The members of Kodo are dependent upon each other for the success of their performance. The performers unload the drums early in the morning and set up the stage themselves. By doing everything themselves, Kodo understands what goes into a performance. Many artistic groups are created with a vision or goal in mind. But, as the years of performance continue, many lose touch with their roots and fall prey to commercial goals and visions.
Many groups get too big and lose touch with their goals in the first place.
Kodo can sell out Carnegie Hall and other large venues, but we still play many junior high schools. Another one of Kodo's goals is to preserve the art of the taiko by passing down the traditional styles to the next generation. In Japan, the group has created the Kodo Juku, a workshop where people attend a five-day experience in Sado. Kodo is special in that they are rooted in tradition but not bound by it. We strive to maintain and to preserve this tradition by passing it down from generation to generation.