Thank you so much for this! I really appreciate it. I won't get everything right, of course, but I will keep trying. I used to live in Yamanashi, but am in the USA now, so I can only go back to Japan occasionally. This is a good way for me to stay connected to a place/culture I love :)
I normally hate people who talk and cause us to lose track of the song. But all I can say is job well done...clearly u have done your homework making this reaction a joy to listen to... finally someone gets it. Domo arigato gosaiemas. 😊
Absolutely love, love, love these 'essays', Andrew-sensei! I'd watch hours and hours of you talking about BABYMETAL! I hope that you'll continue with this series for a long time! Thank you! Kitsune up!
Please don't apologize for the length, and please don't promise to cut it short in future :) For this kind of analysis I am willing and eager to listen just as long as you want to talk... I've heard the Sakura Sakura part referred to in many other videos of course, but this is the first one that has tried to put it into context and explained WHY it's there, so thank you for that. The connection with Sakura Gakuin had honestly never occurred to me, but it makes a lot of sense! Very cool. I'm hoping you will continue these kinds of videos, talking with as much length as is warranted by the material!
Fascinating again, thanks - and don't worry about making long videos when they are as interesting as this. I had never appreciated the significance of Yui and Moa unwinding Su as releasing her from the restrictions of the kimono, but of course that makes perfect sense when you tie it in with the meaning of the song - and that is the sort of attention to detail I really like when it comes to their choreo and the way their songs are so crafted. I often describe 'Megitsune' as being virtually perfect and the song that is most representative of BABYMETAL even though you won't hear another song in their catalogue that sounds like it, but it has all those Japanese elements, references and melodies mixed in with the metal, Su's beautiful vocals, Yui's and Moa's chants leading the audience participation. There is good reason for it regularly topping fan polls for their favourite song.
Well, to be fair, if you ever hear a Babymetal song and think "That song reminds me of..." and think of another Babymetal song, Kobametal's messed up somewhere.
⚡ 💀 💕 / 🦊 ⛩ This was your best one yet! Of course 'Megitsune' is the quintessential BABYMETAL song, so there was a lot to unpack. I'm glad you mentioned that early shot with the kimono unwrapping. It's almost always overlooked, at least in all the reactions I've seen. It can also be seen as a comic send-up of scenes in Japanese period dramas with a heroine and a villian. Fortunately, rather than a lecher, we have Yui and Moa. : ) While most of us make the connection between conventional gender roles in Japan and these lines: "Ah, girls are becoming more like an ideal woman. Smiling at face, crying at heart, saying "It's right", we never show our tears.", Su has talked about these lines in a wider sense. She has interpreted them as demonstrating the Japanese trait of resiliency under adverse circumstances. She thinks that it's "cool" to carry on stoically, even when things are difficult. You're absolutely right that 'Megitsune' is their most performed song. Of course, it has an advantage over 'Gimme Chocolate!!', since it precedes it by about six months.
Yes, I meant to make a stronger link between the concealing of feelings and the way that charges powerful and unexpected /dangerous response! I was conscious that it was going on too long :)
I'm 45 and love all types of music. BABYMETAL is by far my most favorite band. Nothing has come close to giving me this much happiness and energy than BABYMETAL. Megitsune in my opinion is the best song ever created :) 🤘🦊🤘
Just a short note on the pantomimic elements in the choreography which I mentioned in my first comment. At 20:20 the text is about hiding one's true self. In the dance Yui and Moa make the gesture of putting make-up on their cheeks. In the last scene all three cover their eyes with their five fingers which form a fan. Both gestures express the same idea as the text. As said, one can observe this in nearly all Babymetal songs, Doki Doki Morning, Gimme Chocolate, Catch me if you can, etc.
What you said at 28:30 gave me a new perspective on this song. I love intelligent discussion and the deep analysis you do for the songs and for these wonderful ladies. Great work, thank you for what you put in.
Come for an analysis of a (one of my absolute favorites as well) Babymetal song, stay for the added bonus of an essay on the shinto culture and how these are intricately interwoven...... This was awesome! Please don't ever apologise for the length of the video and please, please, please.... don't force yourself to keep them shorter in the future. ;) As for me,... even though I know quite a bit of what you were talking about, this never got boring for a second. Looking forward to the next installment of "Babymetal: song analysis and cultural relevance". :)
I really appreciate your insightful analysis, that reaches to the very deep layer of Japanese culture. Forgive me to participate in your discussion, as I get so inspired. To me, this song was very important for setting up the symbolism of Babymetal, to interpret the theme of "girl and death" in Japan to fit miraculously well in the heavy metal's gothic culture. Though the meaning is quite different, Kitsune to them seems to be the raven to Edgar Allan Poe, symbolising the theme of the girl and the death. Kitsune appears to "summon" girls to the afterlife. Fox god himself does it, and as you have explained, Kitsune was traditionally thought as the animal to connect the afterlife and the real life. In this Megitsune, lyrics also says like "Inishie no Otome tachi yo", to recall girls of ancient times to the present times, and the singer Su-metal becomes the spiritual medium of them. The black kimono costumes have a little touch of the ones of Miko, the girl to mediate the dead and the living in Shintoism, with the red apron-like tutu and Mizuhiki ties. And if I can add, the dance formation to put Yui and Moa in front becomes more clear comparing to "Doki Doki Morning", and this make me remind the layout of Shinto shrines, putting the foxes or dogs as a gate, and have a god shrine in the back. These are the reasons why I think Babymetal could define their role to mediate between two worlds, which was done so brilliantly using the symbolism of Shintoism. My understanding of Sakura Sakura breakdown is also related to the theme of the death, for as you may heard Sakura is sometimes associated with the short life, like the poem of Saigyo. Lyrics also emphasize it in "Saite Chirunoga Otome no Sadame yo", that obviously talks about the destined short lives of girls. It is musically outstanding to change the backing chord to major and minor, to play that well-known song with that ominous and heavy feeling. I would like to know how you think this theme of the death and the act of summoning, so please do "Babymetal Death", to analyze them from the aspect of literature. Thank you for reading my silly ideas:)
This is unrelated to any of the larger social or cultural aspects of this song, but I still feel compelled to mention that the performers pretending to play the traditional instruments in this video are dancers with the Movement Design group. Chidori Yakumo is their director. She is the woman performing the fan dance during the breakdown. The choreographer for this song is MIKIKO, although the "windmill/electric fan" headbanging was added at Yui's request. She wanted to have this move included in a BABYMETAL dance routine ever since she saw the "Kami of Headbanging" doing it for the 'Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!' music video.
Oh I did not know Yui was behind the headbanging idea. I do know both talked about him in their voice over commentary for headbanger and how he was scary but impressive.
@@paulbenwell3560 They talk about it in the commentary for 'Megitsune': [YUI] Ah, the "electric fan" headbanging. [SU] Ah, right. [MOA] Right, right. [MOA] It had been her wish since "Headbanger". [SU] YUIMETAL saw the PV of "Headbanger"… [SU] and wanted to do the "electric fan" headbanging. [YUI] I asked it of the choreographer and it came true. [SU] Uh-huh. [MOA] Cool. Hoo.
Another fine lecture. I personally had never thought about the Sakura middle with the thought of growing out of Sakura Gakuin (probably due to the fact that Yui and Moa continued for 2 more years), but given the multiple meanings within Babymetal songs, I can certainly see that as one of the many reasons the part was included. Regarding the fact that Megitsune is their most played song... I think that has to do with how Babymetal themselves feel about the song. It has very rarely been absent in any concert since it's debut, and has not been absent in any concert (if we count Tokyo Dome and Legend Metal Galaxy as "one" concert performed over two days) since the summer of 2016 (in the run-up to Tokyo Dome) (if I remember my research correctly). And, it makes sense. While Megitsune is not necessarily my #1 most favorite Babymetal song... It is the most Babymetal song there is. It is very Japanese... But is forward looking to a different Japan. It is a feminist anthem (at least at the end). It is sonically one of their heaviest songs. In many ways, it defines Babymetal as a group and a concept. And, it is very fitting that it was the first single released after Su graduated Sakura Gakuin. (Just a further note... There is some debate as to whether Ijime, Dame, Zettai or Megitsune was the first single released outside of SG. Because IDZ WAS the first Babymetal single that was independently released (via Toy's Factory as opposed to Amuse/Juuonbu). But, at the time of the IDZ release, all 3 were still in SG and would perform as a subunit during the RTG 2012 show (Su's graduation), so I personally agree that this single is their first single truly outside of SG)
I've enjoyed all three of your pieces! I have three thoughts about this one: One connection between the Headbanger and the Megitsune music videos are that a sacred object suddenly and somewhat violently attaches itself to Suzuka and transforms her. In that one, the neckbrace she holds in front of her after taking it from the mysterious box, and here the kitsune mask that she's holding which, after Yui and Moa fox spirits peek in (and she looks tellingly into a mirror - also part of transformation in Headbanger) "vibrates" in her hand, and then flies onto her face at 1m53s of the original video. That kicks off the formidable musical breakdown and the traditional dance with a fan and red glowing eyes. 1m08 to 1m11s is also part of this story: Suzuka gazing into one of the multiple mirrors, duplicate/mirrored Y&Ms suddenly revealing faces under the masks, Suzuka snapping her head up and a mask flying at the POV). A lyrical connection between the two songs is the woman as flower imagery. The second line of Headbanger can be translated as "blooming crazily, this flower will soon disappear fruitlessly" and the second to last line of Megitsune "blooming and falling is the fate for a woman." My first encounter with this sentiment in terms of Japan was when the movie Kill Bill introduced me to Meiko Kaji and the lyrics of her song Urami Bushi, and more generally to the feeling of _mono no aware_ applied to the fate of women, who are destined to bloom into youthful beauty and then inevitably lose it to the march of time. By the way, the word for fireworks in Japanese is hanabi, fire-flower, so that's another direct connection to sakura and celebrating transient beauty which blooms and falls, which in the song, girls continuously shoot up to "keep blazing", trying to hold off fate.
@@AndrewHartley When they perform the song, after the mask has served its role Su-metal flings it away. I don't know if that is intended to be meaningful, but it could fit. Personally I've always found the lyrics to Megitsune ambiguous about the Yamato nadeshiko / traditional ideal woman.
Wow, once again a highly interesting and informative video - thank you! Never would've thought that there's so much more to the BABYMETAL songs than "just" catchy melodies and sick instrumentation (and awesome choreography).
These videos are great. It's so refreshing to have something more than the standard TH-cam reaction (although we do like watching people falling down the foxhole it has to be said). The analysis is fascinating. There is so much depth to these songs, so although they are a "manufactured" act, you can tell that a lot of thought and effort has gone into it and that each song has been very carefully crafted, which sets it apart from a lot of Western manufactured music, which a lot of the time is very vapid and lacking in substance.
Great online lecture again ! 有難う💛。 I found this video last night but I saved it for morning view because I need fresh brain instead of sleepy eyes. The contents are excellent as always and new perspectives you presented will make me enjoy this song. I also like the scene where Su-Metal pulled the short blade out of her microphone. There are two funny things about this. ① At BABYMETAL concert in any country, the majority of the crowd are men. Young, old, hairy, bald, skinny, fat ... all kinds of guys shout along with Su "Maidens shouldn't be underestimated!" in Japanese. (especially UK guys shout it loudest in the world) ② After married lives start, those guys come to realize this statement is true. Ha ha ha ! Me, too 😢 It is the first time for me to see many comments complaining that the video can be "longer". And I am pleased to see our professor's editing skills are improving.
Спасибо за видео! Как раз таких развернутых культурологических лекций лично мне очень не хватает. Было интересно! обязательно посмотрю все ваши видео)))
Hello. Megitsune is one of the most popular songs in Babymetal, isn't it? it is especially popular overseas. Of course I love it, too. It is an electronic sound, but it contains a lot of Japanese elements. This song uses the fox, which is a symbol of Babymetal, which started from a misunderstanding, as a motif, and I am impressed that it is really well organized by connecting many Japanese materials that lead to the Fox. For example, starting with a fox, female fox, woman, Shinto, festival (お祭り), historical drama, cherry blossom, famous Japanese movie line, specter(youkai), and other Japanese things. However, many enthusiastic fans, including Sensei, starting the first, are familiar with each of these explanations, so I don't think it is necessary to write them again here. I will write only the points I found in short. There are many animals such as chickens or deer in Shinto as messengers of Shinto Gods. The fox is a messenger of Inari God (稲荷神), the god of rice. This fox's favorite food is Abura age (油揚げ、deep fried tofu). That is why Japanese Soba with topping Abura age is called " kitsune soba(きつねそば)". The scene of the MV opening "Ah Reh (あーれー)" is an old historical drama, which is a typical production when a bad guy puts a woman in his hand. I think Sensei made a great interpretation, but I feel embarrassed by the girls who act innocently, haha. The lyrics sing the nobility of women (I think it's expressed with a light feeling, not with a serious tone), so I wonder, or think if the beginning is expressed as a symbol of weak women in the past. Yui & Moa, who wear kimono-style costumes and play innocently in Japanese room at 18:43, reminds me of the Japanese Youkai (妖怪、spector), Zashiki-warashi (ざしきわらし、座敷童子). Zashiki-warashi deceives humans like fox, but is not a terrifying Youkai, but a Youkai who is pleased to bring us good luck in case. This is my interpretation but I imagine it was the motif they used as companions to Su- who sang "A maiden megitsune, not an evil fox." About Yui & Moa's "fan headbanging" at 31:02, it has same act in Kabuki, Ren Jishi (連獅子). I think it is really great idea of BABYMETAL for this song, or also CMIYC, I mentioned the other day in it. Sensei is far better at Japanese than my poor English. Thank you from Japan. Ah-Reh- reference th-cam.com/video/Lh9D7gfvyT0/w-d-xo.html Zashiki Warashi ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%BA%A7%E6%95%B7%E7%AB%A5%E5%AD%90 Ren Jishi th-cam.com/video/uLXVwkzg66k/w-d-xo.html
couple of things you pointed here were new discovery for me. I am Japanese therefore i did not pay much attention to the detail like you did. 1st; MoiMoi pulling SU's obi as a transformation from restricted traditional J-way to new. 2nd; Sakura Sakura to Kitsune Kitsune. Departure from Sakura Gakuin. These may not be the intention of the production team, but perfectly fit the pass BM traveled through. Your review is excellent. not like some Japanophilia.
Facinating (insert Spock eyebrow here). I believe you just inspired me with your discussion of Shintoism. My martial arts days started with various Chinese arts and I ended up studying an Indonesian art. You dezcription of Shintoism has a familiar sound to it. I was interested in shamanic practices even before martial arts, so this sounds intrguing. I've only recently realuzed through this music that Japan has been involved in my life from the very beginning in one form or another. So thank you. You should comment more because ... well, the butterfly effect. Let the Fox god guide you...😁✌🦊
Just keep talking, and we'll keep listening. 🙂 Your intelligent, well researched, and deeply thought out ideas might not appeal to everyone. But they do to some of us. I've only just got around to this one, because it's so complex I knew it would taken some time to comprehend. And I was right; and I will have to replay a few times at least before I start to understand exactly what is going on here.
Thank you for your deep dive into this early and iconic Babymetal song. Your analysis of the lyrics, choreography, and, in this case, parts of the melody itself bring to light many aspects of this song which are unknown to people like myself who are mostly ignorant of the history and culture of Japan and its people. I will admit that my main attraction to the music of BM has been the music itself - the sounds, the melodies, the harmonies, the riffs, the dynamics, the musicianship, etc. And, within the BM catalog, there are an abundance of these qualities throughout. However, your analyses of their songs just make me appreciate Babymetal more than ever and add to the proof that BM is special and not just another J-pop group by any measure.
As always, professor, thank you for your time and effort to educate us. No, you did not talk to long. You just addressed everything that needs to be talked about. I was able to pick up many bits and pieces of information in diverse comment sections and your special fox feature, but having everything layed out in an orderly way is a real eye-opener. Seeing the more traditional performance of Sakura, Sakura with the elderly dancer in Kimono when the only thing you knew beforhand is the treatment Babymetal gave the song, it has a slightly dissonant feeling. Things don't seem to add up. But then, this is a very Babymetalish thing. Again, thank you.
Yes, this ad the foxes video sort of speak to each other, albeit about 3 years apart! Thanks for addressing this. I don't hear much from people watching these older videos. It's nice to hear that folks are still getting something out of them.
Thank you - yours is one of the two channels that react to BABYMETAL I love. Yours for the cultural background/references and history of Japan which I find so informing and there is a roadie who does reviews who gives amazing insight into the music side - including details on instruments, play styles and singing techniques and stage craft of the girls. Two things you did not mention. Firstly that moment we all love as Su-metal pulls a blade from her microphone and says "nametara ikan ze yo". This is also a well known line from the yakuza film "Onimasa" (1982) said by Masako Natsume's character Matsue Kiryûin. The second relates purely to live performances. During this song Su-metal holds the fox mask to her face and a BM tradition has arisen over the years between Su and Moa.. the hengao battle (they art of face pulling). It started as a subtle act by Moa to get a rise out of Su behind the mask and over the years has escalated until now it has become a fan moment to watch for. Though now it varies with Moa trying different things. I personally saw in Manchester a version of a Japanese children's game acchi muite hoi (a head nodding version of rock - paper - scissors) - in fact I caught it on video.
Thanks for the response. Yes, I knew about the film homage and the face pulling. I meant to talk about both, but it was getting so long that I lost my nerve :) I love the playing around in the live show behind the mask.
Very good! Right the first thing you explained about Su revolving out of her Kimono is something I had never given much thought. Very interesting! Thank you!
I have been looking for someone to break down these songs the way you do. This is by far my favorite song mostly to do with just how complex it is musically and .... mythos(?) surrounding it. This was the first babymetal song I heard years ago but hadn't fallen down the rabbit (or should i say fox) hole into the story behind their songs until I was reading Grington300 300's comments on react videos. Thank you so much for breaking these videos down the way that you do. I loved your commentary on this song and can't wait to hear more of them.
I'm getting a bit late to watch this vid but was a really interesting half an hour again. Just wanted to point a pair of things. First I didn't get it clear if you knew or not, but Yamato Nadeshiko in japanese culture is the embodiment of the perfect woman, the role model that traditional women had to follow, now a figure in discussion in a lot of cultural productions that speak about how japanese women had to behave. The second just that I had never seen it in this way, but yeah I totally agree now, the Sakura Sakura bit is a goodbye to their old characters at Sakura Gakuin and the embracement of their new kitsune personas. The timing is perfect and I had never realized, but now I see it probably was done with this purpose. So thank you again for all the bits and background.
We Kitsunes are a dedicated lot, and this could easily have gone on longer. No apologies needed! Some refer to you as professor-san over on r/babymetal, and I greatly appreciate your contribution. Possibly true lore is that owing to proximity to shrine, they could use the stage provided they did so quietly. It was also a full year before I caught the 'fox' howl midway through the song. Another thought is that in the live performance, Su-metal tosses away the mask quite pointedly. I used to think it was a theatrical convenience to get the mask off the dance floor (with two assists by Moa). Now I see it as a symbolic rejection of the traditional expected women's roles. You may already have seen this interesting treatise on the Fox God: th-cam.com/video/iN5xBSmXDcI/w-d-xo.html
As if I could not love Megitsune even more, you Professor just validated my belief that this is amongst the best of all rock/heavy metal classics... right up there with When The Levee Breaks, Highway Star and Hallowed Be Thy Name. And quite likely the most joyful to mosh and headbang. Thanks for the great lecture!!! 👍 👍 👍
@@paulbenwell3560 For me, both RoR and Pa-Pa-Ya are great in an ear candy kinda way. What sets Megitsune (and IDZ!!!) apart in my opinion is that beyond their infectious sonics, their stories carry such hefty gravitas in the Babymetal lore. And in the case of Megitsune especially, it is now clear - thanks to Prof. Andrew's review - how much thought was put into marrying the visuals and auditory aspects of the song to the (dance) choreography and its lyrics to form a meaningful and powerful message. So much for the early criticism of Babymetal being a mindless corporate product spewing out bubblegum ear worms. 😎
@@paulbenwell3560 ... and we will probably never see a happier bunch of people going bonkers moshing to that Sakura Sakura breakdown. It's like watching Sailor Moon goad jolly-drunk Irish soccer fans to dance to Smells Like Teen Spirit 🤩
Be interested in your take on No rain no rainbow. Even if you have no idea what Su is singing you really feel it, her performance of it in the legend S concert is truely something special.
I'm grateful that you went into detail on everything; it's clear when you hear this song and see the video that it's touching on something significant and that it's wrapped up in Japanese culture in some way. Given that the song is basically a statement of identity for the band, it was definitely worth spending a half hour talking about what that statement is. Really well done.
When a video is this informative and interesting, length is not an issue, I've got a lot of free time lately. My suggestion is talk as long as you feel comfortable, we'll listen.
Another phenomenal video, thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and knowledge with us. This is definitely some of the best content around about BABYMETAL. Already waiting for the next one. Kitsune up!! 🦊🤘🏻
Great and (like before) super interesting content to start into the new week, thank you very much, dear sir. Please keep on doing with these reactions. Greetings from a german Kitsune 🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼
I'm sure it's no coincidence that Koba/BM use the kitsune (and by implication Inari) as their guiding light...I'm sure Amuse likes the idea of prosperity and success. Also the line that accompanies the knife move ("if you underestimate, it would be regrettable") comes from a japanese 1980s noir/Yakuza movie so that's another modern female reference, but it might be a coincidence.
Appreciate your fresh perspective, helped me understand the unwrapping the Kimono scene, wide stance and huge leg lifts. Megitsune really gets the crowd energized when Su asks "Are you ready to jump". Thanks
I love that this was longer, please don't apologize! Honestly I feel like I learned so much, even about Japan as a country and their beliefs and not just BABYMETAL, I was very happy to sit here and learn new things about not just an amazing band but another country as well. :)
Good video and analysys again. Interesting view on that part with the kimono at the beginning and the correlation of the Sakura Sakura song with their departure from Sakura Gakuin. To me Megistune is one of their best songs and like many i also think it's kind of their symbol. I really like the lyrics, i like how it is a subtle and also powerful message, and how the choreography connects so well with it. Have you read the interview that was released with the Legend Metal Galaxy album? There is a lot of interesting stuff there. There is a bit where they mention that in that concert, Megitsune was performed right before their first live performance of Night Night Burn! and how they thing that both songs conect, how both songs have a similar conception, and that Night Night Burn! would be the grown up latin version of Megistune. In case you haven't read it, here is a link for a translation: kitsune-notes.blogspot.com/2020/09/legend-metal-galaxy-special-interview.html
Would you fancy writing a fiction based on Babymetal circa 2017~2018 period? A period of unresolved mystery about Yui. Make it an action thriller with Yui as the main character and Koba as the evil villain. Maybe Yui had uncovered something sinister about Koba and she's on the run trying to escape from him. Meanwhile, both Su and Moa were blackmailed into continuing with Babymetal by Koba. Yui, apart from escaping, is plotting to rescue them. During one encounter with Koba's henchmen, she was helped by a ninja master who afterwards reluctantly tought her the ninja skills. In her quest to expose Koba and his sinister plot, Yui would leave a single ripe tomato at the scene to rattle Koba. A cameo by Rob Halford would be nice. Perhaps near the end before Koba was exposed to the world and both Su and Moa were saved by our heroin. Rob had enlisted Metallica, RHCP and Lady Gaga for a concert together with Babymetal. The plan was to rescue Su and Moa during the concert while Yui set out to expose Koba. An over-zealous Lady Gaga almost foiled their plan but in the end, made up for it with some impressive karate chops to floor Koba. I'm going to crawl back under the very rock that I came from before I do more damage here. I just love your review and the way you narated it. I'll do my best to get my hand on a copy of your earlier novels for which I'm certain would be as good or even better based on how entertained I was with all 3 of your Babymetal review. Keep it coming, sir.
Dude you have a nice story just expand on it by yourself, maybe you will become a writer too. Let me know if you decide to write the above novel about yui, i want to read it.
@@babymetalarchive6865 Thanks for the encouragement. However, I'm not a storyteller. There are too many holes in the plot that needs to be filled. Since it's based on BM, there must be be a credible degree of understanding of the japanese culture. Otherwise, the story would crumble. My bias is Yui and like many others, still could not totally accept the explanation given regarding her departure from BM. That's where all this wild immagination came from. Her being a Ninja and going against an evil Koba leave a better image in my head rather than having someone read a prepared text saying that she had problems with her health as the reason. Anyway, I mostly expected people to laugh at my crazy idea and once again, I thank you for even replying.
This was the best 33 mins I've spent on TH-cam in ages. That may sound like damning with faint praise, but I don't mean it that way at all! Excellent stuff Prof-Metal!
I posted this on another review of this song a few months ago, but I think it jives here as well: As a father of daughters, this song always makes me a bit misty-eyed. When she first performed it, Su-Metal was literally a child looking ahead to becoming a woman and, in a sense, reflecting on what she thought society might expect of her. As she entered her teenage years, the lyrics became an understanding of how she was perceived by society. The growing realization that she was becoming something other than herself. As a young adult, she has quite literally become the megitsune...the "vixen" who may be complex on the inside, but calm on the outside, and whose intentions may be pure (as a maiden), but often misunderstood and misconstrued by the expectations of others. When she sings this song, she transcends into a personage. And yet, in her own voice, she reminds those adoring her as an idol that she (like all Maidens) "should not be underestimated."
A total new respect for this song and performance by Babymetal.... Thank you so much for the insight. This brings a whole new perspective and respect for the writers for melding this into the past and present status of the three young ladies, telling a story of where they were and where they are..to possible where they are going in there adventure of life.... If that makes any sense....
Thank you for your analysis of this song. Don't worry too much about the length of your video, it isn't a reaction video, but an analysis video, so it's not a problem to go longer in length. I always thought the sakura sukaru part sounded familiar to Japan, thanks for going into more detail with it. learned a lot! [edit] My only suggestion is that you put "babymetal reaction" in your tag or something as I think most people like me do a search for "babymetal reaction". Would hate for those people to miss your analysis in the search.
Probably a good idea. I've been cautious about how to tag these because I don't want them taking down for copyright infringement. I could make a "fair use" case for educational purposes, but am not sure that would fly.
This is the most comprehensive analysis and explanation for this song. Thank you for your commentary and sharing of your knowledge. There are many elements of Babymetal that is lost in translation.
These are all fascinating in depth videos.. Old and new information that I wouldn't have looked into. They bring a refreshing perspective to the band and songs. I love em, keep em coming no matter the length like others have said
Another great video! Thanks for it! Don't apologize for being long. I appreciate it and, looking to others comments, I'm not the only one. I don't have any friend arround me to talk about babymetal because they aren't into this kind of music (yet ;), and your videos is kind of a half duplex interaction with someone. I mean, is like talking with another fan that likes the same as you, but has different ideas than yourself about things. In this particular video, your vision about the unfolding of the obi like a metaphore of liberation, never crossed my mind, and it really makes a lot of sense! I'm waiting for your next video, I'm sure it will be very interesting, and if it is long... the better =)
I watched the whole video and I really don't mind it being so long. Also I didn't know about the sakura sakura part in the song, thats really cool! Thanks for the video!
Thank you for this thoughtful and very informative lecture. And in my opinion, not one word too much. You have the gift of conveying information in a very entertaining way. Please do continue with these reviews, you do us fans a great favour!
Japanese professor-desu. Great analysis again. You tell us something even Japanese don't know well. One thing I add is that the "sore sore sore sore" part of dancing is not usual bon-odori but yosakoi-odori originated in Kochi prefecture. And the phrase "nametara ikanzeyo" which Su says showing the knife brade is also a dialect of Kochi prefecture (tosa-ben). This, I think, is not a coincident. The composer intentionally do it for the integrity of the song, which is cool to me.
Just want to add that the famous 'namatara ikanzeyo' is apparently a quote from a popular gangster film called 'Kiryuin Hanako no Shogai', released 1982 (I'm probably butchering the title). My DVD copy, which I have no means of looking at right now, is titled 'Onimasa'. I have no idea whether the reference goes back further than that, for example if the film is an adaptation of a novel or something along those lines.
Although I have to admit that my copy has been on the shelf for quite a while, and that I haven't gotten around to watching it yet, I'm glad to see that another BABYMETAL fan has a copy of this film on DVD. : )
The video was great it could have been longer and I still would have enjoyed it, all the information is so great especially for those like me who love BabyMetal but don’t understand the language. I really like learning history so all the history on Japanese culture was so awesome I would love to see more videos like these, thank you! And if they go a little longer it’s ok 👍 thanks again.
Great commentary... it was too short, actually! To me, Megitsune is an hymn to the strength of women. (Of course, i'm talking about generalities here, not saying all men/women are like that...) Men, being conceited and self-important, think that women are deceivers and misleading because they "act" their way through life or being manipulative. But men fail to understand that women do that for the sake of men, not to burden men with women's actual feelings and responsibilities. it's not being guile or trying to deceive in order to gain some sort of advantage, it is done to make life easier for everyone, sometimes at a great emotional cost for women. Of course, the song is based on Japanese culture, but the concept is actually quite applicable cross-culturally, it is a human thing that men usually underestimate and misunderstand women, more so than the other way around. Oh, by the way, when talking about shintoism, maybe referring to animism would make your job easier.
Yes, I agree on the gender stuff. I've heard of some Shinto scholars objecting to associations with animism, though I don't fully understand the argument. I THINK that those terms can sometimes lead to the dismissing of into as 'superstition' rather than 'religion,' which seems to me a false distinction. But yes, I agree, that talking about animism might make things clearer. Thanks.
@@AndrewHartley I can understand why they would object to the label animism, but, let's be honest, talking about spirits in trees, mountains etc, that's basic animism. I'm familiar with animism because I lived in Thailand for 7 years straight when I was younger, and Thai Buddhism is totally bathed in ancient animist beliefs. Those beliefs are widespread in east Asia, taking different forms, but it's everywhere. Add the cult of the ancestors, and you get something way more dynamic than what we are used to in the West. Maybe the Shintoists are worried that animism is a reductive term that will make people dismiss shintoism despite all the other concepts they promote that are not related to animism... But, in my mind, it doesn't matter what specific religion people are talking about, they're all based on superstitious thinking in one way or another, except, maybe, religions like jainism that are more a way of life than an actual religion... Can't wait for your next BABYMETAL adventure!
I'm really glad I found your videos. Trying to understand these songs just by looking at translations of the lyrics. The context is extremely helpful as well, and I look forward to seeing more from you!
As someone who is very interested in Japaness language a culture, thank you for including such a wonderful cultural lesson in this song. I came across Babymetal some months ago and have been obsessed with them, so it's a good day to be a fan of both! Thanks again, this was so informative!
I love how informative this review is . Reminds me of Duane Metal videos about the language. You have create a high bar for reactors/ reviewers to reach for Thanks for the information
Thankyou for your insight👊🏽 I wonder if you know anything about Native American mythology? If so is there a similarity between the fox myths in Japan and the coyote mythos in many Native American tribes folklore?
Well, there are some overlaps hinging on the notion of both animals as smart and tricksy, sometimes too clever for their own goods, but the Native American stories focus prim warily (as far as I understand it, which isn't much) on a single god-like coyote character, anger than on many supernatural foxes as in Inari, though admittedly both cultures seem to expand beyond the original myths (including multiple coyote figures for the Native Americans, a single fox god for the Japanese). The connections may be coincidental and derived from the perceived shared traits of the animals, or MAY suggest some shared protomythic history going back some 15,000 years or more to when Native Americans migrated from Asia across the Beringia land bridge which once connected Alaska and Siberia. This is, of course, hugely speculative, and it would seem odd that such shared ideas survived despite no such surviving links through language. My guess is that to all intents and purposes it's mostly coincidence based on human response to similar animals.
Your videos are fantastic.i learn so much.your videos are way better than reaction videos.🙂 plz do metal galaxy...I really want to see you do oh!manjinai because the term spell iv been told isnt used in the western way and the nuances are hard to explain.there is also a video before the song that enhances the song and is realy neat.
"Nametara ikan zeyo" is actually a quote, spoken by Masako Natsume (as Matsue Kiryuin) in the famous movie Onimasa (Kiryūin hanako no shōgai), 1982: th-cam.com/video/4TymnR393Kw/w-d-xo.html
Dave Wilson In my opinion the Megitsune here is actual fox spirit and have to change herself constantly to live long if to live in human community and that makes people look like she betrayed.
Yes, there seems to be conflicting info online about it. I don't know the place personally and am not sure. It certainly looks more like a not stage than a shrine, bit I assumed that was because stuff had been cleared to make room for the performance. Could be a dual purpose space, perhaps? But yes, I think you are probably right.
The Noh theatre stage is located on the grounds of the Asagaya Shinmei Shrine in Tokyo. goo.gl/maps/Nzdvra4NFUuQbFLA8 Google view of the stage: goo.gl/maps/xMi2NSEmMnRUQEV67
I found the location places. The stage is Asagaya Shinmei Gu Noh Theatre. bit.ly/2ZVjJGP The torii gates are Hie Shrine in Akasaka, Tokyo. bit.ly/3mDZxTF
Hi AJ, really enjoyed your analysis here. I have a Chinese gf, and last January when we were in Beijing at a hotel she starts humming this tune. I, of course, instantly recognise it. I asked her where was that from, and she said, oh it was just a song they learnt at school from Japan called Cherry Blossom. And that's how I learnt where that part came from.
BABYMETALの歌詞は遊び心に富み、いろいろな属性を持ちオマージュやインスパイヤーなどをちりばめています。
日本人にとっては、成長とともに自然に身につくアイデンティティのような説明しにくい精神性をいろいろと解析しながら言語化していただいたことに感謝します。
西洋の一神教、東洋の多神教などと比較されますが、実際は論理で語れないものが多く、このように画像や動画などで提示されないとイメージできないと思われます、
作業量は増えますがたんなるロジックではないこのような日本の具体例をTH-camを利用している方はほかにはあまりおらず、このような動画を
これからももっと見せていただけると期待いたします。
Thank you so much for this! I really appreciate it. I won't get everything right, of course, but I will keep trying. I used to live in Yamanashi, but am in the USA now, so I can only go back to Japan occasionally. This is a good way for me to stay connected to a place/culture I love :)
I normally hate people who talk and cause us to lose track of the song. But all I can say is job well done...clearly u have done your homework making this reaction a joy to listen to... finally someone gets it. Domo arigato gosaiemas. 😊
Thank you! This is pretty old now, and the production values are low, but I am glad you got something out of it and appreciate your response.
Absolutely love, love, love these 'essays', Andrew-sensei! I'd watch hours and hours of you talking about BABYMETAL! I hope that you'll continue with this series for a long time! Thank you! Kitsune up!
Thank you!
Btw I love your enthusiasm when Su pulls the knife out of the microphone. :-) It's an iconic moment in BABYMETAL video history for sure.
Please don't apologize for the length, and please don't promise to cut it short in future :) For this kind of analysis I am willing and eager to listen just as long as you want to talk... I've heard the Sakura Sakura part referred to in many other videos of course, but this is the first one that has tried to put it into context and explained WHY it's there, so thank you for that. The connection with Sakura Gakuin had honestly never occurred to me, but it makes a lot of sense! Very cool. I'm hoping you will continue these kinds of videos, talking with as much length as is warranted by the material!
Fascinating again, thanks - and don't worry about making long videos when they are as interesting as this. I had never appreciated the significance of Yui and Moa unwinding Su as releasing her from the restrictions of the kimono, but of course that makes perfect sense when you tie it in with the meaning of the song - and that is the sort of attention to detail I really like when it comes to their choreo and the way their songs are so crafted.
I often describe 'Megitsune' as being virtually perfect and the song that is most representative of BABYMETAL even though you won't hear another song in their catalogue that sounds like it, but it has all those Japanese elements, references and melodies mixed in with the metal, Su's beautiful vocals, Yui's and Moa's chants leading the audience participation.
There is good reason for it regularly topping fan polls for their favourite song.
Well, to be fair, if you ever hear a Babymetal song and think "That song reminds me of..." and think of another Babymetal song, Kobametal's messed up somewhere.
“...I’ve been talking way way too long.” Respectfully disagree. I could listen to you talking Babymetal for hours.
⚡ 💀 💕 / 🦊 ⛩
This was your best one yet!
Of course 'Megitsune' is the quintessential BABYMETAL song, so there was a lot to unpack.
I'm glad you mentioned that early shot with the kimono unwrapping.
It's almost always overlooked, at least in all the reactions I've seen.
It can also be seen as a comic send-up of scenes in Japanese period dramas with a heroine and a villian.
Fortunately, rather than a lecher, we have Yui and Moa. : )
While most of us make the connection between conventional gender roles in Japan and these lines:
"Ah, girls are becoming more like an ideal woman.
Smiling at face, crying at heart,
saying "It's right", we never show our tears.",
Su has talked about these lines in a wider sense.
She has interpreted them as demonstrating the Japanese trait of resiliency under adverse circumstances.
She thinks that it's "cool" to carry on stoically, even when things are difficult.
You're absolutely right that 'Megitsune' is their most performed song.
Of course, it has an advantage over 'Gimme Chocolate!!', since it precedes it by about six months.
Yes, I meant to make a stronger link between the concealing of feelings and the way that charges powerful and unexpected /dangerous response! I was conscious that it was going on too long :)
I'm 45 and love all types of music. BABYMETAL is by far my most favorite band. Nothing has come close to giving me this much happiness and energy than BABYMETAL. Megitsune in my opinion is the best song ever created :) 🤘🦊🤘
Just a short note on the pantomimic elements in the choreography which I mentioned in my first comment. At 20:20 the text is about hiding one's true self. In the dance Yui and Moa make the gesture of putting make-up on their cheeks. In the last scene all three cover their eyes with their five fingers which form a fan. Both gestures express the same idea as the text. As said, one can observe this in nearly all Babymetal songs, Doki Doki Morning, Gimme Chocolate, Catch me if you can, etc.
Good point. Thanks!
Megitsune is perfect in every way!
What you said at 28:30 gave me a new perspective on this song. I love intelligent discussion and the deep analysis you do for the songs and for these wonderful ladies. Great work, thank you for what you put in.
dont worry about being too long - im only 1/2 way through my sandwich
Come for an analysis of a (one of my absolute favorites as well) Babymetal song, stay for the added bonus of an essay on the shinto culture and how these are intricately interwoven...... This was awesome!
Please don't ever apologise for the length of the video and please, please, please.... don't force yourself to keep them shorter in the future. ;)
As for me,... even though I know quite a bit of what you were talking about, this never got boring for a second. Looking forward to the next installment of "Babymetal: song analysis and cultural relevance". :)
great content Andrew-metal
I really appreciate your insightful analysis, that reaches to the very deep layer of Japanese culture. Forgive me to participate in your discussion, as I get so inspired.
To me, this song was very important for setting up the symbolism of Babymetal, to interpret the theme of "girl and death" in Japan to fit miraculously well in the heavy metal's gothic culture. Though the meaning is quite different, Kitsune to them seems to be the raven to Edgar Allan Poe, symbolising the theme of the girl and the death.
Kitsune appears to "summon" girls to the afterlife. Fox god himself does it, and as you have explained, Kitsune was traditionally thought as the animal to connect the afterlife and the real life. In this Megitsune, lyrics also says like "Inishie no Otome tachi yo", to recall girls of ancient times to the present times, and the singer Su-metal becomes the spiritual medium of them.
The black kimono costumes have a little touch of the ones of Miko, the girl to mediate the dead and the living in Shintoism, with the red apron-like tutu and Mizuhiki ties. And if I can add, the dance formation to put Yui and Moa in front becomes more clear comparing to "Doki Doki Morning", and this make me remind the layout of Shinto shrines, putting the foxes or dogs as a gate, and have a god shrine in the back. These are the reasons why I think Babymetal could define their role to mediate between two worlds, which was done so brilliantly using the symbolism of Shintoism.
My understanding of Sakura Sakura breakdown is also related to the theme of the death, for as you may heard Sakura is sometimes associated with the short life, like the poem of Saigyo. Lyrics also emphasize it in "Saite Chirunoga Otome no Sadame yo", that obviously talks about the destined short lives of girls. It is musically outstanding to change the backing chord to major and minor, to play that well-known song with that ominous and heavy feeling.
I would like to know how you think this theme of the death and the act of summoning, so please do "Babymetal Death", to analyze them from the aspect of literature. Thank you for reading my silly ideas:)
Very interesting idea, thanks! I'll think about this.
This is unrelated to any of the larger social or cultural aspects of this song, but I still feel compelled to mention that the performers pretending to play the traditional instruments in this video are dancers with the Movement Design group.
Chidori Yakumo is their director. She is the woman performing the fan dance during the breakdown.
The choreographer for this song is MIKIKO, although the "windmill/electric fan" headbanging was added at Yui's request.
She wanted to have this move included in a BABYMETAL dance routine ever since she saw the "Kami of Headbanging" doing it for the 'Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!' music video.
Thank you. I didn't know this and especially love the idea that the fan dancer is the choreographer. Very cool. Appreciate the input.
Oh I did not know Yui was behind the headbanging idea. I do know both talked about him in their voice over commentary for headbanger and how he was scary but impressive.
@@paulbenwell3560 They talk about it in the commentary for 'Megitsune':
[YUI] Ah, the "electric fan" headbanging.
[SU] Ah, right. [MOA] Right, right.
[MOA] It had been her wish since "Headbanger".
[SU] YUIMETAL saw the PV of "Headbanger"…
[SU] and wanted to do the "electric fan" headbanging.
[YUI] I asked it of the choreographer and it came true.
[SU] Uh-huh.
[MOA] Cool. Hoo.
@@rickwagner- Again the BM/SG encyclopedia that is Rick Wagner answers :D
Another fine lecture. I personally had never thought about the Sakura middle with the thought of growing out of Sakura Gakuin (probably due to the fact that Yui and Moa continued for 2 more years), but given the multiple meanings within Babymetal songs, I can certainly see that as one of the many reasons the part was included.
Regarding the fact that Megitsune is their most played song... I think that has to do with how Babymetal themselves feel about the song. It has very rarely been absent in any concert since it's debut, and has not been absent in any concert (if we count Tokyo Dome and Legend Metal Galaxy as "one" concert performed over two days) since the summer of 2016 (in the run-up to Tokyo Dome) (if I remember my research correctly).
And, it makes sense. While Megitsune is not necessarily my #1 most favorite Babymetal song... It is the most Babymetal song there is. It is very Japanese... But is forward looking to a different Japan. It is a feminist anthem (at least at the end). It is sonically one of their heaviest songs.
In many ways, it defines Babymetal as a group and a concept. And, it is very fitting that it was the first single released after Su graduated Sakura Gakuin.
(Just a further note... There is some debate as to whether Ijime, Dame, Zettai or Megitsune was the first single released outside of SG. Because IDZ WAS the first Babymetal single that was independently released (via Toy's Factory as opposed to Amuse/Juuonbu). But, at the time of the IDZ release, all 3 were still in SG and would perform as a subunit during the RTG 2012 show (Su's graduation), so I personally agree that this single is their first single truly outside of SG)
Profesor Hartley. you Sir are blowimg my mind. Iiii LOVE your analysis! Thank you.
BABYMETAL FOREVER
🤘🤘🤘
All hail The Fox God
I've enjoyed all three of your pieces! I have three thoughts about this one:
One connection between the Headbanger and the Megitsune music videos are that a sacred object suddenly and somewhat violently attaches itself to Suzuka and transforms her. In that one, the neckbrace she holds in front of her after taking it from the mysterious box, and here the kitsune mask that she's holding which, after Yui and Moa fox spirits peek in (and she looks tellingly into a mirror - also part of transformation in Headbanger) "vibrates" in her hand, and then flies onto her face at 1m53s of the original video. That kicks off the formidable musical breakdown and the traditional dance with a fan and red glowing eyes. 1m08 to 1m11s is also part of this story: Suzuka gazing into one of the multiple mirrors, duplicate/mirrored Y&Ms suddenly revealing faces under the masks, Suzuka snapping her head up and a mask flying at the POV).
A lyrical connection between the two songs is the woman as flower imagery. The second line of Headbanger can be translated as "blooming crazily, this flower will soon disappear fruitlessly" and the second to last line of Megitsune "blooming and falling is the fate for a woman." My first encounter with this sentiment in terms of Japan was when the movie Kill Bill introduced me to Meiko Kaji and the lyrics of her song Urami Bushi, and more generally to the feeling of _mono no aware_ applied to the fate of women, who are destined to bloom into youthful beauty and then inevitably lose it to the march of time.
By the way, the word for fireworks in Japanese is hanabi, fire-flower, so that's another direct connection to sakura and celebrating transient beauty which blooms and falls, which in the song, girls continuously shoot up to "keep blazing", trying to hold off fate.
I LOVE that idea. Really interesting and great attention to detail. Thank you!
@@AndrewHartley When they perform the song, after the mask has served its role Su-metal flings it away. I don't know if that is intended to be meaningful, but it could fit. Personally I've always found the lyrics to Megitsune ambiguous about the Yamato nadeshiko / traditional ideal woman.
Wow, once again a highly interesting and informative video - thank you! Never would've thought that there's so much more to the BABYMETAL songs than "just" catchy melodies and sick instrumentation (and awesome choreography).
Megitsune is one of my favorite Babymetal songs so I have no problem with a long video. Onca again a really interesting and informative analysis.
These videos are great. It's so refreshing to have something more than the standard TH-cam reaction (although we do like watching people falling down the foxhole it has to be said). The analysis is fascinating. There is so much depth to these songs, so although they are a "manufactured" act, you can tell that a lot of thought and effort has gone into it and that each song has been very carefully crafted, which sets it apart from a lot of Western manufactured music, which a lot of the time is very vapid and lacking in substance.
That's one of my favorites off the 2nd album. I look forward to unpacking it a bit.
No such thing as "too long" when it is Babymetal! Another great video and thanks again for doing these. I promise, if you make it, I am watching it.
Great online lecture again ! 有難う💛。 I found this video last night but I saved it for morning view because I need fresh brain instead of sleepy eyes. The contents are excellent as always and new perspectives you presented will make me enjoy this song. I also like the scene where Su-Metal pulled the short blade out of her microphone. There are two funny things about this. ① At BABYMETAL concert in any country, the majority of the crowd are men. Young, old, hairy, bald, skinny, fat ... all kinds of guys shout along with Su "Maidens shouldn't be underestimated!" in Japanese. (especially UK guys shout it loudest in the world) ② After married lives start, those guys come to realize this statement is true. Ha ha ha ! Me, too 😢
It is the first time for me to see many comments complaining that the video can be "longer". And I am pleased to see our professor's editing skills are improving.
Ha. Yes, thanks. The more of these I do, the better my editing will be :)
I really loved your reaction when SU took off the short blade: you genuinely looked like a fanboy ahahah :D
Спасибо за видео! Как раз таких развернутых культурологических лекций лично мне очень не хватает. Было интересно! обязательно посмотрю все ваши видео)))
Thanks!
Hello. Megitsune is one of the most popular songs in Babymetal, isn't it? it is especially popular overseas. Of course I love it, too. It is an electronic sound, but it contains a lot of Japanese elements. This song uses the fox, which is a symbol of Babymetal, which started from a misunderstanding, as a motif, and I am impressed that it is really well organized by connecting many Japanese materials that lead to the Fox. For example, starting with a fox, female fox, woman, Shinto, festival (お祭り), historical drama, cherry blossom, famous Japanese movie line, specter(youkai), and other Japanese things. However, many enthusiastic fans, including Sensei, starting the first, are familiar with each of these explanations, so I don't think it is necessary to write them again here. I will write only the points I found in short.
There are many animals such as chickens or deer in Shinto as messengers of Shinto Gods. The fox is a messenger of Inari God (稲荷神), the god of rice. This fox's favorite food is Abura age (油揚げ、deep fried tofu). That is why Japanese Soba with topping Abura age is called " kitsune soba(きつねそば)".
The scene of the MV opening "Ah Reh (あーれー)" is an old historical drama, which is a typical production when a bad guy puts a woman in his hand. I think Sensei made a great interpretation, but I feel embarrassed by the girls who act innocently, haha. The lyrics sing the nobility of women (I think it's expressed with a light feeling, not with a serious tone), so I wonder, or think if the beginning is expressed as a symbol of weak women in the past.
Yui & Moa, who wear kimono-style costumes and play innocently in Japanese room at 18:43, reminds me of the Japanese Youkai (妖怪、spector), Zashiki-warashi (ざしきわらし、座敷童子). Zashiki-warashi deceives humans like fox, but is not a terrifying Youkai, but a Youkai who is pleased to bring us good luck in case. This is my interpretation but I imagine it was the motif they used as companions to Su- who sang "A maiden megitsune, not an evil fox."
About Yui & Moa's "fan headbanging" at 31:02, it has same act in Kabuki, Ren Jishi (連獅子).
I think it is really great idea of BABYMETAL for this song, or also CMIYC, I mentioned the other day in it.
Sensei is far better at Japanese than my poor English. Thank you from Japan.
Ah-Reh- reference th-cam.com/video/Lh9D7gfvyT0/w-d-xo.html
Zashiki Warashi ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%BA%A7%E6%95%B7%E7%AB%A5%E5%AD%90
Ren Jishi th-cam.com/video/uLXVwkzg66k/w-d-xo.html
That's really interesting. I hadn't thought of the 妖怪 connection in the visuals, and I think you are
couple of things you pointed here were new discovery for me. I am Japanese therefore i did not pay much attention to the detail like you did. 1st; MoiMoi pulling SU's obi as a transformation from restricted traditional J-way to new. 2nd; Sakura Sakura to Kitsune Kitsune. Departure from Sakura Gakuin. These may not be the intention of the production team, but perfectly fit the pass BM traveled through. Your review is excellent. not like some Japanophilia.
Thank you so much!
Oh yes, I've been waiting for this video all week long!
Facinating (insert Spock eyebrow here). I believe you just inspired me with your discussion of Shintoism. My martial arts days started with various Chinese arts and I ended up studying an Indonesian art. You dezcription of Shintoism has a familiar sound to it. I was interested in shamanic practices even before martial arts, so this sounds intrguing. I've only recently realuzed through this music that Japan has been involved in my life from the very beginning in one form or another. So thank you. You should comment more because ... well, the butterfly effect. Let the Fox god guide you...😁✌🦊
Thanks! Will do.
Just keep talking, and we'll keep listening. 🙂
Your intelligent, well researched, and deeply thought out ideas might not appeal to everyone.
But they do to some of us.
I've only just got around to this one, because it's so complex I knew it would taken some time to comprehend. And I was right; and I will have to replay a few times at least before I start to understand exactly what is going on here.
Thank you for your deep dive into this early and iconic Babymetal song. Your analysis of the lyrics, choreography, and, in this case, parts of the melody itself bring to light many aspects of this song which are unknown to people like myself who are mostly ignorant of the history and culture of Japan and its people. I will admit that my main attraction to the music of BM has been the music itself - the sounds, the melodies, the harmonies, the riffs, the dynamics, the musicianship, etc. And, within the BM catalog, there are an abundance of these qualities throughout. However, your analyses of their songs just make me appreciate Babymetal more than ever and add to the proof that BM is special and not just another J-pop group by any measure.
Thanks for that. If I can make people appreciate a song even more than they already do, I call that a win :)
As always, professor, thank you for your time and effort to educate us. No, you did not talk to long. You just addressed everything that needs to be talked about. I was able to pick up many bits and pieces of information in diverse comment sections and your special fox feature, but having everything layed out in an orderly way is a real eye-opener. Seeing the more traditional performance of Sakura, Sakura with the elderly dancer in Kimono when the only thing you knew beforhand is the treatment Babymetal gave the song, it has a slightly dissonant feeling. Things don't seem to add up. But then, this is a very Babymetalish thing.
Again, thank you.
Yes, this ad the foxes video sort of speak to each other, albeit about 3 years apart! Thanks for addressing this. I don't hear much from people watching these older videos. It's nice to hear that folks are still getting something out of them.
WOW! That was awesome. Best analysis ever. Thank you so much!
Thank you - yours is one of the two channels that react to BABYMETAL I love. Yours for the cultural background/references and history of Japan which I find so informing and there is a roadie who does reviews who gives amazing insight into the music side - including details on instruments, play styles and singing techniques and stage craft of the girls.
Two things you did not mention. Firstly that moment we all love as Su-metal pulls a blade from her microphone and says "nametara ikan ze yo". This is also a well known line from the yakuza film "Onimasa" (1982) said by Masako Natsume's character Matsue Kiryûin.
The second relates purely to live performances. During this song Su-metal holds the fox mask to her face and a BM tradition has arisen over the years between Su and Moa.. the hengao battle (they art of face pulling). It started as a subtle act by Moa to get a rise out of Su behind the mask and over the years has escalated until now it has become a fan moment to watch for. Though now it varies with Moa trying different things. I personally saw in Manchester a version of a Japanese children's game acchi muite hoi (a head nodding version of rock - paper - scissors) - in fact I caught it on video.
Thanks for the response. Yes, I knew about the film homage and the face pulling. I meant to talk about both, but it was getting so long that I lost my nerve :) I love the playing around in the live show behind the mask.
Can you post the video of the rock paper scissors head nodding???plz
@@phillipgregory9671 I will do.
@@paulbenwell3560 thanks 😀
Very good! Right the first thing you explained about Su revolving out of her Kimono is something I had never given much thought. Very interesting! Thank you!
I have been looking for someone to break down these songs the way you do. This is by far my favorite song mostly to do with just how complex it is musically and .... mythos(?) surrounding it. This was the first babymetal song I heard years ago but hadn't fallen down the rabbit (or should i say fox) hole into the story behind their songs until I was reading Grington300 300's comments on react videos. Thank you so much for breaking these videos down the way that you do. I loved your commentary on this song and can't wait to hear more of them.
What a great video. I would have watched another 30 minutes. Thank you for this. Should be mandatory viewing for every BabyMetal fan....
I'm getting a bit late to watch this vid but was a really interesting half an hour again. Just wanted to point a pair of things. First I didn't get it clear if you knew or not, but Yamato Nadeshiko in japanese culture is the embodiment of the perfect woman, the role model that traditional women had to follow, now a figure in discussion in a lot of cultural productions that speak about how japanese women had to behave. The second just that I had never seen it in this way, but yeah I totally agree now, the Sakura Sakura bit is a goodbye to their old characters at Sakura Gakuin and the embracement of their new kitsune personas. The timing is perfect and I had never realized, but now I see it probably was done with this purpose. So thank you again for all the bits and background.
We Kitsunes are a dedicated lot, and this could easily have gone on longer. No apologies needed! Some refer to you as professor-san over on r/babymetal, and I greatly appreciate your contribution. Possibly true lore is that owing to proximity to shrine, they could use the stage provided they did so quietly. It was also a full year before I caught the 'fox' howl midway through the song.
Another thought is that in the live performance, Su-metal tosses away the mask quite pointedly. I used to think it was a theatrical convenience to get the mask off the dance floor (with two assists by Moa). Now I see it as a symbolic rejection of the traditional expected women's roles.
You may already have seen this interesting treatise on the Fox God: th-cam.com/video/iN5xBSmXDcI/w-d-xo.html
As if I could not love Megitsune even more, you Professor just validated my belief that this is amongst the best of all rock/heavy metal classics... right up there with When The Levee Breaks, Highway Star and Hallowed Be Thy Name. And quite likely the most joyful to mosh and headbang.
Thanks for the great lecture!!! 👍 👍 👍
It is their most played song for a reason. Along with RoR (and maybe now Pa Pa YA!) it really gets the crowd going.
@@paulbenwell3560
For me, both RoR and Pa-Pa-Ya are great in an ear candy kinda way. What sets Megitsune (and IDZ!!!) apart in my opinion is that beyond their infectious sonics, their stories carry such hefty gravitas in the Babymetal lore. And in the case of Megitsune especially, it is now clear - thanks to Prof. Andrew's review - how much thought was put into marrying the visuals and auditory aspects of the song to the (dance) choreography and its lyrics to form a meaningful and powerful message.
So much for the early criticism of Babymetal being a mindless corporate product spewing out bubblegum ear worms. 😎
@@paulbenwell3560
... and we will probably never see a happier bunch of people going bonkers moshing to that Sakura Sakura breakdown. It's like watching Sailor Moon goad jolly-drunk Irish soccer fans to dance to Smells Like Teen Spirit 🤩
Be interested in your take on No rain no rainbow. Even if you have no idea what Su is singing you really feel it, her performance of it in the legend S concert is truely something special.
Thanks! From the first time I saw the Megitsune video I considered it a true work of art. Now I know why.
I'm grateful that you went into detail on everything; it's clear when you hear this song and see the video that it's touching on something significant and that it's wrapped up in Japanese culture in some way. Given that the song is basically a statement of identity for the band, it was definitely worth spending a half hour talking about what that statement is. Really well done.
When a video is this informative and interesting, length is not an issue, I've got a lot of free time lately. My suggestion is talk as long as you feel comfortable, we'll listen.
Please do continue..we love your reactions to BABYMETAL...You are our CURATOR of BABYMETAL...SONGS...
Another phenomenal video, thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and knowledge with us.
This is definitely some of the best content around about BABYMETAL.
Already waiting for the next one.
Kitsune up!! 🦊🤘🏻
Great and (like before) super interesting content to start into the new week, thank you very much, dear sir. Please keep on doing with these reactions. Greetings from a german Kitsune 🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼
I'm sure it's no coincidence that Koba/BM use the kitsune (and by implication Inari) as their guiding light...I'm sure Amuse likes the idea of prosperity and success.
Also the line that accompanies the knife move ("if you underestimate, it would be regrettable") comes from a japanese 1980s noir/Yakuza movie so that's another modern female reference, but it might be a coincidence.
Appreciate your fresh perspective, helped me understand the unwrapping the Kimono scene, wide stance and huge leg lifts. Megitsune really gets the crowd energized when Su asks "Are you ready to jump". Thanks
I love that this was longer, please don't apologize! Honestly I feel like I learned so much, even about Japan as a country and their beliefs and not just BABYMETAL, I was very happy to sit here and learn new things about not just an amazing band but another country as well. :)
Good video and analysys again. Interesting view on that part with the kimono at the beginning and the correlation of the Sakura Sakura song with their departure from Sakura Gakuin.
To me Megistune is one of their best songs and like many i also think it's kind of their symbol. I really like the lyrics, i like how it is a subtle and also powerful message, and how the choreography connects so well with it.
Have you read the interview that was released with the Legend Metal Galaxy album? There is a lot of interesting stuff there. There is a bit where they mention that in that concert, Megitsune was performed right before their first live performance of Night Night Burn! and how they thing that both songs conect, how both songs have a similar conception, and that Night Night Burn! would be the grown up latin version of Megistune.
In case you haven't read it, here is a link for a translation: kitsune-notes.blogspot.com/2020/09/legend-metal-galaxy-special-interview.html
No worries on the length....the time passes quite quickly due to your detailed analysis. Thank you for that!
Would you fancy writing a fiction based on Babymetal circa 2017~2018 period? A period of unresolved mystery about Yui. Make it an action thriller with Yui as the main character and Koba as the evil villain. Maybe Yui had uncovered something sinister about Koba and she's on the run trying to escape from him.
Meanwhile, both Su and Moa were blackmailed into continuing with Babymetal by Koba. Yui, apart from escaping, is plotting to rescue them. During one encounter with Koba's henchmen, she was helped by a ninja master who afterwards reluctantly tought her the ninja skills. In her quest to expose Koba and his sinister plot, Yui would leave a single ripe tomato at the scene to rattle Koba.
A cameo by Rob Halford would be nice. Perhaps near the end before Koba was exposed to the world and both Su and Moa were saved by our heroin. Rob had enlisted Metallica, RHCP and Lady Gaga for a concert together with Babymetal. The plan was to rescue Su and Moa during the concert while Yui set out to expose Koba. An over-zealous Lady Gaga almost foiled their plan but in the end, made up for it with some impressive karate chops to floor Koba.
I'm going to crawl back under the very rock that I came from before I do more damage here. I just love your review and the way you narated it. I'll do my best to get my hand on a copy of your earlier novels for which I'm certain would be as good or even better based on how entertained I was with all 3 of your Babymetal review. Keep it coming, sir.
Dude you have a nice story just expand on it by yourself, maybe you will become a writer too. Let me know if you decide to write the above novel about yui, i want to read it.
@@babymetalarchive6865 Thanks for the encouragement. However, I'm not a storyteller. There are too many holes in the plot that needs to be filled. Since it's based on BM, there must be be a credible degree of understanding of the japanese culture. Otherwise, the story would crumble.
My bias is Yui and like many others, still could not totally accept the explanation given regarding her departure from BM. That's where all this wild immagination came from. Her being a Ninja and going against an evil Koba leave a better image in my head rather than having someone read a prepared text saying that she had problems with her health as the reason.
Anyway, I mostly expected people to laugh at my crazy idea and once again, I thank you for even replying.
You nailed it again Master Andrew! The One are proud to have you! Awesome! I'm already waiting for the next video! 🤘🦊🤘
This was the best 33 mins I've spent on TH-cam in ages. That may sound like damning with faint praise, but I don't mean it that way at all! Excellent stuff Prof-Metal!
Wow, thank you!
good reaction, I hope you continue to do it
That didn’t feel like almost 33 minutes. Appreciate you knowledge and research, fantastic!
I posted this on another review of this song a few months ago, but I think it jives here as well:
As a father of daughters, this song always makes me a bit misty-eyed.
When she first performed it, Su-Metal was literally a child looking ahead to becoming a woman and, in a sense, reflecting on what she thought society might expect of her.
As she entered her teenage years, the lyrics became an understanding of how she was perceived by society. The growing realization that she was becoming something other than herself.
As a young adult, she has quite literally become the megitsune...the "vixen" who may be complex on the inside, but calm on the outside, and whose intentions may be pure (as a maiden), but often misunderstood and misconstrued by the expectations of others. When she sings this song, she transcends into a personage.
And yet, in her own voice, she reminds those adoring her as an idol that she (like all Maidens) "should not be underestimated."
A total new respect for this song and performance by Babymetal.... Thank you so much for the insight. This brings a whole new perspective and respect for the writers for melding this into the past and present status of the three young ladies, telling a story of where they were and where they are..to possible where they are going in there adventure of life.... If that makes any sense....
Thank you for your analysis of this song. Don't worry too much about the length of your video, it isn't a reaction video, but an analysis video, so it's not a problem to go longer in length. I always thought the sakura sukaru part sounded familiar to Japan, thanks for going into more detail with it. learned a lot! [edit] My only suggestion is that you put "babymetal reaction" in your tag or something as I think most people like me do a search for "babymetal reaction". Would hate for those people to miss your analysis in the search.
Probably a good idea. I've been cautious about how to tag these because I don't want them taking down for copyright infringement. I could make a "fair use" case for educational purposes, but am not sure that would fly.
@@AndrewHartley Ah, that's a good point. Whatever you decide, keep up the good work.
This is the most comprehensive analysis and explanation for this song. Thank you for your commentary and sharing of your knowledge. There are many elements of Babymetal that is lost in translation.
Classes keep getting better. Thx a lot Proffesor. Greetings from Colombia.
These are all fascinating in depth videos.. Old and new information that I wouldn't have looked into. They bring a refreshing perspective to the band and songs. I love em, keep em coming no matter the length like others have said
Another great video! Thanks for it!
Don't apologize for being long. I appreciate it and, looking to others comments, I'm not the only one.
I don't have any friend arround me to talk about babymetal because they aren't into this kind of music (yet ;), and your videos is kind of a half duplex interaction with someone. I mean, is like talking with another fan that likes the same as you, but has different ideas than yourself about things. In this particular video, your vision about the unfolding of the obi like a metaphore of liberation, never crossed my mind, and it really makes a lot of sense!
I'm waiting for your next video, I'm sure it will be very interesting, and if it is long... the better =)
it would be cool if you did this with all of their iconic songs, Akatsuki, Rondo of Nightmare, etc...
I absolutely love these videos! Thanks so much for putting in the effort to make them.
I watched the whole video and I really don't mind it being so long. Also I didn't know about the sakura sakura part in the song, thats really cool! Thanks for the video!
Thank you for this thoughtful and very informative lecture. And in my opinion, not one word too much. You have the gift of conveying information in a very entertaining way. Please do continue with these reviews, you do us fans a great favour!
Hi. Thanks for your support and help!
Japanese professor-desu. Great analysis again. You tell us something even Japanese don't know well. One thing I add is that the "sore sore sore sore" part of dancing is not usual bon-odori but yosakoi-odori originated in Kochi prefecture. And the phrase "nametara ikanzeyo" which Su says showing the knife brade is also a dialect of Kochi prefecture (tosa-ben). This, I think, is not a coincident. The composer intentionally do it for the integrity of the song, which is cool to me.
That's a nice detail. Thank you! I didn't know that, but it further suggests how much attention is put into the composition of the songs. Thank you!
I just subscribed because of these 3 analysis and informative videos. Thank you for teaching me about Japanese culture
Just want to add that the famous 'namatara ikanzeyo' is apparently a quote from a popular gangster film called 'Kiryuin Hanako no Shogai', released 1982 (I'm probably butchering the title). My DVD copy, which I have no means of looking at right now, is titled 'Onimasa'. I have no idea whether the reference goes back further than that, for example if the film is an adaptation of a novel or something along those lines.
th-cam.com/video/q8dvCHHSXDI/w-d-xo.html
Although I have to admit that my copy has been on the shelf for quite a while, and that I haven't gotten around to watching it yet, I'm glad to see that another BABYMETAL fan has a copy of this film on DVD. : )
@@rickwagner- It might even still be in good working condition. I can't tell for the time being..
thank you for the deep dive on the songs, please do more. i prefer this . your explanation is very enlighten.
Thank you for the MEGITSUNE class, sensei. Hope we can grt more lessons from you in the future, this is very refreshing
The video was great it could have been longer and I still would have enjoyed it, all the information is so great especially for those like me who love BabyMetal but don’t understand the language. I really like learning history so all the history on Japanese culture was so awesome I would love to see more videos like these, thank you! And if they go a little longer it’s ok 👍 thanks again.
First Yes !! , i'm on front row , Wohoo! ;-)
Great commentary... it was too short, actually!
To me, Megitsune is an hymn to the strength of women. (Of course, i'm talking about generalities here, not saying all men/women are like that...)
Men, being conceited and self-important, think that women are deceivers and misleading because they "act" their way through life or being manipulative. But men fail to understand that women do that for the sake of men, not to burden men with women's actual feelings and responsibilities. it's not being guile or trying to deceive in order to gain some sort of advantage, it is done to make life easier for everyone, sometimes at a great emotional cost for women. Of course, the song is based on Japanese culture, but the concept is actually quite applicable cross-culturally, it is a human thing that men usually underestimate and misunderstand women, more so than the other way around.
Oh, by the way, when talking about shintoism, maybe referring to animism would make your job easier.
Yes, I agree on the gender stuff. I've heard of some Shinto scholars objecting to associations with animism, though I don't fully understand the argument. I THINK that those terms can sometimes lead to the dismissing of into as 'superstition' rather than 'religion,' which seems to me a false distinction. But yes, I agree, that talking about animism might make things clearer. Thanks.
@@AndrewHartley I can understand why they would object to the label animism, but, let's be honest, talking about spirits in trees, mountains etc, that's basic animism. I'm familiar with animism because I lived in Thailand for 7 years straight when I was younger, and Thai Buddhism is totally bathed in ancient animist beliefs. Those beliefs are widespread in east Asia, taking different forms, but it's everywhere. Add the cult of the ancestors, and you get something way more dynamic than what we are used to in the West.
Maybe the Shintoists are worried that animism is a reductive term that will make people dismiss shintoism despite all the other concepts they promote that are not related to animism... But, in my mind, it doesn't matter what specific religion people are talking about, they're all based on superstitious thinking in one way or another, except, maybe, religions like jainism that are more a way of life than an actual religion...
Can't wait for your next BABYMETAL adventure!
I would love to hear your take on the lyrics from Sis Anger . I have read different translations with varying levels of anger and aggressiveness .
I can only go with what others have said all ready don't worry about the lenth of your vid's I like what you are doing very interesting.
I'm really glad I found your videos. Trying to understand these songs just by looking at translations of the lyrics. The context is extremely helpful as well, and I look forward to seeing more from you!
That's a great analysis.
They do not dye their hair and keep it black.
そして、、
『コンコン・concon』 is the bark of a fox.
As someone who is very interested in Japaness language a culture, thank you for including such a wonderful cultural lesson in this song. I came across Babymetal some months ago and have been obsessed with them, so it's a good day to be a fan of both! Thanks again, this was so informative!
Your Atarashii Gakko reactions are also very fun to watch :)
Thank you very much! I hope you find some of the other BM videos helpful/interesting :)
@@AndrewHartley yeah, I've been looking through them. I love how much info you put into everything. Thank you :)
I love how informative this review is . Reminds me of Duane Metal videos about the language. You have create a high bar for reactors/ reviewers to reach for
Thanks for the information
loved your analysis of my favorite Babymetal music video
This is most interesting lecture. Thank you professor!
Thank you !! And your Japanese is great.
Arigato gozaimashita :)
Thankyou for your insight👊🏽 I wonder if you know anything about Native American mythology? If so is there a similarity between the fox myths in Japan and the coyote mythos in many Native American tribes folklore?
Well, there are some overlaps hinging on the notion of both animals as smart and tricksy, sometimes too clever for their own goods, but the Native American stories focus prim warily (as far as I understand it, which isn't much) on a single god-like coyote character, anger than on many supernatural foxes as in Inari, though admittedly both cultures seem to expand beyond the original myths (including multiple coyote figures for the Native Americans, a single fox god for the Japanese). The connections may be coincidental and derived from the perceived shared traits of the animals, or MAY suggest some shared protomythic history going back some 15,000 years or more to when Native Americans migrated from Asia across the Beringia land bridge which once connected Alaska and Siberia. This is, of course, hugely speculative, and it would seem odd that such shared ideas survived despite no such surviving links through language. My guess is that to all intents and purposes it's mostly coincidence based on human response to similar animals.
Your videos are fantastic.i learn so much.your videos are way better than reaction videos.🙂 plz do metal galaxy...I really want to see you do oh!manjinai because the term spell iv been told isnt used in the western way and the nuances are hard to explain.there is also a video before the song that enhances the song and is realy neat.
"Nametara ikan zeyo" is actually a quote, spoken by Masako Natsume (as Matsue Kiryuin) in the famous movie Onimasa (Kiryūin hanako no shōgai), 1982:
th-cam.com/video/4TymnR393Kw/w-d-xo.html
Yes, I knew that, thanks, but forgot to mention it.
Absolutely, carry on. Please 🙏
nice Japanese!
I love it.
megitume→me雌 means female, gitsune→kitsune means fox狐.
good choice,good reaction.
I love your reaction.
Thank you!
I loved this analysis! Thanks! Keep it up!
Thanks!
Word Megitsune is often used to look down ladies who trick and betray men.
Hence, I think the clarifying lyrics "not deceiving" (per du-metal translation)
Dave Wilson In my opinion the Megitsune here is actual fox spirit and have to change herself constantly to live long if to live in human community and that makes people look like she betrayed.
ありがとう！
my pleasure
曲を聴いている間の教授の笑顔がいいです。
他の事は別の人が書いてくれているので。
Very interesting. One thing I noticed. The place is not Shrine, it's Noh theatre.
Yes, there seems to be conflicting info online about it. I don't know the place personally and am not sure. It certainly looks more like a not stage than a shrine, bit I assumed that was because stuff had been cleared to make room for the performance. Could be a dual purpose space, perhaps? But yes, I think you are probably right.
The Noh theatre stage is located on the grounds of the Asagaya Shinmei Shrine in Tokyo.
goo.gl/maps/Nzdvra4NFUuQbFLA8
Google view of the stage:
goo.gl/maps/xMi2NSEmMnRUQEV67
I found the location places. The stage is Asagaya Shinmei Gu Noh Theatre. bit.ly/2ZVjJGP The torii gates are Hie Shrine in Akasaka, Tokyo. bit.ly/3mDZxTF
I liked this thanks. Perfect review.
Hi AJ, really enjoyed your analysis here. I have a Chinese gf, and last January when we were in Beijing at a hotel she starts humming this tune. I, of course, instantly recognise it. I asked her where was that from, and she said, oh it was just a song they learnt at school from Japan called Cherry Blossom. And that's how I learnt where that part came from.
Very cool. My wife grew up0 knowing it too.