Shinya (musician)

Shinya Yamada (山田 真矢), better known by his mononymous stage name Shinya (真矢), is a Japanese musician, media personality and entrepreneur. He is best known as the drummer of the rock band Luna Sea since 1989. He released the solo album No Sticks in 1997, and has also supported other recording acts such as Maki Ohguro, Nanase Aikawa, and Miyavi. Luna Sea are considered one of the most influential bands in the visual kei scene. In addition to his former pupil, Jun-ji (Siam Shade), musicians such as Pierre Nakano (Ling Tosite Sigure), Shinya (Dir En Grey), and Satoyasu Shomura (Alexandros) have cited Shinya as an influence.

Early life
Shinya grew up in a family with two older brothers, an older sister, and a younger step-brother from his father's second marriage. His family were Noh performers, and Shinya was forced to practice the art from the age of three until sixth grade. He was also trained in the traditional Japanese taiko drums as a child. Shinya attended Shiritsu Honchō Kindergarten, Shiritsu Suehiro Elementary, Honchō Junior High, and Kanagawa Kenritsu Isehara High.

In high school, he became best friends with Sugizo, whose stage name Shinya originally coined as a nickname. Although his parents had bought him a drum set, Shinya said it was not enough and he soon went to a store to buy his first real kit. Coincidentally, Sugizo was at the music store in Ochanomizu and helped him make his selection. Already determined to become a professional musician, he successfully convinced his parents to take out a loan for the expensive drum kit.

Career
In high school, Shinya and Sugizo were members of the power metal band Pinoccio. They were then briefly both in Kashmir. When Shinya was asked to join Lunacy on January 16, 1989, he insisted that Sugizo also join. In 1991, the band changed their name to Luna Sea and released their self-titled first album. They went on to become very successful, having sold more than 10 million certified units in Japan, and are considered one of the most influential bands in the visual kei movement. In 2003, HMV Japan ranked Luna Sea at number 90 on their list of the 100 most important Japanese pop acts.

When Luna Sea took a brief break in 1997, Shinya started a solo career where he was vocalist and drummer. His first single, "Rakkasuru Taiyou", was released on September 26. "Hyoryusya", a duet with Hekiru Shiina, followed on November 21. His first album No Sticks was released in December 1997, and produced by Yasushi Akimoto. Shinya played drums on the track "Back Line Best" for his fellow Luna Sea bandmate J's 1997 debut solo album Pyromania, and on Tak Matsumoto's 1999 song "Go Further", which also features Billy Sheehan. He also contributed to tribute albums to the recording artists Hideki Saijo, Cozy Powell, John Bonham, and Rainbow. After Luna Sea disbanded in 2000, Shinya worked as support drummer for musicians such as Miyavi, Nanase Aikawa, Kyosuke Himuro, and numerous others. He also occasionally taught drums to students at the Osaka School of Music.

In 2002, Shinya was recruited by Satoshi Takebe to be part of a backing band for pop singer Maki Ohguro. With a lineup that also included The Street Sliders guitarist Kouhei Tsuchiya and Judy and Mary bassist Yoshihito Onda, they released the cover album Copy Band Generation Vol. 1 on March 17, 2004, under the name Maki Ohguro and Friends (大黒摩季とフレンズ). Around 2005, Shinya started the band Potbelly, with a young female singer named Milky. Although, they only released the album Crash, Crash, Crash on August 22, 2005. In 2006, he collaborated with Fake? (fellow Luna Sea member Inoran's band) for songs on their mini-album Songs From Beelzebub. Also in 2006, he became a support drummer for Morrie's project, Creature Creature, and teamed up with La'cryma Christi drummer Levin for several exhibitions in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Pearl Drums.

Maki Ohguro and Friends temporarily reunited for a tour in October 2007. On December 24, 2007, Shinya reunited with Luna Sea to play a one-night only concert at the sold-out 55,000 seat Tokyo Dome. The band would reunite once again at the hide memorial summit on May 4, 2008. From 2008 to 2009, Shinya was support drummer for X Japan vocalist Toshi's project, Toshi with T-Earth. Shinya opened Re:soul, a jewellery shop specializing in healing stones, in Daikanyamachō on April 23, 2008. In 2009, he began "producing" the Tokyo ramen shop Tenraiken (天雷軒). That year, he also played on L'Arc-en-Ciel guitarist Ken's first solo album In Physical, and provided live support for the recently reunited Dead End. On August 31, 2010, he appeared with the other members of Luna Sea at a press conference in Hong Kong, where they officially announced their reunion and their 20th Anniversary World Tour Reboot -to the New Moon-.

In response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan on March 11, Shinya supported Toshi at eight concerts throughout western Japan. All of the shows were acoustic due to the electricity shortage and also featured X Japan's Heath and the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa. All proceeds were donated to the Japanese Red Cross to aid the victims. Shinya provided drums to the 2011 album Matsuri-bayashi by Vocaloid musician BuzzG. That year, he also joined Yellow Fried Chickenz, a band that included Gackt and Chachamaru. However they disbanded after their July 4, 2012 concert, after only one year together. Shinya played drums on Granrodeo's 2012 single "Can Do", which was used as the theme song to the Kuroko's Basketball anime. Shinya participated in the HIV/AIDS benefit concert Hope and Live ~ HIV/AIDS Support and Treatment Benefit Concert 2013, which was held on August 26–28 at Club Citta and included many other artists such as Zigzo and his Luna Sea bandmate Ryuichi. He also contributed to that year's Dead End tribute album, Dead End Tribute - Song of Lunatics -. Shinya and Sugizo played together on "Ai no Uta" for Ryuichi's 2014 mini-album Concept RRR 「Never Fear」. In 2016, Shinya began contributing to solo recordings by D vocalist Asagi with the triple A-side single "Seventh Sense / Shikabane no Ōja / Anpusai".

Having had to postpone most of their 2020 30th anniversary tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, Luna Sea were set to perform at Saitama Super Arena on December 26 and 27, 2020. However, both were also postponed after Shinya tested positive for COVID-19 on the morning of December 26. On May 6, 2023, Shinya was appointed an ambassador of his hometown of Hadano, Kanagawa.

Musicianship
When asked about his drumming style, Shinya said his concept is wa or "harmony"; he enjoys making other people happy, and therefore believes it is his "duty" to play drums for others. He also used hana (Japanese for "flower") as a word to describe his style, explaining that a flower blooms at all times, even when no one is watching. So one should try to "shine" at all times; "it is beautiful when you are blooming for yourself." In contrast, the third and final word he listed was in'yō (Japanese for "yin and yang"), referring to how a drummer must act according to the circumstances, including staying in the "shadows" if appropriate; "When you are playing a dark song, if you try to shine, there's no point to it." He speculated that his training in Noh as a child might be the cause for his unique drumming style. Gota Nishidera wrote that the biggest difference between Luna Sea and their contemporaries was their rhythm section, who created a "rhythm revolution" in Japanese rock with their exquisite control and ability to freely manipulate silence and explosion. Sugizo stated that it was the Noh background that taught Shinya that knowing when not to hit, or when to mute, is more important than playing a note.

Shinya cited Led Zeppelin's John Bonham as his favorite drummer. His drum instructor was Soul Toul, drummer of Daddy Takechiyo & Tokyo Otoboke Cats. Shinya said he normally does not practice drums at all in his daily life; "If you keep on thinking 'I have to get better at drums', then playing would be like studying, and your playing style would get more and more restricted and rigid. To me, that's horrible." After singing on his own 1997 solo album, Shinya said his drumming style changed to became more conscious of vocals. Hisaaki Komatsu, Luna Sea's front of house engineer since 2011, said that Shinya is particular about his drum sounds in concerts. He said that after a show, Shinya listens to a recording on the way home and messages Komatsu to make changes for the next day. Shinya's protégé and roadie was Siam Shade drummer Jun-ji.

Pierre Nakano of Ling Tosite Sigure holds Shinya in high esteem, as does Masahiro Matsuoka. Reportedly, Alexandros drummer Satoyasu Shomura is largely influenced by Shinya, and Shinya of Dir En Grey cited him as the number one drummer. Kra's Yasuno was inspired to start playing the drums because of Shinya, and Dio – Distraught Overlord drummer Denka cited him as one of his two biggest influences.

Equipment
The first drum kit Shinya ever bought was a Pearl President Export in high school. He chose an expensive, double bass drum set because he already knew he wanted to be a professional musician. He said his love for large kits originated from Munetaka Higuchi. Throughout the majority of the 1990s, Shinya used Yamaha Drums. In 1999, he signed an endorsement contract with Pearl. In addition to liking the variety they offered and their appearances, he said the fact that both Higuchi and Reaction drummer Yasuhiro Umezawa used Pearl was a factor in signing. Since then, Shinya has continued to alter his kit, including using three bass drums, acrylic shells, and electronic drums. He said this is because he views drums like toys, and compared it to how other people often tinker and customize their automobiles. Komatsu said that Shinya is always willing to try new things. When Pearl began re-manufacturing their Crystal Beat acrylic shells, Shinya requested see-through pink ones in 2014, before switching to green ones in 2017. The drummer said he particularly liked the tone of the acrylic shells. In 2019, Shinya began using Pearl's e/Merge electronic drums. Although he had incorporated some electronic drums in his kits before, this time he went completely electronic.

In 2020, Sabian Cymbals released Shinya's signature model cymbal, The Star. Featuring small holes in the shape of a star, three types were produced; an 18" crash, an 18" Chinese, and a 10" china splash. Shinya has signature drum sticks with Pearl. He prefers the stick in his left hand to be heavier than the one in his right. He uses a 53g stick in his left hand, and a 50g in his right.

Personal life
Shinya married former Morning Musume member Aya Ishiguro (石黒 彩) in May 2000. Eight years his junior, Aya largely retired from the entertainment industry and became a housewife shortly after giving birth to their first child. They have three children: daughters Rimu (玲夢) and Sona (宙奈), and son Youta (耀太). Due to Shinya's unusual schedule for work, he rents a workspace separate from their home, and has spent more than a week there without returning home. In 2019, Rimu made her first television appearance and announced she was taking vocal lessons to become a singer.

Shinya said his three favorite things are drums, cars and golf. He became an avid golfer in his 40s for health reasons. He and Aya said they had no hobbies in common until she also became hooked on the sport in 2017. Shinya does not normally listen to music in his daily life, explaining, "I don't want making music to be a routine thing. I want to be in love with music." But when he does, he prefers Japanese pop music and enka, such as Ikuzo Yoshi and Saburō Kitajima.

Discography

 * Singles and studio albums
 * "Rakkasuru Taiyō" (落下する太陽), Oricon Singles Chart Peak Position: #15
 * "Hyoryusya" (漂流者) #19
 * No Sticks (December 10, 1997), Oricon Albums Chart Peak Position: #74


 * Home videos
 * Melody (August 21, 1997)
 * Shinya London Calling (February 1998)
 * Shinya Jikiden Pro-Drummer no Kokoroe (真矢　直伝　プロ・ドラマーの心得)
 * Shinya Jikiden Pro-Drummer no Kokoroe Best Price (October 27, 2011, re-release)


 * With Luna Sea


 * With Maki Ohguro and Friends
 * Copy Band Generation Vol. 1 (March 17, 2004) #23
 * Copy Band Generation Live Vol. 1 (September 29, 2004)


 * With Potbelly
 * Crash, Crash, Crash (August 22, 2005)


 * With Yellow Fried Chickenz
 * "The End of the Day" (September 14, 2011) #7
 * "All My Love/You are the Reason" (December 28, 2011) #10
 * Yellow Fried Chickenz I (March 14, 2012) #7
 * World Tour *Show Your Soul. I* Yo Kai Kizu Ketsu Ai Tamashii Matsuri at Makuhari 2011 (April 18, 2012), Oricon DVDs Chart Peak Position: #7
 * World Tour *Show Your Soul. I* Yo Kai Kizu Ketsu Ai Tamashii Matsuri at Berlin 2011 (April 18, 2012) #17
 * Toriaezu Kaisanssu. Sunmasenssu. (December 5, 2012)

Other work
All credits are adapted from Luna Sea Complete Works Perfect Discography 30th Anniversary [Revised Edition] (2020) unless another source is given.


 * J; Pyromania (July 24, 1997) – drums on "Back Line Beast"
 * Various artists; Hideki Saijo Rock Tribute: Kids' Wanna Rock! (July 24, 1997) – sings with Daisuke Kikuchi on "Minami Jūjisei"
 * Sugizo; Truth? (November 19, 1997) – drums on "Chemical" and "Sperma"
 * d-kiku; Miniature Garden (August 1, 1998) – drums on "Tamarisque"
 * Various artists; Cozy Powell Forever (September 19, 1998) – drums on "Kill the King"
 * Shuichi Murakami; Welcome to My Life (September 30, 1998) – drums on "Welcome to My Rhythm [Kon'na Oira ni Dare ga Shita]"
 * Hekiru Shiina; Face to Face (January 21, 1999) – drums on "Fly Away"
 * Various artists; Super Rock Summit ~Tengoku e no Kaidan~ (March 17, 1999) – drums on "Moby Dick (Bonzo's Montreux)" and "We're Gonna Groove"
 * Tak Matsumoto; Knockin' "T" Around (April 14, 1999) – drums on "Go Further"
 * Various artists; Super Rock Summit Rainbow Eyes (June 30, 1999) – drums on "I Surrender" and "Still I'm Sad"
 * The Me to Puririnsha; "No No Crying" (January 13, 2000) – lyricist
 * Olivia; "Dekinai" (July 26, 2000) – drums
 * Vivian Hsu; Pretend Angel (September 20, 2000) – drums on "Devil's Tear"
 * Inoran; Fragment (July 25, 2001) – drums on "Bay"
 * Nicholas Tse; Jade Butterfly (August 10, 2001) – drums on "Today, Your Birthday" and "Kujaku"
 * Amii Ozaki; Amii-Phonic (August 22, 2001) – drums on "Yukkuri Odoru Bear no Yōna Yoru o Iku"
 * Chirolyn & The Angels; "Yume no El Dorado" (September 19, 2001) – drums
 * Sing Like Talking; Metabolism (September 26, 2001) – drums on "Jack Lemmon"
 * Various artists; Reaction Tribute Album: Always On My Mind (October 24, 2001) – drums on "Follow the Shadow"
 * Toranoko Trash; Four Leaf Clover (November 8, 2001) – producer
 * Junpei Kokubo; Ichininmae ni Naritakute (December 12, 2001) – drums on "Michishirube"
 * Chirolyn; "Kimi wa Kiseki wo Shinjiru Kai?" (January 23, 2002) – drums
 * Sugizo feat. Bice; "Rest in Peace & Fly Away" (April 10, 2002) – drums
 * Sugizo & the Spank Your Juice; "No More Machine Guns Play the Guitar" (January 24, 2003) – drums on the title track, "Remind" and "Uso"
 * Sugizo & the Spank Your Juice; Brilliant Days (January 11, 2005) – appears in the music video for "Remind"
 * Nanase Aikawa; R.U.O.K?! (November 9, 2005) – drums
 * Nanase Aikawa; 7.7.7 (January 1, 2006) – drums
 * Fake?; Songs From Beelzebub (May 24, 2006)
 * Creature Creature; "Red" (July 19, 2006) – drums
 * Creature Creature; "Paradise" (July 19, 2006) – drums
 * Creature Creature; Light & Lust (August 30, 2006) – drums on "Red", "Hoshi Suki", "Paradise" and "Sen no Yamiyo ni"
 * LoveFixer; "Yakou/Crystal Rain" (August 27, 2008)
 * Ken; In Physical (April 22, 2009) – drums on "My Angel" and "Save Me"
 * Miyavi; Second Live 「Nariagari (Shaku)」 2003.10.19 at Hibiya Yagai dai Ongakudou (May 22, 2009) – drums
 * Seven; "Hana" (September 9, 2009) – drums on "Hana"
 * Abingdon Boys School; "From Dusk Till Dawn" (December 16, 2009) – drums
 * Various artists; Higuchi Munetaka Tsuitō Live 2009: Munetaka Higuchi Forever Our Hero (July 14, 2010) – drums on "Black Widow" and "Pray for the Dead"
 * BuzzG featuring Gumi x Vocalists; Matsuri-bayashi (June 29, 2011) – drums
 * Sugizo; Flower of Life (December 14, 2011) – drums on "Conscientia" and "Forry"
 * Granrodeo; "Can Do" (April 18, 2012) – drums on the title track and "Love in Shelter"
 * Various artists; Dead End Tribute - Song of Lunatics (September 4, 2013) – drums on "So Sweet So Lonely"
 * Dempagumi.inc; "W.W.D II" (October 2, 2013) – remixed the song for the limited edition
 * Ryuichi Kawamura; Concept RRR 「Never Fear」 (October 1, 2014) – drums on "Ai no Uta"
 * Asagi; "Seventh Sense / Shikabane no Ōja / Anpusai" (April 27, 2016)
 * Asagi; Madara (January 31, 2018) – tsuzumi, ōtsuzumi and taiko on "Tsuki-kai no Miko" and Japanese drums on "Yōtō Gyokuto"
 * Asagi; "Yōko no Yomeiri" (September 24, 2018) – tsuzumi, ōtsuzumi, and taiko
 * Asagi; "Amabie" (August 29, 2020) – tsuzumi, ōtsuzumi, and taiko