Biography
Who is Miyavi?
Early life and background
Born in the Nishikujō district of Osaka, Japan, to a Japanese mother and a Korean father, he was originally named Takamasa Ishihara. His family moved to Kawanishi after he finished first grade. During his youth, he excelled academically and participated in various sports. He successfully secured a spot on the Cerezo Osaka junior football team.
However, a significant physical injury in his second year of junior high school ended his athletic aspirations. At fifteen, he purchased a guitar and began learning by practicing songs by Ray Charles. He explored various genres, including hard rock, Motown, blues, and industrial music. During his final year of junior high school, he joined a visual kei band called Loop.
Musical groups and career start
In 1999, at age seventeen, he moved to Tokyo and joined the visual kei band Dué le Quartz. He contributed as a guitarist, lyricist, and composer until the group disbanded in 2002. He then launched a solo career under the stage name Miyavi. In 2007, he became part of the rock supergroup S.K.I.N., which featured other prominent Japanese musicians.
Later, from 2022 to 2024, he served as a member of the rock supergroup The Last Rockstars. He founded his own company, J-glam, in 2009 after his decade-long contract with PS Company concluded. He has remained active as a solo artist, record producer, and musician throughout his career.
Acting and humanitarian work
The musician transitioned into acting, appearing in the 2014 film Unbroken, which was directed by Angelina Jolie. He subsequently played smaller parts in American productions like Kong: Skull Island and Stray. Beyond entertainment, he has committed significant time to humanitarian efforts.
Since 2013, he has volunteered with the UNHCR, traveling to refugee camps globally to provide support. In November 2017, he received an official appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador for the organization.
Solo career and musical evolution
His musical path includes numerous albums and international tours. His debut studio album, Gagaku, arrived in 2002, followed by Galyuu in late 2003. By 2004, he signed a contract with Universal Music Group and released his first major album, Miyavizm, in 2005. He shifted toward an acoustic and pop sound with records like MYV Pops and Miyaviuta: Dokusō in 2006. He spent six months in America studying English and dancing.
In 2008, he launched his first worldwide tour, This Iz The Japanese Kabuki Rock Tour, covering thirty-three cities across several continents. The tour spanned approximately 48,385 miles, which was the most successful international tour for a Japanese artist at that time. He continued touring globally, including stops in Europe, South America, and Australia. He signed with EMI Music Japan in 2009 and released the single Survive in 2010.
Birthday and age
Miyavi was born on September 14, 1981, which makes Miyavi 45 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Miyavi shares the date with 65 other famous people.
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