Kodo is a Japanese group that has become an international phenomenon, based on the island of Sado, that has taken the world by storm with their new stylings on semi-traditional taiko drumming. Founded in 1981, the group's name has dual meaning; according to the group, it translates both to "heartbeat -- the primal source of all rhythm," and "children of the drum, a reflection of Kodo's desire to play their drums simply, with the heart of a child." The group spends one-third of an average year touring in Japan, one-third touring the rest of the world, and one-third in rigorous ...