Kodo is Japan’s internationally acclaimed taiko performing arts ensemble. Since its powerful debut at Berliner Festspiele in 1981, Kodo has given over 7,000 performances in over 50 countries and regions. This is the highest number of international performances for any Japanese professional performing arts company, an achievement recognized when Kodo received the 2023 Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award. Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form. In addition to its theater performances, Kodo enjoys connecting with school children across Japan through its ongoing “School Workshop Performance” tours. The ensemble also participates in a wide range of projects and events, which includes headlining major international festivals, contributing to motion picture soundtracks, and collaborating with leading artists and composers from myriad genres—world music, classical, jazz, rock, and dance to name a few. Kodo's willingness to challenge preconceptions of music continues to produce startling new fusion and forms. The group’s creative activities, mission, and lifestyle based on Sado Island constantly garner attention from the global arts world and inspire artists in diverse fields. For further info, please visit Kodo's website.