Also known as: MANA
Born: March 19,
Origin: Hiroshima, Japan
Genre(s): Gothic metal, Symphonic metal, Alternative metal, Visual Kei
Occupation(s): Musician, Fashion Designer
Instrument(s):Guitar, Keyboard, Bass, Drums
Years active:1990- present
Label(s): MidiːNette
Associated acts: Malice Mizer, Moi dix Mois, Kanon Wakeshima
Website: Monologue Theater
Mana Japanese musician and fashion designer, famed for his role as a leader and guitarist of the influential visual kei band Malice Mizer. It is said that he is widely considered the figurehead of Japan's Gothic Lolita fashion movement, as he helped popularize it.[citation needed] Moi dix Mois is Mana's current project.
Mana was born on March 19 in Hiroshima; while many unsubstantiated rumors proliferate, his real name and year of birth are unknown. At an early age, Mana was introduced to classical music by his parents, who were both music teachers; classical music has remained an influence ever since. Mana has said that he started making music when he was in high school, at which time he listened to Mötley Crüe. Typically, Mana's compositions blend classical music (especially baroque music, featuring pipe organ and harpsichord; he also likes music by Johann Sebastian Bach) with heavy metal music, gothic rock, industrial music and other more unlikely elements such as French pop music. In a recent interview Mana revealed that he has no formal training in music theory.