Female pop-punk band Shonen Knife announced on their official website that drummer Etsuko Nakanishi will be taking an indefinite break from the band.

In a personal comment accompanying the announcement, Nakanishi stated that she is leaving due to personal circumstances, and she did not want to cause any trouble for the band. However, she assured fans that she will definitely return someday.

Shonen Knife released their latest album, "Free Time," on January 6. They are doing a tour for the album, and Nakanishi will play with the band until the last concert of the tour, scheduled for March 20 in Osaka.