KODO – THE HEARTBEAT OF THE DRUM takes us deep into the world of Japan’s famed KODO company of percussionists and its school on the island of Sado. As the seasons go by we share the lives of teenagers who for two years commit themselves totally to the fulfilment of their dream: that of becoming a fully-fledged member of the KODO troupe. The only one of its kind in the world, this is a school that teaches not just an art form, but an entire way of life. The artistic director of the KODO ensemble is Tamasaburo Bando, the famous kabuki actor/dancer and Living National Treasure.