Constant running and constant drumming: this is the life of a Demon Drummer.

Ondezoka, a 12-piece Japanese drum group that travels around the world impressing audiences with earth-shattering rhythms, will come to Ames Sunday to do one of only 16 U.S. performances.

Ondezoka, whose name translates as Demon Drummers, makes up an entourage of physically and technically-trained masters of the taiko, or great Japanese drums, a press release said.

Group members are trained in marathon running in addition to percussion, which came in handy during the group’s first U.S. appearance in 1975.

“It takes courage and dedication to be an Ondekoza,” group manager Uriel Luft said.

And determination is exactly what the group exhibited in 1975 when it crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon and ran straight to the stage for a performance.

Since its formation in 1969, the Demon Drummers have played all over the world in such places as China, Taiwan, Asia, Japan, Israel and Germany.

In 1990, Ondekoza ventured on a three-year tour across the United States — entirely on foot.

Running 9,500 miles, playing 355 concerts and wearing out 121 pairs of shoes, the group launched a few steps ahead in its goal of an ultimate spiritual and musical experience.

Ondezoka’s performance mixes different types of stringed instruments, bamboo flutes and taiko drums that range anywhere from 20 to 700 pounds.

When the Demon Drummers are making new music for the routine, members decide on a theme as a group and work on playing and composing it together.

The two-hour show consists of two parts divided by a 20-minute intermission.

Luft said the first half of Sunday’s show will feature both big and small drums.

The second half will begin with a 13-stringed instrument and will also feature the performance’s largest drum, which is rolled out on a stand.

The music of Ondezoka represents different moods, helping to create a visual and emotional experience for the audience.

Ondekoza Demon Drummers of Japan will perform at Stephens Auditorium Sunday at 3 p.m. Student tickets range from $7.50 to $12.50 and non-student tickets range from $15 to $25.