The Earth Celebration is an annual music festival held to celebrate global culture. It is hosted by the internationally acclaimed Kodo taiko group which is based on Sado Island. Each year the festival features different guest artists who perform in collaboration with Kodo.
The three day event is held every year in mid to late August in Ogi Town. In 2009, it will take place from August 15 to 17. Thousands of people come from all over Japan and the world to enjoy the festival's many events, including workshops and fringe performances during the day and the main concerts in the evenings.
The main attraction of the Earth Celebration are its three main concerts, one held each night of the festival at the Shiroyama Park. The first night's concert features the Kodo taiko drummers, while the second night's concert features the guest artists. The third night is a collaboration featuring both Kodo and guest artists.
Concert at Shiroyama Park
There are a number of events that take place during the day. Special performances, called fringe concerts, are held at various venues around town, with many taking place at Kisaki Shrine. They are performed by various artists, and while most are scheduled, they sometimes happen spontaneously.
The festival program also features various workshops, such as taiko drum and Japanese flute making, taiko drumming, and traditional Sado dance by experts such as Kodo and Asano Daiko. Workshops require advanced registration and most have a participation fee. Spaces tend to fill up quickly and early application is recommended.
Fringe concert at Kisaki Shrine
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Taiko drumming workshop
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Some other attractions of the festival include boat rides around Ogi Harbor in taraibune, tub-shaped boats characteristic of Sado Island, and the Ogi Okesa dance held after the concert on the second night. This traditional Sado dance is performed by Ogi townspeople and anyone is invited to participate in the festive atmosphere and dancing.
Additionally, the Harbour Market is held everyday from 10:00 to 22:00 at Ogi Harbor. Here dozens of small shops and food stands are set up, creating a small tent city where you can shop and enjoy different kinds of food from around the world.
Taraibune boat rides
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Harbour Market
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The Kodo taiko drumming group was started on Sado Island in 1981. They have a group center, called Kodo Village, near Ogi Town where they live and train together when not touring. Guided tours of the village (including one in English) are held on the last day of the festival.
Accommodation can be found at a number of lodges around Ogi Town, but spaces fill up quickly. Alternatively, a number of special buses run during the festival to neighboring towns such as Akadomari, Sawata, Aikawa and Ryotsu. The Sobama Beach Campground is another alternative for those who enjoy staying outdoors.
Kodo Village
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Kodo Performers
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