Pounding away with passion and pride, Kodo performers drum their way into the hearts of audiences worldwide.

“There's a saying in Japan that as long as you hear one drum you are part of the community, so we just try to extend that idea,” says Kodo manager Jun Akimoto.

Kodo, from the Sado island in Japan, is celebrating 30 years and is in town as part of its "One Earth Tour."

“Our performance is totally acoustic,” Akimoto told NY1 following a rehearsal at the Asia Society on the Upper East Side. “We don't use any microphones and speakers, so what people get is just natural organic vibrations of the drums.”

Kodo performers must enroll in a three-year apprenticeship program during which they not only strengthen their drum skills, but also their bodies. Training includes a six-mile run every morning, and even participation in tea ceremonies and agricultural activities.

“The basic stance is that the lower part of the body has to be very solid and also very relaxed,” explains Akimoto.

Kodo has a dual meaning in Japanese. One is heartbeat and the other is children of the drum.

“With the heart of children, we try to face the drums with pure heart,” Akimoto says.

And, as their country reels from a devastating earthquake and tsunami, Kodo has been appealing to the hearts of audiences in an effort to raise money for the victims.

“It's very weird to be away from home now, but it’s very fortunate that Kodo members or families aren't harmed and they are all safe,” he says. “But we are very much worried about our friends and supporters of Kodo from that region still suffering.”

And members of the troupe say they hope their fundraising can help ease some of that suffering..