Mana "China" Nishiura was drummer in revered Japanese psych-rockers DMBQ and pop-punkers Shonen Knife. China joined Shonen Knife as their touring drummer in 2001.



Although drummers are traditionally relegated upstage, China went to astonishing lengths to involve the audience in DMBQ's live set: a performance at Atlanta's Drunken Unicorn saw her dismantle her kit and pass the pieces along to audience members, eventually drumming upon the scattered bits whilst sitting atop a fan's head.



Mana Nishiura named Maureen Tucker and

Georgia Hubley as influential drummers.



Tragically, she died in a tour van accident on Friday, November 4, 2005 while the band was driving on the New Jersey Turnpike, en route to a gig in Brooklyn.



Fans remember Mana Nishiura as an intensely passionate performer as well as a soft-spoken, kind-hearted individual.