Demon Drummers - Japan

Synopsis

In August 2005, students at the Kodo drumming camp undergo a grueling two-year training program to become Kodo drummers. These apprentices will face extreme physical and mental challenges, practicing for around 20 hours a day without any breaks for holidays or weekends. Their daily routine includes a demanding 15 km run up a mountain, followed by intense drumming sessions that push their bodies to the limit. With cigarettes, alcohol, and television banned, the apprentices focus solely on their craft. One apprentice expresses amazement at their own endurance, stating, 'I'm amazed at how far I can go.' This documentary captures the relentless dedication and discipline required to achieve mastery in Kodo drumming.