Exploding on the American scene via Tokyo, Miyavi is the hottest Japanese rock artist to tour the US this year.  Looking like an anime character brought to life, Miyavi is as exciting to see as he is to listen to, and that is saying a lot. He is an artist who has an incredible presence both on stage and behind the camera.  There is no denying that Miyavi is a phenomenal guitarist, while often displaying the sickest rhythm guitar slapping ever seen. His hit single “Survive” is climbing the Japanese charts and features solid riffs and a tight tempo that yields an amazing track.  Filled with raw talent, his unique style and adventurous approach to music make him a must-see in concert, a view which is being echoed repeatedly as his tour sells out all over the world.
Miyavi spent a few minutes with IBUKI magazine for an exclusive interview! Interviewed by English Cartier.

IBUKI:    Where do you call home now?
Miyavi    TOKYO the static city of Japan.
IBUKI:    When did you realize that making music was your destiny? was there a point in your life when you knew that “this is it”?
Miyavi    The moment I touched the guitar for the first time.
IBUKI:    When did you buy your first guitar and do you remember the feeling you had at that moment?
Miyavi    Yeah, I was like... wow! I can see myself on stage with the spotlight shining on me in front of a huge crowd.
IBUKI:    Fans have seen your videos on YouTube such as Selfish Love and others where you slap your guitar like a drummer without missing a beat. Do you play the drums or other instruments?
Miyavi    Sometimes I play the drum. but NOT professional. I used to play the SHAMISEN (Japanese traditional guitar) just a lil bit.
IBUKI:    I read that your NEO TOKYO SAMURAI BLACK WORLD TOUR is a huge success and the fans are really feeling you. I am sure you will have the same reception here in Seattle and Portland. Are you at all surprised with the love and outstanding support that fans outside of Japan are giving you on your tour?
Miyavi    Definitely, its completely amazing indeed you know. When I first started receiving all these responses, I couldn’t even believe that there were already so many fan bases all over the world. and now I feel more responsible as an artist from Japan.
IBUKI:    Is this your longest tour so far, in terms of the number of cities you will have played and what will be the count when you are done?
Miyavi    Yup, but, sorry I don’t know the exact number.  Anyway there is only one thing i can say “I ROCK OUT EVERY CITY!”
IBUKI:    You have a very cool style, hair, clothes, makeup — It is something American fans seem to instantly be hooked on even before they hear you tear into your guitar.  Having such visual charisma on stage, you would seem to be a natural to acting. I know you have starred in the movie Oresama. Can fans look for you on the big screen any time in the near future?
Miyavi    Of course. if there is a big sponsor (kiddin), an opportunity.
IBUKI:    If you could name one Japanese artist and one American artist who you think you would enjoy working with in the future, who would that be?
Miyavi    YOSHIDA brothers & Fieldy (KORN)
IBUKI:    Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us!
Miyavi    You are totally welcome, looking forward to letting you feel my music out there!

MIYAVI: NEO TOKYO SAMURAI BLACK WORLD TOUR 2010

Portland, OR    Event Date: Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Facility: Roseland Theater