KOKUBU The Drums of Japan
The Drums of Japan:
KOKUBU will go on a major Germany tour with “SOUND OF LIFE” in 2025
KOKUBU - one of the largest drum shows in the world is coming to Germany in 2025 and takes the audience on a magical journey through Japan, between artistic drumming storms and delicate bamboo flute sounds. The celebrated Japanese drum show KOKUBU captivates with its new show “SOUND OF LIFE” with furious rhythms and powerful athleticism.
Japan, the land of the rising sun, as it is called here. It has always exerted a strong fascination. And we are not talking about sushi, judo, or high-performance drift cars. No, the fascination of Japan lies mainly, or at least largely, in the striking differences that characterize the country. On one hand, there is the high-tech nation with numerous global corporations, and then there is an empire with centuries-old traditions. The latter corresponds to the cultural ethos of KOKUBU.
KOKUBU is one of the most well-known Taiko drum groups worldwide. With their impressive performance, they unite Japanese culture and energy. Their trademark is the perfect symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship and modern entertainment that enchants audiences of all ages. The drummers of KOKUBU are not only virtuosos on their instruments but also masters of staging, creating a magical atmosphere with spectacular choreography and impressive light effects.
Drumming that makes the ground tremble
KOKUBU is an indescribably captivating experience for ears, eyes, heart, and soul. The exceptional group, dressed in black kimonos and white headbands, spans the musical arc between the earth-shaking acoustic hurricane of the drums, subtle rhythms, and the delicate sound of the bamboo shakuhachi flute. In varying formations and using three differently sized tube drums (Taikos), the ensemble founded in 1998 in Osaka by shakuhachi master Chiaki Toyama brings a breathtaking rhythm to the stage in stunning synchronization or contrasting styles.
In 2024, for the first time, two large O-Daiko drums will be used, giving the group an even more impressive performance. Their skins are struck by an athlete with two massive, forearm-thick sticks. The counterpart consists of delicate flute tones. Their Far Eastern sound enchants right away. Thus, a music that appears magically enchanting to Europeans is created. To aid the understanding of this deeply tradition-rooted craftsmanship, each piece is preceded by a short introduction. It explains (in German) the meaning of the respective songs. These deal, for example, with the oneness of body and spirit, the joy of life, nature, the strength of the seasons, or the belief “Go forward without looking back”.
In addition to the authentic and hypnotically fascinating energy of this spectacular show, KOKUBU pursues another approach: the profound spirituality of Japan is made tangible with every sound. This is ensured by Masamitsu Takasaki, a world champion of the three-stringed plucked instrument Tsugaru-Shamisen, and Karin Toyama, who will enrich the event's soundscape with the lovely tones of the Koto - a plucked instrument similar to our zither. A new stage design and a spectacular light concept round off the extraordinary drumming event.
Admission: 6:30 PM