Miyavi
Encyclopedia
, better known by his stage name , is a Japanese visual kei
musician. His work as guitarist for Dué le Quartz
and his successful solo career have established him as an accomplished musician in the Japanese music scene.
, to a Japanese
mother and second-generation Zainichi Korean
father. While young, he moved to Kawanishi
in Hyōgo Prefecture
.
Miyavi says that as a child, he was a good student and enjoyed playing soccer.
At 15, Miyavi bought his first guitar (though he initially planned to buy a bass guitar
) and a multi-effector from money he had saved up himself and began writing music after a soccer injury left him unable to play.
band Dué le Quartz
where he was credited under the name, Miyabi. Upon Dué le Quartz's dissolution in 2002, he announced that his plan to initiate a solo career and changing his name to Miyavi, releasing his debut album Gagaku
soon after. He later signed a contract with PS Company, and eventually with Universal Music Group
, becoming a major label artist. Miyavi's significant change in music and visual styles after leaving Dué le Quartz caused much of his original audience to disperse, but attracted a new audience.
Prior to starring as himself in the 2003 film Oresama
, Miyavi also starred alongside his former band mate Sakito, from Dué le Quartz
, in Ryomano Tsumato Sono Ottoto Aijin.
Miyavi has been regularly featured in various Japanese rock magazines every month, such as Fools Mate, Arena 37c, and Shoxx
. In the past he has also modeled in the Gothic & Lolita Bible and for various brands such as the clothing line Fotus.
In 2004 Miyavi was scheduled to perform at various conventions in the United States
, but was forced to cancel at the last minute due to "staff issues". One of the planned events had been a show at Pacific Media Expo
, where the band Psycho le Cému
acted as a substitute, while another was at Anime Central
, where then-indies band Sid
was booked as a replacement. He was also scheduled for Megacon
, but no replacement was provided.
In 2004 the maxi-single "Ashita, Genki ni Naare" hit the number one spot on the Oricon
indies chart.
in October 2004, Miyavi released his first major single "Rock no gyakushū -Superstar no jōken-/21 Seikigata Koushinkyoku" and began to credit himself in the song writing credits in his liner notes as MYV. His first major album, Miyavizm
, was released in June 2005.
In late 2005 and for most of 2006, Miyavi shifted to an acoustic/pop sound reflected in his second and third albums, MYV Pops
and Miyaviuta -Dokusou-
, released in August and September 2006, respectively. Reflecting on MYV Pops, he had stated "it's like putting all the songs that I created, presenting my own attitude towards "popularity", into one album." About Miyaviuta: Dokusou Miyavi said "...for the album I wanted to fit in with the quality of the songs themselves and absorb myself into my performance, playing acoustic guitar alone."
Miyavi showcased his new acoustic
style for the first time in his 25 Shūnen Kinen Koen Tokyo Geijutsu Gekijo 5 Days -Dokuso- concert series held at Tokyo Geijutsu Gekijo
for five days around his 25th birthday in September 2006.
Miyavi left for America for the next six months. During a 2009 interview, he revealed that he went there to study English at a language school among people who had come there on a job search from all over the world. Regarding his school schedule, he said he went to language school "from seven in the morning till after noon, after which I went to dance class. Everyday, I had about eight hours of training, dancing, running. Then, I went home to do homework. On the weekends, my friends drove me to Venice Beach, and I'd do street performances."
at the Wiltern Theatre
in Los Angeles
, it was officially announced that Miyavi would be a part of a band named S.K.I.N.
, which also consisted of solo artists Yoshiki
, Gackt
, and Sugizo
.
S.K.I.N. performed their debut live at the 2007 Anime Expo
convention in Long Beach, California
on June 29, 2007.
On February 8, 2007, Miyavi announced via his online diary that he would be performing live in Las Vegas
. The performance took place on February 17, 2007 at the Tabu Ultra Lounge in the MGM Grand
.
In May 2007, Miyavi announced his fourth major album, as well as his first remix album, would be released in July. Remixed by TeddyLoid, the album, titled 7 Samurai Sessions -We're Kavki Boiz-
, features re-arrangements of his past songs and features a variety of instruments such as a turntable, various drums and tap dancing. The limited edition of the album included a DVD with bonus studio recording footage. Miyavi's seventh major single (and 14th overall), a double A-side entitled "Sakihokoru Hana no you ni -Neo Visualizm- / Kabuki Danshi", was released on June 20, 2007, and debuted at number four on the Oricon
charts. The supporting tour, entitled "The Beginning of Neo Visualizm Tour", started on July 16, and was planned for twenty venues in Japan and a stop in South Korea
in six weeks.
On September 3, a new single "Subarashikikana, kono sekai
- What A Wonderful World" was announced, and it was released on November 14, 2007.
Shortly after this release, Miyavi announced a new single—a collaboration with fellow S.K.I.N. guitarist Sugizo
, entitled "Hi no hikari sae todokanai kono basho de
", which was released on January 16, 2008.
A new album was released in March 2008, titled This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock
followed by two announcements at the last show of his 2007 Asia
tour at Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall December 25, 2007; that of the release of the Official Bootleg Live at Shinkiba Coast live DVD and of This Iz The Japanese Kabuki Rock Tour 2008, his first world tour with performances in North and South America, Europe, and Asia.
The tour kicked off with a fan-club only event at Shibuya-AX
in Tokyo
, in May 2008. The circuit was composed of 33 cities in 14 countries over a 3 month period, with the distance traveled approximately 48,385 miles, equivalent to a full trip around the world. Majority of the concerts were sold out and covered extensively by more than 200 different media organizations. It wrapped up with a performance in Tokyo
on August 17, 2008.
On December 24 of the same year, Miyavi released This Iz The Original Samurai Style, his world tour DVD, a remix album
, Room No. 382
(remixed by TeddyLoid), and the Peace&Smile Carnival Tour 2005 DVD (re-released after it initially sold out).
In a late 2008 interview, upon being asked where he wanted to go in the next ten years (personally or on tour), Miyavi expressed his desire to visit "Russia
, Italy
, Macao
, Dubai
, Antarctica, India
, Thailand
, Indonesia
, New Orleans, Mexico
, Argentina
, Croatia
, Mt. Fuji."
on January 3, for which the 13,000+ tickets sold out within three minutes of going on sale on November 22, 2008. On the day of the live, fans were sprawled in a line stretching from the Budokan to Kudanshita Station
.
Near the end of the show, Miyavi accidentally revealed that a DVD of the event, Peace&Smile Carnival 2009, would be released on April 5, 2008. Two books titled PS Company 10th Anniversary Book Peace&Smile History 1998-2008 and Peace&Smile Carnival at Nippon Budokan were released on January 23 and February 9, 2009 respectively. While the PS Company 10th Anniversary Book Peace&Smile History 1998-2008 consisted of photo shoots and interviews with the participating artists (including Miyavi, Kagrra, Kra
, the GazettE
, Alice Nine, SuG
and Screw
), the Peace&Smile Carnival at Nippon Budokan in addition included exclusive backstage images, live reports, as well as a company-wide questionnaire.
On February 16, 2009 Miyavi announced that following the April 5 live, he would be "graduating" from PS Company after 10 years with them. (PS Company managed him since before his solo debut, when he was still in his previous band Dué le Quartz
.) This was accompanied by a message from the president, Tomomi Ozaki. Following the live on April 7, Miyavi announced on his official website that he would be launching his own company, J-Glam, Inc., the next day (April 8), naming himself president Takamasa Ishihara. On the June 1, Miyavi released a new song named "Super Hero" through his official Myspace
.
In March, he announced a second world tour. On October 21, 2009, Miyavi announced on his official Myspace
that his USA tour for Neo Tokyo Samurai Black was canceled (Seattle, New York, Atlanta, and Dallas) due to an injury.
On Jan. 1st 2010, Miyavi announced a new record deal with EMI
and the release of the DVD Neo Tokyo Samurai Black World Tour EO Vol.1 which is set for release on March 24, and the changing of his stage name to 雅-MIYAVI-.
On his "2010 Neo Tokyo Samurai Black World Tour", Miyavi announced the single "Torture
" would be released September 15, and his album What's My Name? in October.
Live albums:
Remix albums:
Compilation albums:
Extended plays:
Singles:
Charitable works:
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
musician. His work as guitarist for Dué le Quartz
Dué le quartz
was a Japanese visual kei rock band that formed in December 1998 and signed to PS Company, a sub-division of Free-Will. The band opened a fanclub on August 1, 2000 that was called "Baby Merry". After releasing a few albums, several singles and a greatest hits compilation, the group disbanded in 2002...
and his successful solo career have established him as an accomplished musician in the Japanese music scene.
Early life
Miyavi was born in Nishikujo, JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, to a Japanese
Japanese people
The are an ethnic group originating in the Japanese archipelago and are the predominant ethnic group of Japan. Worldwide, approximately 130 million people are of Japanese descent; of these, approximately 127 million are residents of Japan. People of Japanese ancestry who live in other countries...
mother and second-generation Zainichi Korean
Zainichi Korean
Koreans in Japan are the ethnic Korean residents of Japan. They currently constitute the second largest ethnic minority group in Japan. The majority of Koreans in Japan are Zainichi Koreans, also often known as Zainichi for short, who are the permanent ethnic Korean residents of Japan...
father. While young, he moved to Kawanishi
Kawanishi, Hyogo
is a city located in Hyōgo Prefecture in the northwestern part of the Kansai Region of Japan, about 5 km north of Osaka Itami Airport. It is bordered on the west by Inagawa River.-History:...
in Hyōgo Prefecture
Hyogo Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region on Honshū island. The capital is Kobe.The prefecture's name was previously alternately spelled as Hiogo.- History :...
.
Miyavi says that as a child, he was a good student and enjoyed playing soccer.
At 15, Miyavi bought his first guitar (though he initially planned to buy a bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
) and a multi-effector from money he had saved up himself and began writing music after a soccer injury left him unable to play.
1999-2004: Dué le Quartz and Indies Era
In 1999, at the age of 17, Miyavi joined the visual keiVisual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
band Dué le Quartz
Dué le quartz
was a Japanese visual kei rock band that formed in December 1998 and signed to PS Company, a sub-division of Free-Will. The band opened a fanclub on August 1, 2000 that was called "Baby Merry". After releasing a few albums, several singles and a greatest hits compilation, the group disbanded in 2002...
where he was credited under the name, Miyabi. Upon Dué le Quartz's dissolution in 2002, he announced that his plan to initiate a solo career and changing his name to Miyavi, releasing his debut album Gagaku
Gagaku (album)
is the first solo album by Miyavi. It was released on October 31, 2002.-Track listing:# "Hatachi Kinenbi" – 3:06# "Coin Lockers Baby" – 2:39# "Kusare Gedou He" – 2:25# "Night in Girl" – 2:14# "Girls, Be Ambitious" – 4:26...
soon after. He later signed a contract with PS Company, and eventually with Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
, becoming a major label artist. Miyavi's significant change in music and visual styles after leaving Dué le Quartz caused much of his original audience to disperse, but attracted a new audience.
Prior to starring as himself in the 2003 film Oresama
Oresama
is a Japanese film released in 2004.The movie revolves around the protagonist of the story, Japanese rock musician Miyavi, portraying himself and his adventures when he goes back 20 years in time.- Plot :...
, Miyavi also starred alongside his former band mate Sakito, from Dué le Quartz
Dué le quartz
was a Japanese visual kei rock band that formed in December 1998 and signed to PS Company, a sub-division of Free-Will. The band opened a fanclub on August 1, 2000 that was called "Baby Merry". After releasing a few albums, several singles and a greatest hits compilation, the group disbanded in 2002...
, in Ryomano Tsumato Sono Ottoto Aijin.
Miyavi has been regularly featured in various Japanese rock magazines every month, such as Fools Mate, Arena 37c, and Shoxx
Shoxx magazine
Shoxx is a Japanese music magazine published monthly by Ongakusenkasha. It focuses on Japan's visual kei scene, featuring its most popular bands as well as new ones. It is advertised as a "Visual and Hard Shock" magazine on each cover....
. In the past he has also modeled in the Gothic & Lolita Bible and for various brands such as the clothing line Fotus.
In 2004 Miyavi was scheduled to perform at various conventions in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, but was forced to cancel at the last minute due to "staff issues". One of the planned events had been a show at Pacific Media Expo
Pacific Media Expo
The Pacific Media Expo is a multi-genre convention in California that focuses on anime and manga, Japanese rock and pop, Gothic Lolita, Japanese drama/Korean drama, Asian cinema and East Asian/Pacific Rim pop cultures. It was started in 2003 in by Mike Tatsugawa, one of the founders of Anime...
, where the band Psycho le Cému
Psycho le Cému
Psycho le Cému was a Japanese visual rock band. Its members are Aya, Daishi, Lida, Seek, and Yuraサマ . Formed in 1999, Psycho le Cému distinguished themselves in the visual kei scene via their cosplay, with its members dressing in colorful, extravagant outfits inspired by anime and video game...
acted as a substitute, while another was at Anime Central
Anime Central
Anime Central is an anime convention that is held yearly in Rosemont, Illinois, United States. It is one of the fastest growing anime conventions in the U.S. and has ranked as the 3rd largest North American anime convention since 2010. The convention is like many other anime conventions; it runs...
, where then-indies band Sid
Sid (band)
is a Japanese visual kei rock band signed on to Sony Records.-Background:Sid was founded in 2003 by vocalist Mao and bassist Aki . They were quickly joined by two support members, guitarist Shinji and drummer Yuuya...
was booked as a replacement. He was also scheduled for Megacon
MegaCon
MegaCon, short for Mega Convention, is a large convention that caters to the comic book, sci-fi, anime, fantasy, gaming, and multi-genre community, occurring between late February and early March at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, USA.An attendee will find over of exhibit...
, but no replacement was provided.
In 2004 the maxi-single "Ashita, Genki ni Naare" hit the number one spot on the Oricon
Oricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
indies chart.
2004-2006: Majors and pop/acoustic era
Following his signing with Universal Music GroupUniversal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
in October 2004, Miyavi released his first major single "Rock no gyakushū -Superstar no jōken-/21 Seikigata Koushinkyoku" and began to credit himself in the song writing credits in his liner notes as MYV. His first major album, Miyavizm
Miyavizm
is an album released by Miyavi on June 1, 2005. Its limited edition comes with the song "Shakespeare ni Sasagu" instead of tracks eleven and twelve.-Track listing:# "Sukkyanen Myv ~Myv Man Koshiki Oenka~ " – 2:25)...
, was released in June 2005.
In late 2005 and for most of 2006, Miyavi shifted to an acoustic/pop sound reflected in his second and third albums, MYV Pops
MYV Pops
MYV Pops is an album released by Miyavi on August 2, 2006. Its limited edition comes with an additional DVD, containing a documentary with back stage footage of the artist's previous tour and the making of the music video for "Kimi ni Negai Wo".-Track listing:# "Are You Ready to Rock? -Rhythm...
and Miyaviuta -Dokusou-
Miyaviuta -Dokusou-
is an album released by Miyavi on September 13, 2006. It was produced by Hideki Tsutsumi and reached number 25 on the weekly Oricon Style chart.-Track listing:# "Jikoai, Jigajisan, Jiishiki, Kajou " – 1:00...
, released in August and September 2006, respectively. Reflecting on MYV Pops, he had stated "it's like putting all the songs that I created, presenting my own attitude towards "popularity", into one album." About Miyaviuta: Dokusou Miyavi said "...for the album I wanted to fit in with the quality of the songs themselves and absorb myself into my performance, playing acoustic guitar alone."
Miyavi showcased his new acoustic
Acoustic music
Acoustic music comprises music that solely or primarily uses instruments which produce sound through entirely acoustic means, as opposed to electric or electronic means...
style for the first time in his 25 Shūnen Kinen Koen Tokyo Geijutsu Gekijo 5 Days -Dokuso- concert series held at Tokyo Geijutsu Gekijo
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space is a Japanese concert hall and theater located in Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo, operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture.- External links :...
for five days around his 25th birthday in September 2006.
Miyavi left for America for the next six months. During a 2009 interview, he revealed that he went there to study English at a language school among people who had come there on a job search from all over the world. Regarding his school schedule, he said he went to language school "from seven in the morning till after noon, after which I went to dance class. Everyday, I had about eight hours of training, dancing, running. Then, I went home to do homework. On the weekends, my friends drove me to Venice Beach, and I'd do street performances."
2007-2008: US debut, Neo Visualizm and S.K.I.N.
On December 30, 2006 Miyavi put out a message that he would be joining a band. On May 25, 2007 at the JRock Revolution concert organized by YoshikiYoshiki
, better known by his stage name YOSHIKI, is a musician, songwriter and record producer. He is primarily known as leader and co-founder of the heavy metal band X Japan, for which he plays drums and piano and writes most of the music. After the band disbanded in 1997 he participated in several other...
at the Wiltern Theatre
Wiltern Theatre
The Wiltern Theatre and adjacent 12-story Pellissier Building are Art Deco architectural landmarks located on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue in Los Angeles, California. The entire complex is commonly referred to as the Wiltern Center...
in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, it was officially announced that Miyavi would be a part of a band named S.K.I.N.
Skin (Japanese band)
Skin is a music project founded by several Japanese rock musicians in 2007. They are Yoshiki, Gackt, Sugizo and Miyavi, all being important to the visual kei movement or closely related to it, but everyone being from a different generation.Its debut performance was on June 29, 2007, in Long Beach,...
, which also consisted of solo artists Yoshiki
Yoshiki
, better known by his stage name YOSHIKI, is a musician, songwriter and record producer. He is primarily known as leader and co-founder of the heavy metal band X Japan, for which he plays drums and piano and writes most of the music. After the band disbanded in 1997 he participated in several other...
, Gackt
Gackt
is a Japanese singer-songwriter, actor, voice actor and author. Usually referred to by his mononymous stage name, he is known for his career as a solo artist and as the former vocalist for the defunct visual kei rock band Malice Mizer....
, and Sugizo
Sugizo
, born , is a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. Referred to by his stage name Sugizo, he is best known as lead guitarist of the rock band Luna Sea, who were popular in the 1990s. He started his solo career in 1997 and has since collaborated with many artists...
.
S.K.I.N. performed their debut live at the 2007 Anime Expo
Anime Expo
Anime Expo, abbreviated AX, is an American anime convention held in Los Angeles, California and organized by the non-profit Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation . With rare exceptions, the convention is traditionally held on the July 4th weekend and lasts for four days...
convention in Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
on June 29, 2007.
On February 8, 2007, Miyavi announced via his online diary that he would be performing live in Las Vegas
Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
. The performance took place on February 17, 2007 at the Tabu Ultra Lounge in the MGM Grand
MGM Grand Las Vegas
The MGM Grand Las Vegas is a hotel casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. The MGM Grand is the third largest hotel in the world and largest hotel resort complex in the United States in front of The Venetian. The MGM Grand was the largest hotel in the world when it opened in...
.
In May 2007, Miyavi announced his fourth major album, as well as his first remix album, would be released in July. Remixed by TeddyLoid, the album, titled 7 Samurai Sessions -We're Kavki Boiz-
7 Samurai Sessions -We're Kavki Boiz-
7 Samurai Sessions -We're Kavki Boiz- is an album by Miyavi, released on July 18, 2007. It contains re-arrangements of previously published songs.-Track listing:...
, features re-arrangements of his past songs and features a variety of instruments such as a turntable, various drums and tap dancing. The limited edition of the album included a DVD with bonus studio recording footage. Miyavi's seventh major single (and 14th overall), a double A-side entitled "Sakihokoru Hana no you ni -Neo Visualizm- / Kabuki Danshi", was released on June 20, 2007, and debuted at number four on the Oricon
Oricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
charts. The supporting tour, entitled "The Beginning of Neo Visualizm Tour", started on July 16, and was planned for twenty venues in Japan and a stop in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
in six weeks.
On September 3, a new single "Subarashikikana, kono sekai
Subarashikikana, Kono Sekai
- Personnel :* Miyavi – vocals, guitar, producer* Tyko – MC, rapping* Saro – tap dancing* DJ 1, 2 – turntable* Masahide Sakuma – bass guitar, producer* Soul Toul – drums* Tom Durack – mastering* Noriyuki Kisou – recording, mixing...
- What A Wonderful World" was announced, and it was released on November 14, 2007.
Shortly after this release, Miyavi announced a new single—a collaboration with fellow S.K.I.N. guitarist Sugizo
Sugizo
, born , is a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. Referred to by his stage name Sugizo, he is best known as lead guitarist of the rock band Luna Sea, who were popular in the 1990s. He started his solo career in 1997 and has since collaborated with many artists...
, entitled "Hi no hikari sae todokanai kono basho de
Hi no Hikari Sae Todokanai Kono Basho De
-Personnel:* Miyavi – vocals and lyrics, acoustic and electric guitar, tambourine, gigpig, producer* Sugizo – electric guitar * Tyko – MC, beatbox, rapping* DJ 1, 2 – turntable* Masahide Sakuma – bass guitar* Soul Toul – drums...
", which was released on January 16, 2008.
A new album was released in March 2008, titled This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock
This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock
This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock is an album released by Miyavi on March 19, 2008. A limited edition was released on SHM-CD, a supposedly high-quality CD format developed by Universal, and includes a DVD featuring music videos and documentary footage...
followed by two announcements at the last show of his 2007 Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
tour at Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall December 25, 2007; that of the release of the Official Bootleg Live at Shinkiba Coast live DVD and of This Iz The Japanese Kabuki Rock Tour 2008, his first world tour with performances in North and South America, Europe, and Asia.
The tour kicked off with a fan-club only event at Shibuya-AX
Shibuya-AX
Shibuya-AX is a concert hall in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, near the Yoyogi National Gymnasium.It is the only purpose-built concert hall or "live house" in the Tokyo metropolitan area that can accommodate 1,500 people...
in Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, in May 2008. The circuit was composed of 33 cities in 14 countries over a 3 month period, with the distance traveled approximately 48,385 miles, equivalent to a full trip around the world. Majority of the concerts were sold out and covered extensively by more than 200 different media organizations. It wrapped up with a performance in Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
on August 17, 2008.
On December 24 of the same year, Miyavi released This Iz The Original Samurai Style, his world tour DVD, a remix album
Remix album
A remix album is an album consisting mostly of remixes or re-recorded versions of a music artists' earlier released material.One of the earliest remix albums was 1971's Aerial Pandemonium Ballet by Harry Nilsson, which was released by Nilsson after the successes of Everybody's Talkin and The Point!...
, Room No. 382
Room No. 382
Room No. 382 is a remix album by Miyavi released on December 24, 2008. The album contains songs varying from both his indie and major label career and are remixed by his former DJ TeddyLoid from his backup band the Kavki Boiz.-Track listing:...
(remixed by TeddyLoid), and the Peace&Smile Carnival Tour 2005 DVD (re-released after it initially sold out).
In a late 2008 interview, upon being asked where he wanted to go in the next ten years (personally or on tour), Miyavi expressed his desire to visit "Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Macao
Mação
Mação is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 400.0 km² and a total population of 7,763 inhabitants.The municipality is composed of eight parishes, and is located in the Santarém District....
, Dubai
Dubai
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
, Antarctica, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
, New Orleans, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
, Croatia
Croatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
, Mt. Fuji."
2009–present: J-Glam, Inc.
Miyavi started 2009 with the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Performance along with all artists signed under the PS Company at the Nippon BudokanNippon Budokan
The , often shortened to simply Budokan, is an indoor arena in central Tokyo, Japan.This is the location where many "Live at the Budokan" albums were recorded...
on January 3, for which the 13,000+ tickets sold out within three minutes of going on sale on November 22, 2008. On the day of the live, fans were sprawled in a line stretching from the Budokan to Kudanshita Station
Kudanshita Station
is a subway station in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan.This is the closest subway station to Yasukuni Shrine and Nippon Budokan.-History:The station opened on 23 December 1964 as the eastern terminus of the Tōzai Line from Takadanobaba...
.
Near the end of the show, Miyavi accidentally revealed that a DVD of the event, Peace&Smile Carnival 2009, would be released on April 5, 2008. Two books titled PS Company 10th Anniversary Book Peace&Smile History 1998-2008 and Peace&Smile Carnival at Nippon Budokan were released on January 23 and February 9, 2009 respectively. While the PS Company 10th Anniversary Book Peace&Smile History 1998-2008 consisted of photo shoots and interviews with the participating artists (including Miyavi, Kagrra, Kra
Kra
Kra or KRA can refer to:Kra Sowjet Russian truck* Kra * Kra *Kra Isthmus*Kra Peninsula*Kra River, Malay Peninsula*Kra languages*Kra *Kamen Rider Agito, television series.*Kenya Revenue Authority*Macaca fascicularis...
, the GazettE
The Gazette
The Gazette is a title of several newspapers and magazines, including:-English-language newspapers:*London Gazette, the official publication of the government of the United Kingdom...
, Alice Nine, SuG
Sug
Sug is a Japanese rock band that formed in 2006. They are also part of the visual kei movement of Japan. The band has released two EPs, two full-length studio albums, and several singles. Until 2009, the band was signed to "Indie PSC", a subdivision of PS Company...
and Screw
Screw (band)
Screw is a Japanese visual kei rock band signed to Indie PSC after leaving their previous label, Speed-Disk.-Members: – vocals – lead guitar – rhythm guitar – bass – drums -Albums:* Fusion of the Core * X-Rays * Duality...
), the Peace&Smile Carnival at Nippon Budokan in addition included exclusive backstage images, live reports, as well as a company-wide questionnaire.
On February 16, 2009 Miyavi announced that following the April 5 live, he would be "graduating" from PS Company after 10 years with them. (PS Company managed him since before his solo debut, when he was still in his previous band Dué le Quartz
Dué le quartz
was a Japanese visual kei rock band that formed in December 1998 and signed to PS Company, a sub-division of Free-Will. The band opened a fanclub on August 1, 2000 that was called "Baby Merry". After releasing a few albums, several singles and a greatest hits compilation, the group disbanded in 2002...
.) This was accompanied by a message from the president, Tomomi Ozaki. Following the live on April 7, Miyavi announced on his official website that he would be launching his own company, J-Glam, Inc., the next day (April 8), naming himself president Takamasa Ishihara. On the June 1, Miyavi released a new song named "Super Hero" through his official Myspace
Myspace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
.
In March, he announced a second world tour. On October 21, 2009, Miyavi announced on his official Myspace
Myspace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
that his USA tour for Neo Tokyo Samurai Black was canceled (Seattle, New York, Atlanta, and Dallas) due to an injury.
On Jan. 1st 2010, Miyavi announced a new record deal with EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
and the release of the DVD Neo Tokyo Samurai Black World Tour EO Vol.1 which is set for release on March 24, and the changing of his stage name to 雅-MIYAVI-.
On his "2010 Neo Tokyo Samurai Black World Tour", Miyavi announced the single "Torture
Torture (Miyavi song)
-Limited Edition:Disc 1# "Torture" # "Revenge"Disc 2# "Survive"# "Boom-Hah-Boom-Hah-Hah"# "雨に唄えば~ピチピチチャプチャプランランブルース~"# "What’s My Name?"# "君にファンキーモンキーバイヴレーション"#"Gravity"# "君に願いを"# "Super Hero"# "Are you ready to Rock?"...
" would be released September 15, and his album What's My Name? in October.
Discography
Studio albums:- GagakuGagaku (album)is the first solo album by Miyavi. It was released on October 31, 2002.-Track listing:# "Hatachi Kinenbi" – 3:06# "Coin Lockers Baby" – 2:39# "Kusare Gedou He" – 2:25# "Night in Girl" – 2:14# "Girls, Be Ambitious" – 4:26...
(October 31, 2002) - GalyuuGalyuuis an album released by Miyavi on December 2, 2003.-Track listing:# "Untitled" – 0:14# "Ippiki Ookami Ron" – 3:22# "Eccentric Otona Yamai ~ Kuso Gaki Ver." – 0:48# "Untitled" – 3:16...
(December 2, 2003) - MiyavizmMiyavizmis an album released by Miyavi on June 1, 2005. Its limited edition comes with the song "Shakespeare ni Sasagu" instead of tracks eleven and twelve.-Track listing:# "Sukkyanen Myv ~Myv Man Koshiki Oenka~ " – 2:25)...
(June 1, 2005) - MYV PopsMYV PopsMYV Pops is an album released by Miyavi on August 2, 2006. Its limited edition comes with an additional DVD, containing a documentary with back stage footage of the artist's previous tour and the making of the music video for "Kimi ni Negai Wo".-Track listing:# "Are You Ready to Rock? -Rhythm...
(August 2, 2006) - Miyaviuta -Dokusou-Miyaviuta -Dokusou-is an album released by Miyavi on September 13, 2006. It was produced by Hideki Tsutsumi and reached number 25 on the weekly Oricon Style chart.-Track listing:# "Jikoai, Jigajisan, Jiishiki, Kajou " – 1:00...
(September 13, 2006) - This Iz the Japanese Kabuki RockThis Iz the Japanese Kabuki RockThis Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock is an album released by Miyavi on March 19, 2008. A limited edition was released on SHM-CD, a supposedly high-quality CD format developed by Universal, and includes a DVD featuring music videos and documentary footage...
(March 19, 2008) - What's My Name? (October 13, 2010)
Live albums:
- Live in London 2011Live in London 2011 (Miyavi album)Live in London 2011 is a live album by Miyavi released on May 2, 2011. Recorded on March 20, 2011 at the HMV Forum in London as part of the 'What's My Name?' world tour, the double disc album initially went on sale at subsequent shows as a rough mix from Abbey Road Live Studios.-Track listing:...
(March 19, 2011)
Remix albums:
- Room No. 382Room No. 382Room No. 382 is a remix album by Miyavi released on December 24, 2008. The album contains songs varying from both his indie and major label career and are remixed by his former DJ TeddyLoid from his backup band the Kavki Boiz.-Track listing:...
Remixed by TeddyLoid (December 24, 2008)
Compilation albums:
- Azn Pride -This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock-Azn Pride -This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock-Azn Pride -This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock- is a greatest hits album released by Miyavi on 27 June 2008 for Taiwan and Korea. The album covers Miyavi's career following his major label debut single, "Rock no Gyakushuu/21sekikei Koushinkyoku". The album contains two original tracks, "As U R -Kimi...
(June 27, 2008) - Victory Road to the King of Neo Visual RockVictory Road to the King of Neo Visual RockVictory Road to the King of Neo Visual Rock is a compilation album by Miyavi released on April 22, 2009. It contains songs from all of Miyavi's singles from late 2004 to the release of the compilation.-Track listing:# # # # # # # # # # # # #...
(April 22, 2009) - Fan's Best (March 24, 2010)
Extended plays:
- 7 Samurai Sessions -We're Kavki Boiz-7 Samurai Sessions -We're Kavki Boiz-7 Samurai Sessions -We're Kavki Boiz- is an album by Miyavi, released on July 18, 2007. It contains re-arrangements of previously published songs.-Track listing:...
(July 18, 2007)
Singles:
- "Shindemo Boogie-Woogie" (November 30, 2002)
- "Pop Is Dead" (November 30, 2002)
- "Jingle BellJingle bellA jingle bell is a type of bell which produces a distinctive 'jingle' sound, especially in large numbers. They find use in many areas as a percussion instrument, including the classic sleigh bell sound and morris dancing...
" (December 18, 2002) - "Jibun Kakumei -2003-" (April 16, 2003)
- "Tariraritarara" (June 25, 2003)
- "Coo quack cluck -Ku. Ku. Ru-" (September 3, 2003)
- "Ashita, Genki ni Naare" (June 23, 2004)
- "Rock no Gyakushuu -Super Star no Jouken-/21 Seikigata Koushinkyoku" (October 20, 2004)
- "Freedom Fighters -Icecream wo Motta Hadashi no Megami to, Kikanjuu wo Motta Hadaka no Ousama-" (May 4, 2005)
- "Kekkonshiki no Uta ~Kisetsu Hazure no Wedding March~/Are You Ready to Rock?" (October 12, 2005)
- "Señor Señora Señorita/Gigpig Boogie" (January 18, 2006)
- "Dear My Friend/Itoshii Hito" (April 12, 2006)
- "Kimi ni Negai Wo" (July 5, 2006)
- "Sakihokoru Hana no You Ni -Neo Visualizm-/Kabuki Boiz" (June 20, 2007)
- "Subarashikikana, Kono Sekai -What a Wonderful World-Subarashikikana, Kono Sekai- Personnel :* Miyavi – vocals, guitar, producer* Tyko – MC, rapping* Saro – tap dancing* DJ 1, 2 – turntable* Masahide Sakuma – bass guitar, producer* Soul Toul – drums* Tom Durack – mastering* Noriyuki Kisou – recording, mixing...
" (November 14, 2007) - "Hi no Hikari Sae Todokanai Kono Basho DeHi no Hikari Sae Todokanai Kono Basho De-Personnel:* Miyavi – vocals and lyrics, acoustic and electric guitar, tambourine, gigpig, producer* Sugizo – electric guitar * Tyko – MC, beatbox, rapping* DJ 1, 2 – turntable* Masahide Sakuma – bass guitar* Soul Toul – drums...
" (January 16, 2008) - "Survive" (March 10, 2010 (Japan), (March 12/15 2010 (Europe), (March 16, 2010 (Mexico/Spain), (March 23, 2010 (Canada/USA)
- "TortureTorture (Miyavi song)-Limited Edition:Disc 1# "Torture" # "Revenge"Disc 2# "Survive"# "Boom-Hah-Boom-Hah-Hah"# "雨に唄えば~ピチピチチャプチャプランランブルース~"# "What’s My Name?"# "君にファンキーモンキーバイヴレーション"#"Gravity"# "君に願いを"# "Super Hero"# "Are you ready to Rock?"...
" (September 15, 2010) - "Strong" (October 5, 2011)
Charitable works:
- A Piece of Water - Christmas is... (iTunes Store)
- Nippon Shiyouzi Noriko Rock Selection - FANKIMONKIBAIBURESHON ~Solo~ (January 1, 2007)
Videography
Videos:- Shibuya Kokadi (Live concert)
- Gekokujou (Live concert, July 23, 2003)
- Oresama (おれさま)Oresamais a Japanese film released in 2004.The movie revolves around the protagonist of the story, Japanese rock musician Miyavi, portraying himself and his adventures when he goes back 20 years in time.- Plot :...
(Film, February 25, 2004) - Hitorigei (Music video compilation, August 21, 2004)
- Indies Last Live in Nihon Budokan (Live concert, December 1, 2004)
- Noriko no Ichi (Live documentary, January 12, 2005)
- Peace&Smile Carnival 2005 (2005 and rereleased on December 24, 2008)
- Hitorigei 2 (Music video compilation, December 7, 2005)
- Hitorigei 3Hitorigei 3is a music video compilation released by Miyavi on December 20, 2006. It contains the videos for all singles from the Myv Pops album, extras include making-of features, television ads, footage of Miyavi filmed in Korea and touring footage presented in a documentary-like manner and quality.The...
(Music video compilation, December 20, 2006) - 25 Shunen Kinen Koen Tokyo Geijutsu Gekijo 5 Days -Dokuso- (Live concert, May 2, 2007)
- The Beginning of Neo Visualizm Tour 2007 (Live concert, May 7, 2008)
- Official Bootleg Live at Shinkiba Coast (Live concert, May 7, 2008)
- This Iz The Original Samurai Style (Music video compilation, December 24, 2008)
- Peace&Smile Carnival 2009 (April 5, 2009)
- Neo Tokyo Samurai Black World Tour vol.1 (Tour Documentary, March 24, 2010)