Ondekoza was formed in 1969 under the direction of its founder, Den Tagayasu. The group was originally created on the Japanese island of Sado, where a group of young men and women gathered to follow the ideals of Den Tagayasu. Since then Ondekoza has expanded across Japan and the rest of the world, popularizing taiko along the way.

• Limited Edition
• 2LP 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl
• Pressed in Japan
• Gatefold Cover with OBI strip
• Mastered from Analog Tape

Japanese Pressing 180g Vinyl Double LP!
World-Renowned Japanese Taiko Drummers!

In its forty-plus year history, Ondekoza has been influential in spreading and popularizing taiko, particularly outside of Japan. Many of the pieces arranged by Ondekoza have been incorporated into the repertoire of taiko groups around the world.

Ondekoza continually pursues greater means of expression through the use of taiko drums. By trimming the performance of all that is excessive, and playing to the limit of physical capabilities, Ondekoza believes that the sound of the drum alone is capable of striking a powerful impression. Ondekoza aims to create stage pieces that are enjoyable to children and adults alike.

Before each show, individual shime drums are tightened to the limit - a task requiring the synchronized strength of two members - in order to achieve the cutting sound that is representative of Ondekoza's style.

Ondekoza... From the Base of Mt. Fuji

Ondekoza was formed in 1969 under the direction of its founder, Den Tagayasu. The group was originally created on the Japanese island of Sado, where a group of young men and women gathered to follow the ideals of Den Tagayasu. Since then Ondekoza has expanded across Japan and the rest of the world, popularizing taiko along the way. They are widely recognized as one of groups to have set the groundwork for taiko as a performance art.

At the foundation of Ondekoza’s activity is the principle of “Sogakuron”- that “running and drumming are one, and a reflection of the drama and energy of life”.

Living in the city of Fuji in Shizuoka, Japan, Ondekoza members live together and run together at the base of Mt. Fuji.

As of 2008, Ondekoza launched a new project under the title of “Music & Rhythms”. The project aims to “connect the children of world through musical experience”. Not limiting itself to taiko drums, the project uses a creative variety of expressive tools to promote the freedom of expression and the limitless possibilities it brings.

Track Listing:

Side A
01. Ondeko-bayashi
02. Yumigahama
03. Fujiyama

Side B
04. Hana ya koyoi no
05. Mikuni

Side C
06. Toto
07. Aun-Jamisen
08. Myoan

Side D
09. Monochrome II

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫