She was a well-known session drummer, and played with other bands during her career including Rashinban, Droop, Jesus Fever, ya to i, jimama, Teem, Music Start Against Young Assault and Cel.
She joined Japanese alternative rock band Shonen Knife in 2001 and played with them until 2004.
Their van was involved in a highway accident near the Delaware Memorial Bridge of Carneys Point Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
At the junction between US 40 and I-295, another vehicle crossed lanes and struck the van from behind, which then went down an embankment and rolled over.
The other members of DMBQ were hospitalised and the accident also severely injured the band's manager, although they all survived.