Toshio Kawauchi Dies; Led Japanese Troupe

Toshio Kawauchi, founder and artistic director of the Japanese folk drum group Kodo, has died.

A spokesman for the group, which last appeared here at the 1984 Olympic Arts Festival, said Kawauchi apparently drowned Jan. 1 while scuba diving on a beach 150 miles south of Manila in the Philippines. He was believed to be 35.

Kawauchi formed Kodo (which means both “heartbeat” and “drumming children”) after breaking away from a group called Ondekoza or “demon drummers.”

At the heart of Kodo’s performances is a 700-pound odaiko (great drum) created from a single tree trunk. Musico-gymnasts clad only in loincloths pound it to the accompaniment of flutes and wooden clackers.

The dancers and drummers who comprise the troupe live communally on the island of Sado in the Sea of Japan, where they live a Spartan-like existence while preserving and reviving ancient Japanese folk art.

The company spokesman said Kawauchi’s death will not stop a scheduled American tour. Kodo will be seen again in Los Angeles on Jan. 30 and 31 at the Japan America Theatre.