The Powerful Rhythm of Trust: Five Compelling Insights in Teamwork from The Drummers of Japan

Last night, I had the honor of attending a fundraising gala at the McAninch Arts Center in support of Hokusai and Ukiyo-E: The Floating World, the next major art exhibition coming to the College of DuPage's Cleve Carney Museum of Art in summer 2025. This extraordinary exhibition will feature fifty-three original works by renowned artists from the Japanese Edo Period—the first time such a collection has been showcased in the U.S.

The evening was a celebration of Japanese culture, food, and music, culminating in an exhilarating performance by Yamato – The Drummers of Japan. Their breathtaking artistry, combining the thunderous energy of taiko drumming with contemporary stagecraft, has captivated audiences worldwide. As I watched, I found myself wondering: What does it take to create such an awe-inspiring experience? How do ten artists achieve a seamless and intuitive level of brilliance that moves and connects with their audience?

The answer, I believe, lies in five key elements of connectivity and trust—principles that define not only a world-class performance but also any high-functioning team.

1. A Shared Vision and Philosophy

A great performance begins long before the artists step on stage. It starts with a shared vision and a collective purpose that guides every decision, every rehearsal, and every note played. At the heart of Yamato’s artistry is an unwavering commitment to preserving taiko drumming—a tradition dating back to the sixth century AD—while pushing the boundaries of modern performance. This unifying vision allows them to communicate as one coherent, powerful whole.

Their success is also rooted in a unique way of life. Unlike most performers who come together only for rehearsals or tours, the members of Yamato live and train together in their mountain base in Nara Prefecture, Japan. This intentional communal lifestyle deepens their relationships beyond mere colleagueship, forging bonds that manifest in their performances as an almost familial synergy.

2. Supreme Physical and Mental Discipline

Watching them perform was exhilarating—and exhausting! The sheer intensity of their craft demands relentless physical and mental discipline. Their training regimen goes far beyond musical practice; it includes running, weight training, and martial arts-inspired exercises to build the stamina, muscle memory, and physical rhythm required for their performances.

Despite being called "drummers," their artistry isn't just about striking the drum. It's about energy, movement, interaction, and precision. They incorporate other instruments, their voices, and even their entire bodies into the performance. What stood out was how they seamlessly rotated between different roles—one moment commanding the stage, the next offering implicit and explicit support to a fellow artist.

3. Non-Verbal Synchronization

As a musician and actor, I know how difficult it is to perform with others in a way that appears effortless. One of the most remarkable aspects of Yamato’s performance was their seamless synchronization. The sound of a taiko drum is thunderous, and when multiple drummers play together, the impact is immense. But it’s not just the sheer power that makes their performance extraordinary—it’s the precision and unity with which they move and play.

Each member instinctively understands their role, timing, and rhythm, relying on subtle, almost imperceptible cues. A slight shift in posture by Naoki during Garakuta, a change in rhythm between Daisuke and Genta during Ran-Ran, or a barely perceptible nod by Kenta during Rakuda—these silent signals ensured perfect timing, even when visual contact was impossible. Their ability to "feel" each other’s presence and intentions resulted in a performance that seemed to flow from a single consciousness.

4. A Balance Between Individuality and Collaboration

While Yamato thrives as a collective, they also celebrate each performer’s individuality. It was incredible to watch Masa Ogawa, the Artistic Director, masterfully connect and inspire the team. I was particularly drawn to the dynamic interplay between Marika and Nene, who continuously fed off each other’s energy.

Each drummer brought their own distinct style, strengths, and personality—whether through commanding solo moments or intricate group sequences. Yet, what made the performance so mesmerizing was how these individual expressions seamlessly wove into the collective whole. When one performer took center stage, the others stood behind them—supporting, enhancing, and ensuring that the energy remained high. This delicate interplay between individuality and collaboration is what made the show both exhilarating and emotionally resonant.

5. A Strong Sense of Brotherhood and Trust

Yamato operates within a traditional Japanese hierarchical structure, where senior members mentor newer ones. But what makes their system unique is its emphasis on mutual respect and continuous learning. Experienced performers pass down their knowledge, while younger members bring fresh perspectives. This blend of tradition and innovation ensures that everyone feels valued, while still maintaining a clear organizational structure.

Beyond the music, their deep trust in one another was evident. You could see it in the way they read each other’s movements, offered support during challenging sections, and cheered each other on during solos. The chemistry within the group created a palpable sense of joy—not just for the audience, but for the performers themselves. They weren’t just playing for us. They were playing with each other, having fun in the process.

The Magic of Connection

As I reflected on the performance, I couldn’t help but think about how these same principles apply to any high-performing team. Whether in business, sports, or the arts, success isn’t just about talent or hard work—it’s about trust, connection, and a shared sense of purpose.

When individuals invest in one another and commit to a greater goal, something extraordinary happens. Work stops feeling like work. It becomes fun. It becomes magic.

And that, I believe, is the true essence of greatness.