KOKUBU - The Drums of Japan
The Drums of Japan:
KOKUBU will go on a major tour in Germany with "SOUND OF LIFE" in 2025
KOKUBU - one of the largest drum shows in the world is coming to Germany in 2025 and will take the audience on a magical journey to Japan, combining artistic drumstorms with delicate bamboo flute tones. The critically acclaimed Japanese drum show KOKUBU captivates with its new show "SOUND OF LIFE," featuring furious rhythms and powerful athleticism.
Japan, the land of the rising sun, as it is also referred to 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 likely lies primarily, 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 on the other, there is an imperial realm with centuries-old traditions. The latter corresponds to the cultural ethos of KOKUBU.
KOKUBU is one of the most famous 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 delights audiences of all ages. The drummers of KOKUBU are not just virtuosos on their instruments, but also masters of staging, creating a magical atmosphere with spectacular choreography and impressive lighting effects.
Drumming that makes the ground tremble
KOKUBU is an indescribably captivating experience for the ears, eyes, heart, and soul. The exceptional group dressed in black kimonos and white headbands spans the musical spectrum between the earth-shaking acoustic hurricane of drums, subtle rhythms, and the gentle sound of the bamboo longitudinal flute (Shakuhachi). In changing formations and using three differently sized cylindrical drums (Taikos), the ensemble, founded in 1998 in Osaka by Shakuhachi master Chiaki Toyama, delivers a breathtaking rhythm to the stage in stunning synchrony or contrasting styles.
In 2024, two large O-Daiko drums will be used for the first time, giving the group an even more impressive performance. The drumheads are played by an athlete with two massive, forearm-thick sticks. The counterpart is delicate flute tones. Their Far Eastern sound enchants immediately. Thus, a magically appealing music emerges for Europeans. To aid the understanding of this craft deeply rooted in ancient tradition, each piece is preceded by a short introduction that explains (in German) the meaning of the respective songs. These songs, for example, deal with the unity of body and spirit, the joy of life, nature, the power of the seasons, or the belief "Move 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 perceptible with every note. This is ensured by Masamitsu Takasaki as the world champion of the three-string plucked instrument Tsugaru-Shamisen and Karin Toyama, who will enrich the event with the lovely sounds of the Koto - a plucked instrument similar to our zither. A new stage design and a spectacular lighting concept complete the extraordinary drumming event.
Admission: 16:30