Miyavi, born Takamasa Ishihara on September 14, 1981, in Konohana-ku, Osaka, Japan, is not only a renowned musician but also a successful commercial actor. He began playing the guitar at a young age, and his musical talents quickly caught the attention of the music industry. However, he didn't achieve commercial success until 2004 when he signed with PS Company, releasing his first album, "Gagaku," in the same year.
His career breakthrough came when he appeared in the film "Unbroken" in 2014, directed by Angelina Jolie. Miyavi played the role of Mutsuhiro Watanabe - the Japanese Imperial Army corporal who oversees the brutal treatment of American POWs during World War II. Miyavi's performance in "Unbroken" earned worldwide acclaim.
However, Miyavi also made a name for himself in the world of commercials. He became a sought-after commercial actor after his appearance in a 2017 Asahi Soft Drinks commercial, in which he played a father who is nostalgic for his childhood memories of his hometown.
He is known to have starred in several other commercials, including the Nissan Note commercial, where he showed off his guitar skills on top of a speeding car, and the Lexus LS600h commercial, where he interacts with a robotic arm.
Aside from his music and acting careers, Miyavi is also known for his philanthropy. He is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Japan and advocates for the protection of refugees worldwide.
In summary, Miyavi is a multi-talented musician and actor who has secured his place in the world of commercial acting. He has become synonymous with sincerity and authenticity, and his philanthropic work further cements his positive legacy.