Matt Kuwata

His father is former professional baseball player Masumi Kuwata; his older brother Masaki is also a former professional baseball player, and his grandfather is professional golfer Izumi Kuwata.{{Cite web |title=桑田真澄は次男Mattだけでなく弟・桑田泉のキャラも濃かった！ {{!}} 斜め上からこんにちは（芸能人、有名人の過去、今、未来を応援するブログ！） |url=https://anincline.com/kuwata-masumi-2/ |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=anincline.com|date=17 June 2017 }}{{Cite web |title=桑田Ｊｒが独立Ｌ新潟からドラフト２位指名 - プロ野球ニュース |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/f-bb-tp0-20141128-1401900.html |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Nikkansports |language=ja}}{{Cite web |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1904/02/news102.html |title=「本当に素敵なお父さんです」 Matt、桑田真澄の誕生日に親子ショット 理解ある父に感謝の言葉も|date=2019-04-02 |access-date=2022-03-30}}{{cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2169192/full/ |title=Matt、兄との2ショット公開「似てらっしゃる」「仲良し兄弟ですね!」 |date=2020-08-11 |access-date=2022-03-30}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/E_talentbank_268104/ |title=Matt、父・桑田真澄氏から今でも期待されていることとは？「僕のこと…」|date=2021-12-08 |access-date=2022-03-30}}

When he was 7 years old, his father began playing piano as a form of rehabilitation; at this time, Kuwata began to teach himself to play piano and violin. However, in elementary school, his father pushed him to continue playing baseball until graduation, in the hope that he would grow to eventually like it and continue. This did not happen; with the support of his mother, Maki, he promptly quit baseball after completing the sixth grade in order to pursue his interest in music. While his older brother appeared to have inherited their father's passion for the sport, Kuwata was reportedly disinterested in it.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-16 |title=Mattママが語る｢野球を強制させない｣深い訳 {{!}} メディア業界 |url=https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/420308 |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=東洋経済オンライン |language=ja}} His mother wrote a book about the experience, titled {{nihongo|Anata wa Anata no Mama de Ii Kodomo no Jiko Kōtei-kan o hagukumu Kuwata Ie no Kosodate|あなたはあなたのままでいい 子どもの自己肯定感を育む桑田家の子育て}} (You're Fine the Way You Are: Growing Children's Self Esteem, Raising Children in the Kuwata House).{{cite book |last=桑田 |first=真紀 |date=2021-04-14 |title=あなたはあなたのままでいい 子どもの自己肯定感を育む桑田家の子育て |trans-title=You're Fine the Way You Are: Growing Children's Self Esteem, Raising Children in the Kuwata House |url= |language=ja |location=Japan |publisher=Kodansha |isbn=9784065232538}} On October 2, 2022, he made a TV appearance alongside his mother on Shuukan Sanma to Matsuko.{{cite web | url=https://hochi.news/articles/20221003-OHT1T51050.html?page=1 | title=Ｍａｔｔ、５４歳の美人母をテレビ初顔出し！親子ショットに「お綺麗すぎ」「さすが桑田さんが選んだ方」 | date=3 October 2022 }}

He joined his school's orchestra, where he played drums, flute, and alto sax. In high school, he went on to Horikoshi Gakuen, where he played alto as well as soprano saxophone in wind orchestra. As leader of the orchestra, he won first place in the Tokyo High School Wind Orchestra Competition. He went on to J. F. Oberlin University by way of recommendation for his instrument ability, and studied abroad in America for his fourth year of university. Upon his return to Japan, he graduated and immediately began his activities as a tarento.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-30 |title=Ｍａｔｔ、ブログで知られざる経歴を激白「小学６年間は野球」「大学に楽器推薦で進学」コンクールで金賞も |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20190530-OHT1T50096.html |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}}

Kuwata is known for his whiteface makeup style, sometimes referred to as "Matt-ka" (マット化, "Matt-ifying"). Domestic Japanese media has described his appearance as that of a "foreign prince" (domestic Japanese media often misuses the word "foreign" to mean "white") or "living doll", as well as criticized him for looking "unnatural". Kuwata himself says that he does not consider the "unnatural" remarks to be insulting; that in contrast of the approachable idol image, he wants to be seen as unreachable, like theme park characters he had idolized. He says that, through his appearance, he wishes to convey the message that "your life is your own". He has declined to comment on any rumors of plastic surgery.{{Cite web |title="違和感"の向こう側へ…Mattが求めた自分だけの美「『不自然』は僕にとって批判ではない」（オリコン） |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/9b775a407d681efef7a4dafc6495fe7b59779844 |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja}} He does, however, admit to the use of image editing software, including BeautyPlus and Adobe Lightroom.{{Cite web |last=Baseel |first=Casey |date=28 Oct 2019 |title=We copy the look of Matt, Japan's hottest male model as SoraNews24's Meg becomes Mett |url=https://soranews24.com/2019/10/28/we-copy-the-look-of-matt-japans-hottest-male-model-as-soranews24s-meg-becomes-mett/|access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Soranews24 |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=Mangrove |first=Mitz |date=4 May 2020 |title=唯一無二に生きる！ マットとミッツ・マングローブのスペシャル対談 |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/jp/celebrity/celebrity-interview/a32325342/matt-talks-with-mitz-200504-hbr/ |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |language=ja}}

In 2019, he was awarded "Most Newsworthy Person in Beauty 2019" at the Bestcosmetics Awards 2019, hosted by VoCE Magazine.{{Cite web |date=13 Dec 2019 |title=Matt 「最もニュースな美容人」受賞に笑顔 シワができたら「ナチュラルに」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2019/12/13/kiji/20191213s00041000223000c.html |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Sponichi Annex |language=ja}}{{Cite web |last=Yori |first=Niyan |date=2018-05-27 |title=Mattの高校や大学の学歴＆経歴まとめ！昔のすっぴん画像が別人！ |url=https://resumedia.jp/2856.html |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Resumedia |language=ja}}

In October 2021, cosmetics company Daiya Corporation launched an official website for Emrose, a "total beauty brand" produced by Kuwata, featuring skincare products planned and designed by him, with his clear and whitened skin in mind as part of the concept. Featured ingredients include guaiazulene and camomile oil. A pop-up shop for it was opened in Shinjuku Isetan, at which Kuwata made an appearance and was approached by people of a wide variety of ages. The product "Blue Relief Peeling Pad", released on July 8, 2022, sold out completely in one week.{{Cite web |date=2020-07-30 |title=ダイヤコーポレーション、Matt監修のコスメブランド「EMROSE」を販売 こだわりを反映、着実に認知拡大 |url=https://news.mynavi.jp/techplus/article/20220730-2411805/ |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=MyNavi News TechPlus |language=ja}} The liquid cosmetics have sold out and been re-released multiple times. {{cite web | url=https://fashionbox.tkj.jp/archives/1686033 | title=Matt（マット）｜"桑田真澄というフィルター"を世間に捨てさせた生き方を語る［インタビュー］ | date=13 April 2022 }}

On June 29, 2022, a 34-minute video demonstrating his skin care and makeup routine was featured by Vogue Japan online, featuring products from his brand Emrose.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-29 |title=Mattが、すっぴんからのフルメイクを丁寧な解説付きで初披露！ {{!}} Beauty Secrets {{!}} VOGUE JAPAN |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSUsCX2H3o8 |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=Vogue Japan |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2020-07-01 |title=加工なし"ガチすっぴん"公開で話題のMatt メイクへの強い思い「誰に笑われてもいい」に激励の声 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2022/07/01/kiji/20220701s00041000187000c.html |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=Sponichi Annex |language=ja}}

Despite his use of whiteface, which he refers to as "Westerner make-up (西洋人風メイク)" or erroneously describes as "foreigner make-up (外国人風メイク)", Kuwata has explicitly stated that he "has absolutely no desire to be a white person".{{Cite web |date=2019-03-15 |title=Mattが「西洋人風メイク」をする理由 「アジア人の僕が…」 |url=https://news.nicovideo.jp/watch/nw4991285 |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=ニコニコニュース |language=ja}}

In the April 2024 issue of Sweet magazine, a bonus palette is included of Opé by Bé vie rosée (a brand produced by Matt) contour and eyeshadow, featuring an image of Matt on the lid of the compact, which is also shown on the cover of the magazine. {{cite magazine |author= |title= 祝♡25周年！佐藤晴美・八木アリサ・谷まりあのトリオが表紙♡ 付録はマットローズのコスメパレット！sweet4月号の見どころはこちら！|url=https://sweetweb.jp/archives/91280 |magazine=Sweet |location=Japan |publisher=Takarajima |date=April 2024 |access-date=2024-03-13}}{{cite web | url=https://mdpr.jp/beauty/detail/4223136 | title=Sweet4月号の付録で史上最高にきれいな自分になる♡美の天才がつくったスペシャルコスメ - モデルプレス | date=6 July 2021 }}

On December 26, 2019, he released his first music single, "Yoso mo Tsukanai Story". His next single, "Unconditional Love", was released on September 30, 2020.{{Cite web |title=桑田真澄の息子、Matt（26）が改名、現在がとんでもない事になっていると話題に |url=https://yukawanet.com/archives/matt20200930.html | access-date=2022-03-14 |website=秒刊SUNDAY |date=30 September 2020 |language=ja}}

In May 2021, he made a guest appearance in the music video for Kis-My-Ft2 member Kento Senga's solo single, "Buzz".{{Cite web |title=キスマイ千賀健永ソロMV、みきおだら人気YouTuber集結 ヘラヘラ三銃士・さおりんがヒロイン「可愛すぎ」の声集まる - モデルプレス |url=https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/2568417 |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Modelpress |date=23 April 2021 |language=ja}}

In September 2019, he filmed his first starring role in a commercial, advertising Black Thunder candy bars.{{Cite web |last=Roll |first=Dale |date=2019-09-10 |title=Real-life doll Matt Kuwata scores first commercial with Black Thunder candy…and it's very weird |url=https://soranews24.com/2019/09/11/real-life-doll-matt-kuwata-scores-first-commercial-with-black-thunder-candy-and-its-very-weird/ |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=SoraNews24 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Kyle |date=2019-09-12 |title=Matt Kuwata shows off his natural beauty in his very 1st CM |url=https://aramajapan.com/news/matt-kuwata-shows-off-his-natural-beauty-in-his-very-1st-cm/101355/ |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=ARAMA! JAPAN |language=en-US}} In November 2019, he and his father starred in a commercial for Y! Mobile together.{{Cite web |date=2019-11-28 |title=桑田真澄＆Matt：親子がCM初共演 「Matt、お前の道を行け」 横浜流星は学ラン姿の生徒会長に|url=https://mantan-web.jp/article/20191127dog00m200038000c |access-date=2022-03-14}}

In March 2020, he starred in a Mouse Computers web commercial, alongside The Fuccons.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2020 |title=Ｍａｔｔが「マイキー」とコラボ 新ウェブＣＭ公開 - 芸能 : 日刊スポーツ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202003240000652.html |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Nikkansports |language=ja}}

In April 2020, he starred in a web campaign for an Earth Corporation insect repelling device.{{Cite web |url=https://corp.earth.jp/jp/news/2020/pdf/20200427-01.pdf |title=News Release |date= |website=corp.earth.jp}}{{Cite web |date=5 May 2020 |title=Living doll model Matt transforms into a mosquito for surreal new insect repellent commercials |url=https://soranews24.com/2020/05/05/living-doll-model-matt-transforms-into-a-mosquito-for-surreal-new-insect-repellent-commercials/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=SoraNews24 |language=en-US}}

In September 2021, he co-starred in a commercial for Uber Eats Japan, in which he is shown making up Japanese actress Nanako Matsushima in whiteface as well.{{Cite web |title=松嶋菜々子、Uber Eats新CMで"Matt化"メイクに初挑戦！「私って分かるかな(笑)」 |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/8cb8de57e9024660d36d78f9ec1800a01391798d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306095008/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/8cb8de57e9024660d36d78f9ec1800a01391798d |archive-date=6 March 2022 |url-status=dead}} In the same month, he also appeared in a web commercial for AvanTime Tone Shot Cream, becoming a "beauty ambassador" for the brand.{{Cite web |date=8 September 2021 |title=桑田真澄氏は本来色白、Ｍａｔｔ「僕が塗ってあげようか」父の美肌化計画 - 芸能 : 日刊スポーツ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202109080000584.html |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Nikkansports |language=ja}}

• Honma Dekka!? TV (Fuji TV Keiretsu, July 27, 2022) {{cite web | url=https://smart-flash.jp/entame/193461/1 | title=Mattの徹底した"夏が苦手"ぶり「日光が嫌で野球をやめた」「日傘を2個持ち」「汗腺にボトックス注射」 | date=29 July 2022 }}
• Nonstop (Fuji TV Keiretsu, January 14, 2022){{cite web | url=https://smart-flash.jp/entame/91040 | title=桑田真澄、Mattに「今はきれいでも俺の歳になったら……」 | date=16 January 2020 }}
• Sekai Marumie! TV Tokusō-bu 2 Hour Special, September 28, 2020 Nihon TV Keiretsu){{cite web | url=https://smart-flash.jp/entame/117307 | title=Matt、高校はタクシー通学で往復2万円「電車の乗り方わからず…」 | date=October 2020 }}
• Shuukan Sanma to Matsuko(TBS Kei, October 2, 2022){{cite web | url=https://hochi.news/articles/20221003-OHT1T51050.html?page=1 | title=Ｍａｔｔ、５４歳の美人母をテレビ初顔出し！親子ショットに「お綺麗すぎ」「さすが桑田さんが選んだ方」 | date=3 October 2022 }}

Kuwata guest-starred in a limited campaign that ran as part of Makai Senki Disgaea RPG from October 8 to 22, 2020, titled Bishoujo Sentai Lovely V: Matt to Fushigi na Kagami. He was featured in a special battle, special mission, and login bonus, and designed two items for the event himself.{{cite web |publisher=Gamer |title=「魔界戦記ディスガイアRPG」Mattさんが魔界に降臨！イベント「美少女戦隊ラブリーV～Mattと不思議な鏡～」が開催 |url=https://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/202010080028/ |date=2020-10-08 |access-date=2022-12-15|language=ja}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://life-is-art-18.com/matt/ Official website]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kuwata, Matt}}

Category:1994 births

Category:21st-century Japanese male musicians

Category:Living people

Category:Japanese television personalities

Category:Japanese entertainers

Category:Japanese male models

Category:People from Setagaya

Category:J. F. Oberlin University alumni