Mika Tanaka

**Mika Tanaka** is the drummer for the Discordant Dreamers and one of the main characters in Off-Key Harmony: Tales of a Terrible Garage Band.

## Appearance

Mika Tanaka embraces a wild and free-spirited appearance. Her dark, untamed hair frames bright hazel eyes that sparkle with mischief. A bandana keeps her rebellious locks in check, adding a practical touch to her eccentric style. She prefers loose-fitting jeans and oversized plain hoodies that offer comfort while showcasing her individuality. Her faded black tee, simply colored, complements her laid-back look. Born with a birth defect leaving her missing fourth teeth, she's known for misplacing her drumsticks, often finding them in her ears or pockets due to her forgetfulness.

## Personality

Mika embodies the spirit of adventure and curiosity. Her unyielding optimism allows her to find joy in the most chaotic situations, and her contagious enthusiasm lifts the spirits of everyone around her. Despite her distractible nature, Mika's creativity knows no bounds, adding a unique and unpredictable flair to her drumming. She carries a chocolate bar and soda in her pockets, ever-ready for a snack, reflecting her endless appetite for both food and life. Mika finds comfort in warm hugs, relishes naps, and enjoys being carried, finding solace in the moments of calm amidst the band's lively escapades.

## Background

Raised in a household echoing with the melodies of instruments and the laughter of supportive parents, Mika Tanaka's journey into the world of music started with an inherent passion for rhythm. Even in her early years, her parents recognized her unique connection with music, observing her little hands tapping out beats on any surface she could find. Their encouragement and belief in her abilities laid the foundation for her musical endeavors.
One fateful day, her parents introduced her to the drum set, unaware of the chaotic yet remarkable journey it would lead to. In an unexpected turn of events, Mika's initial drumming experience took a dramatic twist when she accidentally set the drums on fire. While most would have been deterred by such an incident, Mika's determination only burned brighter. Instead of being discouraged, she viewed the mishap as a testament to the intensity of her passion and the unconventional nature of her talent.
Supported by her parents' unwavering belief in her capabilities, Mika fully embraced her eccentricity. Her bandmates, too, quickly learned to appreciate and cherish her unpredictable drumming style. While her techniques might be unconventional, her unbridled enthusiasm and creativity added a special flair to their music. Mika became the heartbeat of the band, her rhythms guiding them through both the harmonious and discordant moments of their musical journey.
Within the confines of school, Mika faced challenges due to her distractible nature. The structured environment clashed with her free-spirited personality, making it difficult for her to focus on traditional studies. However, amidst the academic struggles, her love for music served as a sanctuary. The band provided her not only with an escape but also a sense of belonging and purpose. It was within the band's creative space that Mika felt understood and valued, her unpredictable drumming style celebrated rather than criticized.
Mika's passion for music not only shaped her identity but also became the driving force behind the Discordant Dreamers. Her journey, marked by the unwavering support of her parents and the camaraderie of her bandmates, transformed her eccentricity into a source of strength. Through the highs and lows, Mika remained the heartbeat of the band, her rhythms echoing the spirit of their music and the boundless energy of her soul.

## Instrument

Mika approaches drumming with unbridled enthusiasm, even if her techniques are unconventional. Her drumming style involves unexpected flourishes, accidental stick flips, and occasionally, drumming with her hands when the sticks end up somewhere unexpected. While her skills might be questionable, her passion for rhythm and her ability to find joy in the midst of chaos make her an irreplaceable member of the band.

## Trivia

* She is based loosely on Yui Hirasawa and Ritsu Tanaka from the manga and anime series, K-On! and Spencer Shay from iCarly.
* She always has a chocolate bar and soda can on her to snack on. Nobody knows where she gets them from.
* She usually misplaces her drumsticks and sometimes mistakes for the ice cream,
* She's my favorite of the group.
Mika has a penchant for warm hugs, finding comfort in the embrace of her friends. Her hugs have become a band tradition, a source of reassurance and camaraderie before their performances.
* Mika's love for naps is legendary within the band. She can doze off anywhere, from rehearsal sessions to random corners of the garage, finding solace in the peaceful moments of sleep.
* Despite her adventurous spirit, Mika enjoys being carried by her friends. Whether it's after an energetic performance or simply to indulge her whims, she finds comfort in the arms of her bandmates
* She's the youngest of the band.