You got it bang on. The singer incorporates traditional singing style different stress on vowels with normal standard singing. So along with the instrumentation, the vocals are also a blend of modern with tradition. Which is how Japan is. Design and artistic values exist throughout Japanese society, it's a bit hard to explain but even the most simple items are made not just to be functional but also esthetically pleasing. So in performance arts you find it's not just reproducing popular western music but given it a Japanese flavour, including the visual aspect, introducing different elements, mixing styles etc. Wagakki band is typical of this philosophy. Hope you enjoy your trip into this aspect of Japanese culture through music, it's a great way to open one's mind.
Thanks a lot Kai, really loved your insight and that's a way of making things that resonates with me. Can't wait to learn more and more about all these aspects, so fascinating!
You all prolly dont care at all but does any of you know a method to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost my password. I appreciate any help you can give me.
@Peter Terrence I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
i'm in love with tje shamisen. more then 30 jears i thoght, the guitar was the peak of instrumemtal music, but beni thought me that i was wrong. i will get a shamisen, no matter how much, this misic thought me, what matters in this meanìngless live....
The mask is known as a "Noh" mask which is used in Noh opera (You can imagine it as Kabuki but they are actually different.) Guitarist Machiya used to wear the mask during some of their instrumental performances.
@@akaalexanderking It is not just the mask... the way he moves, the way he stands and his head movements come also from the Nô theater. This is simply brilliant.
If I'm not mistaken Noh uses masks, where Kabuki uses fairly heavy make-up, especially since in both styles males typically perform both masculine and feminine roles...again, I think I have this right. But I bow to your knowledge of Japanese culture and performing arts.
One thing you will notice as you listen to more of Wagakki Band, is their tremendous range. If you listen to ten songs, you will hear ten different styles. This is partly because all eight members write songs.
This band was also supposed to play during the opening ceremony for the canceled 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo. Hopefully they still will once the games resume 🤘😊🤘
Your face and reaction when Beni did her shamisen solo is basically exactly how I reacted when I first heard it. This is their first video that I saw as well, and she was the dividing line between me thinking "okay this is a good Japanese rock band" and "wow, this is something unique and different and special".
Wagakki band is well known for their diversity, from traditional to heavy rock. I will suggest: 1. Ignite (Music video) 2. Sun Wheel (Music video); if you prefer some relatively "modern", heavier songs.
Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments... Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals Machiya - Guitar Asa - Bass Wasabi - Drums Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen (traditional 3 string guitar) Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums) Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp) Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute) ...sir i recommend to please do comment to their other songs.. -Ignite -Sunwheel -Valkyrie -Okinotayuu -Zenbonsakura -Perfect Blue ( live ) -Subaku no Komoruita -Tengaku -Ame Nochi Kajouron -Sasameyuki -Yuki kage boushi and still more.. I be following your reactions maam im not a japanese.....I one of their Fans.... Im a Filipino... Thank You and God bless..
Band-Maid also has a video "Secret Maiko Lips" by Band Maiko which adds traditional instruments to their sound. There have been other groups in the past that have combined rock with traditional sounds, like Champloose and Rinken Band.
@GuitarGent @Brummie_Guy The official music video (which is awesome) has the lyrics. th-cam.com/video/fcucbhJ-Orc/w-d-xo.html "When the flower bloom, butterflies gather on branch. I sing to the distant sky Beyond the floating clouds afar Over sea, across the rainbow Hoping it will reach you. Overflowing emotion bursting out Place of dreams I shall wake up someday Hoping to always smile together I spin one moment after another"
Thank you for your reaction to their attractiveness! Some recommendation to you 1. "Shenbonzakura (1,000 cherry blossoms)", Metal punk, very fast and devastating, the biggest hit listened 130 M times 2. "Chie no kajitsu (Fruit of wisdom)" melodious metal 3. "Somosan seppa (Budist monk saying to the pupil, hey solve this problem!)", Japanese instruments, dumb thrilling! 4. "Hakushu Kassai (Full applause (to you))"Joyously playful and encouraging, played by all members and of course song 5. "Synchronicity", swing jazz! with interesting vocal interaction between Yuko(main vocal) and lead guitarist(Machiya) ...Others are recommending other good ones
It is always so enjoyable to watch the surprise of the reactor to Beni and her Shamisen. Excellent band and music, there are excellent interviews on Reddit. Off subject; Have you seen Miku Kobato's (Band Maid) signature Guitar, the Flappy Pigeon. Limited number of 50, Japan only for now.
thank you very much for your great and genuine reaction to this fantastic band. would you believe me, that they are the band I´ve listened most to in the last couple of months? I find them somehow refreshing to the ears. I believe the mask is a traditional kabuki (traditional theatre) mask. the "banjo" is a shamisen, played by the adorable Beni, who many have a crush upon. they´ve done two songs with amy lee, that I would recommend: "Senbonzakura" th-cam.com/video/izYrlI2zqA8/w-d-xo.html and "bring me to life" th-cam.com/video/hk1GtYK7BJM/w-d-xo.html, both live 2020. have a great weekend.
The guitarist, Shin Oumura, plays a 29-fret guitar with a capo. The guitar, which I believe is called Seed Kotetsu, is made by Sago, a company I've never heard of outside of this one guitarist, but their website shows some wild custom guitars and bass guitars. I'm not going to recommend a video for a future reaction, but I am going to recommend that you watch this video. It's Shin jamming on his Seed Kotetsu, and I think he's worth listening to because he's damn good. He does some slap guitar toward the end, something I don't think I've seen before. th-cam.com/video/_wzaTMbtAtw/w-d-xo.html
shin is one of my favourite guitarists, impeccable technique, very fluent style, really great tone. and he can put his ego behind for the sake of the song. sings and plays acoustic very good too. and sometimes slaps on his baritone guitar ...
Yep, it's an extended fretted neck guitar that he uses capo a lot to play normal songs. When I first saw it, I was amazed. And he is an amazing guitarist to boot. They are a fantastic band.
@@akaalexanderking I've never heard about 29 fret guitars too, until i saw him using one. Machiya (Shin Oumura) made bunch of models for Sago. All of them can be seen in Wagakki band. 2019 is the first 7 string model he switched to.
Since you asked for a recommendation, I suggest "Tengaku". In extreme Japanese fashion, this song was originally written to be performed by a Vocaloid, which is a computer-based "virtual singer"--something which does not really exist in the West. So you cannot get closer to the fusion of modern with traditional--it's a band using traditional instruments covering a song essentially written for an AI. th-cam.com/video/Q2meWkWqc-I/w-d-xo.html
So now you have heard Wagakki! It's very different in a VERY GOOD way. These songs are so well crafted, and gives that vibe of traditional music, sounds so good. Thanks and stay safe.
Onmyouza is a possibliliy, th-cam.com/video/fcVSDmJmJfU/w-d-xo.html, not many has reacted to them, not to my knowledge, the singer sing the same way as Wagakki band's Yuko,
For Wagakki Band, maybe Senbonzakura" th-cam.com/video/K_xTet06SUo/w-d-xo.html or Synchronicity: th-cam.com/video/pLsAHrhCVEY/w-d-xo.html I looked at your video page and in terms of other Japanese bands it seems like you haven't reacted to: Babymetal: th-cam.com/video/8WBDiLMNZcE/w-d-xo.html One Ok Rock: th-cam.com/video/IKPr46spuZY/w-d-xo.html Babymetal & One Ok Rock are probably the 2 most famous Japanese bands (maybe even more famous than Band-Maid, for now) aside from a couple of J-Pop groups. (and maybe X-Japan?) If you're looking for views and subs, then those 2 bands are probably a good choice (and they are great bands as well.) Here are a few of the lesser know great Japanese groups to check out as well, not as many views and subs, but well worth checking out if you like fresh fantastic music! So ko ni na ru: th-cam.com/video/UjY9n5JdETo/w-d-xo.html Kalafina: th-cam.com/video/AKQfGXRSNL0/w-d-xo.html Fern Planet: th-cam.com/video/3ErZVPJkmXA/w-d-xo.html Hello Sleepwalkers: th-cam.com/video/Zxwe-nfZJyM/w-d-xo.html
4:17 That is a shamisen(shah-mee-sehn). Beni plays the tsugaru type which has a faster, aggressive, & more powerful playing style than other shamisen. They originated from the Tsugaru area. They are three stringed. The mask the guitarist is wearing is a noh mask. These are used in Noh Theatre unlike Kabuki that uses makeup. Flute is a shakuhachi(shah-koo-hah-chee). The harp/zither is a koto(koh-toe). Traditional drums are wadaiko/taiko(wah-dye-koh & tie-koh). 7:58 Suzuhana Yuko's performing shigin(reciting traditional Japanese & Chinese poetry). One reason why it's "strangely emotional" is because it's usually spiritual & full of gratitude or reverence towards nature. The lyrics of this song was inspired by traditional poetry. Yuko is a national shigin champion too. Both shigin & enka use this singing style. Traditionally, enka is often called "Japanese blues ballads" since blues & enka subject matter is often melancholic. Both use melismatic(kobushi) singing("vibrato" isn't accurate, but is the closest word. R&B is probably the most familiar example of melismatic singing). Both started around the same time too; mid 1800s in the US by finally freed African Americans & Japan(Meji era). Originally, enka music also used a bluesy pentatonic scale. This is what she sang: Flower bloom filling the butterfly branches To the sky that we sing Beyond the faraway clouds Cross the sea and cross the rainbow Like to reach you Thought to overflow the weir In the whereabouts of a dream, that will someday Just like being laughing I am going to spin it To the sky that we sing Beyond the faraway clouds Cross the sea and cross the rainbow Like to reach you Thought to overflow the weir In the whereabouts of a dream, that will someday Just like being laughing I am going to spin it
Welcome in the club! I will say what has not been mentioned so far. Sorry, if it's too much information for you. The band is using the folk element not only to stand out among others. They want to make the culture popular. Band members are trained in other forms of traditional performing arts, mainly Yuko (vo) (you can see her in certain songs). Beni (shamisen) used to sing minyo (folk singing). The guitarist was using the noh mask before joining the band, also trained kendo. Just the right members with common values were combined to make Yuko's dream come true. She started a band with Dai (shakuhachi) and Kiyoshi (koto) first, doing piano there too. This band called Hanafugetsu is still active in between the Wagakkiband free time. They all have bunch of other projects and solo career. Wagakki band even do charity for the craftsmen who make the traditional instruments, because they are on the verge of disappearing completely nowadays. "Homura" doesn't originally contain shamisen, it's the guitarist solo work before joinging the band. They've played both versions throughout the years. It became a tradition for the fans to chant "Akatsuki no ito" while waiting for encore. "Senbonzakura" is their most popular song, but it's a cover of vocaloid Hatsune Miku. Wagakki band's first album is entirely made of vocaloid songs, but they chose the ones who fit them the most (imao), after that they focused on original music only. (Bassist Asa is a vocaloid producer too, one of his songs "Yoshiwara lament" is in their catalog) I'm talking everywhere about their instrumental performances, because i want people to know about them. They are not popularized with music videos ect. and can be easily missed. Every time a different instrument combination is shown, it still amazes me. Not each one is present on youtube unfortunately. Intrumentals: Tono monogatari yon yon th-cam.com/video/WlSVRNAkVXY/w-d-xo.html; th-cam.com/video/jZP0Aiqfjrw/w-d-xo.html (with Yuko); Tono monogatari go go th-cam.com/video/TOOksNWfDPQ/w-d-xo.html; Kyoka suigetsu th-cam.com/video/YJcRefZD7Qk/w-d-xo.html; Tomodachi ninarouyo th-cam.com/video/3wyDFmR3N_0/w-d-xo.html I try to highlight all the sides of the band in my recommendations. "Hotarubi" th-cam.com/video/BfiCPP_KcC0/w-d-xo.html, "Bou getsu" and "Strong faith" th-cam.com/video/6JCEeSV0fIQ/w-d-xo.html are very dark. If you can do the video for Strong faith, please do chose this option. We mean it for a reason. "Tori no youni" and "Nijiro chocho" th-cam.com/video/6LwPXReC9ss/w-d-xo.html are gentle. epic ballads: Sabaku no komoriuta, Izana, Episode.0 acoustic: Doppo, Tsuioku (acoust.ver), Hana Ichimonme (acous.ver) jazzy: Synchronisity entertaining: Noushou Sakuretsu girl th-cam.com/video/G2_yDqKkWqw/w-d-xo.html; Watashi shijou shugi; Hakushu kassai rock: Howling, Ikusa, Guren, Sun wheel, Shiromadara, Kagerou covers: Iroha uta th-cam.com/video/yynNMK_XSuo/w-d-xo.html, Tengaku other: Ukiyo heavy life, Sasameyuki, Nadeshiko zakura Anyway, have fun discovering them.
Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to write this, I deeply appreciate it. I love how they're striving to keep the traditional instruments alive within the culture, it is a cause very close to my heart as well. Thanks again!
If you really appreciate a mix of traditional and modern, I would like to introduce you to a Swedish band called Garmarna. They are usually labelled "folk rock", but I think "medevial trip hop" gives you a better idea of what to expect. I discovered them by accident at a rock festival back in 2000. Getting stuck in a hurdy-gurdy mosh pit and listening to Emma's haunting vocals is one of my best festival memories ever: th-cam.com/video/D_dJjJ2H-i4/w-d-xo.html
If by chance you wanted to make another reaction on the Wagakki Band I suggest you listen to one of their workhorses that is a few years old but is of a truly incredible energy and with that song they practically made themselves known, The song is SENBONZAKURA, thanks for the wonderful reactions you do, really!
Seems to be the biggest request so far, I'll definitely give it a listen. And thank YOU for watching and sharing your knowledge, I'm learning so much from these comments!
Such a great performance, I must have seen it hundreds of times and still tremendously enjoy it! Also, as you love the sound of the Shamizen, if you want to see it put to good use in a modern Jazz-Funk/Fusion setting you could check out "Tokyo Groove JYoshi - What is hip?" :)
@@akaalexanderking Got it :) Just one more suggestion then, Senri Kawaguchi. I find her playing extremely impressive and while her solos are mind blowing, I most enjoy her Trio work. If you are interested I would check out Ginza Blues and Wupatki from the Yokohama 2017 performance
Got here late, but congratulations on finding Wagakki Band. A few data points: While they are almost unknown in the West, in Japan they are bigger than Babymetal or Band-Maid. “Wagakki” essentially means “traditional instruments”. The band was founded by the singer, SUZUHANA Yuko. The “lute” thing is a Shamisen. The “harp” thing is a Koto. Yes, you’ve heard these instruments a million times, in movie soundtracks, when they want to convey a Japanese atmosphere. What can I say? America may be the land of innovation in tech, but in music no one here cares any more. All the action has moved to Europe and Japan. Wonderful analysis of the dichotomy of traditional and modern--this really does capture a lot of what drives Japanese arts and music.
Thank you so much for the information as always Hiawatha. If I stop and think about it, it's true that there are very few young american bands that get me excited these days. This Japanese scene and European bands like Idles, Fontaines DC, Royal Blood, Gojira, and many others seems to be carrying the flame
One thing you will notice as you listen to more of Wagakki Band, is their tremendous range. If you listen to ten songs, you will hear ten different styles. This is partly because all eight members write songs.
That always helps immensely to keep the level high especially on the long run. Thanks for the info, and loving your Welcome to My Nightmare profile pic!
Yes, the instrument is Japanese traditional Shamisen but even more important, the girl playing is incredibly and amazingly mesmerizing........Beni Ninagawa. M mmmmm
It’s called Tsugaru-Shamisen.Tsugaru is the old name of north part of Japan. Check on Tsugaru-shamisen if you are interested to listening traditional music played with Tsugaru-shamisen.
@@akaalexanderking Maybe, you might like Yoshida brothers who plays traditional and modern music with Tsugaru-shamisen. They are amazing . th-cam.com/video/F08oqK7-S08/w-d-xo.html
I had a lot to say on the subject of the dichotomy of the musical elements as you say. Traditions and culture can be lost, not that this is a new thing, but how this band incorporates and fuses both the modern and traditional is amazing. In a way it keeps tradition alive(big deal in Japan). But aside from all that, it just sounds badass :P
Your reaction to Beni is probably the same that the other band member had too when they heard Beni play for the first time. She joined last, the other members already formed and performed too and she just came along and was like "Lemme join your band". What the others didn't know was that Beni won multi international prizes, also the highest and most prestige-wothy ones that would give her the title of the best shamisen player in the world. Basically the musical equivalent of winning gold in the Olympic games. Imagine you're a little band, no fame and reputation yet, and someone like Jimmy Page comes along and joins your little band. Yeah. That's basically what happened to wagakki band
Some Japanese bands. Take your pick: BAND-MAID [All their songs... really!], LOVEBITES [Raise some Hell, and all the other songs], MAXIMUM THE HORMONE [Yoshu Fukushu], CROSSFAITH [Catastrophe], SiM [Killing Me], NINGEN ISU [Heartless Scat], UNLUCKY MORPHEUS [Black Pentagram], YOUSEI TEIKOKU [Astral Dogma], COLDRAIN [Die Tomorrow], CRYSTAL LAKE [The Circle], GIVEN BY THE FLAMES [Ronove], ANGRY FROG REBIRTH [2Step Syndrome], SILENTLY SHOOTING TRAITORS [Manipulate], ALDIOUS [Dominator], BRIDEAR [Light in the Dark], CINQ ELEMENT [Destiny], MARY'S BLOOD [Marionette], GRAUPEL [Bereavement], DOLL$BOXX [Take my Chance] , SOKONINAR [Tenohira De Odoru], HELLO SLEEPWALKERS [Flying Saucer], TELECiDE [Tied up Memories], SPIRITBOX [Belcarra], NEKO [Ghost on a Record], ROTTENGRAFFTY [Hallelujah], DIR EN GREY [Ningen wo Kaburu], X JAPAN [Kurenai], DAZZLE VISION [Second], JUPITER [My Enemy], GALNERYUS [Angel of Salvation], BLOOD STAIN CHILD [Del-Sol], and many more...
@@akaalexanderking please react to Nemophila , they just released a new song today:《Dissension》, and just 🔥🔥🔥 , please check that out👍 Here is the link:th-cam.com/video/26aMuahxz8c/w-d-xo.html🙏
The first time I saw one of their live performance videos I could not help but cry. These guys are phenomenal. Not many musicians have this strong delivery.
everytime I watch this reaction or pure Wagakki , tears spring into my eyes. I don't even understand where and how it hits me but it shocks me to my core!
hehehe, so good video, and the same impression i have when i discover this band by accident, A TREMENDOUS HYPNOTIC FEELING, when Beni enter with her shamisen in just one second i fall in love furiosly of her, the complete band is an amazing bunch of virtuos musicians than make a incredible work together, greetings, GuitarGent, you do a excellent work too ;)
By the way, the lead vocal (Yuko) is a professor of Shingin (traditional Japanese poetry reciting - she's won trophies at national competitions) and she plays piano and composes a lot of their songs. Well, she is the founder of the band. She can also do Japanese sword dance (I believe she took Laido lessons). There are clips of her doing exactly that at their concerts. This band is another super band from Japan. Every single member are stellar musicians. There is a trend here, isn't there?
@@akaalexanderking I nearly always check other comments from those I regularly converse with and add to to their comments so I just add a Band Member that should be more acknowledged as a personal post.
I'm sure someone explained this already, but the mask Machiya is wearing for the first song is from kabuki theater. I don't know a whole lot about it, but one thing I noticed is that he seems to be in character while he has the mask on. How he moves, his entire demeanor, changes between the songs. One of these days I'll look up what it's all about.
Nice review, i was hoping you would find Wagakki Band. Cliche to say but music IS universal. If it is good then it touches you regardless of what part of the world it is coming from. Like Band-Maid the songs and members are creating on so many levels its hard to put into words in a short paragraph. I personally attribute it to Japanese culture. The purpose, intent and the desire to deliver the best without compromise. I feel the musicians are creating a gift for their audience and want to give them their best . :)
The Wagakki Band is always an experience. Speaking of Homura, you could check out a song by LiSa that has the same name. I suggest the First Take version as it's emotional af
Yeah, you HAVE to get emotionally invested in such extravagantly excellent performances. I can't say this about many bands, but this crew nails it on every performance of every song of theirs I've ever seen or heard. They've got the consistency and internal communications ("vibe" if you will) of a group that's been playing for decades together. And they keep getting **BETTER**. :D
man, compared to the stuff in US right now which is just generic crap. Japan is really kicking it into another gear for rock n' roll. My god they're just coming out with such diverse and different shit. it's all amazing. from Nemophila to Wagakki to BM. There's no better place for rock to flourish than Japan right now.
Hi, I'm new on your channel. :) If you like modern music mixed with traditional music, can I recommend you two slavic folk/pagan metal bands? First is russian band Грай (Gray, but they write his band name as Grai, because two russian letters are as "y" and it's not like gray color in english, it means Play in english), if you can, please react song "В Объятиях Мары" ("V Ob''yatiyakh Mary" (i don't know why russian "х" is like "kh" in transliteration, but there are no "k" in pronunciation), in english "In the arms of Mara", Mara is slavic goddess of winter and death), official music video, but you must searching with russian name and title, if you want, I can send you link to this song. Second band is from Ukraine, name of this band is Свентояр (Sventoyar), if you like Limp Bizkit, they made cover of Limp Bizkit song "Boiler", in this cover is melody from Limp Bizkit song, but lyrics are from ukrainian folk song "Крашен Вечiр" ("Krashen Vechir", in english "Colorful evening" or "Beautiful evening", something like that) and this is title of this cover, please react also official music video. This one you can find in english transliteration. Both songs are really great, I hope you react them, I'm from Poland so I'm Slav and I like slavic culture, mythology and folk, it will be great watch your reaction for these songs. :)
This band, this is what guide me toward Band Maid, last year they were very active doing their online mini live shows on youtube, The lead guitarist used to wear mask, he just like wearing them, The Shamisen, that is what it's called, she had her own youtube channel and currently doing some vlogs, so does the singer,
When you have a moment Wagakki Band/ Ignite is one you might enjoy :) While i am here for a second time :) Bravo for your in depth review, it shows respect to the band and i am sure they are watching and are appreciative of your response. Look forward to more of your vids.
I'm fairly certain the mask is a type of Japanese Kabuki mask. It also seems that he takes a modified Kabuki stance when he's stationary while he's playing 🤘😉🤘
Noh play and the mask: for the people who are interested in... th-cam.com/video/qsMnyrxqe6w/w-d-xo.html Noh theatrical play has been played for 650 years among highly cultured people in Japan. It pursue the world of Yugen, a kind of decent subtleness. The topics are based on older history or classic literatures for the people of 500 years ago. It is played in slow and abstract manner. There, Noh mask works as a window of player's inner world to the audience. It represents various states of emotions, innocence, anxiety, evileness, etc.. There are hundreds of different outlooks. Attached web site thoroughly explains the history/play style, the masks, and also the voices of modern mask craftsman. An American guy's explanation in English is excellent !!
Just a warning. Wagakki Band's official videos are property of Avex and many TH-cam reactors were hit by copyright strikes for using them. Live show extracts, such as the one you watched, are a little bit safer, being already illegal copies of copyrighted material. Buon lavoro
Thanks for the warning, I'll gladly avoid strikes on the channel 😅 would you know if that's just for using the videos specifically or for the music as well?
I am sure for music videos. I suppose that using only the sound should be safer, but it depends on the software bots that the companies use to search for copyrighted material on the internet. Japanese stuff is quite risky, but definitely worthy.
Wagakki band changed to new label (Universal music) in late 2019. Songs under old label (Avex) before early 2019: Avoid music videos or make some alterations to prevent copyright issues (To be honest, their music videos are insanely good especially "Senbonzakura"). Live performance is safe. Songs under new label (Universal) after early 2019: Both music videos and live shows are safe. "Ignite" and "Sun Wheel" have good videos.
Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments... Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals Machiya - Guitar Asa - Bass Wasabi - Drums Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen (traditional 3 string guitar) Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums) Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp) Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute) ...sir i recommend to please do comment to their other songs.. -Ignite -Sunwheel -Valkyrie -Okinotayuu -Zenbonsakura -Perfect Blue ( live ) -Subaku no Komoruita -Tengaku -Ame Nochi Kajouron -Sasameyuki -Yuki kage boushi and still more.. I be following your reactions maam im not a japanese.....I one of their Fans.... Im a Filipino... Thank You and God bless..
The pronunciation of the song title is correct. I hope you will also enjoy listening to my favorite song by Wagakki Band. 「砂漠の子守歌」" sabaku no komoriuta" th-cam.com/video/BwERDZTkT1k/w-d-xo.html I hope you will visit Japan someday. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
The mask is a traditional Noh mask of a woman (onna), but with a big hole on the left side. I suppose that allows the guitarist to see better because the traditional mask has very small eye holes.
I don't listen to these guys nearly as much as say Band-Maid, lovebites, MTH or ULM as far as Japanese music goes. But I never get tired of reactions to this video. Cause of the the pandemic I've listened to more new music than I have ever have in my life. I am very much a novice when it comes to understanding what's going on in songs and why. I've learned a lot for musicians reaction channels like yours. Keep up the great work.
Great video! Keep them coming. Regarding the masks you will see Machiya alternating various masks from the Noh theatre. In this video he is wearing an otoko ( representing a human male ), but he will appear with a kijin ( demon ) as well. This band is great cultural dive, isn't it?
I'm glad you like them. I felt you understood them surprisingly accurately. Many of them are masters of the instrument. These are my recommendations : Nichirin(Sun Wheel), Gekka-bijin(Sun Wheel), Ikusa. Enjoy!
You got it bang on. The singer incorporates traditional singing style different stress on vowels with normal standard singing. So along with the instrumentation, the vocals are also a blend of modern with tradition. Which is how Japan is. Design and artistic values exist throughout Japanese society, it's a bit hard to explain but even the most simple items are made not just to be functional but also esthetically pleasing. So in performance arts you find it's not just reproducing popular western music but given it a Japanese flavour, including the visual aspect, introducing different elements, mixing styles etc. Wagakki band is typical of this philosophy. Hope you enjoy your trip into this aspect of Japanese culture through music, it's a great way to open one's mind.
Thanks a lot Kai, really loved your insight and that's a way of making things that resonates with me. Can't wait to learn more and more about all these aspects, so fascinating!
You all prolly dont care at all but does any of you know a method to log back into an instagram account..?
I was dumb lost my password. I appreciate any help you can give me.
@Grey Salvador Instablaster :)
@Peter Terrence I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now.
Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Peter Terrence it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thank you so much you saved my ass :D
Wagakki band consists of 8 master-level musicians.
1. Yuko Suzuhana (Vocal, master in traditional poem recitation technique "Shigin")
2. Machiya (Guitar, vocal)
3. Asa (Bass)
4. Wasabi (Drum)
5. Beni Ninagawa (Shamisen, Banjo-like 3-string instrument)
6. Daisuke Kaminaga (Shakuhachi, bamboo flute)
7. Kiyoshi Ibukuro (Koto, horizontal-harp)
8. Kurona (Wadaiko, Japanese traditional drums)
Thank you so much for the info Hebii 🙏🏻
I've watched a few dozen Wagakki Band videos already, and you're the first one I've seen that post their names and instrument. Thanks.
That's why I love my comments sections so much 😁
i'm in love with tje shamisen. more then 30 jears i thoght, the guitar was the peak of instrumemtal music, but beni thought me that i was wrong. i will get a shamisen, no matter how much, this misic thought me, what matters in this meanìngless live....
That's the true power of music 👍🏻
"Hey guys I joined a metal band!"
"What instrument."
"Flute."
The most badass of the instruments 😂😎
Buddist flute - it's a Little bit another flute. Jst like Dragon Flute.
Its shakuhachi
@@aethernity8270 just don't say that in Japan. Shakuhachi is also a word for fillatio, or to blow yourself. Lol
@@gakushogunate6606 well 😂i ain't got money or chance to go japan but anyway i will remember this
When Beni steps up with her tsugaru shamisen, it's a whole new ballgame.
Unmatched feelings
Absolutely!
The mask is known as a "Noh" mask which is used in Noh opera (You can imagine it as Kabuki but they are actually different.) Guitarist Machiya used to wear the mask during some of their instrumental performances.
I'll definitely go and read more about it, thanks a million!
@@akaalexanderking It is not just the mask... the way he moves, the way he stands and his head movements come also from the Nô theater. This is simply brilliant.
Another element adding to a fantastic mix. Wow
If I'm not mistaken Noh uses masks, where Kabuki uses fairly heavy make-up, especially since in both styles males typically perform both masculine and feminine roles...again, I think I have this right. But I bow to your knowledge of Japanese culture and performing arts.
Thanks for the info Joe :)
Going to Japan is like traveling to another planet. I promised myself that I would go back one day.
Hopefully when things calm down we'll all get a chance to visit (or revisit)
One thing you will notice as you listen to more of Wagakki Band, is their tremendous range. If you listen to ten songs, you will hear ten different styles. This is partly because all eight members write songs.
This band was also supposed to play during the opening ceremony for the canceled 2020 summer Olympics in Tokyo. Hopefully they still will once the games resume 🤘😊🤘
That would be amazing! Really hope they'll get to do that
Knew you would get to these guys eventually! Love the moment when the shamisen comes in.
What a fantastic discovery!
Good music didn’t die, it just moved to Japan.
I think I’m next.
I might follow 😂
Your face and reaction when Beni did her shamisen solo is basically exactly how I reacted when I first heard it. This is their first video that I saw as well, and she was the dividing line between me thinking "okay this is a good Japanese rock band" and "wow, this is something unique and different and special".
Couldn't agree more Jason, those elements really makes this stand out
My man, your reactions are exactly like mine were when I started my Japanese music adventure over a year ago. It has only just begun my friend!!
I'm sure it has, thanks Jay!
As a player I thought you'd be salivating over the beautiful custom 30 fret guitar
I did in another video I think ahahah
Wagakki band is well known for their diversity, from traditional to heavy rock. I will suggest:
1. Ignite (Music video)
2. Sun Wheel (Music video);
if you prefer some relatively "modern", heavier songs.
Thanks again!
Love this band and those are 2 of my favorites. The new album is so good
How recent is the new album?
@@akaalexanderking they have a new single, Aria of Life which will be OP for Mars Red anime
Thanks Muhammad!
Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments...
Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals
Machiya - Guitar
Asa - Bass
Wasabi - Drums
Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen
(traditional 3 string guitar)
Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums)
Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp)
Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute)
...sir i recommend to please do comment to their other songs..
-Ignite
-Sunwheel
-Valkyrie
-Okinotayuu
-Zenbonsakura
-Perfect Blue ( live )
-Subaku no Komoruita
-Tengaku
-Ame Nochi Kajouron
-Sasameyuki
-Yuki kage boushi
and still more..
I be following your reactions maam
im not a japanese.....I one of their Fans.... Im a Filipino...
Thank You and God bless..
Band-Maid also has a video "Secret Maiko Lips" by Band Maiko which adds traditional instruments to their sound. There have been other groups in the past that have combined rock with traditional sounds, like Champloose and Rinken Band.
Thanks David, the Band-Maid one sounds very intriguing, curious to see how they implements those into their sound!
This instrument is a Shamisen, watch the band Tokyo Groove Jyoshi, the song What is Hip? for more.
Not the first recommendation for this, sounds like something I should really check out. Thanks Jean :)
Best band in the World.
So interesting, great discovery!
I can't understand a word that is sung, but I keep listening to in, the songs gives me goosebumps it's that good, and what a great guitarist
That makes it two of us. That guitarist is absolutely fantastic, the tone on that guitar... 😍
@GuitarGent @Brummie_Guy The official music video (which is awesome) has the lyrics. th-cam.com/video/fcucbhJ-Orc/w-d-xo.html
"When the flower bloom, butterflies gather on branch.
I sing to the distant sky
Beyond the floating clouds afar
Over sea, across the rainbow
Hoping it will reach you.
Overflowing emotion bursting out
Place of dreams I shall wake up someday
Hoping to always smile together
I spin one moment after another"
I agree: love how the guitar sounds and looks! Like the band, every member is so recognizable.
Right? That such a gorgeous guitar, crazy brand as well!
Thank you for your reaction to their attractiveness! Some recommendation to you
1. "Shenbonzakura (1,000 cherry blossoms)", Metal punk, very fast and devastating, the biggest hit listened 130 M times
2. "Chie no kajitsu (Fruit of wisdom)" melodious metal
3. "Somosan seppa (Budist monk saying to the pupil, hey solve this problem!)", Japanese instruments, dumb thrilling!
4. "Hakushu Kassai (Full applause (to you))"Joyously playful and encouraging, played by all members and of course song
5. "Synchronicity", swing jazz! with interesting vocal interaction between Yuko(main vocal) and lead guitarist(Machiya) ...Others are recommending other good ones
Thanks a lot for the recommendations Terry!
It is always so enjoyable to watch the surprise of the reactor to Beni and her Shamisen. Excellent band and music, there are excellent interviews on Reddit.
Off subject; Have you seen Miku Kobato's (Band Maid) signature Guitar, the Flappy Pigeon. Limited number of 50, Japan only for now.
No I haven't, but I'm heading straight to Google to look at that ahahah
thank you very much for your great and genuine reaction to this fantastic band. would you believe me, that they are the band I´ve listened most to in the last couple of months? I find them somehow refreshing to the ears. I believe the mask is a traditional kabuki (traditional theatre) mask. the "banjo" is a shamisen, played by the adorable Beni, who many have a crush upon. they´ve done two songs with amy lee, that I would recommend: "Senbonzakura" th-cam.com/video/izYrlI2zqA8/w-d-xo.html and "bring me to life" th-cam.com/video/hk1GtYK7BJM/w-d-xo.html, both live 2020. have a great weekend.
Thank you so much for the info and the suggestion, the collaboration with Amy Lee definitely got me curious!
Shamisen Beni 👍🎌
👍🏻
The guitarist, Shin Oumura, plays a 29-fret guitar with a capo. The guitar, which I believe is called Seed Kotetsu, is made by Sago, a company I've never heard of outside of this one guitarist, but their website shows some wild custom guitars and bass guitars.
I'm not going to recommend a video for a future reaction, but I am going to recommend that you watch this video. It's Shin jamming on his Seed Kotetsu, and I think he's worth listening to because he's damn good. He does some slap guitar toward the end, something I don't think I've seen before.
th-cam.com/video/_wzaTMbtAtw/w-d-xo.html
Thanks a lot! That sounds mad, never heard of 29 frets guitars. I'll go have a look for sure, it looks fantastic as well
shin is one of my favourite guitarists, impeccable technique, very fluent style, really great tone. and he can put his ego behind for the sake of the song. sings and plays acoustic very good too. and sometimes slaps on his baritone guitar ...
Yep, it's an extended fretted neck guitar that he uses capo a lot to play normal songs. When I first saw it, I was amazed. And he is an amazing guitarist to boot. They are a fantastic band.
Seems to be quite a theme in Japanese bands, serving the song before your own ego. Loving that
@@akaalexanderking I've never heard about 29 fret guitars too, until i saw him using one. Machiya (Shin Oumura) made bunch of models for Sago. All of them can be seen in Wagakki band. 2019 is the first 7 string model he switched to.
Since you asked for a recommendation, I suggest "Tengaku". In extreme Japanese fashion, this song was originally written to be performed by a Vocaloid, which is a computer-based "virtual singer"--something which does not really exist in the West. So you cannot get closer to the fusion of modern with traditional--it's a band using traditional instruments covering a song essentially written for an AI. th-cam.com/video/Q2meWkWqc-I/w-d-xo.html
Wow, that sounds mad. I'll check it out for sure!
Yes, mate, this is the one you're looking for.
Very curious 😁
So now you have heard Wagakki! It's very different in a VERY GOOD way.
These songs are so well crafted, and gives that vibe of traditional music, sounds so good.
Thanks and stay safe.
Top notch music, outstanding. Thanks Jorge :)
What a fantastic discovery. What should be coming next? :)
Onmyouza is a possibliliy, th-cam.com/video/fcVSDmJmJfU/w-d-xo.html, not many has reacted to them, not to my knowledge, the singer sing the same way as Wagakki band's Yuko,
For Wagakki Band, maybe Senbonzakura" th-cam.com/video/K_xTet06SUo/w-d-xo.html or Synchronicity: th-cam.com/video/pLsAHrhCVEY/w-d-xo.html
I looked at your video page and in terms of other Japanese bands it seems like you haven't reacted to:
Babymetal: th-cam.com/video/8WBDiLMNZcE/w-d-xo.html
One Ok Rock: th-cam.com/video/IKPr46spuZY/w-d-xo.html
Babymetal & One Ok Rock are probably the 2 most famous Japanese bands (maybe even more famous than Band-Maid, for now) aside from a couple of J-Pop groups. (and maybe X-Japan?) If you're looking for views and subs, then those 2 bands are probably a good choice (and they are great bands as well.)
Here are a few of the lesser know great Japanese groups to check out as well, not as many views and subs, but well worth checking out if you like fresh fantastic music!
So ko ni na ru: th-cam.com/video/UjY9n5JdETo/w-d-xo.html
Kalafina: th-cam.com/video/AKQfGXRSNL0/w-d-xo.html
Fern Planet: th-cam.com/video/3ErZVPJkmXA/w-d-xo.html
Hello Sleepwalkers: th-cam.com/video/Zxwe-nfZJyM/w-d-xo.html
Ow ye, the Bass player, Asa, he had his own gig, th-cam.com/video/7Py1zCPuP3E/w-d-xo.html
I'm already hooked, thanks :)
Such a great tone 👍🏻
Rock and metal has it's permanent home in Japan.
They really are breathing new live into the genres, fantastic
4:17 That is a shamisen(shah-mee-sehn). Beni plays the tsugaru type which has a faster, aggressive, & more powerful playing style than other shamisen. They originated from the Tsugaru area. They are three stringed. The mask the guitarist is wearing is a noh mask. These are used in Noh Theatre unlike Kabuki that uses makeup.
Flute is a shakuhachi(shah-koo-hah-chee). The harp/zither is a koto(koh-toe). Traditional drums are wadaiko/taiko(wah-dye-koh & tie-koh). 7:58 Suzuhana Yuko's performing shigin(reciting traditional Japanese & Chinese poetry). One reason why it's "strangely emotional" is because it's usually spiritual & full of gratitude or reverence towards nature. The lyrics of this song was inspired by traditional poetry. Yuko is a national shigin champion too. Both shigin & enka use this singing style.
Traditionally, enka is often called "Japanese blues ballads" since blues & enka subject matter is often melancholic. Both use melismatic(kobushi) singing("vibrato" isn't accurate, but is the closest word. R&B is probably the most familiar example of melismatic singing). Both started around the same time too; mid 1800s in the US by finally freed African Americans & Japan(Meji era). Originally, enka music also used a bluesy pentatonic scale. This is what she sang:
Flower bloom filling the butterfly branches
To the sky that we sing
Beyond the faraway clouds
Cross the sea and cross the rainbow
Like to reach you
Thought to overflow the weir
In the whereabouts of a dream, that will someday
Just like being laughing
I am going to spin it
To the sky that we sing
Beyond the faraway clouds
Cross the sea and cross the rainbow
Like to reach you
Thought to overflow the weir
In the whereabouts of a dream, that will someday
Just like being laughing
I am going to spin it
Thanks a million for the info Doc, appreciate it!
Welcome in the club! I will say what has not been mentioned so far. Sorry, if it's too much information for you.
The band is using the folk element not only to stand out among others. They want to make the culture popular. Band members are trained in other forms of traditional performing arts, mainly Yuko (vo) (you can see her in certain songs). Beni (shamisen) used to sing minyo (folk singing). The guitarist was using the noh mask before joining the band, also trained kendo. Just the right members with common values were combined to make Yuko's dream come true. She started a band with Dai (shakuhachi) and Kiyoshi (koto) first, doing piano there too. This band called Hanafugetsu is still active in between the Wagakkiband free time. They all have bunch of other projects and solo career.
Wagakki band even do charity for the craftsmen who make the traditional instruments, because they are on the verge of disappearing completely nowadays.
"Homura" doesn't originally contain shamisen, it's the guitarist solo work before joinging the band. They've played both versions throughout the years.
It became a tradition for the fans to chant "Akatsuki no ito" while waiting for encore.
"Senbonzakura" is their most popular song, but it's a cover of vocaloid Hatsune Miku. Wagakki band's first album is entirely made of vocaloid songs, but they chose the ones who fit them the most (imao), after that they focused on original music only. (Bassist Asa is a vocaloid producer too, one of his songs "Yoshiwara lament" is in their catalog)
I'm talking everywhere about their instrumental performances, because i want people to know about them. They are not popularized with music videos ect. and can be easily missed. Every time a different instrument combination is shown, it still amazes me. Not each one is present on youtube unfortunately.
Intrumentals:
Tono monogatari yon yon th-cam.com/video/WlSVRNAkVXY/w-d-xo.html; th-cam.com/video/jZP0Aiqfjrw/w-d-xo.html (with Yuko); Tono monogatari go go th-cam.com/video/TOOksNWfDPQ/w-d-xo.html; Kyoka suigetsu th-cam.com/video/YJcRefZD7Qk/w-d-xo.html; Tomodachi ninarouyo th-cam.com/video/3wyDFmR3N_0/w-d-xo.html
I try to highlight all the sides of the band in my recommendations.
"Hotarubi" th-cam.com/video/BfiCPP_KcC0/w-d-xo.html, "Bou getsu"
and "Strong faith" th-cam.com/video/6JCEeSV0fIQ/w-d-xo.html are very dark. If you can do the video for Strong faith, please do chose this option. We mean it for a reason.
"Tori no youni" and "Nijiro chocho" th-cam.com/video/6LwPXReC9ss/w-d-xo.html are gentle.
epic ballads: Sabaku no komoriuta, Izana, Episode.0
acoustic: Doppo, Tsuioku (acoust.ver), Hana Ichimonme (acous.ver)
jazzy: Synchronisity
entertaining: Noushou Sakuretsu girl th-cam.com/video/G2_yDqKkWqw/w-d-xo.html; Watashi shijou shugi; Hakushu kassai
rock: Howling, Ikusa, Guren, Sun wheel, Shiromadara, Kagerou
covers: Iroha uta th-cam.com/video/yynNMK_XSuo/w-d-xo.html, Tengaku
other: Ukiyo heavy life, Sasameyuki, Nadeshiko zakura
Anyway, have fun discovering them.
Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to write this, I deeply appreciate it. I love how they're striving to keep the traditional instruments alive within the culture, it is a cause very close to my heart as well. Thanks again!
If you like older Japanese films and aren't familiar I would recommend Yasojiro Ozu's films, the most famous and one of the best is Tokyo Story.
That's why I love the comments section in my videos so much. Thank you, I'll definitely watch that :)
If you really appreciate a mix of traditional and modern, I would like to introduce you to a Swedish band called Garmarna. They are usually labelled "folk rock", but I think "medevial trip hop" gives you a better idea of what to expect. I discovered them by accident at a rock festival back in 2000. Getting stuck in a hurdy-gurdy mosh pit and listening to Emma's haunting vocals is one of my best festival memories ever:
th-cam.com/video/D_dJjJ2H-i4/w-d-xo.html
Thanks again :)
Thanks for this tip! I continue to be a huge trip hop fan 👍
If by chance you wanted to make another reaction on the Wagakki Band I suggest you listen to one of their workhorses that is a few years old but is of a truly incredible energy and with that song they practically made themselves known, The song is SENBONZAKURA, thanks for the wonderful reactions you do, really!
Seems to be the biggest request so far, I'll definitely give it a listen. And thank YOU for watching and sharing your knowledge, I'm learning so much from these comments!
@@akaalexanderking Thanks to you for your reactions.
wagakki band Shamisen player 「beni ninagawa」
Recommended video
th-cam.com/video/4jtaY9y0bT0/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the link!
Have you done Synchronicity by WagakkiBand yet? Talk about a switch-up of sound!
Not yet! Looking forward to it
Such a great performance, I must have seen it hundreds of times and still tremendously enjoy it! Also, as you love the sound of the Shamizen, if you want to see it put to good use in a modern Jazz-Funk/Fusion setting you could check out "Tokyo Groove JYoshi - What is hip?" :)
That sounds extremely interesting, thanks for the suggestion Tobias!
@@akaalexanderking Sure! Don't know if contemporary jazz and fusion is your thing but if so, Japan has a fantastic scene right now
I'd say it's something I tend to enjoy when I listen to it but that I've never really seek out. No better time to start I guess :)
@@akaalexanderking Got it :) Just one more suggestion then, Senri Kawaguchi. I find her playing extremely impressive and while her solos are mind blowing, I most enjoy her Trio work. If you are interested I would check out Ginza Blues and Wupatki from the Yokohama 2017 performance
Thanks again Tobias, adding all of this to my list :)
吉原ラメント (Yoshiwara Lament)
th-cam.com/video/Ixq_Shsx0W4/w-d-xo.html
千本桜 (Senbonzakura)
th-cam.com/video/ssxCJHXGbs8/w-d-xo.html
華振舞(Hanafurumai)
th-cam.com/video/Cs5SzT61nqo/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the suggestions :)
Beni ninagawa is on built different in this performance
Got here late, but congratulations on finding Wagakki Band. A few data points: While they are almost unknown in the West, in Japan they are bigger than Babymetal or Band-Maid. “Wagakki” essentially means “traditional instruments”. The band was founded by the singer, SUZUHANA Yuko. The “lute” thing is a Shamisen. The “harp” thing is a Koto. Yes, you’ve heard these instruments a million times, in movie soundtracks, when they want to convey a Japanese atmosphere. What can I say? America may be the land of innovation in tech, but in music no one here cares any more. All the action has moved to Europe and Japan. Wonderful analysis of the dichotomy of traditional and modern--this really does capture a lot of what drives Japanese arts and music.
Thank you so much for the information as always Hiawatha. If I stop and think about it, it's true that there are very few young american bands that get me excited these days. This Japanese scene and European bands like Idles, Fontaines DC, Royal Blood, Gojira, and many others seems to be carrying the flame
@@akaalexanderking not to mention all the Symphonic Rock, which is a genre completely absent in the U.S.
True, I guess we can still benefit from the heritage of classical music in Europe for that
Welcome to the Wagakki World 🤗👌🏼
Thank you, I love it already 😁
I think the mask is Kabuki.
Ha! I was going to put this on my short list, but I wanted to keep it short (and I wasn'tsure in the spelling). These guys are great 🤘😁🤘
Absolutely phenomenal, can't wait to hear more from them!
Their grandfathers are great too: th-cam.com/video/CbI79e5iZKs/w-d-xo.html
Love Ningen Isu 😁
It's a kabuki mask from traditional Japanese theater.
Thanks Mike :)
One thing you will notice as you listen to more of Wagakki Band, is their tremendous range. If you listen to ten songs, you will hear ten different styles. This is partly because all eight members write songs.
That always helps immensely to keep the level high especially on the long run. Thanks for the info, and loving your Welcome to My Nightmare profile pic!
Yes, the instrument is Japanese traditional Shamisen but even more important, the girl playing is incredibly and amazingly mesmerizing........Beni Ninagawa. M mmmmm
So much talent on that stage!
神永大輔、鈴華ゆう子、いぶくろ聖志が華風月グループを結成グループを構成する歌詞はいつもとても特別で、彼らの音楽は本当に素晴らしいです。
lol commented bedfore watching it sure ull like this :P
Bingo 😁
That three strings guitar is named TAKESHIMA in Japan
Thanks! :)
It’s called Tsugaru-Shamisen.Tsugaru is the old name of north part of Japan. Check on Tsugaru-shamisen if you are interested to listening traditional music played with Tsugaru-shamisen.
I'd be very curious to try and play a Shamisen as well
@@akaalexanderking Maybe, you might like Yoshida brothers who plays traditional and modern music with Tsugaru-shamisen. They are amazing . th-cam.com/video/F08oqK7-S08/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Keiko, adding to the list ;)
hearing Beni the first time, I think we all have the same reaction. 😂🔥
I had a lot to say on the subject of the dichotomy of the musical elements as you say.
Traditions and culture can be lost, not that this is a new thing, but how this band incorporates and fuses both the modern and traditional is amazing.
In a way it keeps tradition alive(big deal in Japan). But aside from all that, it just sounds badass :P
And that always helps 😁🤘🏻
Band one song...omg
As for the mask, it is a modern copy of a Noh Theater mask, very light and easy to wear. The traditional one is tough to carry around.
Thanks again ;)
Your reaction to Beni is probably the same that the other band member had too when they heard Beni play for the first time. She joined last, the other members already formed and performed too and she just came along and was like "Lemme join your band". What the others didn't know was that Beni won multi international prizes, also the highest and most prestige-wothy ones that would give her the title of the best shamisen player in the world. Basically the musical equivalent of winning gold in the Olympic games. Imagine you're a little band, no fame and reputation yet, and someone like Jimmy Page comes along and joins your little band. Yeah. That's basically what happened to wagakki band
Took me way too long to get to this comment, but I'm glad I did. Thanks for sharing, I didn't know that :)
The bass solo was from a song called yoshiwara lament.It was composed by the bassist himself.
Thanks for the info!
Some Japanese bands. Take your pick: BAND-MAID [All their songs... really!], LOVEBITES [Raise some Hell, and all the other songs], MAXIMUM THE HORMONE [Yoshu Fukushu], CROSSFAITH [Catastrophe], SiM [Killing Me], NINGEN ISU [Heartless Scat], UNLUCKY MORPHEUS [Black Pentagram], YOUSEI TEIKOKU [Astral Dogma], COLDRAIN [Die Tomorrow], CRYSTAL LAKE [The Circle], GIVEN BY THE FLAMES [Ronove], ANGRY FROG REBIRTH [2Step Syndrome], SILENTLY SHOOTING TRAITORS [Manipulate], ALDIOUS [Dominator], BRIDEAR [Light in the Dark], CINQ ELEMENT [Destiny], MARY'S BLOOD [Marionette], GRAUPEL [Bereavement], DOLL$BOXX [Take my Chance] , SOKONINAR [Tenohira De Odoru], HELLO SLEEPWALKERS [Flying Saucer], TELECiDE [Tied up Memories], SPIRITBOX [Belcarra], NEKO [Ghost on a Record], ROTTENGRAFFTY [Hallelujah], DIR EN GREY [Ningen wo Kaburu], X JAPAN [Kurenai], DAZZLE VISION [Second], JUPITER [My Enemy], GALNERYUS [Angel of Salvation], BLOOD STAIN CHILD [Del-Sol], and many more...
Thanks a lot!
@@akaalexanderking please react to Nemophila , they just released a new song today:《Dissension》, and just 🔥🔥🔥 , please check that out👍
Here is the link:th-cam.com/video/26aMuahxz8c/w-d-xo.html🙏
The first time I saw one of their live performance videos I could not help but cry. These guys are phenomenal. Not many musicians have this strong delivery.
Was wondering when you would get to reacting to wagakki band.
And now I don't think I'll stop 😁
everytime I watch this reaction or pure Wagakki , tears spring into my eyes. I don't even understand where and how it hits me but it shocks me to my core!
The banjo like one is called a shamisen and the lap harp one is called a koto.
Thanks Roan :)
hehehe, so good video, and the same impression i have when i discover this band by accident, A TREMENDOUS HYPNOTIC FEELING, when Beni enter with her shamisen in just one second i fall in love furiosly of her, the complete band is an amazing bunch of virtuos musicians than make a incredible work together, greetings, GuitarGent, you do a excellent work too ;)
Appreciate it, thanks! What a band 🤘🏻
beni and yuko are wonderful !! Waggaki band is awesome !!!You have to try senbonsakura and bring me to life !!
Will do Jean Pierre, thanks!
My fav Japanese band and u should react to more live stuff and mv too
I'll definitely will!
Koto player is men.He's so beautiful.
Very talented too 😁
The use of masks comes from traditional kabuki theater
By the way, the lead vocal (Yuko) is a professor of Shingin (traditional Japanese poetry reciting - she's won trophies at national competitions) and she plays piano and composes a lot of their songs. Well, she is the founder of the band. She can also do Japanese sword dance (I believe she took Laido lessons). There are clips of her doing exactly that at their concerts.
This band is another super band from Japan. Every single member are stellar musicians. There is a trend here, isn't there?
Absolutely, I was just talking about that. Especially loving how all the musicians focus on serving the song instead of their ego
Beni Beni Beni!
You my friend have found the most efficient and effective formula for youtube comments 😂
@@akaalexanderking I nearly always check other comments from those I regularly converse with and add to to their comments so I just add a Band Member that should be more acknowledged as a personal post.
I'm sure someone explained this already, but the mask Machiya is wearing for the first song is from kabuki theater. I don't know a whole lot about it, but one thing I noticed is that he seems to be in character while he has the mask on. How he moves, his entire demeanor, changes between the songs. One of these days I'll look up what it's all about.
Exactly, this comment section is a great starting point. Luckily for us, a lot of knowledge has been shared about 👍🏻
Nice review, i was hoping you would find Wagakki Band. Cliche to say but music IS
universal. If it is good then it touches you regardless of what part of the world it is
coming from. Like Band-Maid the songs and members are creating on so many levels
its hard to put into words in a short paragraph. I personally attribute it to Japanese
culture. The purpose, intent and the desire to deliver the best without compromise.
I feel the musicians are creating a gift for their audience and want to give them their
best . :)
Beautiful insight Alerik, the connection between the culture and the artistic works makes so much sense. Thanks for sharing :)
The Wagakki Band is always an experience. Speaking of Homura, you could check out a song by LiSa that has the same name. I suggest the First Take version as it's emotional af
Thanks Yeray, noted ;)
Just gonna put it here if in case you fell into the trap (like most 1st time listeners did... happened to me too XD)
Asa (bassist) is a guy. 😅
Yep, definitely fell into that 😂 thanks ;)
They all perform so well, and they all tried their best for the performance, maybe that is why this somehow strangely emotional :) i like this band
Yeah, you HAVE to get emotionally invested in such extravagantly excellent performances. I can't say this about many bands, but this crew nails it on every performance of every song of theirs I've ever seen or heard. They've got the consistency and internal communications ("vibe" if you will) of a group that's been playing for decades together. And they keep getting **BETTER**. :D
man, compared to the stuff in US right now which is just generic crap. Japan is really kicking it into another gear for rock n' roll. My god they're just coming out with such diverse and different shit. it's all amazing. from Nemophila to Wagakki to BM. There's no better place for rock to flourish than Japan right now.
Hi, I'm new on your channel. :)
If you like modern music mixed with traditional music, can I recommend you two slavic folk/pagan metal bands? First is russian band Грай (Gray, but they write his band name as Grai, because two russian letters are as "y" and it's not like gray color in english, it means Play in english), if you can, please react song "В Объятиях Мары" ("V Ob''yatiyakh Mary" (i don't know why russian "х" is like "kh" in transliteration, but there are no "k" in pronunciation), in english "In the arms of Mara", Mara is slavic goddess of winter and death), official music video, but you must searching with russian name and title, if you want, I can send you link to this song. Second band is from Ukraine, name of this band is Свентояр (Sventoyar), if you like Limp Bizkit, they made cover of Limp Bizkit song "Boiler", in this cover is melody from Limp Bizkit song, but lyrics are from ukrainian folk song "Крашен Вечiр" ("Krashen Vechir", in english "Colorful evening" or "Beautiful evening", something like that) and this is title of this cover, please react also official music video. This one you can find in english transliteration. Both songs are really great, I hope you react them, I'm from Poland so I'm Slav and I like slavic culture, mythology and folk, it will be great watch your reaction for these songs. :)
Hey Alex, thanks a lot for the suggestions. Very curious to check out music from all over the world, adding to my list ;)
@@akaalexanderking Really? Thank you. :) I will be waiting for your reactions.
This band, this is what guide me toward Band Maid, last year they were very active doing their online mini live shows on youtube,
The lead guitarist used to wear mask, he just like wearing them,
The Shamisen, that is what it's called, she had her own youtube channel and currently doing some vlogs, so does the singer,
Thanks for the info Shinji, such a fascinating scene
@@akaalexanderking I forgot to add, the mask, that mask can express different expression based on how light reflect from it,
Really? I'll need to dig a bit deeper into that, so interesting
Extraordinary band. Only in Japan... Now you have to check The Whu. Mongolian Metal band that inserts ancient instruments too
I love the Hu! Great band :)
@@akaalexanderking I just realized that I have mixed The Who with The Hu !!. 😂😂😂 Well, Moon, Townshend, and Entwistle sure wouldn't mind.
😂😂 well, both great bands. Can't go wrong with either ahahah
When you have a moment Wagakki Band/ Ignite is one you might enjoy :)
While i am here for a second time :) Bravo for your in depth review, it shows respect
to the band and i am sure they are watching and are appreciative of your response.
Look forward to more of your vids.
Thanks Alerik, really appreciate that :)
@@akaalexanderking lol me again, Queen of the night...check it out i think you will appreciate the production
Great, noted ;)
Интрестинг акцент. Вэр ар ю фром?
Born in Italy, living in Ireland :)
Machiya is offically hereby dubbed the God of All Pick Slides :D
I second that!
Shamisen
三味線
The most commonly
used musical instrument
of ancient female geishas
Good bit of trivia I didn't know, thanks!
This is a Tsuguru shamisen though which is larger and therefore louder and was originally used by street musicians.
Next wagakki band with amy lee - bring me to life th-cam.com/video/hk1GtYK7BJM/w-d-xo.html
Woah, this has a lot of potential. Amy Lee to this day is hands down one of the best vocalists in rock and metal 🤘🏻
I'm fairly certain the mask is a type of Japanese Kabuki mask. It also seems that he takes a modified Kabuki stance when he's stationary while he's playing 🤘😉🤘
So much to learn, but so fascinating. Thanks!
Kabuki has no masks. They wear heavy makeup.
This is a form of Japanese theatre called Noh.
I'm reading more into this as we speak, intriguing to say the least. Thanks :)
Noh play and the mask: for the people who are interested in...
th-cam.com/video/qsMnyrxqe6w/w-d-xo.html
Noh theatrical play has been played for 650 years among highly cultured people in Japan.
It pursue the world of Yugen, a kind of decent subtleness. The topics are based on older history or classic literatures for the people of 500 years ago.
It is played in slow and abstract manner.
There, Noh mask works as a window of player's inner world to the audience. It represents various states of emotions, innocence, anxiety, evileness, etc.. There are hundreds of different outlooks.
Attached web site thoroughly explains the history/play style, the masks, and also the voices of modern mask craftsman.
An American guy's explanation in English is excellent !!
Thank you so much Terry, such an interesting cultural aspect!
Thank you for your interest in Japanese music.
Please also listen to a band coldrain. Recommended songs are Revolution,
COEXIT.
Thank you for watching :)
Is the guitarist using a baritone guitar with capo??? sounds amazing though
Just a warning. Wagakki Band's official videos are property of Avex and many TH-cam reactors were hit by copyright strikes for using them. Live show extracts, such as the one you watched, are a little bit safer, being already illegal copies of copyrighted material. Buon lavoro
Thanks for the warning, I'll gladly avoid strikes on the channel 😅 would you know if that's just for using the videos specifically or for the music as well?
I am sure for music videos. I suppose that using only the sound should be safer, but it depends on the software bots that the companies use to search for copyrighted material on the internet. Japanese stuff is quite risky, but definitely worthy.
Thanks 👍🏻
Wagakki band changed to new label (Universal music) in late 2019.
Songs under old label (Avex) before early 2019: Avoid music videos or make some alterations to prevent copyright issues (To be honest, their music videos are insanely good especially "Senbonzakura"). Live performance is safe.
Songs under new label (Universal) after early 2019: Both music videos and live shows are safe. "Ignite" and "Sun Wheel" have good videos.
I'm saving this, thanks for the help!
Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments...
Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals
Machiya - Guitar
Asa - Bass
Wasabi - Drums
Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen
(traditional 3 string guitar)
Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums)
Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp)
Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute)
...sir i recommend to please do comment to their other songs..
-Ignite
-Sunwheel
-Valkyrie
-Okinotayuu
-Zenbonsakura
-Perfect Blue ( live )
-Subaku no Komoruita
-Tengaku
-Ame Nochi Kajouron
-Sasameyuki
-Yuki kage boushi
and still more..
I be following your reactions maam
im not a japanese.....I one of their Fans.... Im a Filipino...
Thank You and God bless..
Thanks for the info and the support Henry :)
The pronunciation of the song title is correct.
I hope you will also enjoy listening to my favorite song by Wagakki Band.
「砂漠の子守歌」" sabaku no komoriuta"
th-cam.com/video/BwERDZTkT1k/w-d-xo.html
I hope you will visit Japan someday.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
I will for sure. Both for the song and for the country visit 😁
Monday is BAND-MAIKO time to stick to the theme
#MaidMondays ;)
Moonlight Sonata or Dragon Force "Through the Fire & Flames"
As in Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata?
@@akaalexanderking yes, 3rd movement
Nice! Thanks ;)
wagakki band - senbonzakura
Thanks Mo, that's the biggest request so far ;)
10Q (thank you) for the content.
Thanks for watching :)
Koto.the horizontal harp-like traditional played by Kyioshi Ibukuro
Gorgeous instrument
The mask is a traditional Noh mask of a woman (onna), but with a big hole on the left side. I suppose that allows the guitarist to see better because the traditional mask has very small eye holes.
Absolutely, it must be incredibly hard already to play with this one. Especially for the tapping
I don't listen to these guys nearly as much as say Band-Maid, lovebites, MTH or ULM as far as Japanese music goes. But I never get tired of reactions to this video.
Cause of the the pandemic I've listened to more new music than I have ever have in my life. I am very much a novice when it comes to understanding what's going on in songs and why. I've learned a lot for musicians reaction channels like yours. Keep up the great work.
Very happy to hear that Matt, glad you can find my reactions interesting!
That's a kabuki mask 😍
Even stronger traditional elements then!
Great video! Keep them coming. Regarding the masks you will see Machiya alternating various masks from the Noh theatre. In this video he is wearing an otoko ( representing a human male ), but he will appear with a kijin ( demon ) as well. This band is great cultural dive, isn't it?
It really is, such an interesting world. Well worth expand my knowledge about it, thanks for the info Iulian!
I'm glad you like them. I felt you understood them surprisingly accurately. Many of them are masters of the instrument.
These are my recommendations : Nichirin(Sun Wheel), Gekka-bijin(Sun Wheel), Ikusa. Enjoy!
Thanks a lot for the recommendations, really looking forward to hearing more and more!
If you're a guitar guy, it's time to listen to the fabulous Tina S.
Any specific recommendations? :)