Earth Celebration on Sado Island : Music Without Borders - Part 2
From Dynamic Dance Collaborations to Cultural Fusion
Following Shiroyama Park's performance, Amber went to the Triangle Park Fringe Stage in the Yellow Area. There, she witnessed an extraordinary collaboration between Niigata's acclaimed contemporary dance troupe Noism2 and the Kodo taiko group. This powerful performance brought together Kodo's thundering taiko rhythms with Noism2's elegant choreography, creating an unforgettable spectacle of sound and movement. The synergy between the traditional Japanese drumming and the modern, expressive dance moves of Noism2 was mesmerizing, with an electric energy that rippled through the audience.
There are also market stalls that sell food, local trinkets, and local products in the Yellow Area, where you can indulge in delicious food or shop for souvenirs.
After being energized by the lively performance, Amber made her way to the Blue Area and explored the Harbour Market at Ogi Port, where the main events of the Earth Celebration take place. The market's location at the port provides stunning panoramic views of the calm sea and distant mountains. The cool sea breeze offers a refreshing respite from the summer heat as you enjoy the lively atmosphere.
This is the perfect spot to indulge in local Sado delicacies and festival foods, ranging from staples like yakisoba to other mouthwatering options like juicy roasted chicken and shawarma. Pair it all with a refreshing drink made from fresh fruits, and you have the ideal combo to beat the summer heat. Amber was also particularly impressed by the market's commitment to sustainability. Many stalls featured handmade or upcycled jewelry, promoting eco-friendly practices and conscious consumerism, perfectly aligning with the festival's values.
After indulging in the festival's delicious offerings, Amber made her way into the day's main event at the Ogi Port Park Event Stage. Over the years, as Kodo's taiko music drew more people to Sado Island, the festival evolved into a global stage where not only Kodo but also international musicians could share their talents. Led by Kodo, who travels the world to showcase the powerful rhythms of taiko, the group forms connections with equally impressive performers during their journeys. These connections often lead to invitations for other artists to join the festival. This year's guest performers were the Nakibembe Embaire Group from Uganda, whose collaboration with Kodo produced an unforgettable fusion of Japanese and Ugandan musical traditions. "It's all about creating connections between cultures, people, and nature," one of the organizers emphasized.
As the stage lights flickered on and the sun dipped along the horizon, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The audience eagerly awaited the performers to emerge on stage, but to everyone's surprise, the beat of the drums began from behind. Slowly, the performers came into view, flanked by dancers, flutists, and drummers, who danced their way onto the stage. The crowd erupted in cheers of delight. The dancer waving colorful ribbons brought a vibrant energy to the performance. At the same time, the flute's upbeat yet mellow melody harmonized beautifully with the powerful rhythms of the taiko drums, igniting everyone's spirits.
After the lively introduction, massive taiko drums were lined up across the stage, and that's when the performance truly took on a serious tone. The powerful beats from the taiko were awe-inspiring—the vibrations of each strike could be felt even from the farthest seats.
When the Nakibembe Embaire Group from Uganda entered the stage, the cheers grew even louder. As they began playing, you could see people in the audience start to sway to the infectious rhythm.
When the Kodo drummers joined the stage for the collaboration, it became nearly impossible for anyone to just watch. The energy was palpable as the audience clapped, raised their hands, shouted, and moved their bodies to the beat.
The sound of the drums resonated deeply as if reverberating through the very souls of those in attendance. Amber couldn't resist the pull of the rhythm and soon found herself standing up and joining the crowd in the dance area, grooving to the beat with others. "Witnessing the fusion of Japanese and Ugandan cultures through music was a truly unforgettable experience," she shared enthusiastically. "I couldn't help but dance to the music and become completely immersed." The night continued with several more captivating musical collaborations, including performances of traditional Japanese folk dancing, all while Kodo's powerful drumming carried on into the night.
By the end of the performance, smiles were on everyone's faces, leaving the crowd wanting more. The energetic collaboration between Kodo and Nakibembe Embaire set the tone for another round of festivities.
Ogi Okesa Dance Circle
Amber found herself at the Ogi Okesa Dance Circle on Ogi Shopping Street, one of the free events held at the festival, where everyone is invited to join in and dance to the rhythmic music of Ogi Okesa. The lively, joyful atmosphere under the moonlit sky was irresistible, and Amber eagerly joined the circle, dancing alongside the locals. Dancing with them to live Japanese folk music deeply resonated with her. "It offered a unique opportunity to engage with the local community and immerse myself further in Sado's culture," she reflected.
It was a perfect end to a night of festivities and a remarkable experience that left Amber more passionate than ever about promoting lesser-known regions of Japan. "Sado”, in particular, reminded me that there are still so many culturally rich and artistic corners of Japan waiting to be explored," she noted.