Kodo, a Japanese taiko drumming group, will bring their Kodo One Earth Tour to Morgantown Monday.

The taiko is a Japanese drum, and Kodo uses a variety of sizes and styles in their reinterpretation of Japanese performing arts. From one drum 12 inches wide to one weighing in at nearly 900 pounds, a combination of drums are used to offer a unique sound.

"This instrument produces one of the most unique sounds in the world," said company manager Jun Akimoto. "With a thicker body and a thicker skin, there are not other instruments with those structures, so I think this instrument is made to produce the biggest, loudest sound."

Since the group’s debut in 1981, Kodo has been traveling the world, bringing traditional Japanese taiko drumming to many.

"We are called the most traditional type of drumming group in the world, which is true but false," Akimoto said. "We have both a traditional and contemporary aspect."

Aside from efforts to preserve the traditional Japanese sound, Kodo also attempts to incorporate new techniques and styles into their music, which they have learned through experiences all over the world while touring.

According to Akimoto, there are many taiko groups in the U.S. as well, so the performing style varies. Under the direction of Kabuki luminary Tamasaburo Bando, Kodo chooses to stay near their Japanese folk roots while experimenting a little with contemporary projects of their own.

"We have roots in folk performing live in Japan, so each composition is original," Akimoto said. "The combination of traditional Japanese folk music as well as a contemporary mix of arrangements distinguishes us from other groups, because other drummers have newer ways in which they use a lot of music composed by themselves and have less of a connection with the folk style in Japan."

Though much of their work features the taiko drum, other Japanese instruments such as the fue, a variation of the flute, and shamisen, a three-stringed instrument, as well as vocals will also be featured in Kodo’s performance.

"We try to convey Japanese culture and traditional performances through our work," Akimoto said.

According to Akimoto, the taiko is a symbol of community. The music it produces is said to link people and the heavens and create commonality among different people.

"We look forward to meeting new people, and also we hope to form connections with the different people, because drums have a universal language that everyone can understand," Akimoto said.

Kodo has performed more than 3,600 times across five continents since their debut at the Berlin Festival. The group continues to tour overseas and in their home country of Japan.

Akimoto hopes attendees enjoy the musical, universal aspect of drumming and also a little Japanese culture.

"We hope everyone will enjoy the universal, powerful language of drums, but at the same time, we welcome the Morgantown people to experience a little Japanese culture," Akimoto said. "I think this is a precious moment for us to get together, and we hope this relationship will continue into the future."

The show will take place as part of the University Art Series Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre. Tickets for WVU students are $28, and general public tickets are $35 - $55 depending on seat location. Tickets can be purchased at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or at ticketmaster.com.