Fiddle player Dai Komatsu is not only an active performer, but also the founder of Ode Inc., a company that promotes culture through music by offering fiddle lessons and organising events.
He shares his vision of creating spaces where people can come together and connect through music.
Dai Komatsu (小松 大）
Fiddle & viola player / CEO of Ode Inc.
After encountering Irish music in 2004, he spent time in County Clare, Ireland in 2006 to learn to play the fiddle. In 2019, he founded Ode Inc., through which he has produced numerous events. In March 2024, the “Irish Bon Odori,” which he composed and performed, became a major hit on social media with over 10 million views.
“That Certain Something I Like” — From Classical Music to Irish Tunes
── When did you first start playing music?
When I was five, my parents took me to violin lessons. I didn’t grow up in a musical family, nor was I aiming to become a professional, but I naturally continued with lessons. By the time I was in junior high school, I found myself liking music and thinking it might be fun to pursue it further.
── You specialized in violin and viola during high school and university. How did you come across Irish music?
At the university festival during my fourth year, I heard friends perform a string quartet arrangement of an Irish set that Tarō Hakase had played.
Until then, I had been focused solely on classical music, but at that festival, I borrowed the sheet music and played it, thinking, “So this is Irish music. I kind of like it.“
Thanks to my parents, I had grown up listening to folk songs like Bob Dylan’s and the soundtrack of the movie Braveheart, but it was the first time I actually played an Irish tune myself and felt motivated to learn more about it.
Irish Music: Where Simplicity Meets Depth
── Did your interest in Irish music immediately lead to the kind of work you’re doing now?
No, it didn’t happen right away.
But in December 2005, I decided to take a solo trip to Ireland for about three weeks.
It was the kind of trip where I just followed the guidebook and went to pubs that were listed as “famous for live music.”
After returning to Japan, I had the opportunity to take a lesson with fiddle player Pat O’Connor in Nagoya.
I was really drawn to his subtle and expressive playing style—it had a depth and rawness that completely differed from the “beautiful tone” I had been taught in classical music.
It left a strong impression on me, like, “Wow, so this kind of expression is possible.”
That experience led me to return to Ireland again in late May 2006 for just under three months.
I took more lessons from Pat and went out to pub sessions almost every night.
── During your two visits to Ireland, was there anything in particular about the local music scene that left a lasting impression on you?
In the world of classical music, it’s quite common to have a clear line between professionals and amateurs. But in Irish music, it felt completely different.
Even someone like Pat, who holds workshops in Japan, was chatting casually with everyone at the sessions.
It might seem natural in a human relationship perspective, but the fact that this kind of relaxed, equal atmosphere existed so naturally within a musical setting really struck me.
Establishing Ode Inc.: Stepping Onto a New Stage
── How did you engage with music after returning to Japan?
Even after returning from Ireland, I continued with classical music, but I felt a certain sense of stagnation.
At that time, a friend invited me to perform at a market, and between 2016 and 2018, I gradually started getting more work in a musical world quite different from classical.
Alongside that, as I helped with event production, I was eventually entrusted with arranging musicians and selecting sound companies, expanding the scope of my work.
── Did that lead to you starting the company?
It didn’t happen in the way you might expect. When I was signing a contract, someone from a corporation asked, “Oh, you aren’t incorporated? Hmmm… how shall we proceed?” So, at the following meeting, I told her, “All set now—it’s been incorporated.”. Other clients were also asking for incorporation, so maybe it was just the way things were meant to go.
── Sounds like things progressed really fast.
It definitely took a lot of courage. Unlike freelancing, having a fixed place and the financial uncertainties were tough honestly. But to move forward, I had no choice but to do it. It was like, “I have to do this,” or when the ball comes your way, you just have to react.
Creating a Community Around Irish Music – Future Challenges
── You’re currently active both as a performer and in the business side of things. What kind of challenges are you hoping to take on in the future?
On the performer side, I have several projects in mind, including releasing new tracks and planning more live performances.
Also, the number of fiddle students I teach in Tokyo has grown to about 40, so I’d like to explore ways to create more opportunities for them to engage with music in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.
I know that for many people, making a session debut can feel intimidating—but there are many ways to enjoy Irish music. I’d like to create a kind of “hub” where everyone can feel comfortable and find their own way into the music.
──When you say “hub,” what sort of image do you have in mind?
Not a place where you’re judged for being “good” or “passable” at your instrument, but a space where you make friends, and through those connections, feel inspired to try new things together and build Irish culture here in Japan.
Everyone has their own goals, but playing music in a community, chatting, making friends—that kind of experience feels very Irish to me, and I’d love to create a space that encourages that.
── Sounds like the community could really grow!
I’d rather not draw strict lines like “teacher and student.”
What I enjoy most is seeing students engage with music on their own way.
Next year (2026), members of the Ode Inc. fiddle class will be participating inFiddle player and CEO of Ode Inc., Dai Komatsu, shares his passion for creating spaces where people can come together and connect through music. the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Omotesando. Many of them are really looking forward to it, and I hope more people will feel free to take part in music in their own way.
── That really seems to connect back to your experiences with music in Ireland.
There are, of course, people who know Irish music in great detail, and that’s wonderful—but I don’t think everyone has to be like that.
If working professionals enjoys playing an instrument as a hobby and performs at a pub or on stage, and their colleagues or friends can casually come see them, that helps broaden the audience naturally.
I’d love to help create that kind of place.
All It Takes Is the Will to Try — Take the First Step
── Finally, do you have a message for anyone thinking about starting the fiddle or interested in Irish events?
In Ode Inc.’s fiddle class, more than half of the students started with no violin experience at all.
Even as adults, they’ve learned how to hold the instrument, read music, and now they can play.
If you feel even a little spark of “I want to try this,” I hope you’ll take that first step.
If you’re interested in Irish events, please come to a live performance.
I’d like to plan events that allow people to connect with each other, as well as more niche talks about Irish culture—so if something catches your eye, I’d be happy if you came along casually.
── It’s exciting to imagine how the community built through Ode Inc. will evolve!
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