Interviewer: You were born in Hyogo (兵庫)?
Miyavi: Today I want to talk about my past before I was born.
I: Then about your parents?
M: Yes, this is the first time I am mentioning, I am 3rd generation zainichi (Korean-Japanese). Looking at the bloodline, I am mixed. My father's side, grandfather and
grandmother are from Jejo island, which is famous for tourist site. They were
living their until they came to Japan.I: Did you know this truth when you were little?
M: No, at first the questions brought up, but I forgot. But you know when
relatives get married. My father had 8 siblings. And he is the first son, so he
always had to attend wedding ceremonies. I remember when I went with him to the
wedding, at the front door the last names were written in big letters. When I
saw it, one side was written "Lee"(李家) and the other side had "Kim"(金家). So even though I was little, (laughs) I knew those last names weren't much seen in
Japan. And when I was little, I used to eat jijime(Korean food? I don't know)
and see jogori (Korean traditional dress). Although I didn't know much when I
was little, I knew I was alittle different.I: So even though you were born and raised in Japan, you felt your surrounding wasn't quite Japan you are saying?
M: Yes, I felt it. I recently found out that my family's last name is Lee (李).
There is Bruce Lee (different chinese/kangi character), so I thought it was okay
to have Lee as last name (laughs). My grandfather and grandmother lived in
Jurubashi(鶴橋). I was born in Nisikujo (西九条).I: So after you were born, did you move straight to Hyogo?M: No, until first grade in elementary school I lived in Nisikujo. I was very popular at stores. My mother's side grandfather and grandmother lived near, so I went to play there and they always gave me 100yens. (laughs). Also, when I went to public bath, they always bought me fruit juice and small toys (laughs).
I: So the neighbors all thought you were cute?
M: Of course(laughs), blah blah The interview is quite long, so I will stop here...
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