Japan's Miyavi reaches solo stardom with a distinctive rock hybrid

Anyone who thinks that all Japanese pop sounds cutesy like Puffy Ami-Yumi is in for a shock when they hear Miyavi's This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock. The guitar prodigy has reached solo stardom in his home country with his distinctive punk-influenced, hip-hop-tinged sound and a voice that ranges from sweetly emotional to a raw, sexy rasp. Covered in tattoos and piercings and oozing rock 'n' roll attitude, Miyavi is legendary for energetic stage shows that include taiko drummers, beatboxers, and graffiti artists. If any Japanese star can cross over to the American rock market, it's this guy.