Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant, living art form. In Japanese, the name “Kodo” conveys two meanings: firstly, “heartbeat,” the primal source of all rhythm; and, secondly, “children of the drum,” a reflection of Kodo’s desire to play the drums simply, with the heart of a child.

Since the group’s debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo has given more than 3,700 performances across five continents, spending about a third of the year overseas, a third touring in Japan and a third rehearsing and preparing new material on Sado Island.

Indeed, if there is such a thing as perfection in music, Kodo comes as near to it as any group in the world.

— The Boston Globe

Indeed, if there is such a thing as perfection in music, Kodo comes as near to it as any group in the world.

— The Boston Globe

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