RIP-Mana "China" Nishiura, Shonen Knife drummer

http://www.shonenknife.com/mainpage.html

It is with a deep sadness in my heart, that I must announce the passing of Mana "China" Nishiura. She was tragically killed in a three-vehicle accident near the Delaware Memorial Bridge yesterday (November 4) shortly before 1 p.m., after the Econoline van carrying her band, DMBQ, had crossed the bridge from New Jersey near Carneys Point in Salem County. A Mitsubishi Eclipse clipped the van's left rear fender. The van spun out of control, and careened over a barrier on the ramp to Route 40. The van - carrying the four band members and their tour manager Michelle Cable, from San Francisco - then rolled several times down an embankment and into the path of a Ford pickup truck. Mana was ejected from the van and she died at the scene. The other passengers were being treated last night for non-life-threatening, but serious, injuries. Her family was notified by the Japanese Embassy of the tragedy.

"China", (her stage name - which she enjoyed) was the drummer for Shonen Knife from Year 2000 through 2003, and was with them on their North American Tour in 2003. She was a tremendous talent - a session drummer in Japan who performed with many bands there, and she was much respected and in demand for her drumming skills and ability to play many styles. Her great energy and vitality in the live shows she played with Shonen Knife made her an instant favorite with all their fans, wherever they performed. Mana was also a strong person with a kindly free spirit who made friends with everyone she met. She was previously drummer for respected Japanese fusion band, Rashinban. She joined the Japanese metal band, DMBQ in 2004, when they offered her an opportunity to be part of their first American tour...