Description

Recording “Kodo O Daiko” Drum Sound Effects in Japan

I was incredibly lucky to be at the right place and time to record these drum sounds. While traveling through Japan in a camper van, Libby and I stoped at a Michi-no-Eki which is essentially a park and sleep area. These parking rest stops are super clean, free of charge and usually, in the morning you can see a farmer’s market there.

We happened to have spent the night in a rest area where a store was celebrating their 10th anniversary of their business. in the same area. In the morning while packing up to leave to our next destination we heard loud drums nearby. Without any hesitation, I grabbed my recorder and with only a t-shirt on I ran to the other side of the street. I saw a long line with many retired Japanese men and women witnessing several young people playing Kodo O Daiko in the shop.

I placed the recorder right in front of the musician and alone we communicate with eye contact and smiling. They knew I recorded the sounds of their drumming. After they finished, everybody was so nice and excited to talk to me!