Jun Miyake

Jun Miyake (Japanese: Hepburn: , January 7, 1958, in Kyoto) is a Japanese composer. His music (e.g., the songs "Lilies in the Valley" and "The Here and After") was used in the film Pina, nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature in January 2012. He has also been awarded by the German critic's award, Der Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, as Best Album of the Year for his last three albums, ''Stolen from Strangers'', ''Lost Memory Theatre act-1'', and ''Lost Memory Theatre act-2''.

Early life

Miyake was born into a paradoxical household that shaped his artistic sensibility. His mother was a music enthusiast and introduced him to melodies. However, his father was a chemist and was staunchly against sounds of any kind. This contrast cultivated his fascination with music, particularly jazz, which he discovered at age 12. At this age, Miyake was drawn to the trumpet and pursued a passion for improvisation and dynamic sonic exploration.

Career

Discovered by Japanese jazz trumpeter Terumasa Hino, Miyake started his career as a jazz trumpet player, having studied at Berklee College of Music from 1976 to 1981. In 1981, he won the prize at the Massachusetts Artist Foundation award for his composition. Miyake’s early career saw him exploring jazz and contemporary music, building a reputation in Japan’s music scene. His artistry evolved significantly during the late 1990s, marked by a trilogy of albums released on Beams Records. These works combined elements of jazz improvisation with exotic and global influences, garnering critical praise.

After returning to Tokyo, he became an influential artist, as well as a successful composer. Miyake has now released 17 solo albums, and has worked on films, documentaries, dances, advertisement, theatre pieces, and served as a producer for numerous artists. His main instruments include the trumpet, flugelhorn, melodica, piano, keyboard, fender rhodes, and programming.

In 1983, he released his first album "June Night Love", which includes two tracks used in the TDK TV commercial starring Andy Warhol. He then continued on to working for over 3000 TV commercials, which led to winning many awards, including Cannes advertisement film festival and the Digital Media Grands prix.

Miyake has worked closely with Pina Bausch for pieces including Rough Cut (2005), Vollmond (2006), Sweet Mambo (2008), Como El Musguito En La Piedra, Ay Si Si... (2009), which led to the film ''Pina'' by Wim Wenders; his tracks were featured in the essential scenes. This film was awarded by European Film Award 2011 as Best Documentary; nominated for the Academy Awards 2012 as Best Documentary Feature, and BAFTA 2012 as Best non-English language film. With Katsuhiro Otomo in 1995, he composed the soundtrack of the episode "Stink Bomb" for the anime Memories, where he uses a combination of jazz and funk to emphasize the film's chaotic and comedic nature.

He has also worked closely with Robert Wilson on White Town (2002), an homage to Arne Jacobsen at Bellevue Teatret in Copenhagen; Jean-Paul Goude who has done the artwork for Stolen from Strangers, Lost Memory Theatre act-1, Lost Memory Theatre act-2, Oliver Stone, and Philippe Decouflé, among others, as well as collaborations with artists such as Hal Willner, Arto Lindsay, Peter Scherer, Arthur H, Vinicius Cantuaria, Cosmic voice of Bulgaria, David Byrne, Grace Jones, Gavin Friday, Nina Hagen, Ron Carter, Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Al Foster, Dhafer Youssef, Vincent Segal, Remi Kolpa Kopoul, Jean-Michel Jarre, and many others.

With his ability to blend the most seemingly disparate element of music, he has achieved much respect throughout the world. From 2005, he has set a base in Paris, actively working on several projects. He has been selected as "Man of 2009" by Galeries Lafayette Homme.

In 2016, he arranged the Japanese national anthem Kimigayo for 2016 Summer Olympics closing ceremony; composed the track "ANTHEM OUTRO" for the "ARIGATO FROM JAPAN" sequence, which became the topic of conversation.

In recent years, his has worked for film scores including ''The Translators'', ''Norman- The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer'', ''An Artist of the Floating World'', ''No Longer Human'', ''No.9'', ''Sanson'', and ''Snow Country''.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Miyake adopted remote recording techniques, collaborating with global musicians via home studios. He utilized Audiomovers for real-time recording in order to adapt to the environment. Despite the constraints of isolation, Miyake’s was able to compose "Undreamt Chapter" and maintained his reflective and universal qualities, showcasing commitment to creating art that resonates across contexts.

In 2021, he has released his most recent solo album "Whispered Garden".

After coming back to Tokyo during the pandemic, Miyake decided on moving his base to New York in 2024. 

Major works

Stolen From Strangers (2007) – This album earned the Grand Prix for the German Record Critics' Award in 2008, highlighting Miyake's ability to transcend genres. The record features a sophisticated interplay of jazz, world music, and modern orchestration, solidifying his place in the international music community.
Pina (2011) – Miyake contributed to the soundtrack of Wim Wenders’ documentary Pina, which celebrates the legacy of choreographer Pina Bausch. His compositions played a significant role in the film’s emotional resonance, helping it achieve an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary.

Lost Memory Theatre Series (2013–2017) – The Lost Memory Theatre series explores themes of fragmented memories and dreamlike spaces. Memories are deeply personal to the composer, especially after the natural and nuclear disasters in Japan.1 The second installment, act-2, released to critical acclaim, features an innovative mix of Bulgarian symphonic strings, electronic elements, and poetic vocals by Lisa Papineau. Miyake’s evocative arrangements create a cinematic auditory experience, blurring the line between music and storytelling. Wim Wenders says in the liner notes: "Jun’s Lost Memory Theatre is truly unique: it constantly produces that ‘Third Thing’ between music and imagery. You enter this space for the first time and you’re already addicted to it…"
Undreamt Chapter (2020) – This album was composed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which reflected the tension and hope of the era.

Theater and collaborations

Miyake collaborated with theater director Robert Wilson in 2002 for a production celebrating architect Arne Jacobsen. This experience introduced him to the world of theater, where he admired Wilson’s meticulous focus on lighting and simplicity. Miyake credits Wilson’s productions, such as Woyzeck, for their seamless integration of visual, narrative, and musical elements, further inspiring his creative outlook.
A defining aspect of Miyake’s career is his association with choreographer Pina Bausch. Their collaboration began serendipitously when Bausch’s team contacted him about using one of his compositions. Over the years, their bond deepened as Miyake contributed to her performances, including the soundtrack for Vollmond. Bausch’s work profoundly influenced him, teaching him the power of emotional expression through movement and simplicity. Miyake describes her artistry as a source of beauty, love, and inspiration.

Artistic philosophy

Miyake has worked with renowned artists such as Arto Lindsay, David Byrne, and Nina Hagen. His collaborations span genres and disciplines, from theater and dance to film, showcasing his versatility and global appeal. His music has been described as "worldly without being too specific," inviting listeners to craft their own interpretations.

On self-reflection, Miyake views music as "the art of time," crafting pieces that blend past and present to evoke "nostalgia at first sight." His process emphasizes emotional and sonic authenticity, often rejecting efficiency in favor of deep contemplation and timeless expression. Jun Miyake continues to be a vital figure in contemporary music, celebrated for his cross-disciplinary collaborations and evocative soundscapes.

Discography

*1983 – "JUNE NIGHT LOVE　(TDK RECORDS)
*1984 – "Especially Sexy　(TDK RECORDS)
*1988 – "TOKOSHIE no TENOHIRA　〈永遠乃掌 〉　(SWITCH RECORDS)
*1989 – ''Cycloid / Stokesia　(FUNHOUSE)''
*1989 – "Gorilla original soundtrack"
*1991 – ''ONE (PONY CANYON)''
*1991 – "Sublime&JUN MIYAKE / RECIENTE　(WEA MUSIC)
*1991 – "zans / La Party　(NIPPON COLUMBIA)
*1993 – "ENTROPATHY　〈星ノ玉ノ緒〉　(SONY RECORDS)
*1996 – "JUN MIYAKE CM TRACKS VOL.1　(SLC RECORDS)
*1996 – "JUN MIYAKE CM TRACKS VOL.2　(SLC RECORDS)
*1996 – ''常夏乃憂ヒ JUN MIYAKE LIVE at CAY '95　(SAIDERA RECORDS)''
*1997 – "Latinism Reversible　(TOKUMA JAPAN COMMUNICATIONS)
*1998 – "angels rondo" MUSIC for TAKAYUKI TERAKADO EXHIBITION　(TERAPIKA RECORDS)
*1998 – "PuPu the soundtrack (Little More records)"
*1999 – "Glam Exotica !　(BEAMS RECORDS)
*2000 – "Mondo Erotica !　(BEAMS RECORDS)
*2000 – "Innocent Bossa in the mirror　(BEAMS RECORDS/CONSIPIO RECORDS)
*2004 – "MASK DE 41 Original Soundtrack (Little More records)"
*2006 – "Kiba Original Soundtrack vol.1(Aniplex)"
*2007 – "Stolen from strangers　(drApe/P-VINE, enja-yellowbird)
*2007 – "Kiba Original Soundtrack vol.2(Aniplex)"
*2009 – "The Miraculous Mandarin (Parco)"
*2009 – "Vollmond music from the dance theater of Pina Bausch (VideoArts)"
*2010 – "Jeanne d'arc Soundtrack (Pony Canyon)"
*2010 – "Sublime&JUN MIYAKE / LUDIC (drApe/P-VINE, enja-yellowbird)
*2011 – ''Pina by Wim Wenders Soundtrack (Wenders Music)''
*2013 – "Lost Memory Theatre act-1 (drApe/P-VINE, enja-yellowbird)
*2014 – "Woyzeck (Pony Canyon)
*2014 – "9 Days Queen (Pony Canyon)
*2014 – ''Lost Memory Theatre act-2 (drApe/P-VINE, enja-yellowbird)''
*2017 – "Last Picture – Dairo Miyamoto (drApe/P-VINE, enja-yellowbird)
*2017 – "NORMAN: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer Original Soundtrack"
*2018 – "Lost Memory Theatre act-3 (drApe/P-VINE, enja-yellowbird)
*2019 – "COLOMENA / Kyoko Katsunuma & Jun Miyake (drApe/P-VINE)
*2019 – "An artist of floating world Original Soundtrack (drApe/P-VINE)
*2019 – "No Longer Human Original Soundtrack (drApe/P-VINE)
*2019 – 'Les Traducteurs Original Soundtrack (drApe/P-VINE)"
*2020 – Mémoires du Sapa Original Soundtrack (drApe/P-VINE)"
*2021 – "No.9 -Immortal Melody Soundtrack (e+ Music)"
*2021 – "Sanson Original Soundtrack (drApe/P-VINE)"
*2021 – "Whispered Garden (drApe/P-VINE, enja-yellowbird)
*2022 – "Snow Country Original Soundtrack (drApe/P-VINE) "
*2023-"Jeanne d'arc Soundtrack" (P-VINE)

Films

*1987 – "Itoshi no Half Moon" – Yōjirō Takita
*1995 – Stink Bomb – "Memories" – Katsuhiro Otomo
*1998 – "The Story of Pupu" – Kensaku Watanabe
*1999 – Any Given Sunday – Oliver Stone – Didn't come through the final cut
*2004 – Mask de 41 – Taishi Muramoto
*2005 – Coffee with Pina – Lee Yanor
*2006 – L'Ombre et la Main – Laurence Garret
*2006 – "Kiba"
*2009 – Mourir d'Aimer – Josse Dayan
*2010 – Katai – Claire Doyon
*2010 – 3 femmes amoureuses – Pierre Daigniere
*2010 – The Women – Diane English
*2011 – Jonas – Christian Ulmen & Robert Wilde
*2011 – Eat Pray Love – Ryan Murphy
*2011 – Pina – Wim Wenders (Awarded for European Film Award 2011, Nominee for the Academy Awards 2012, BAFTA awards 2012)
*2014 – Tiens-toi droite – Katia Lewkowicz
*2016 – Norman:The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer (film) – Joseph Cedar
*2019 – The Translators-
*2019 – "An artist of floating world (Kazutaka Watanabe)}
*2019 – "No Longer Human (Mika Ninagawa)}
*2022 – "Snow Country (Kazutaka Watanabe)}
*2023 – "Oxygen Station (Ivan Tymchenko)}
*2023 – "Some Body comes into the Light" (Wim Wenders)

Theater pieces

*2000 – Philippe Decoufle / improvisational session / Palais de Chaillot
*2002 – Robert Wilson / "Whitetown" / Bellevue Theatret (Copenhagen)
*2002 – Philippe Decoufle / Iris workshop / Yokohama
*2005 – Philippe Decoufle / Solo / Paris
*2005 – Pina Bausch / Rough Cut / Wuppertal
*2005 – Katrine Wiedman / The Mermaid / Copenhagen
*2005 – Philippe Decoufle / Theatre Mogador/ Paris
*2006 – Pina Bausch / Rough Cut / Wuppertal
*2007 – Pina Bausch / Bamboo Blues / Wuppertal
*2007 – Brecht-Weill / The Threepenny Opera / Akira Shirai / Tokyo
*2008 – Pina Bausch /Sweet Mambo / Wuppertal
*2009 – Shuji Terayama / The Miraculous Mandarin / Akira Shirai / Tokyo
*2010 – Philippe Ridley / Leaves of Glass / Akira Shirai / Tokyo
*2010 – Kazuki Nakajima / Jeanne d'Arc / Akira Shirai / Tokyo
*2011 – Paul Auster / Ghosts / Akira Shirai / Tokyo
*2011 – Kyoka Izumi / Tenshu Monogatari / Akira Shirai / Tokyo
*2012 – Georg Büchner / WOYZECK / Akira Shirai / Tokyo
*2013 – Go Aoki / 9 Days Queen / Akira Shirai / Tokyo
*2014 – Jun Miyake / Lost Memory Theatre / Akira Shirai / Yokohama
*2015 – Pearl S. Buck / PEARL / Lincoln Center / New York (unfinished master has been used illegally)
*2015 – No.9 Melody Immortality / Akira Shirai / Tokyo
*2020 – Flying Sapa / Kumiko Ueda
*2021 – No.9 Melody Immortality / Akira Shirai / Tokyo
*2021 – Sanson / Akira Shirai
*2023 – Jeanne d'arc / Akira Shirai

References

External links

junmiyake.com
– official website (in Japanese and English)
* Son
"The Here and After"
music: Jun Miyake; lyrics: Lisa Papineau.
*

{{DEFAULTSORT:Miyake, Jun
1958 births
Japanese composers
Japanese jazz musicians
Japanese male jazz musicians
Japanese jazz trumpeters
Japanese male composers
Living people
Musicians from Kanagawa Prefecture
Tokuma Japan Communications artists
21st-century Japanese trumpeters
21st-century Japanese male musicians
Berklee College of Music alumni