About

— Japanese Pressing 180g double LP —

— Cult album for audiophiles —

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.

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.

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In 1969, Kozo Tajiri, who took a break from school due to the "zenkyoutou" (全共闘) student movement, went to the secluded Sado Island to study local traditional music and founded the Oni Taikoza. Tajiri's unique theory of "moving music" (走樂論) requires members to undergo rigorous marathon training every morning in addition to musical training. Therefore, the earth-shattering drumming performances of the Oni Taikoza contain the perseverance of ascetics, showcasing an amazing energy of unity of spirit, energy, and will. 

This album, Fujiyama, is named after the works of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai and was recorded using the highest-spec 1-inch dual-channel Studer tape recorder available at the time.

Fujiyama features Japanese taiko drums of varying sizes, the largest of which is carved from a single beechwood leaf and measures two meters in diameter. Further, Fujiyama incorporates traditional Japanese instruments such as the shakuhachi, piccolo, and koto, creating fluid melodies that complement the thunderous rhythms of the taiko drums—a breathtaking blend of detail and dynamism.

The album is an audiophile favourite - as the simultaneous playing of thousands of drums puts sound systems through rigorous testing.  — (via Label)

What is taiko?

Taiko (太鼓) are a broad range of Japanese percussion instruments. In Japanese, the term taiko refers to any kind of drum, but outside Japan, it is used specifically to refer to any of the various Japanese drums called wadaiko (和太鼓, lit. 'Japanese drums') and to the form of ensemble taiko drumming more specifically called kumi-daiko (組太鼓, lit. 'set of drums'). 

Taiko have a mythological origin in Japanese folklore, but historical records suggest that taiko were introduced to Japan through Chinese and Korean cultural influence as early as the 6th century CE; pottery from the Haniwa period depicting taiko drums has also been found. Some taiko are similar to instruments originating from India. Archaeological evidence also supports the view that taiko were present in Japan during the 6th century in the Kofun period. Their function has varied throughout history, ranging from communication, military action, theatrical accompaniment, religious ceremony and concert performances. In modern times, taiko have also played a central role in social movements for minorities both within and outside Japan. — (via Wiki)

Vinyl tracklist:
A1 鬼太鼓囃子 = Ondeko-bayashi
A2 弓ヶ浜 = Yumigahama
A3 富嶽百景 = Fujiyama
B4 花や今宵の = Hana Ya Koyoi No
B5 三国 = Mikuni
C6 鼕々～坎としてそれ鼓を撃つ～ = Toto
C7 阿吽三味線 = Aun-Jamisen
C8 明暗 = Myoan
D9 モノクロームII = Monochrome II

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Label: Enrich Music
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Japan press
Reissued: 2021 / Original: 1997
Genre: Folk
Style: Japanese, Audiophile

File under: Japanese Folk/Rock
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