Kodo is the study for Mazda's new design theme, as first seen on the Shinari concept. What does it mean, other than the fact the upcoming won't look quite so much like stoned badgers?

Well, Mazda says Kodo means something ethereal and noble like "twisting heartbeat cheetah-rider" or some such thing. But I think we all know that Kodo is actually the study of the world's most elite taiko drumming troupe, who also sometime play in traditional skivvies (see below).

Either way, it looks better than the front of the current Mazda 3.

Above is a video prepared by Mazda hinting at what a Kodo-ized 3 would/will look like.