Takamasa Ishihara (石原 貴雅, Ishihara Takamasa?, born September 14, 1981)[4] better known by his stage name Miyavi (雅-MIYAVI-?, previously written as 雅-miyavi-),[5] is a Japanese visual kei rock 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.
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Miyavi was born in Nishikujo, Japan to a Japanese mother and second-generation Zainichi Korean father.[5] While young, he moved to Kawanishi in Hyōgo Prefecture. Miyavi says that as a child, he was a good student and enjoyed playing soccer.[5]

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[6] and began writing music after a soccer injury left him unable to play.[7][8]
[edit] 1999-2004: Dué le Quartz and indies era

In 1999, at the age of 17, Miyavi joined the visual kei 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 where he became 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.[9][10]

Miyavi has been regularly featured in various Japanese rock magazines, 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.