Takamasa Ishihara, better known by his stage name Miyavi, is one of Japan’s most remarkable musical exports.<br /><br /> Best known globally for his debut acting role in Angelina Jolie’s ‘Unbroken’, where he plays a psychotic prison guard, Miyavi the singer-songwriter is currently on a world tour. At a gig in London, we asked him about his unique slapping style – inspired by the traditional Japanese instrument called the Shamisen – which has earned him the nickname “samurai guitarist”.<br /><br /> “As an Asian guitarist I just wanted to find my distinct style so I just started slapping the strings. And then with the drummer, Bobo, only two people on stage, it’s simpler and solid. It’s a really kind of intense performance, so, more freedom and a low budget!,” he said about his stripped down band of two.<br /><br /> Miyavi’s latest album ‘The Others’ was produced by Grammy-winning producers Drew and Shannon. Much of it was recorded in Nashville and the artist says the spirit of the country music capital definitely wo
