Japanese singer Miyavi performs in a concert. Photo: Courtesy of MAGIA
Japanese rock guitarist,
MK sports actor, and singer Miyavi (Ishihara Takamasa), who appeared on the Chinese celebrity competition reality show Call Me by Fire Season 4, gained a large following on China's online platforms recently. Miyavi revealed his plans to the Global Times on Monday, of intensifying his performances in China in 2025 and ultimately living and working in the country for the next three years, with aspirations of becoming a "rock star" in China.
"During my time living in China in the past, its culture, music, and the enthusiasm of people here have deeply fascinated me," Miyavi told the Global Times.
"In the past, I used to travel around the world constantly, but now, I am motivated to learn Chinese every day and have gained a deeper understanding of the Chinese music style."
Shared passion"When I said 'Raise your hands,' the audience in China stood up instead," Miyavi recalled, reflecting on an amusing moment during his 2024 Shanghai concert that highlights the passionate enthusiasm of Chinese music lovers.
Miyavi noted that during his time in China, he experienced the country's unique music culture and the warmth of its people. The tickets for this concert sold out in just 10 minutes, and the fervor of the 6,000 fans both moved and surprised him.
The concert was dubbed a "high-energy celebration" by fans, and Miyavi responded with an equally passionate performance, reciprocating their enthusiasm.
"For me, rock music is a spirit. It represents sharing positive energy and vitality," he told the Global Times. "The energy I feel on stage in China is exactly what I want to share with Chinese audiences."
Following Miyavi's visit to China, his Chinese social media account on the X-like Sina Weibo saw an increase in followers who soon exceeded 1 million.
This was not Miyavi's first visit in China. Back in 2007, he toured the country as a guitarist with his band, choosing Shanghai and Beijing as the final stops of his solo tour. The following year, he performed in Shanghai, blending Western rock and hip-hop styles with traditional Japanese Kabuki performances, offering the audience a unique multi-cultural experience.
Miyavi has always had a distinct perspective on the cultural exchanges between China and Japan's music scenes. In his eyes, the two countries both differ from and resonate with each other in the realms of music and art. Over the course of his interactions in China, he has become deeply fascinated by the use of traditional instruments in Chinese pop culture.
"This seamless fusion of the ancient and the modern in Chinese music is not only amazing, but also something we can learn from," he noted. "I have great respect for this cultural expression, and I hope to incorporate more Chinese elements into my own music."
"Japanese music also has its traditional instruments, but I believe we can do more, such as integrating traditional culture into modern music," he said. "I respect the way China has approached this, and I hope to try similar fusions in my own music."
Better understanding
Miyavi's rise to fame beyond music stems from his participation in the Chinese variety show Call Me by Fire Season 4 in 2024, in which he had a disagreement with his teammates, leading to a moment of chaos. However, through mutual communication amid some push-and-pull, they reached a resolution. Afterward, Miyavi did not hold a grudge and continued to focus on training together with his teammates. When the incident aired, many viewers were moved by his genuine and sincere character, as well as his ability to handle unexpected situations.
He shared that his time in China has been an invaluable learning experience, one that has deepened his appreciation and respect for this vibrant cultural environment.
"In China, I can feel the spirit of hardworking and dedicated people, a spirit that is able to be conveyed through music," he said.
More and more international artists like Miyavi are seeing China actively sharing its cultural output with the world. Whether it be films like Ne Zha 2, games like Black Myth: Wukong, or even the grand suona music from Shaanxi storytelling, all these elements continue to garner global attention.
"China now boasts an incredible cultural landscape in music, film, and fashion," Miyavi told the Global Times. "I believe the people of China are very proud, as their culture is being recognized and embraced globally."
"I hope that by spending more time in China, whether through events or creative projects, I will foster a better understanding of each other, especially as fellow Asians," he said.
After 21 years in the industry, 44-year-old Miyavi, a father of three, continues to diligently learn Chinese and explore traditional Chinese instruments. Despite his extensive career, he remains eager to incorporate these elements into his music.
As the first Japanese appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Miyavi is not only a musician but also a cultural envoy.
For Miyavi, his musical journey is not just about personal achievements, but about the dissemination and exchange of culture. Through his actions, he proves that music knows no borders, and culture can serve as a bridge connecting people's hearts.
