Akira Jimbo (神保 彰)

Akira Jimbo (神保 彰) is a Japanese drummer, percussionist, composer, and arranger born in Tokyo on February 27, 1959. Active since 1979, he made his professional debut with CASIOPEA in 1980 while still a university student. He is best known for his work in the fusion scene and for his role in that band across three separate stints. Drumming has remained at the center of his work, whether in bands, studio sessions, or solo projects. Across jazz, jazz fusion, rock, and funk-influenced playing, Jimbo has developed a technical style that emphasizes control, clarity, groove, and musical detail. His recordings have been associated with King Records. After leaving CASIOPEA in 1990 with bassist 櫻井哲夫, he formed the drum-and-bass unit ジンサク. When that unit ended in 1998, he continued as a solo artist while remaining closely associated with the development of modern Japanese fusion and Japan’s instrumental scene. His work has included ensemble playing, studio recording, composition, arrangement, and solo performance, including his self-described one-man orchestra format using live drums with MIDI-triggered melodic and bass parts. Outside fusion, he also performed "Set Them Free," the ending theme of "Tonari no Seki-kun."