A singer, drummer, actor, model and occasional game reviewer, Nobuaki Kaneko is clearly a man that likes to keep himself busy. So when we meet up for a chat at his studio in Tokyo's Yutenji neighborhood, the first thing I want to know is where his true passion lies.

"Definitely the drums," he says immediately. "I'm probably most well-known for the acting, but drumming is something I've been obsessed with for as long as I can remember. My parents were musicians so they were both hugely influential. I think I first got a toy drum-set when I was around 3 and was always practicing. I then started the band Rize with my school friend Jesse (McFaddin) at the age of 14."

The rock group — which also features Kaneko's younger brother, KenKen — is regarded as one of Japan's nu metal pioneers. Kaneko continues to play in the band, but it's no longer his sole focus. Stepping out of Jesse's shadow, the 34-year-old has become a star in his own right.