Koji Nakamura first underwent intensive taiko training with members of the renowned taiko group, Ondekoza, for six months. He later became the first leader of the Shumei Taiko Ensemble for twenty years and traveled around the world to perform at various venues, most notably at the Parliament of World Religions event in Capetown, South Africa, and at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Shortly after leaving Shumei Taiko, Koji eventually moved to California with his family to spread and teach taiko. He is a master of the O-daiko and travels throughout the United States to teach drummers of all experiences. Koji's goal through taiko is to create peace and harmony and he hopes to inspire in others the spirit of taiko drumming. He believes that the most important aspect of a taiko player is his or her spirituality and sincere attitude. To truly inspire others with taiko, you must play with makoto (sincerity and truth).