# Miyavi

> Japanese guitarist, singer-songwriter, record producer and actor

**Wikidata**: [Q311181](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311181)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyavi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/miyavi

## Summary
Miyavi, born Takamasa Ishihara, is a Japanese guitarist, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is known for his influential role in the visual kei movement and his subsequent international solo career, blending rock, electronic, and traditional Japanese music.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 14, 1981
- **Nationality**: Japan
- **Education**: Not specified
- **Known for**: Guitarist and frontman of the visual kei band Dué le quartz; solo artist and actor
- **Employer(s)**: Universal Music Japan (Virgin Music), EMI Records Japan, PS Company, Free-Will, The Last Rockstars
- **Field(s)**: Music, entertainment, acting

## Contributions
Miyavi has made significant contributions across music and film:
- Guitarist and vocalist for the visual kei band **Dué le quartz** (1999–2002)
- Solo music career beginning in 2002, releasing over 10 studio albums including *雅 -MIYAVI-* (2004) and *Samurai Sessions vol.1* (2017)
- Member of the supergroup **The Last Rockstars** (2022)
- Actor in films such as *Hana yori Dango* (2005), *Detroit Metal City* (2008), and *Hellbound* (2021)
- Record producer and songwriter for his own works and collaborations
- Founded the band **Skin** in 2007
- Collaborated with international artists including The Black Eyed Peas, Linkin Park, and Sugizo

## FAQs
**What is Miyavi's real name?**  
Miyavi's real name is Takamasa Ishihara (石原貴雅). He is also known by aliases such as MYV and 雅.

**What bands has Miyavi been in?**  
Miyavi was the frontman of the visual kei band **Dué le quartz** from 1999 to 2002. He later formed the band **Skin** in 2007 and joined the supergroup **The Last Rockstars** in 2022.

**What record labels has Miyavi worked with?**  
Miyavi has worked with **Universal Music Japan (Virgin Music)**, **EMI Records Japan**, **PS Company**, **Free-Will**, and **The Last Rockstars**.

**What genres does Miyavi work in?**  
Miyavi's music spans rock, visual kei, electronic, and fusion genres incorporating traditional Japanese instruments. His solo work often blends these with orchestral and world music elements.

**Has Miyavi acted in films or TV shows?**  
Yes, Miyavi has appeared in films such as *Detroit Metal City*, *Hana yori Dango*, and the Netflix series *Hellbound*. He also starred in *The Last Wolves* and *Confession of Murder*.

**What are some of Miyavi’s most notable albums?**  
Notable albums include *雅 -MIYAVI-* (2004), *Fire Bird* (2010), *Samurai Sessions vol.1* (2017), and *No Sleep Till Tokyo* (2021).

## Why They Matter
Miyavi has played a pivotal role in bringing Japanese rock and visual kei to a global audience. His transition from underground visual kei to an internationally recognized solo artist has influenced a generation of musicians. His fusion of traditional Japanese instruments with modern rock and electronic music has expanded the boundaries of genre. As an actor, he has also helped bridge Eastern and Western entertainment industries, appearing in both Japanese and international productions.

## Notable For
- Frontman of the influential visual kei band **Dué le quartz**
- Solo artist with over 10 studio albums and global tours
- Member of the supergroup **The Last Rockstars**
- International collaborations with artists like The Black Eyed Peas and Sugizo
- Actor in films such as *Detroit Metal City* and *Hellbound*
- Founder of the band **Skin**
- Prolific presence on social media with millions of followers
- Blending traditional Japanese instruments with modern genres
- Influential figure in the global expansion of Japanese music

## Body

### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Miyavi, born Takamasa Ishihara on September 14, 1981, began his music career in the late 1990s. He first gained prominence as the frontman of the visual kei band **Dué le quartz**, which he co-founded in 1999. The band was part of the visual kei movement, a Japanese music scene characterized by flamboyant costumes, makeup, and hairstyles. Dué le quartz disbanded in 2002, after which Miyavi launched a solo career.

### Solo Career and Musical Evolution
Following his departure from Dué le quartz, Miyavi released his debut solo album *雅 -MIYAVI-* in 2004. His early solo work was heavily influenced by his visual kei roots but gradually evolved to incorporate a broader range of genres, including rock, electronic, and traditional Japanese music. He released several successful albums, including *Fire Bird* (2010) and *Samurai Sessions vol.1* (2017), the latter of which featured collaborations with international artists.

Miyavi's music often features the use of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shamisen and taiko drums, blending them with modern rock and electronic elements. This fusion has helped distinguish his work in the global music scene.

### Record Labels and Collaborations
Miyavi has worked with several prominent Japanese record labels, including **Universal Music Japan (Virgin Music)**, **EMI Records Japan**, **PS Company**, and **Free-Will**. He has also collaborated with international artists such as **The Black Eyed Peas**, **Linkin Park**, and **Sugizo**, further expanding his global reach.

In 2022, Miyavi joined the supergroup **The Last Rockstars**, alongside members from other prominent Japanese bands. This project marked a return to collaborative rock music and further solidified his influence in the Japanese rock scene.

### Acting Career
Miyavi has also made a name for himself in the film industry. He appeared in the cult classic *Detroit Metal City* (2008), based on the popular manga series. He also starred in *Hana yori Dango* (2005), a film adaptation of the popular shōjo manga. More recently, he played a significant role in the Netflix series *Hellbound* (2021), which received international acclaim.

Other notable film appearances include *Confession of Murder* (2012), *The Last Wolves* (2015), and *Bent* (2018). His performances have helped bridge the gap between Japanese and international cinema.

### Band Projects and Side Ventures
In 2007, Miyavi founded the band **Skin**, which explored a harder rock sound compared to his solo work. The band released several albums and EPs, contributing to the diversity of his musical portfolio.

Miyavi has also been involved in various side projects, including collaborations with artists from different genres and appearances at international music festivals. His live performances are known for their high energy and visual spectacle, often incorporating pyrotechnics and elaborate stage designs.

### Digital Presence and Influence
Miyavi maintains a strong digital presence, with millions of followers across platforms such as **Twitter**, **Instagram**, and **YouTube**. His official website, [myv382tokyo.com](http://myv382tokyo.com/), serves as a hub for news, music, and tour dates. His influence extends beyond music, as he is often cited as a trendsetter in fashion and lifestyle.

### Awards and Recognition
Miyavi has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple music awards in Japan and recognition at international film festivals. His impact on the visual kei movement and his success in global markets have made him a cultural ambassador for Japanese rock music.

### Legacy and Influence
Miyavi's career spans over two decades and includes over 10 studio albums, numerous collaborations, and a successful acting career. His ability to evolve musically while staying true to his roots has earned him a dedicated fanbase both in Japan and internationally. His influence on the visual kei movement and the broader rock scene continues to inspire new generations of artists.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. general catalog of BnF
3. MusicBrainz
4. [Source](https://www.discogs.com/%E9%9B%85-Miyavi--%E9%9B%85%E6%A5%BD-Gagaku/master/872923)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [Source](https://store.universal-music.co.jp/artist/miyavi/)
8. [Source](https://natalie.mu/music/artist/277)
9. [Source](https://www.discogs.com/%E9%9B%85%E3%81%BF%E3%82%84%E3%81%B3-Coo-Quack-Cluck-%EF%BD%B8%EF%BD%B8%EF%BE%99-/master/873005)
10. [Source](https://www.discogs.com/%E9%9B%85-miyavi--%E9%9B%85-galyuu-%E6%A5%BD/release/7360977)
11. [Source](https://www.discogs.com/%E9%9B%85%E3%81%BF%E3%82%84%E3%81%B3-%E3%82%B8%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0%E3%83%AB%E3%83%99%E3%83%AB%E4%BB%AE/release/7361118)
12. [Source](https://www.discogs.com/%E9%9B%85%E3%81%BF%E3%82%84%E3%81%B3-%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%A9%E3%83%AA%E3%82%BF%E3%83%A9%E3%83%A9/release/7361138)
13. [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCnG4qAnVAVzN9CTGJdcE50g)
14. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20070703183956/http://o-re-sa-ma.com/miyavi/miyavi/)
15. Quora
16. [Miyavi - Person (52193) - AniDB](https://anidb.net/creator/52193)
17. The Movie Database