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Key Information

Takamasa Ishihara (石原 崇雅, Ishihara Takamasa; born September 14, 1981),[8][5] better known by his stage name MIYAVI (雅, Miyabi, stylized in all caps),[5] is a Japanese guitarist, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor known for his finger-slapping style of playing a guitar.[7][9]

He has been active since 1999, first as guitarist for the visual kei rock band Dué le Quartz and then as a solo artist starting in 2002. In 2007, he became a member of the rock supergroup S.K.I.N. and in 2009 founded his own company, J-glam. He toured worldwide several times. From 2022 to 2024, he was a member of the supergroup The Last Rockstars.

In 2014, Miyavi appeared in the motion picture Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie, and went on to undertake smaller roles in American productions such as Kong: Skull Island and Stray. Since 2013, Miyavi has been a volunteer at UNHCR, visiting refugee camps around the world.[10] In November 2017, he was appointed an official Goodwill Ambassador.[11]

Early life

[edit]

Miyavi was born in the Nishikujō district in Konohana-ku ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, to a Japanese mother and a Korean father.[12] After the first grade, he moved to Kawanishi. His father's family, surnamed Lee, came from Jeju Island.[13] Miyavi says that as a child he was a good student and enjoyed playing football.[12] He was accepted into the junior team of Cerezo Osaka, a J-League team.[14] In the second year of junior high school, a sports injury prevented him from pursuing a professional career in sports. Instead, at the age of fifteen, he learned to play the guitar.[15] He bought a guitar and began covering songs by Ray Charles.[16]

He was particularly fond of visual kei acts such as X Japan and Luna Sea but also listened to the blues, Motown, hard rock such as Metallica and L.A. Guns, and industrial music such as Nine Inch Nails.[15][16] In his third year of junior high school, he started playing with his first band, a visual kei group named Loop.[15]

Career

[edit]

1999–2003: Dué le Quartz and indies era

[edit]

In 1999, at the age of 17, Miyavi moved to Tokyo,[17] and joined the visual kei rock band Dué le Quartz, where he went by the stage name "Miyabi". Besides being a guitarist, he wrote lyrics, composed, and arranged.[18] When the band split up in 2002, he started his solo career and changed his name to Miyavi. He signed a contract with the independent record label PS Company, and on October 31, his debut studio album Gagaku was released. Before the end of the year three more singles were released: "Shindemo Boogie-Woogie", "Pop Is Dead" and "Jingle Bell", of which only the third managed to enter the top forty on the Oricon charts.[19] Miyavi also starred alongside his former bandmate Sakito in a movie, Ryōma no Tsuma to Sono Otto to Aijin.[20][21]

On April 23, 2003, his first solo concert was held at the Shibuya Public Hall.[18] Three singles were released: "Jibun Kakumei", "Tariraritarara", and "Coo quack cluck (Ku. Ku. Ru)", which charted as numbers forty, thirty, and forty-two respectively on Oricon.[19] On December 2, his second studio album, Galyuu, was released; it charted forty-fourth.[22]

2004–2006: Majors and pop/acoustic era

[edit]

In 2004, he starred as himself in the film Oresama.[23] In February he went on his first solo tour, Tokyo Dassou, and in July additional dates were added in Korea and Taiwan.[18] In June his seventh single, "Ashita, Genki Ni Naare", was released, which charted twenty-second,[19] and number one on the indies chart.[24] In August a small, free, fan-club-only event was organized in Tokyo Dome, and on the 31st he held his last indie concert at the Nippon Budokan.[18] In October, he signed a major contract with Universal Music Group, but was still co-managed by PS Company. This was followed by the release of his first major (double) single, "Rock no Gyakushuu"/"21sekikei Koushinkyoku", which entered the top ten on the charts.[19]

During May 2005 another single, "Freedom Fighters -Icecream wo Motta Hadashi no Megami to, Kikanjuu wo Motta Hadaka no Ousama-", was released, which charted tenth,[19] and on June 1, his first major album, Miyavizm, was released. It was his first album to enter the top ten in the charts.[22] It was followed by the third major single, "Kekkon Shiki Uta"/"Are You Ready to Rock?", which is his best charting single, along with "Dear My Friend"/"Itoshii Hito", released in 2006; both reached number six.[19] In December he performed at the first Peace & Smile Carnival organized by PS Company.[18]

In late 2005 and for most of 2006, Miyavi shifted to an acoustic/pop sound[15] reflected in his second and third major albums, MYV Pops and Miyaviuta: Dokusō, released on August 2 and September 13 respectively. They charted at fifteenth and twenty-fifth.[22] The first album singles, "Señor Señora Señorita"/"Gigpig Boogie" and "Kimi ni Negai o", are not different in style. They charted as tenth and twenty-sixth respectively.[19] Miyavi showcased his new acoustic style for the first time in the 25 Shūnen Kinen Koen concert series held at Tokyo Geijutsu Gekijo for five days in September around his 25th birthday.[25] Miyavi left for America for the next six months to study the English language, take dance classes, and give street performances on the weekends at Venice Beach.[16]

2007–2008: US debut, S.K.I.N., World Tour

[edit]
Miyavi in Barcelona, 2008.

On February 17, Miyavi, having been invited by the break dancer Mr. Freeze,[26] performed with the local DJ and percussionist at his first solo concert in the United States, at the Tabu Ultra Lounge in the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.[27] On May 25, at the JRock Revolution concert organized by Yoshiki at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, it was officially announced that Miyavi would be a member of a band named S.K.I.N.[28] On June 29, the band held their debut and their only concert at Anime Expo in Long Beach, California.[29][30]

In June, Miyavi's seventh major single (and 14th overall), "Sakihokoru Hana no you ni (Neo Visualizm)"/"Kabuki Danshi", was released in Japan, which charted as twelfth.[19] In July, a remixed extended play, 7 Samurai Sessions -We're Kavki Boiz-, was released, which includes re-arrangements of his past songs. It charted as forty-fourth.[22] It was followed by Miyavi's nationwide tour, which started on July 16. He also performed at Animagic in Bonn, Germany,[31] and in Seoul, South Korea.[13] In November, his tenth major single was released, "Subarashikikana, Kono Sekai - What A Wonderful World",[32] which charted as thirteenth.[19]

On January 16, 2008, his ninth major single was released, "Hi no Hikari Sae Todokanai Kono Basho De", on which he collaborated with fellow Skin guitarist Sugizo.[33] It is his third single to enter the top ten.[19] On March 19, his fourth major studio album was released, titled, This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock,[34] which charted as twenty-fifth.[22] In May, it was followed by his very first worldwide tour, This Iz The Japanese Kabuki Rock Tour 2008, with 33 concerts in the United States, Chile, Brazil, Germany, England, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Finland, France, Taiwan, South Korea, mainland China and Japan.[35][36][37][38][39][40][41] The tour covered a distance of approximately 48,385 miles, equivalent to almost two trips around the world, and the majority of the concerts were sold out and covered extensively by media organizations. It was the most successful international tour undertaken by a Japanese artist in history.[42] On June 27, a compilation album, Azn Pride -This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock-, was released in Korea and Taiwan, later also in Japan, which charted as forty-fourth.[22] In September, he performed in Beijing.[18] On December 24, a remix album was released, Room No. 382, which failed to enter the top hundred.[22]

2009–2011: Founding J-glam Inc.

[edit]
Miyavi performing in New York, 2011.

In 2009, on January 3, Miyavi performed at the 10th Anniversary Commemorative concert by PS Company at the Nippon Budokan.[43] On April 5, Miyavi left the PS Company because their ten-year contract expired, and on April 8 launched his own company, J-glam inc., of which he is the president. On April 22, a compilation album was released, Victory Road to the King of Neo Visual Rock,[44] which includes all his major singles with Universal Group. On June 1, "Super Hero," a new song, was released through his official Myspace,[45] and in September his International Fanclub was opened.[46] On September 19, Miyavi started his second worldwide tour, Neo Tokyo Samurai Black 2009/2010, in Moscow, Russia.[47] He held 17 concerts in Europe, visiting Austria, Hungary and Italy for the first time.[47][48] The tour immediately continued in South America, with concerts in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Mexico. The United States leg was canceled due to illness and an injury,[49] but Miyavi managed to perform in November at Anime Matsuri, Texas.[50] On December 31, he signed a new contract with EMI Music Japan.[49]

Miyavi on stage in Kentish Town, London, 2011.

On March 10, 2010, his first single with EMI was released, "Survive", via iTunes.[51] The worldwide tour was continued on March 28, with the concert at Human Stage, Okinawa, and nationwide. In June and early July he toured throughout the United States and Canada,[52][53] and in October for the first time in Australia.[54] On September 15, his eleventh major single was released, "Torture". On October 13, his fifth studio album was released, What's My Name?, which charted as twenty-sixth.[22] On November 6, he performed at the EMI Rocks 50th anniversary event at the Saitama Super Arena.[55]

In March 2011, a new world tour, titled What's My Name?, began in Europe, with his first visit to Belgium.[56] In April the tour continued in Japan, while in July Miyavi performed in France, and in September at the Mount Taishan MAO Rock Festival in China.[citation needed] In May 2011, a live album, Live in London 2011, was released, which was recorded during the London concert in March.[57] On October 5, his twelfth major single, "Strong", was released, in collaboration with Japanese rapper Kreva. It was followed by the North American leg of the tour.[58] Miyavi performed in South America at the Maquinaria festival in Chile,[59] and visited Venezuela, Peru and Colombia for the first time.[60]

2012–2014: Miyavi and international acting career

[edit]
Miyavi in 2012, performing at the Kubana Festival in Russia

In 2012, Miyavi performed on February 19 at the second EMI Rocks event in Saitama Super Arena.[61] On June 29, he performed at the EHZ Festival in Helette,[62] while on June 30, he was the only Asian representative at the Main Square Festival in Arras, France.[63] On July 11, his thirteenth major single, "Day 1", was released in collaboration with the French electronic producer and DJ Yuksek. In August, he performed at the Kubana Festival in Russia.[64] On September 8, Miyavi performed at the 908 Festival, organized by Kreva, in Saitama Super Arena.[65] In October two concerts were held in Indonesia.[66][67] On November 14, Samurai Sessions vol.1, his second EP, was released, which featured collaboration with various artists, and it was followed by a short nationwide tour.[68][69][70] It reached 21 on the Oricon charts.[22]

On February 28, 2013, "Ahead of the Light", Miyavi's fourteenth single, was released; a promotional tour of the same name followed.[71][72] On June 19, his seventh studio album, Miyavi, was released in Japan, reaching number eight on the Oricon charts.[22]

Miyavi with Angelina Jolie in 2014.

On October 12, 2013, it was announced that Miyavi would venture into professional acting with his international debut in the film Unbroken. He played the role of Imperial Japanese Army sergeant Mutsuhiro Watanabe, nicknamed "The Bird", in what was Angelina Jolie's second feature film as director.[9] It was released in December 2014.[73] Miyavi commented that as the movie was somewhat sensitive to the Japanese people, he had hesitated as to whether he should take this role. However, after meeting with Jolie, and given that the underlying theme of this story is forgiveness, he decided to accept it.[74][75] Miyavi was featured in the same month's edition of Vogue Italia.[76]

In 2013, Miyavi was nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Japanese Act,[77] and at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan he won the Best Collaboration category with Yuksek.[78] In 2014, the music video of "Horizon" was nominated for the Best Male Video at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan.[79]

In 2014, Miyavi went on his fourth world tour, "Slap the World", which started on February 22 in Malaysia. He continued throughout Europe, followed by the European release of his latest studio album, and visited Mexico City and Los Angeles, with United States release of the album, before returning to Japan for a nationwide tour.[80] Miyavi composed the music for the single "Top of the World" by SMAP, which topped the Oricon singles charts.[81] On August 25, he performed for the first time at Fuji Rock Festival.[81] On September 9, his new single "Real?" was released, on which Miyavi collaborated with Jam and Lewis and Jeff Blue, and also the live video recording from the world tour.[82][83]

2015–present: The Others, Fire Bird

[edit]
Miyavi on A38 ship in Budapest, Hungary, in 2017 during the Firebird Tour

His next album The Others was released on April 15, 2015, produced by Grammy Award winning Drew Ramsey and Shannon Sanders. The song "Alien Girl" was dedicated to Angelina Jolie, while his title song, "The Others" was later released in a different version to support UNHCR.[84][85] The album ranked 10th on Oricon[86] and was followed by a two-part nationwide tour, a Europe tour (his fifth on the continent) and a concert in South Korea.[87][88]

On April 29, Miyavi released a digital single, "Afraid to Be Cool"/"Raise Me Up".[89] His next album, Fire Bird came out on August 31, 2016,[90] and ranked 11th on Oricon.[86] The artist followed it up with a nationwide tour MIYAVI Japan Tour 2016 "NEW BEAT, NEW FUTURE", which included 10 stops.[89] The last performance was held at Makuhari Messe, and was broadcast live on Abema TV, with more than 100,000 viewers watching.[91]

Miyavi performing in the Taylor Guitars showroom at the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, Orange County, California, on Saturday, January 27, 2018.

In 2017, he played a cameo role in the movie Kong: Skull Island.[92][93] In February, the singer revealed a North American and European tour. As a part of Live Nation's Asia on Tour, Miyavi performed in 14 cities, including Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City and Toronto. He embarked on a solo international tour entitled Fire Bird World Tour. The tour began in Seoul on February 29 and ended in Berlin on May 10, with shows in countries including Austria, Hungary, Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom.[94] In March, Miyavi performed at South by Southwest for the first time in his career.[95] On March 29, he released a digital single titled "Live to Die Another Day", which is the theme song of the live-action film Blade of the Immortal.[96] To commemorate his 15th year as a solo artist, Miyavi embarked on a Japanese tour—MIYAVI 15th Anniversary Live "NEO TOKYO 15" started on May 21, with Miyavi releasing an anniversary compilation album, All Time Best: Day 2, on April 5.[97]

In 2018, Miyavi covered "Pink Spider" for the Hide tribute album Tribute Impulse,[98] and was also cast as Byakuya Kuchiki in the live-action film adaptation of Bleach.[99] On February 23, 2019, Miyavi performed an album release concert for Samurai Sessions Vol. 3: Worlds Collide at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles with guest performers Duckwrth, Mikky Ekko, Che’nelle, and Yuna.[100][101] On March 1, 2019, the supernatural action film Stray[102] was released in the U.S., featuring Miyavi in the villain role of Jin. In April 2019, Miyavi performed a headlining concert at Anime Boston.[103] In October, it was announced that Kyoto-based sake brewery Tsuki no katsura (月の桂) launches a new product named after Miyavi.[104]

On December 18, 2019, it was announced during an event held at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo that Miyavi would transfer to Japanese talent company LDH Japan, starting in January 2020.[105][106] Miyavi, who had been independently active in the music industry for 10 years, explained his decision by mentioning that during those years he often wished for friends to work with and that he resonated with LDH's values, especially their approach to international expansion. He also announced that he would release two solo albums in 2020 and was planning a Japan tour.[107][108][109][110]

On February 14, 2020, it was revealed that Miyavi would release one album before the Tokyo Olympics in summer and one afterwards. The first album, Holy Nights, was released on April 22 and accompanied by a national tour titled MIYAVI“Holy Nights”JAPAN TOUR 2020.[111][112]

He provided the ending song for the anime ID:Invaded.[113] The series also used his songs "Up", "Samurai 45", and "Butterfly".

Miyavi performed in Japan Expo Malaysia 2020 Goes Virtual on July 19, 2020.[114]

In 2021, Miyavi made his voice acting debut as the character Kōketsu in the anime film Bright: Samurai Soul.[115] In November 2022, Miyavi was announced as a member of the supergroup The Last Rockstars, along with fellow musicians Yoshiki, Hyde, and Sugizo.[116] The group released their first single, "The Last Rockstars (Paris Mix)", in December of the same year.[117]

Personal life

[edit]
Miyavi with his wife Melody, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at the premiere of Unbroken

On March 14, 2009, Miyavi married Japanese-American singer Melody.[118] The couple has three children, Lovelie "Aily" Miyavi (born July 29, 2009, in Japan), Jewelie Aoi (born October 21, 2010, in Japan), and Skyler Kakeru (born February 24, 2021, in the United States).[119][120][121][122][123] From 2014 to 2021, Miyavi and his family were living in Los Angeles, California, having moved to the area during the release of his film Unbroken.[124] After the birth of his son Skyler, he and his family returned to Japan and currently live in Tokyo. After becoming a father, Miyavi toned down his on-stage attire.[125][126]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Miyavi discography

Studio albums

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2002 Ryoma's Wife, Her Husband and Her Lover cameo
2003 Oresama himself [127]
2014 Unbroken Mutsuhiro Watanabe
2017 Kong: Skull Island Gunpei Ikari
2018 Bleach Byakuya Kuchiki
Gangoose Adachi
2019 Stray Jin
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Udo
2021 Kate Jojima
Bright: Samurai Soul Kōketsu Voice role
2022 Hell Dogs Yoshitaka Toake [128]
2023 Familia Kaito Enomoto [129]
2024 Yo Gabba GabbaLand Guest
TBA The Wrecking Crew † TBA Post-production

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2020 Followers himself
2021 Arcane Finn Voice role

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Awards Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2013 MTV Europe Music Award Best Japanese Act Nominated
MTV Video Music Awards Japan Best Collaboration Day 1 (with Yuksek) Won
2014 Best Male Video Horizon Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Miyavi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Takamasa Ishihara (born September 14, 1981), known professionally as Miyavi, is a Japanese , , , and recognized for his distinctive finger-slapping guitar technique that blends , punk, and electronic elements. Born in to a Japanese mother and Zainichi Korean father, he began his career in 1999 as a member of the band Dué le Quartz before launching a prolific solo career marked by innovative compositions and lyrics he often writes and performs himself. Miyavi has conducted nine world tours, delivering over 380 live performances across more than 30 countries, establishing him as a globally touring with a reputation for high-energy shows that emphasize technical virtuosity on guitar without traditional use. In 2009, he founded his own label, J-Glam, to manage his productions, and he has collaborated with international figures while maintaining a focus on genre-defying music that draws from his slap-rock style. Transitioning to acting, Miyavi debuted in Hollywood with the 2014 film Unbroken, directed by , where he portrayed , the infamous prison camp guard known as "The Bird," earning praise for his intense performance despite limited prior acting experience beyond playing himself in a 2004 Japanese film. He has since appeared in supporting roles in American productions, including Kong: Skull Island (2017), while continuing to balance music releases and humanitarian efforts as a advocating for refugees.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Takamasa Ishihara, professionally known as Miyavi, was born on September 14, 1981, in the Nishikujō district of Konohana-ku, , , to a Japanese mother and a second-generation Zainichi Korean father. The family relocated from urban to the more rural Inagawa area in Kawabe, Hyōgo Prefecture, during his early childhood, where he grew up in a modest household amid 's post-industrial working-class communities. Limited public details exist on specific parental occupations or intra-family dynamics, though Ishihara has described a formative environment emphasizing perseverance amid economic constraints typical of such regions. From a young age, Ishihara pursued soccer intensively, joining a junior youth team with aspirations of a professional career, reflecting the sport's prominence in Japanese youth culture during the 1990s. At approximately age 15, a severe leg injury sustained during play ended these ambitions, leaving him without an immediate life direction and prompting a shift toward coping strategies. This setback, occurring amid in a relocated setting, fostered resilience through , as he later recounted the loss instilling a drive to redefine personal goals independently of prior athletic identity. Music emerged as an early outlet post-injury, with Ishihara acquiring his first guitar around age 15 and learning fundamentals autodidactically, absent structured lessons or conservatory training. Initial exposures drew from accessible rock influences prevalent in Osaka's underground scenes, including aesthetics and , which he encountered via peers and media rather than formal study, laying groundwork for later technical innovations without reliance on institutional pedagogy. This self-directed phase in Hyōgo's periphery underscored a pattern of adaptive grit, transforming familial and environmental stability into a platform for solitary skill-building amid limited resources.

Initial musical influences and entry into rock scene

At age 14, Takamasa Ishihara (Miyavi's real name) suffered a career-ending foot injury while pursuing professional soccer, prompting him to abandon organized sports and explore music as an alternative outlet rather than relying on institutional rehabilitation or academic pursuits. This shift exemplified self-directed determination, as he self-taught guitar without formal lessons, drawing initial inspiration from Japanese acts like , whose blend of theatrical visuals and rock intensity resonated with his emerging interest in performative music. By his third year of junior high school, Ishihara had formed his first band, a visual kei group called Loop, marking his entry into local experimentation focused on raw energy and aesthetic presentation over polished production. At 17, he dropped out of high school and relocated from to , immersing himself in the underground scene by joining informal garage bands and refining his skills through relentless practice and live performances. In 1999, Ishihara auditioned and joined the visual kei rock band Dué le Quartz as lead guitarist under the stage name Miyabi, a pivotal step into the indie circuit where bands prioritized elaborate costumes, makeup, and high-octane stage presence to captivate audiences. This entry underscored his rejection of conventional career trajectories in favor of a grassroots ascent, composing tracks overnight after meeting band members at a live house and committing to the group's rigorous performance demands without prior industry connections. The visual kei ethos of Dué le Quartz emphasized causal links between visual spectacle and musical impact, fostering Ishihara's development of an aggressive, audience-engaging style that propelled his transition from amateur to professional rocker.

Music career

1999–2003: Dué le Quartz and indie beginnings

In 1999, at the age of 17, Miyavi joined the rock band Dué le Quartz as its , performing under the stage name . The band, formed in December 1998 by vocalist Sakito and drummer Ken in , had recruited bassist Kikasa prior to Miyavi's addition and played its first live show on February 14, 1999, at Cyclone. Operating within the indie scene, Dué le Quartz signed to labels such as Matina and PS Company, emphasizing theatrical live performances characterized by elaborate costumes, makeup, and dramatic stage presence typical of the genre. During his tenure with the band from 1999 to 2002, Miyavi contributed to several indie releases, including singles and contributions to omnibus albums like Prelude (April 26, 2000) and Shock Edge 2000 (October 14, 2000), while honing his guitar techniques amid the constraints of small-scale production and distribution. The group's sound, infused with gothic and elements, faced internal challenges, including creative differences in musical direction and principles, which strained band dynamics under indie label management. Dué le Quartz disbanded in following these tensions, prompting Miyavi to pursue a solo path for greater artistic control. He adopted the stage name Miyavi, signed with the indie label PS Company, and released his debut solo single in late , marking his transition from band to independent performer; this culminated in his first solo concert on April 23, 2003, at Public Hall.

2004–2006: Major label debut and acoustic experimentation

In October , following indie success, Miyavi signed with and released his major-label debut single "Rock no Gyakushuu / 21 Seiki Kōshinkyoku," which peaked in the top ten on the weekly singles chart. This marked his transition from independent releases to broader commercial distribution, driven by prior indie chart-toppers like the maxi-single "Ashita, Genki ni Naare," which had reached number one on the indies chart. His first major album, Miyavizm, followed on June 1, 2005, under Universal, incorporating rock elements with pop influences and peaking at number 10 on the weekly albums chart, with four weeks of chart presence. In 2006, Miyavi pivoted toward acoustic experimentation, releasing MYV Pops on August 2, which debuted at number 15 on , and Miyaviuta -Dokusō on September 13, peaking at number 25; these albums emphasized solo arrangements and pop-oriented melodies, reflecting an artistic exploration beyond his earlier electric rock style. Miyavi toured extensively across during this period to promote his releases, building domestic fanbase momentum amid moderate commercial performance, with MYV Pops selling approximately 14,000 copies in its first week. The acoustic shift aligned with efforts to diversify his sound, though it maintained core elements like his finger-slapping technique adapted for unplugged settings. Early international steps included extending his 2004 "Tokyo Dassou" tour to dates in Korea and , providing initial exposure outside and foreshadowing global outreach.

2007–2008: International breakthrough, S.K.I.N., and global touring

In early 2007, Miyavi expanded internationally by performing his US debut on February 17 in , invited by breakdancer to collaborate with local DJs and dancers, marking an initial entry into the American market independent of major label distribution. Later that year, he co-founded the supergroup S.K.I.N. with Yoshiki, , and , a rock project that debuted live at in , on June 29, performing original tracks such as "Killing You Softly" and "Beneath the Skin" alongside covers, which introduced his slap-guitar technique to a broader Western audience through convention exposure and emerging online video sharing. On March 19, 2008, Miyavi released his sixth studio , This Iz the Japanese Rock, which peaked at number 25 on the Japanese charts and served as the foundation for his international push, featuring tracks emphasizing his percussive guitar style amid pop-rock arrangements. The 's promotion highlighted self-produced elements, aligning with Miyavi's shift toward global appeal without reliance on extensive Western label backing at the time. In May 2008, Miyavi launched his first world tour, This Iz the Japanese Rock Tour, accompanied by his backing band KAVKI BOIZ, comprising 36 shows across 14 countries including the , , , , and , drawing a total audience of 150,000 and demonstrating rapid growth from niche followers to wider rock enthusiasts via high-energy performances of slap-infused tracks. Several dates, such as in on May 18, Stockholm on July 1, and on July 2, sold out, underscoring organic demand built through viral clips of his finger-slapping technique circulating on platforms like , which amplified visibility ahead of formal Western releases. This tour solidified his breakthrough by prioritizing live logistics and direct fan engagement over traditional promotional structures.

2009–2011: J-glam Inc. founding and stylistic shifts

In April 2009, following his departure from PS Company on April 5, Miyavi established J-Glam Inc. as his independent management and production company, enabling greater artistic control over his career trajectory and releases. This move aligned with his pursuit of autonomy after years under major labels, allowing self-directed decisions on music production and touring. Shortly thereafter, on April 22, 2009, he issued the Victory Road to the King of Neo Visual Rock - Singles, aggregating his key singles from prior Universal-affiliated work, which peaked at number 65 on the chart. Under J-Glam, Miyavi released his seventh studio album, What's My Name?, on October 13, 2010, marking his first full-length project post-independence and featuring collaborations with artists like Maika from . The album represented a stylistic evolution, incorporating foundations with hip-hop inflections—evident in tracks like the title song's rap-infused verses—and elements, diverging from his earlier rock intensity toward a more streamlined, genre-blending sound classified under shimokita-kei. This shift emphasized vocal-forward arrangements and rhythmic experimentation, reflecting Miyavi's intent to redefine his identity as the "New Miyavi" while retaining signature guitar techniques. These releases coincided with extensive touring, including the Neo Tokyo Samurai Black World Tour in 2010, which encompassed Japanese dates alongside international stops, and a 2011 world tour commencing February 9 at Nagoya's Bottom Line venue, extending through Europe and beyond. The independent era sustained fan loyalty through direct engagement, with performances showcasing adaptive live sets that integrated new material, though some observers noted the commercial polish of collaborations risked diluting raw edge—opinions echoed in fan discussions without widespread consensus. Overall, J-Glam's framework facilitated Miyavi's reclamation of creative agency, evidenced by sustained output amid economic pressures on Japan's music industry.

2012–2014: Self-titled album and expanded collaborations

In June 2013, Miyavi released his self-titled album MIYAVI in Japan, marking a maturation in his songwriting with a blend of rock, pop, and electronic elements produced by international collaborators including Grammy-winning producer Dean Gillard and French DJ Yuksek. The album featured tracks such as "Ahead of the Light," "Justice," and "Horizon," emphasizing vocal-driven compositions over his earlier instrumental focus, with production credits extending to Matt Ward and Oscar Holter for a polished, global sound. This release followed the July 2012 single "Futuristic Love," which previewed his evolving style with Taylor Guitars endorsement performances at events like NAMM 2013. Expanded partnerships highlighted Miyavi's push for crossover appeal, including the single "Day 1" released on July 11, 2013, in collaboration with , which earned the Best Collaboration award at the Japan. Additional 2013 contributions, such as featuring on Kiyoharu's track and "Light up Nippon" with various artists, underscored his integration into broader Japanese projects while forging Western ties through producers like Gillard. The album's European edition followed on March 3, 2014, facilitating further international exposure. Touring sustained Miyavi's momentum, with 2012 Asia dates including performances in on October 22 at KITEC Rotunda 3 and Indonesia venues, alongside Japanese shows like Billboard Live on September 14. The 2014 "Slap the World Tour" expanded globally, commencing February 22 in , , at Club , and encompassing 16 concerts across and by March, demonstrating enduring high-energy performances amid stylistic shifts toward vocal and collaborative experimentation.

2015–2021: The Others, Fire Bird, and supergroup formations

In 2015, Miyavi released The Others, his ninth studio album, on April 15 through , which debuted at number 10 on the weekly albums chart. Produced by Grammy-winning duo Drew Ramsey and Shannon Sanders and recorded in Nashville, the 11-track effort fused rock with elements of , , metal, and , incorporating ensemble contributions from musicians including backing vocalists, , and Drew & Shannon, Bobo, and guest vocalist Rob Harvey on "Unite." This approach emphasized collaborative dynamics over solo virtuosity, reflecting Miyavi's pivot toward band-format experimentation to explore multifaceted musical identities. Miyavi followed with a return to solo material on Fire Bird, released August 31, 2016, which peaked at number 11 on and featured 10 tracks plus a bonus, including singles "Afraid to Be Cool" and "Raise Me Up." The album's sound, blended with influences, drew praise for its energetic production and stylistic range, supported by the subsequent MIYAVI Tour 2016 "NEW BEAT, NEW FUTURE," a nationwide run that sustained live momentum post-album. These releases demonstrated consistent commercial viability, with chart positions aligning closely to prior efforts and countering unsubstantiated claims of mid-career stagnation through verifiable sales data and tour execution. From 2017 onward, Miyavi advanced collaborative groundwork via the Samurai Sessions series, releasing volume 2 on November 8, 2017, with tracks co-created alongside Japanese artists such as Daichi Miura on "Dancing with My Fingers" and SKY-HI on "Gemstone," structured as "musical battles" transcending genre boundaries. Volume 3, Worlds Collide, followed on December 5, 2018, expanding to international pairings like DUCKWRTH on "U.G.L.Y." and an intro narration by Samuel L. Jackson, further emphasizing supergroup-like ensembles through cross-cultural improvisation and production. These projects, totaling over 20 featured tracks across volumes, built toward larger formations by prioritizing high-profile, genre-spanning partnerships amid ongoing solo touring, including the 2019 North American "No Sleep Till Tokyo" dates. The disrupted global schedules from 2020, yet Miyavi adapted by rescheduling and executing the Imaginary North America Tour 2021—his first regional outing in two years—across multiple cities with venue-specific vaccination or testing mandates, completing shows without reported cancellations. This resilience, coupled with prior tours drawing audiences in excess of prior benchmarks (e.g., cumulative 250+ international performances by decade's end), empirically refuted decline narratives, as sustained releases, mid-tier chart debuts (10-11 range), and adaptive live metrics evidenced robust demand and operational continuity.

2022–present: The Last Rockstars, recent albums, and tours

In 2022, Miyavi joined the supergroup alongside Yoshiki, Hyde, and , with the band releasing their self-titled debut album on July 19, 2023, followed by tours in and the in early 2023. The project emphasized high-energy rock performances, culminating in a final single "Psycho Love" released on November 11, 2024, which marked Miyavi's departure from the group due to creative divergences, though he expressed intent to continue collaborations with the members. Miyavi released his solo album Lost in Love, Found in Pain in two parts, with Lost in Love on April 3, 2024, and Found in Pain on October 23, 2024, distributed by BMG and ; a deluxe edition combining both with additional tracks followed on May 7, 2025. The album drew from Miyavi's experiences in touring and , incorporating themes of emotional turmoil and resilience through his signature guitar techniques and vocal delivery. Supporting the album, Miyavi embarked on the U.S. "Broken Fantasy" tour, with Part I: Lost in Love spanning May 2025 across cities including on May 7, New York on May 11, and on May 13. Part II: Found in Pain was initially scheduled for June 2025 but rescheduled to February 2026 due to logistical conflicts, featuring stops in Phoenix on February 18 and on February 20. In September 2025, Miyavi signed an endorsement deal with D'Addario, becoming part of their artist roster and praising the strings for reliability in his finger-slapping style during live performances.

Musical style and technique

Signature slap-guitar method

Miyavi's signature slap-guitar method substitutes finger strikes for use, leveraging the thumb to percussively impact bass strings while index, middle, and ring fingers simultaneously pluck or strum treble strings, thereby generating layered rhythmic and melodic outputs in a single motion. The biomechanical principle relies on rapid thumb descent—often employing the side edge rather than the pad for tangential string contact—followed by a rebound that minimizes and sustains , akin to slap bass adaptations but scaled to six strings for polyphonic complexity. Acoustically, this produces a sharp transient attack from string-body collision, enriching harmonics through controlled impact force that traditional picking cannot replicate without auxiliary percussion. Developed during his indie rock phase in the early 2000s, the technique is demonstrably executed at high velocities in live footage, such as rapid passages exceeding conventional limits through integrated slapping and sequences. Causal benefits include superior and textural depth over standard shredding, as the percussive slaps provide inherent groove without , enabling solo performances with drum-like propulsion. However, the repetitive high-force impacts impose biomechanical stress, potentially accelerating on tendons and joints, a drawback inherent to percussive techniques that demand precise control to avoid unintended muting or string buzz. Precision in placement is critical, targeting single strings to prevent interference, as deviations yield muddied tones observable in suboptimal executions.

Influences, evolution, and technical innovations

Miyavi's guitar style originated from influences in , with early inspirations drawn from artists like and , whose progressions provided a foundation of rhythmic depth and simplicity. He adapted percussive elements from bass techniques employed by , , and Louis Johnson, transposing slap methods from four-string bass to six-string guitar to generate funk-infused rhythms. Traditional Japanese phrasing further shaped his melodic contours, integrating string-plucking dynamics into rock contexts for a hybrid tonal identity. His technique evolved from the visual kei rock of his Dué le Quartz period (1999–2002), where standard electric guitar riffs dominated, to a self-developed slap method by 2003, emphasizing finger-based percussion over picks to mimic drum patterns in tracks like early solo singles. This shift causalized broader fusions, incorporating hip-hop beats and electronic textures by the mid-2000s, as evident in albums blending blues progressions with programmed rhythms. By the 2010s, adaptations extended to collaborative works, such as those with The Others (2016), where slap rhythms underpinned electro-rock arrangements, reflecting a progression toward genre-agnostic experimentation driven by global touring demands. Key innovations include his pickless slap-guitar approach, which percussively taps and slaps strings to produce bass-like thumps alongside melodic lines, enabling simulations verifiable in live performances from onward. He employs a multi-amp rig—typically three units—to balance high-frequency clarity and low-end resonance during slap sequences, compensating for the technique's . Recent advancements involve hybrid acoustic-electric configurations, as in his endorsement of Taylor and Fender models tuned for slap sustain, and his 2024 role as Donner Music's , where he refined guitar designs with reinforced necks for aggressive string impacts. These modifications trace directly from bass-derived slaps, allowing sustained evolution without diluting core percussive causality, though they demand precise finger independence honed through iterative practice.

Reception of style changes and vocal performance

Miyavi's signature slap-guitar technique has garnered consistent praise for its virtuosity, with Magnet Magazine in 2019 highlighting his "unique and virtuosic slap-style approach" that thrills international audiences. Reviews from outlets like Burst Method emphasize his extraordinary technical mastery, balancing intricate playing with electronic and rock elements without a pick, positioning guitar prowess as the core of his appeal. His vocal performance, however, has been critiqued as secondary to , with a raw, sometimes strained suiting high-energy rock but faltering in melodic or pop-leaning tracks. A 2014 UK Vibe album review described vocals as "weak and indistinctive," better suited to younger demographics than broader listeners. Fan discussions echo this, noting early tracks like "Selfish Love" (2006) where voice quality detracted despite strong guitar work. Over time, tonal criticisms have lessened as styles evolved, per observer accounts, though vocals remain understated and harmony-focused rather than dominant. Evolutions from intensity to accessible, global pop around 2010 elicited mixed responses: purist forums cited alienation from "cornball" shifts and reduced J-rock edge, yet these broadened reach via eight world tours across 30+ countries by 2021, fostering a diverse international fanbase. Minor recurring critiques target spectacle-driven production over songcraft refinement, such as repetitive structures, but lack escalation to scandals, with innovations credited for sustained touring metrics.

Acting career

Breakthrough roles in film

Miyavi's entry into film acting occurred with his portrayal of Mutsuhiro "The Bird" Watanabe, the notorious prison camp guard, in Unbroken (2014), directed by . Despite limited prior experience—limited to playing himself in the 2004 Japanese biopic —Jolie selected him for the role after being impressed by his rock performances, seeking an actor who could embody the character's volatile intensity without relying on conventional training. The film earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Sound Mixing, and Miyavi's debut performance drew positive reviews for its raw naturalism. Following Unbroken, Miyavi escalated his Hollywood presence with a supporting role as the Japanese admiral in Kong: Skull Island (2017), a blockbuster directed by that grossed over $566 million worldwide. This appearance marked his transition to larger-scale action productions, leveraging his established intensity from into brief but pivotal command scenes. In Japanese cinema, he took on the villainous Gin Ichimaru in the live-action adaptation (2018), contributing to a film that adapted Tite Kubo's and emphasized his versatility in antagonistic parts. Subsequently, in (2019), Miyavi played the tundra tribal leader , a role in Disney's sequel that further embedded him in international fantasy blockbusters alongside . Miyavi continues to secure prominent roles, including an undisclosed part in the upcoming action thriller The Wrecking Crew (2025), starring and , directed by Angel Manuel Soto, signaling ongoing expansion in ensemble Hollywood casts.

Television and anime appearances

Miyavi debuted in Korean television with the role of Morgan Lee, the executive director of the real estate firm Real Capital, in the thriller drama How to Become a Building Owner in Korea, announced for airing in 2025. This supporting part leverages his international profile, though specific episode credits and air dates remain pending as of mid-2025. In anime voice work, Miyavi first lent his voice to Kôketsu, a ferocious antagonist, in the Netflix original Bright: Samurai Soul released on October 12, 2021. The role, involving both Japanese and English dubbing elements in promotional contexts, highlighted his vocal intensity suited to the character's aggressive demeanor, drawing from his stage presence as a . He followed this with the voice of Finn, a street-tough enforcer in the Zaun undercity, across three episodes of the Riot Games animated series Arcane in November 2021. Finn's portrayal emphasized raw aggression and loyalty, roles that echo Miyavi's real-life rocker archetype without deviating into unrelated persona emulation. These appearances, primarily minor or supporting, have contributed incrementally to his acting resume amid a film-heavy career, with Arcane's global viewership exceeding 34 million hours in its first week bolstering exposure. No major Japanese live-action TV dramas are credited to him prior to the Korean project, reflecting a selective expansion into serialized formats.

International projects and typecasting debates

Miyavi's transition to international acting began with his casting in the 2014 film Unbroken, directed by , where he portrayed the historical figure , a Japanese POW camp guard known as "The Bird." This role marked his Hollywood debut and provided significant exposure, transitioning him from primarily Japanese media to global productions. Subsequent projects included supporting roles in major blockbusters such as Kong: Skull Island (2017), where he appeared as a Japanese soldier, and : Mistress of Evil (2019). He also featured in the independent supernatural thriller Stray (2019) as the antagonist Jin, and the Netflix action film Kate (2021) as a figure. These international endeavors expanded Miyavi's visibility, enabling collaborations with high-profile talent and access to diverse audiences, though roles often emphasized antagonistic or culturally specific Japanese characters. By 2025, his had diversified further with announcements for The Wrecking Crew, an action project alongside and , suggesting potential broadening beyond initial niche placements. Debates surrounding typecasting have centered on Miyavi's frequent portrayal of villains, starting with the sadistic yet humanized Watanabe in Unbroken, which some analyses link to a pattern of Asian actors in Hollywood being relegated to one-dimensional antagonists. Critics note that while such roles leverage his authentic Japanese heritage—praised by director Jolie for avoiding stereotypes and adding depth through his non-actor background—the repetition risks limiting opportunities for multifaceted or heroic parts. Authenticity discussions, including his English accent and physical intensity in Unbroken, received positive feedback from cast and reviewers for believability, with co-stars highlighting his ability to convey complexity without caricature. Industry observers as of 2025 argue that despite a balanced portfolio incorporating varied genres, persistent pigeonholing into "exotic" tough-guy archetypes reflects broader challenges in Western casting for non-Western actors, though Miyavi's musical persona has aided in securing these entry points.

Philanthropy and social impact

Humanitarian initiatives

Miyavi was appointed as a for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in November 2017, focusing on raising awareness for refugee issues globally. In this role, he has conducted field visits to support displaced populations, including a 2022 mission to amid the crisis, where he witnessed local solidarity efforts and advocated for sustained international aid to host communities strained by over 100,000 arriving refugees. He emphasized 's example of community-driven assistance, such as sheltering refugees in private homes, while urging donors to address funding shortfalls for essentials like food and . Earlier efforts included a 2019 visit to UNHCR operations in , where he engaged with refugees at camps and highlighted educational initiatives, and trips to Rohingya settlements in to document humanitarian needs through personal advocacy. In 2017, he released the song "The Others," produced and directed by UNHCR Special Envoy , to amplify refugee voices and promote empathy via music, aligning with UNHCR campaigns that reached millions through digital platforms. Miyavi has supported targeted fundraising, such as participating in the 19th Refugee Film Festival in Japan in October 2024, where proceeds from ticket sales and donations directly funded UNHCR's global aid programs for emergency shelter, healthcare, and protection services. His advocacy extends to critiquing Japan's low refugee acceptance rates—granting status to just 42 of 10,493 applicants in 2018—while noting the country's substantial financial contributions, totaling nearly $120 million to UNHCR that year, to encourage policy shifts toward greater direct engagement.

Cultural bridging efforts

Miyavi has promoted music on the global stage through extensive touring and strategic endorsements, emphasizing J-rock's unique fusion of traditional and modern elements. His inaugural world tour, "This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock Tour" in , featured 33 performances across North and , , and , marking an early milestone in exporting aesthetics to international audiences. By 2024, he had completed ten world tours, accumulating over 380 live shows in approximately 30 countries, including repeated North American and European legs that introduced his slap-guitar technique—rooted in shamisen traditions—to diverse markets. These initiatives have facilitated cultural exchange by spotlighting J-rock's visual and performative flair, particularly in the United States, where Miyavi's appearances have contributed to growing interest in the genre among non-Asian listeners. Endorsements from brands like American Airlines and BMW have amplified his visibility, positioning him as a bridge between Japanese artistry and Western music scenes. In September 2025, Miyavi partnered with D'Addario as part of their artist roster, highlighting the brand's strings in supporting his high-intensity global performances and innovative style. This collaboration underscores practical advancements in gear reliability for touring musicians, indirectly aiding accessibility for guitarists emulating his techniques worldwide. The longevity of his international engagements, evidenced by consistent expansions, demonstrates measurable impact beyond promotional claims, with sustained demand in non-Asian regions reflected in over 250 shows across multiple continents.

Controversies

Role in Unbroken and historical sensitivities

In the 2014 film Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie, Miyavi portrayed Mutsuhiro "The Bird" Watanabe, the Imperial Japanese Army sergeant who served as a guard at POW camps including Ōmori and Naoetsu, where he subjected Allied prisoners to documented abuses such as repeated beatings with belts and bamboo sticks, enforced starvation rations, and psychological torment like forcing weakened captives to hold heavy wooden beams overhead for extended periods. These actions were verified through survivor testimonies, including those of Louis Zamperini, the Olympic runner and B-24 bombardier whose experiences formed the basis of Laura Hillenbrand's 2010 biography, corroborated by multiple POW affidavits submitted during post-war investigations. Watanabe's brutality contributed to the high mortality rates among American POWs in Japanese custody, estimated at 40% from disease, , and , far exceeding rates in German camps; he was listed among the top 40 most wanted Japanese war criminals by the Allies but evaded arrest by hiding in the mountains until 1947 and later benefited from the U.S. decision to grant amnesty to unprosecuted suspects in the 1950s amid priorities. Miyavi expressed initial hesitation in accepting the role, citing his lack of acting experience and the sensitivity of depicting wartime atrocities in , where Hillenbrand's book remained untranslated and segments of society denied or minimized Imperial 's war crimes, such as the systematic mistreatment of POWs violating . The portrayal sparked backlash in from right-wing nationalists who labeled the film anti-Japanese and accused Jolie of for highlighting Watanabe's verified sadism without contextualizing it through a Japanese perspective, leading to protests that delayed its release and calls for boycotts. Internationally, Miyavi's performance received praise for its authenticity, drawn from studying survivor accounts and Watanabe's own defiant interviews where he unrepentantly justified his actions as necessary discipline, thereby exposing aspects of Imperial accountability gaps without embellishment beyond the historical record.

Criticisms from rock purists on genre shifts

Some segments of the and rock enthusiast communities have critiqued Miyavi's mid-2000s pivot from aggressive, sludge-influenced —evident in early works like his 2002 debut —to lighter acoustic pop and emphases in albums such as MYV Pops (released August 2006) and Miyaviuta: Dokusō (released September 2007), interpreting the change as diluting rock's raw intensity for mainstream accessibility. These purists, often active in niche forums, argue the shift prioritized performative flair and pop hooks over the genre's purported authenticity, with discussions framing it as an abandonment of 's theatrical edge for broader commercial viability. Such views, while not universally held and potentially amplified by fanbase echo chambers rather than professional analysis, highlight tensions between subcultural loyalty and artistic evolution, absent any underlying ethical lapses. Parallel critiques have targeted Miyavi's vocal delivery amid these stylistic experiments, noting perceived constraints in range and —particularly strain or nasality in sustained high registers—that underscore his strengths as a over singer, even as his slap-rock technique garnered acclaim. Independent reviews have echoed this, describing his voice as serviceable for melodic phrasing but limited in dynamic power compared to the innovation defining his output. These debates persist in online rock circles, weighing artistic purity against pragmatic adaptation for international audiences, yet data on post-shift performance tempers narratives of failure: Miyavi's includes Oricon-charting releases, with one album peaking at number eight, alongside sold-out tours like his 2019 No Sleep Till stint at Diver City. This success suggests fluidity enabled longevity in a competitive market, though purists maintain it compromised rock's foundational grit.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Miyavi married Japanese-American singer on March 14, 2009. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Lovelie Miyavi (also known as Aily), on July 29, 2009, followed by second daughter Jewelie Aoi on October 21, 2010, and son Skyler on February 24, 2021. This family structure has provided a consistent domestic foundation, causally supporting sustained professional output by mitigating disruptions from global touring and relocation demands through responsibilities. In 2014, amid the international release of his film Unbroken, Miyavi moved his family to , , to access broader acting and music opportunities in the U.S. market; they remained there until returning to in 2021. This period involved balancing intensive schedules, including film promotions and album productions, with active fatherhood, as evidenced by Miyavi's accounts of adapting to family logistics post-third child. Miyavi has kept his family life largely private, avoiding media exposure beyond occasional updates on milestones, with no substantiated reports of personal scandals or relational breakdowns.

Relocation and lifestyle

Miyavi was born in , , and relocated to in 1999 at the age of 17 to pursue a music career, joining the band Dué le Quartz shortly thereafter. Following his acting debut in the 2014 film Unbroken, he moved his family to , California, to facilitate access to Hollywood projects and broaden international collaborations. By 2025, Miyavi shifted his professional home base to , aiming to increase performances and establish a stronger foothold in the Asian market beyond . A soccer injury at age 14 derailed Miyavi's early ambition to become a professional athlete, prompting him to take up the guitar as an outlet and instilling a rigorous practice discipline that has sustained his career. This mindset has enabled high-output touring, evidenced by over 300 live performances across approximately 30 countries since his debut. His lifestyle emphasizes physical endurance and recovery, drawing from formative soccer experiences to maintain fitness amid demanding schedules, with no documented indulgences disrupting professional commitments.

Awards and nominations

Music accolades

Miyavi won the Best Collaboration award at the 2013 for "Day 1," a track featuring French producer , selected for its innovative fusion of rock guitar techniques and electronic elements in the music video format. The , organized by Japan, honor achievements in music videos based on viewer votes, critical acclaim, and artistic impact within domestic and international collaborations. His distinctive finger-slapping guitar style has earned endorsements from guitar publications, such as features highlighting technical prowess, though formal competitive guitar-specific awards remain limited. Commercial milestones include multiple albums certified gold by the for exceeding 100,000 units sold, reflecting peer and market validation in the rock category during the , such as Miyavi (). However, competitive wins at events like the Japan Gold Disc Awards, which prioritize sales data over , have not been documented for Miyavi in primary records.

Acting and other recognitions

Miyavi made his acting debut in the 2014 film Unbroken, directed by , portraying the antagonist Mutsuhiro "The Bird" Watanabe, a sadistic Japanese POW camp commander. As a musician transitioning to film, his performance generated early awards-season buzz among critics prior to wide screenings, with outlets highlighting his commanding presence despite lacking prior acting experience. The role led to representation by WME, signaling initial industry interest in his potential as an actor. Subsequent roles include a minor part as a Japanese radio operator in Kong: Skull Island (2017). In 2018, he portrayed in the live-action adaptation of the Bleach, earning praise from some fans for capturing the character's stoic demeanor amid the film's mixed reception. However, no formal acting awards or nominations have been documented for these performances, reflecting his status as an emerging rather than established . By 2025, Miyavi's acting work has contributed to his profile as a multifaceted artist, though recognition remains limited to niche acclaim in international and anime-adjacent projects rather than mainstream accolades like Oscar nods.

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  93. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-wrecking-crew-temuera-morrison-jacob-batalon-1235982679/
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  99. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXGZiyz81t4
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