Ondekoza
Country: Japan
Photo Credit: Ondekoza
Bio
Formed in 1969, Ondekoza are masters of the world-renowned art of taiko drumming. In a performance that is as much dance as drumming, the thundering taiko style must be experienced live. At the foundation of Ondekoza’s style is a unique combination of physical fitness, running, and drumming–a philosophy called sogakuron, where “running and drumming are one, and a reflection of the drama and energy of life.” They demonstrated this principle in 1975 in Boston, where after completing the Boston Marathon, Ondekoza immediately ran onstage for a full concert performance. Ondekoza members live together in Japan, running and drumming at the base of Mt. Fuji.