VOL.7
MIYAVI's Boundless Variations
MIYAVI is a musician and actor. At 17, he moved from Osaka to Tokyo to pursue his musical dream. By 20, a moment of inspiration led him to create his iconic "Slap" technique. At 30, he starred in a Hollywood film. In recent years, he has come to China for programs and tours, always believing that music holds the key to transcending language—offering a resonance of shared belief.
In this issue of "So GROTTO" Vol. 7, MIYAVI shares with us how the spirit of rock has accompanied and witnessed his constant reinvention.
He has traveled across the world, visiting refugee camps and immersing himself in diverse cultures. From the birthplace of country music in Nashville, to the ancient capital ambiance of Kyoto, Japan, and the scale systems of traditional Chinese music—all have become sources of his creative inspiration. Through the power of performance, he hopes to build bridges, allowing stories from every corner of the globe to resonate in people’s hearts, revealing seemingly private struggles and focusing on soulful dialogues between individuals.
"BORN FOR FREEDOM" perfectly mirrors his untamed spirit.
When asked about his recent life, MIYAVI offered three keywords: jet lag, learning, and communication. As a musician and actor who navigates between countries, he is constantly balancing work and family, relentlessly moving toward new challenges, driven by a desire to "transcend himself" in pursuit of his dreams.
"Freedom" has always been an echoing question within him. In his twenties, he yearned for and sought ways to achieve a state of total unrestraint. Now, he has come to regard freedom as something as natural as the air—no longer defining the term, but focusing instead on dissolving mental boundaries and constraints through personal growth. While continually reinventing himself, he remains unshakably true to the original spirit of rock.
Q&A
Q1: What has been the key factor fueling your transformation from a visual kei artist to a global rock guitarist?
Miyavi: The guitar was a redemptive instrument for me. As a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a soccer player, and it was the guitar that saved me when that dream was shattered.
For me, both "curiosity about the world" and "the battle with myself" have been driving forces behind my growth and transformation. From the very beginning, the support of my fans and the desire "to surprise people" were certainly important motivations. But I believe the most fundamental drive has always been the unwillingness to lose to my own ambition - a constant desire to transcend myself.
Q2: Your music possesses a power that transcends borders and cultures. In the mix version of "Long Nights," you specifically featured Sonita Alizadeh, an Afghan refugee and rapper, performing in Persian. What do you believe is the key to music's ability to transcend language?
Miyavi: I believe the secret ultimately lies in the resonance of shared beliefs. When people hold the same aspirations and ideals, music can bridge genres and national boundaries. Sonita's life story - using music to spread courage despite her hardships - made me deeply eager to amplify her voice and convey it through music to people everywhere.
I am particularly moved by the resilience demonstrated by women, which inspires a natural desire to support them. That is precisely why my team and I went all-out in bringing this collaboration to life.
Q3: You've mentioned that your visits to refugee camps have shaped your current commitment to a minimalist lifestyle. Could you elaborate on how this experience has concretely changed your life?
Miyavi: Visiting the refugee camps made me realize how many things in life are not to be taken for granted. To avoid creating extra waste, I now actively seek out alternatives in my daily actions. I also keep reserves of drinking water and food for emergencies, and have streamlined my wardrobe to the point where everything fits into just two suitcases. This minimalist lifestyle has, in turn, helped me see clearly what I truly need and what holds real value.
Q4: Freedom has been described as having two sides: "unrestrained liberty" and "precise control." What did freedom mean to you in your 20s, 30s, and what does it mean to you now?
Miyavi: In my twenties, the freedom I pursued was material—the sense of control over basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. From my thirties until now, however, I've come to value the expansion of my inner world, which to me represents another dimension of freedom. While I didn't deeply contemplate the value of freedom in my youth, I now believe that breaking down mental boundaries and constraints is essential for personal growth.
Q5: Your work and life have taken you across various countries and cities. What specific urban details have inspired your creative process in these places?
Miyavi: Nashville left a deep impression on me. As the birthplace of country music, the city is wonderfully immersed in a rich tapestry of music and culture. I encountered musicians everywhere, even in random restaurants I walked into. Being in a place like that constantly made me reflect on how I should approach music and the direction of my future creations. It was fascinating to wander through different stores across the city, sensing the varying rhythms and tempos of music in the air.
I also once soaked in the atmosphere of the ancient capital in Kyoto, Japan. Performing there, especially in collaboration with the shamisen, felt incredibly harmonious. It’s precisely that kind of cultural connection I want to cherish.
When I came to China, a powerful sense of novelty swept over me. I was particularly captivated by the unique scale system and tonal colors of traditional Chinese music. The distinct melodic character fascinated me and always stirred an impulse to incorporate it into my work.
Q6: Among all the songs you've created, the two most frequently appearing words are "freedom" and "light." What are your thoughts on this?
Miyavi: Fundamentally, many people spend their entire lives searching for their own freedom, which is like a guiding light.
I see freedom as something similar to air-we rarely cherish its presence until we are suffocating. When people say they are "pursuing freedom," it precisely proves they do not yet truly possess it. If someone claims to be completely free, that very declaration becomes a paradox. I believe "freedom" is a question that has always echoed deep within me.
"I no longer feel the need to define freedom,
yet it remains a guiding light that reminds me to live authentically as 'MIYAVI'."