Northern Ireland Meets Japan: Taiko Collaboration with Kodo
Foyle Obon is delighted to report on the progress of our ground-breaking initiative, Kodo and Foyle Obon Drumming Dialogue: Inspiring Northern Irish Taiko through Mentorship and Performance. This exceptional project has deepened the cultural connection between Northern Ireland and Japan, fostering mutual understanding and enriching the Northern Irish arts landscape with Japanese traditional arts.
At the centre of the project was an invitation for five members of Ibuki Taiko, Northern Ireland’s first taiko group based in Derry/Londonderry, to participate in the Big Little Taiko Festival on Japan’s Sado Island, part of the Earth Celebration Festival hosted by the world-famous Kodo drumming ensemble in August 2024.
“Sharing the stage with Kodo, a group so iconic in the world of taiko, has been an honour beyond words for Ibuki Taiko and Foyle Obon,” said Fiona Umetsu, founder of Ibuki Taiko and Artistic Director of Foyle Obon. “Our partnership with Kodo is providing invaluable insights that strengthen our roots in Japanese culture, inspiring the next generation of taiko players to keep the taiko love strong.”
Ibuki Taiko was one of only four taiko groups selected to perform at the festival during Earth Celebration and the only one from outside Japan. This marks a historic first for a Northern Irish taiko group on an international platform. Ibuki Taiko brought the spirit of Ireland to Sado Island with their new composition, Inis, blending the Irish tin whistle with Japanese taiko drums.
Supported by the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the project has had a profound impact. It has enhanced Ibuki Taiko members’ skills and allowed them to share new techniques and cultural insights with their local community. Additionally, the collaboration with Kodo has paved the way for future exchanges, with members of Kodo set to perform at the 2025 Foyle Obon Festival in Derry/Londonderry May 24th 2025 —a landmark event that will further promote cross-cultural understanding and artistic exchange.
Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland says: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support this project, with game-changing arts funding from the National Lottery. Creative exchange is important to broadening our cultural horizons, and Foyle Obon has such a strong track record of building international partnerships. We congratulate them on this inspired collaboration with Kodo and we look forward to seeing much more of Ibuki Taiko as they continue to develop their talents and engage the local community in their wonderful music.”
Foyle Obon remains committed to strengthening these bonds and is excited to see how this unique collaboration will inspire new generations of taiko players in Northern Ireland.