A reader recently emailed me for suggestions on how she can study taiko in Japan for a short period of time. Thought I'd share the info with the rest of you and see if you know of anything else lingering out there! Email me if there's something to add!
KasaMix
When: September 5-16, 2010
Where: Sado Island, Kanazawa, Tokyo
Deadline for application (extended!): May 31 (it is possible to submit an application late if you notify Toni if your intent to apply by June 5)
There are only a handful of choices out there for taiko cases in the US. Where do your cases come from? I've collected mine gradually over the last few years and while each of them is from a different company/person, I'm very pleased with all of them.
Katsugi Okedo
I purchased this hard case when living in Japan. It was custom-made to fit my specific drum. For shipping my drum, I love love love this case! There has (so far) not been any noticeable damage to my drum and it's great to not worry about whether or not it will be okay if I check it as luggage. I do set a light blanket on the top end to prevent any shifting at all before shipping. It has a hard handle for hand carrying, and a long strap to use for over-the-shoulder.
Chu Daiko
Another custom-made drum case, I ordered this one from a drum company in Wisconsin. We discussed a few options via email for how to deal with the tapering of the drums, and I decided on a fitted bottom and a drawstring top with a padded flap. My cases fit snugly and are great for their purpose: day-to-day storage.
Shime Daiko
My soft shime daiko case was made by a friend of a friend. I like that there is a long strap and a shorter one, which gives 2 carrying options. I also appreciate the small business card slot, making identification easy, especially for travel. The foam lining is thick enough to prevent damage as I carry this drum on the subway system, but I always take it as a carry-on if traveling by plane.
A Quick Fix for a Shime Daiko Case
Need an easy way to carry your shime daiko without spending big bucks? Check out the video below, by Former Kodo Apprentice (2007-2009) and current Taikoza member Joe Small, on how it's done at the Apprentice Center:
Launch for KODO's English online store came on March 1, 2010. While the merchandise is still very limited, they'll be adding new things gradually.
Right now you can buy CDs, the 2009 Kodo Yearbook, and even those prized Kodo chappa (which I hear are so much easier to play than any other). I'm on my way to check out the chappa now, but check out the site for yourself!
