Japanese drummer Masaking at the launch of the drum kit. (Bishwarup Dutta)

He loves Chikni Chameli and wants to be “a famous star in India”. But it’s the rhythm, really, that is Japanese percussionist Masaking’s forte.

The drummer was in the city for the launch and demonstration of the Roland SPD-SX sampling pad, an electronic drum kit. Masaking has been a Roland endorser for 10 years.

Masaking’s musical journey started when he was 11 years old and auditioned for the Sendai Junior Orchestra. “I succeeded in the auditions and joined the orchestral band. That experience was the base of my music career, a basic, core experience. My love for percussion has only grown over the years,” Masaking told Metro.

Katrina Kaif aside (“She is beautiful... her dancing attractive”), drums are really Masaking’s first love. “I mostly like drums. If you want to talk about it in automobile terms, drums are like the engine… the fundamental part,” he explained.

So, does he enjoy soloing or playing in a band? “When you are playing with a band, you have to follow its directions. If I am playing solo, I focus more on entertainment to make it more attractive to the audience. I can also cover more musical styles,” he said.

Among traditional Indian instruments, Masaking likes the tabla and the dholak. “These are very difficult to play, not something that can be perfected in a day or two.” Arabic instrument darabuka is also a favourite, he confessed.

A drums teacher at Roland Music School, Masaking has a solo album, called Sempenbinka (many variations) to his credit. “There are some kids who would like to take up music professionally…. I would like more kids doing so,” he signed off.