While attending high school, Shinya and his friend 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 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.