Real Name: Kyo's real name has often been root of much controversy amongst fans. Some consider his last name to be Nishimura, while others consider it to be Niimura. Phonetically both are correct, which means that no one has been able to determine just which spelling is accurate. However; the kanji used to sign his poem books can be translated as Nishimura. I myself prefer the spelling of Nishimura, but it all just comes down to the opinion of the fans, considering it isn't even known if Kyo is being honest or not.
His first name is said to be Tooru, given both in an interview and signed onto his poem books. Again, we've really no idea if this is the truth or not but some interesting things to know about the name Tooru is that it is Japanese in origin ( of course ), it means "transparent", and is pronounced TOH oh roo or TOH roo. Alternate spellings include Toru and Tohru.
Stage Name: Kyo.
Date of Birth: February 16th.
Former Bands: Gesshoku [ Moonlight ]. » Visun [ Visual ]. » MASQUERADE. » Haijin Kurobarazoku [ Invalid Black Rose Family ]. » La:Sadie's.
Having been with the band since its formation in early 1997, Kyo had previously been the frontman of La:Sadies.
And though he has only been responsible for composing a few of Dir en grey's songs such as ``The Domestic Fucker Family`` and ``[S]``, he is solely responsible for writing all of the lyrics, which usually contain pessimistic innuendos and center upon a wide array of topics such as abuse in ``Berry``, sexual fetishes in ``Zomboid``, Japan's casual attitude towards abortion in ``Mazohyst of Decadence``, media in ``Mr. Newsman``, drugs in ``Hades``, and the conformity-oriented society in ``Children``. The vocabulary in the lyrics can range from indecorous to demure, with the use of double entendres and word play often associated with the multiple meanings behind certain kanji characters.
Kyo's stage presence has gained a notoriety due to an energetic and emotional performance that tends to rely a great deal on shock elements such as mounting stage equipment, heavy make-up resembling burnt skin tissue, fake vomit consisting of ingredients such as raw eggs or oatmeal, and acts of self-mutilation. Palpability of the latter, however, is not always comprehensible given that the practice of such acts frequently occur, sometimes already planned for a venue's set-list. Such as, during the ``It Withers and Withers`` and ``INWARD SCREAMS`` tours, Kyo would immerse himself in the act of fish-hooking during the perfomance of ``Kodoku ni shisu, Yueni Kodoku``.
During more recent performances Kyo seems to have exchanged his more violent means of expression for swaying hand gestures, though he will beat his chest on ocassion; pushing his body to and beyond limitations in order to spread his message.