On June 2 (Sat.) and 3 (Sun.), 2018, virtual singer Miku Hatsune and taiko performing arts group Kodo performed together again at "This is NIPPON Premium Theater Hatsune Miku x Kodo Special Live 2018" at NHK Hall.
On June 2 (Sat.) and 3 (Sun.), 2018, the taiko performing arts group Kodo performed at "This is NIPPON Premium Theater Hatsune Miku x Kodo Special Live 2018" at NHK Hall. The group performed again with virtual singer Hatsune Miku.
This is NIPPON Premium Theater" is an event held by NHK to promote the appeal of Japan's representative contents by adding various performances to them in order to build momentum not only in sports but also in culture for Tokyo 2020, and this performance was one of the events. One year after last March's shocking collaboration live performance by Hatsune Miku and Kodo, the stage was further evolved and held at NHK Hall, making it a special live performance unique to "This is NIPPON Premium Theater. Here is the official report from the event.
Official Report】 【Official Report
Text: Natsume Date, theater journalist
This is NIPPON Premium Theater's "Hatsune Miku x Kodo" special live performance, which was a great success last year, returned with an upgraded version. The NHK Hall was filled with people wearing live happi with the names "Hatsune" and "Kodo" on their collars. The opening of the concert was greeted with a ground-shaking cheer, and the taiko penlights began to swing across the all-standby seats.
Last year, we alternated between lively and quiet songs, but this year, Miku requested us to "go more upbeat! As Mitsuru Ishizuka, who was in charge of music selection, said, "Last year, we alternated between lively songs and gentle ones, but this year, Miku's side requested us to play more upbeat songs, so we continued with physically demanding ones," he added. The Kodo ensemble was busy at full capacity, performing highlights of their performances of "Miyake" and "Tomoe" in three- to four-minute chunks.
What was surprising was the way the audience clapped their hands and shouted to accompany the Kodo's slow, rhythmic, and intricate beats.
Yuta Sumiyoshi, who participated for the first time this year, said, "I get the feeling that many Miku fans like the music and come to hear the songs. No matter what we do, they follow us, so it's like a "battle" and it's a lot of fun. The audience in front of me was dancing so much during the "Tour" (laughs). Once the curtain closed on the finale, the audience sang "Kodio Miku" and "Kodio Miku" in an encore chorus. The second collaboration confirmed that not only Miku, but also Miku fans and Kodo, are truly in love with each other.
Kodo's "Meguru -MEGURU-" music video
M-15 "Meguru" was performed during the live. This is an arrangement of a song from "Meguru," which will begin a nationwide tour in November 2018. The music video for "Meguru" is now available on Kodo's official Youtube channel! Please remember the excitement of the live performance!
