Preschoolers 300 yen
■ Tour the facility (15 minutes) 500 yen

There is also an experience pack that comes with a boarding ticket that allows you to enjoy taiko drumming at the Taikokan. Click here for more information. ⇒ “Summer vacation special plan! Enjoy Sado with a great round-trip ticket + experience pack”

In addition, Kodo “Do”, the third Kodo 40th Anniversary Tour, will be held at Amusement Sado in Sado City on Saturday, September 18th.  Click here for more information. ⇒ Kodo’s homepage

---

JCV’s life information program “Smile One”.  The broadcast from September 5th to September 11th is a special edition “Sado Journey! -Part 1-” jointly planned by Sado City, Sado Kisen, Sado Television, and Joetsu Cable Vision.   We will deliver Sado’s charms for you to enjoy as the corona virus pandemic settles down!  In the first part, we will travel to the South Sado area.

【Related article】
■ Sado trip! ①  75-minute cruise on a high-speed boat, Jetfoil, “Sado Kisen”
■ Sado trip! ③  Craft cola in a historical building, “Kihachiya Goro Cafe” 
■ Sado trip! ④  Take a walk through “Shukunegi Village” by rental cycle ♬
■ Sado trip! ⑤ The blessings of Sado.  Making the finest rice balls, ”Meotoiwa Sightseeing”
■ Sado trip! ⑥ “Rare Taiyaki” is made by local moms, “Fresh Space Yorankaya”
■ Sado trip! ⑦ It’s like a Hollywood movie⁉  Fantasy experience with magic glasses “ISLAND MIRRORGE”
■ Sado trip! ⑧ Very delicious dessert “Camembert soft” “Milk Pot (Sado Nyugyo: Dairy company)”