MIYAVI
Lebanon, 2023.
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About MIYAVI
MIYAVI is a Japanese musician, actor, and philanthropist who has gained international recognition for his distinctive guitar style – using his fingers instead of a pick to create a uniquely rich and rhythmic sound.
In 2015, MIYAVI undertook his first field visit to learn about UNHCR’s frontline work, traveling to Lebanon. During the visit, he performed his song “The Others” with refugees he met there. The music video, released in 2016, was directed and produced by Angelina Jolie and MIYAVI, and features refugees from around the world.
Following subsequent visits to Lebanon in 2016 and Thailand in 2017, MIYAVI was appointed as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador for Japan in November 2017.
Lebanon, 2023. MIYAVI visited Lebanon for the third time, further deepening his understanding of the situation and reaffirming his continued commitment to supporting refugees in the region.
Moldova, 2022. MIYAVI visited Moldova to witness the impact of refugees fleeing Ukraine following the onset of full-scale war in Ukraine, engaging with displaced communities and observing the response efforts on the ground.
Colombia, 2020. Field visit of Goodwill Ambassador MIYAVI to Colombia to see firsthand the situation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants
Kenya, 2019. Japanese musician MIYAVI, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, visits Kenya to learn more about the work of UNHCR in Africa.
Bangladesh, 2019. MIYAVI, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador from Japan visits a learning centre in the Rohingya settlement.
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Field missions
Since his appointment, MIYAVI has undertaken a series of field missions with UNHCR, visiting refugee-hosting countries and camps across multiple regions, including:
- Bangladesh
- Thailand
- Kenya
- Colombia
- Moldova
- Lebanon.
Through these visits, he has engaged directly with displaced individuals and host communities, listening to their experiences and witnessing both the challenges and resilience on the ground. These firsthand encounters have informed his advocacy, enabling him to convey authentic stories to global audiences and further strengthen his commitment to supporting refugees worldwide.
Japan, 2019. MIYAVI speaks with a Myanmar refugee nail artist who has built a new life in Japan and now runs her own nail salon.
Japan, 2021. MIYAVI engaged in a dialogue with Japanese youth and a young refugee from Myanmar.
Japan, 2019. MIYAVI visits the first Japanese Nansen Refugee Award Laureate Dr. Akio Kanai.
Japan, 2021. MIYAVI participated in the online event with Japanese youth and Rohingya refugees living in Japan, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Engagements in Japan
As the only Goodwill Ambassador for Japan, MIYAVI has played a pivotal role in advancing public awareness of refugee issues through a wide range of media engagements, public events, and strategic partnerships. Drawing on insights from his field missions, he has effectively conveyed the realities faced by displaced communities, fostering deeper understanding and empathy among domestic audiences while strengthening support for UNHCR’s work in Japan.
His engagements include active participation in initiatives such as the Refugee Film Festival and World Refugee Day, as well as facilitating meaningful dialogues with a refugee professional, refugee students and Japanese youth – creating platforms for exchange, mutual learning, and greater solidarity.
Switzerland. 2023 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award ceremony.
Switzerland. 2017 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award ceremony.
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Support for global initiatives
MIYAVI has actively supported key UNHCR initiatives, including the #WithRefugees campaign and the Nansen Refugee Award 2017 and Global Refugee Forum. Leveraging his global platform, he has used his music, public appearances, and social media presence to consistently amplify UNHCR’s work and messages, reaching diverse and often younger audiences. His advocacy has placed particular emphasis on the importance of ensuring access to quality education for refugee children, as well as promoting inclusion, dignity, and opportunities for displaced communities.
MIYAVI’s key work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
