Japanese rock guitarist and singer MIYAVI is deepening his connection with China, embracing its culture, language, and people to fulfill his global mission through music.
Since spending an extended period in China starting last year, MIYAVI’s understanding of the country has grown significantly. Living among the people has reaffirmed his admiration for China’s strong work ethic.
“Chinese people work very hard… even the little things like making bags or shoes or even the technology. That’s the power of the country. The whole world needs that power,” MIYAVI said.
Inspired by the dedication he sees around him, MIYAVI is motivated to work harder himself. Part of that journey includes mastering Mandarin. With growing confidence, he can conduct simple interviews and tries to communicate with staff and fans in Chinese as much as he can.
“My fans are my teachers,” he said in Mandarin, emphasizing that daily exposure and use are key to learning. “Now on my phone, everything is Chinese… even my dreams are in Chinese,” he added with a laugh.
Beyond his musical talent, MIYAVI is known internationally for his humanitarian work. Appointed as a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador in 2017, he has used his music to raise awareness about social issues.
Recalling his first trip to Lebanon, he described feeling initially helpless until he began playing his guitar for local children. “At that time, I realized there’s something I can do with music, especially for kids who grew up in a small village and have no access to other places. Music can bring them out, at least show them,” he said.
Rather than focusing on despair, MIYAVI aims to highlight the strength and resilience of displaced individuals. “I don’t call them refugees; they are people. They are strong, stronger than us. They survived… with music, I can show their bright side to the world,” he said.
He is candid about the challenges humanitarian organizations face today, including declining global funding to the UN. “When the economy goes down, we all suffer,” MIYAVI said, calling on donations and support from the global community.
For MIYAVI, humanitarian work isn’t separate from his artistry—it fuels it and is the reason he wants to become more influential. “Not only for money or fame, it’s also the influential power and how you use that power for the community, for the world, for the future,” he said.
MIYAVI sees China playing a pivotal role in global cultural exchange. He admires how Chinese people embrace their musical heritage while remaining open to international collaboration. “There is chemistry there. I’m already having chemistry with the artists here and my audience as well,” he said.
As MIYAVI continues to bridge cultures and raise awareness through his music, his journey in China marks not just a career milestone but also a reaffirmation of his global mission—one driven by passion, purpose, and profound respect for the people he encounters.
