Akira Jimbo

Akira Jimbo, also transliterated as Akira Jinbo (神保 彰), is a Japanese jazz fusion drummer, best known as the drummer for the Japanese jazz fusion band Casiopea in 3 separate stints (1980-1989, 1997-2006 and 2012-2022). Aside from his work with Casiopea, Jimbo has also participated in side projects with Keiko Matsui, Shambara, and Brian Bromberg.

Background
Akira Jimbo began drumming at the age of 18 when he joined the Keio University Light Music Society Big Band. He became a member of Casiopea in 1980. During his solo career, he formed Jimsaku, a duo consisting of himself and Casiopea's bassist Tetsuo Sakurai in 1989. He has also worked with Hiroyuki Noritake from T-Square in the drum duo Synchronized DNA.

Jimbo uses a hybrid drumming style, combining elements of acoustic and electronic percussion, which is best demonstrated in his drum videos and at his drum clinics. By using the DTX drum triggering system, he is able to play fully orchestrated songs without a backing track. Jimbo has assisted in the design of K Custom Hybrid Series of cymbals by Zildjian. His drum hero is Steve Gadd.

In 1999, he won second place in the British drum magazine RHYTHM for most popular drummer. In June 2000, he became the first Asian drummer to be featured on the cover of Modern Drummer magazine. He appeared in the Modern Drummers Festival in 2000.

Drum setup
One unique aspect of Jimbo's drumming is the setup of his drums. Using acoustic drums together with Yamaha electronic drum triggers, Jimbo is able to create a live performance with an array of different sounds. Apart from endorsing Yamaha drums and Zildjian cymbals, he also endorses Vic Firth drumsticks.

MIDI Drum Trigger System
Jimbo has claimed that every sound is triggered by himself as part of a live performance, which was true in the past, due to the limitations of the trigger system technology. As his career has progressed, however, he now uses various sequencing programs during some portions of his performances, such as during intense drum solos or particularly difficult arrangements.

Main Drum Kit Setup
Acoustic Drums
 * Yamaha WSD13AJ (13"×7") Beech Custom Akira Jimbo Signature Snare Drum
 * Yamaha YD9000AJ (8",10",12",14",16",22") Recording Custom Akira Jimbo debut 30th Anniversary Kit

Cymbals
 * Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Series
 * 13.25" Hi-Hat
 * 17" Crash
 * 19" Trash Smash
 * 19" China
 * 21" Ride
 * 9" Splash
 * 13" Trash Splash/15" Trash Crash (stack)

Electronic Drum Trigger
 * Yamaha DTX900

Past Equipment
Drum Sets
 * 1980 – YD9000R
 * 1983 to 1986 – Simmons SDS-V
 * 1990 – Yamaha Rock Tour Custom
 * 1992 – Maple Custom
 * 1995 – Yamaha Rock Tour Custom
 * 1997 – Beech Custom
 * 2001 – Beech Custom Absolute
 * 2004 – Oak Custom Absolute
 * 2005 – Oak Custom Akira Jimbo 25th anniversary
 * 2010 – YD9000AJ Akira Jimbo 30th anniversary

Signature Snare Drums
 * 1992 – MSD13AJ Maple 7ply Power Hoop (Limited)
 * 1997 – WSD13AJ Beech 8ply Wood Hoop
 * 2004 – NSD13AJ Oak 6ply Wood Hoop (Limited)
 * 2012 – BSD1450AJ Old Birch 6ply Steel Hoop (Limited)