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Welcome to the Wagakki Band world👍 The world's greatest band 🤣 The funny instrument is a "tsugaru shamisen" played by Beni Ninagawa. Poet, Pianist and Shigin singer Yuko Suzuhana (Vocalist and founder of WGB). Shigin's singing style is used to perform poems and short stories. Machiya (guitarist) with the "Noh" mask is responsible for the arrangement and has the last word. He accounts for at least 50% of the songs. Asa (bassist) Is a well known vocaloid producer with several hits behind him. Daisuke Kaminaga (Shakuhachi) has its own flute school and teaches at several colleges and universities. He can make anything sound like a whistle. Kiyoshi Ibukuro (Koto) plays a rare 25 string koto, He is also an ambassador for Japan's national instrument and has played all over the world. Kurona (Wadaiko) joined a professional drum ensemble at the age of 9. Wasabi on drums is one of the best drummer I have seen. So do not miss the Wasabi and Kurona drum batle "Rhythm game / Flame" from Daishinnenkai 2018.
"Wa" means "unique to Japan" and "gakki" means "musical instrument". Yuko Suzuhana (vocal), who has won the national tournament of Shigin (singing ancient Chinese and Japanese poetry with a unique singing method), had a sense of crisis in the declining Japanese classical performing arts. The Wagakki Band is made up of top-notch musicians who have agreed with her call to "send Japanese classical performing arts to the world more POP." Her wish came true for the music video for the song "Senbonzakura" from their first album "Vocalo Zanmai". As soon as the MV was released, it attracted worldwide attention and is currently being played over 140 million times. There are a few things to note. Wagakki Band changed its label from Avex to Universal Music in June 2019. Therefore, please note that if you use the MV owned by Avex other than live performance as it is, it will almost certainly be blocked.
@@satreaaji Wagakushi Band has indeed released two cover albums of Vocaloid songs, "Vocaloid Zammai" (2014) and "Vocaloid Zammai 2" (2022). However, they are not just a copy band; they have released several times as many original songs.
My life changed forever when I found Wagakki Band. Yuko Suzuhana is a goddess. All 8 of them are superstars. It's a dream team. They have actually been around awhile. Since 2013 I think. I wish I had found them sooner.
Wagakki Band has been around for a few years now. Each member is a master at their particular instrument. They did a collaboration with Amy Lee a couple of years ago, including doing a live performance of Bring Me to Life with an orchestra that's available on TH-cam. For a song that has a great drum line that also features each instrument, check out their song "Ignite".
I had the pleasure of discovering this band a few years ago. Instantly fell in love with their music. They never cease to amaze me. They are so versatile in their playing. Definitely check out more of their songs.
Traditional Instruments consists of Shamisen, the one that looked like some banjo Koto, the large stringed instrument Shakuhachi, flute Taiko, percussion
@@AndrewRooneyDrums In addition, that specific type of shamisen is a tsugaru shamisen. It has a faster, more aggressive & powerful play style than other shamisen. Suzuhana Yuko is performing shigin here. It's the practice of reciting or singing traditional Japanese & Chinese poetry. These lyrics were inspired by classic poetry. On top of this, Yuko is a shigin national champion. Both shigin & enka are melismatic vocal styles called kobushi. Enka's often called Japanese blues ballads since both blues & enka subject matter are often melancholic. Traditional enka also used a bluesy pentatonic scale. Both blues & enka started around the mid 1800s, both use melsimatic singing. Personally, I love that there's groups & people out there keeping traditional Japanese instruments & singing alive. Especially as a younger Japanese person.
Japan is the only one country in the entire of Asia was quietly good with beautiful folks mix modren music. Not just anime songs, but Rock music still alive in Japan.
Great reaction, Andrew. That instrument you were asking about is a Shamisen. The lady playing it is Beni Ninagawa. She is considered one of the best if not best players of that instrument in all of Japan. She has a her own TH-cam channel which is mostly videos of her doing homebody stuff with her kids and sometimes playing a short piece on the Shamisen.
Every time i hear Wagakki Band i just cant stop smiling from ear to ear. Straight up good listening and feel good energy. Very glad you did the reaction Andrew. 🤟🔥😎
@@AndrewRooneyDrums a japanese heavy metal trio that have been going since the 80s named ningen isu. they use a black sabbath type song structure with multiple transitions. th-cam.com/video/CbI79e5iZKs/w-d-xo.html
Absolutely love Wagakki band!! I have been listening to their music for well over a year now. The combination of traditional music and modern rock is perfectly executed and stunningly awesome!!
This was the first Japanese band I heard 5 years ago, then some others and I fall in Band Maid. They are both bands that caught my attention for the first video.
I've come across them a while a go, where they had invited Amy Lee to sing with them. They also performed "bring me to life" together. I'd love to see them in concert one day.
@@AndrewRooneyDrums But avoid the clips with Amy Lee. They are a useful hook to get Americans to watch WB, but once you've been exposed to the real thing, you realize their performances with Amy are not up to standard.
I found them on TH-cam a few years ago thanks to Band-Maid. Phenomenal band, the only band I hold in the same high regard as a Band-Maid at the moment. Also, today (actually yesterday in Japan), June 7, is lead vocalist Yuko Suzuhana's birthday.
I fell in love at 8 years old with music with piano lessons. I was isolated through childhood whose parents hated music. In my world there was no rock & roll. There was no world outside of Richard Nixon. There was no humor There was no "other side" politically. I never heard of Martin Luther King. I never heard of rock & roll. The closest I ever heard was Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams.Thanks to The Beatles my isolation broke at 13 years old. I learned guitar. My first guitar was a broom. I realized I had to leave. At 15 I ran away and never came back. My only goals was to play in a band and feel love. After the Air Force (I was drafted) I found love. I had her for 42 years till cancer took her away from me. My interest in music has never waned. I'm still at it playing and writing (legacy). In all these years, no music has moved me more than The Beatles, until The Wagakki Band. Their music is haunting and powerful. Their players are excellent and their compositions and arrangements and performance are something to behold. I wish my wife could have heard them. I discovered them a few years ago and still I am moved every time I hear them. I can't understand a word (I'm english) yet still I'm so moved.
It's just great to see musicians having so much fun performing . Sometimes we get too serious and forget music is created to lift our spirits or even console us . But its full of emotion .. Peace and love to all .✌❤
I discovered this Wagakki clip when i was chasing down a few songs from an Anime Series. When i saw this live performance, like you Andrew i got sucked into a zone pure music and visual pleasure. It makes you smile, it makes you cry and I can watch and listen to it over and over again and not get sick of it. Totally entrancing and magical. Oh and i love watching first reactions. :)
The shamisen is a three stringed lute instrument played with a bachi, like a plectrum, the artists playing it is Beni Ninagawa that's a former winner in shamisen competitions and also a former singer. Also a fact about the shamisen is that it often was used in theaters and came from the beginning from China, the lenght of the neck is similar to a guitar but has no freats. The koto is a stringed instrument similar to harp and comes either with 13 or 17 strings and can be played with the fingers or with similar to picks,the artis playing it is Kiyoshi Ibukuro whom is married to the singer Yuko Suzuhana. The drum like instruments is a wadaiko, if there is just one of those it's often called a taiko but adding them up it's a wadaiko, like the other instruments they came from China but has been used for a long time in Japan especially during shows and the summer festivals, though today it's been more modernised where you can find online games and in arcades ways to play the taiko, it's played by the artist Kurona. Then the shakuhachi is played by Kaminaga Daisuke, it's a flute like instruments often made of bamboo, it's often used by the Zen Buddhists as a form of medetation, most of the time (traditionally) it only have four holes ontop but some have done modifications to have eight instead. Except those traditional instruments you have Suzuhana Yuuko that's the vocalist, Machiya who's the guitarist and also vocalist, Asa that's a basist and lastly Wasabi the drummer.
A little bit late to the party but a little background story: As others already have correctly pointed out, that banjo-ish instrument is a shamisen, played by Beni. Beni was the last one to join the band, the others have already formed and perfomed together. She approached the band and was like "Hey, lemme jooin" and the other band members agreed, but didnt quite know who she was. Beni has won International prizes on the Shamisen, also the highes and most prestige-worthy ones, so basically the musical equivalent to winning the gold in the olympic games. So imagine you are a freshly formed band, no fame, no recognition at all and someone like Jimmy Page comes around and joins you. Needless to say, the band members were just as blown away as you when they heard Beni play.
Love this band, superb skill and talent with an excellent fusion of rock and Japanese traditional music. Yuko, singer, was the catalyst for forming the band. The purpose of the band is to bring the traditional music and instruments of Japan to the Japanese youth. All are Masters of their instrument and teach. They have toured in the US and Europe. Very popular in Japan, playing many festivals. Think of the sound engineering to stage them.
International Music at it's best. This is truly the high-point for music and musicianship in the history of the world. Instruments are available to all who want them, and there is a audience for almost anything, almost anywhere you go. As a musician and music lover I feel blessed to live in these times on this Planet. Thanks for following your gut and giving Wagakki Band a view. I can tell you enjoyed it by the constant smile on your face😎.
There is a passion that Wagakki Band has that is next level. I was originally drawn in by the lead guitarist, but all of them are masters of their craft. Their lead vocalist is incredible.
I knew of the shamisen while growing up in the Sixties thanks to the Addams Family. Mortisha never played it properly of course. I found out in years later what it's meant to sound like and it's magical. The koto belongs to the zither group and comes from the Chinese zheng. As for this particular clip, I've watched many times in the last five or six years. The costumes are gorgeous.
From all the "out of nowhere " bands I have came across with your channel, this group by far is the best. That performance was epic!! Have to remind you to check out The Music. Cheers Patrick
Yes, they are absolutely awesome. There is another great double-live video. The songs are Ikusa and Hakushu Kassai. th-cam.com/video/Kli0M-dmoeo/w-d-xo.html (link to the video) That´s something quite different but also absolutely mindblowing.
Yeah, I've heard them once or twice since I am a Jrock fan. Love taiko drums for sure. They are trying to preserve traditional Japanese music by updating it. The shakahachi is wild and the shamisen playing was first-rate. Good stuff. Thanks mate!
SAD NEWS... On the 7th January this year (2024) the Wagakki band announced that they were taking a permanant hiatus so members can follow their own musical careers outside of the band. That 7th January concert was probably the last the world would see of this amazing band. I was lucky enough to see them live a few years ago and will remember that show for the rest of my life.. absolutely amazing live.
A truly spectacular array of professionals on their instruments. These people were collected by people who had a lot of appeal, and thus folks who other folks wanted to work with, presenting an opportunity to demonstrate the very best of instrumentalists who would otherwise never get this kind of exposure.
Love the wagakki band. Other great Japanese bands with superb musicians which might intrigue you would have to include Ningen Isu, Lovebites, Asterism, BabyMetal and others (I remember you already met Band-Maid!). I once saw a flautist with a Rock Band, shredding it front and centre of stage at a big Rock concert. His name was Ian Anderson and the band were called Jethro Tull.
I discovered Wagakki Band about 6 months ago and like you, totally blown away. Their music is so out of my "comfort zone" but I love rock and world music and now I have to listen to Homura at least once a day if not 3-5 times! They have many other amazing videos of their live performances as well. Check out the Premium Symphony Night videos with full orchestra and the vocalist Yuko Suzuhana on vocals and piano, just superb. If I could only see one band in concert, this is the one I would choose.
I've studied cultural anthropology for almost sixty years. I focused on Japan for four years and only scratched the surface. IMO, it would take ten years of immersion to cover the basics. It's really that complex!
Their culture/society has been around a long time. It's deep. For all the complexity... they are also kinda predictable. They hold fast to their traditions, and cultural ways.
I have to think of them as a stage production, or revue, as much as a band. The professionalism, the talent and the insane timing of their movements and playing/singing are just mindblowing.
So you've probably never seen a Jethro Tull concert, and Ian Anderson's crazy flute solos played while he standing on one foot, to which Daisuke tries to allude to at 7:52.
@@AndrewRooneyDrums Isle Of White 1970 festival, no end of TH-cam vid's to choose from. Via Verde (By way of Green or an allusion to Joe?) is right, Ian Anderson was/is a tremendous performer and can do some weird and wonderful sonic things with a flute.
Thats not an allusion to Ian Anderson, that is a technique for playing the Shakuhachi, by blocking the end with his foot, he alters the sound. So, Anderson was just standing on one foot, this is playing the flute, with your foot. Big difference.
@@jars6230 Hi Jars6230, I think that you misread my reply to Via Verde. His online name means "By way of green" in Latin or is a nod to Giuseppe Verde (Joe Green) hence my comment about being an allusion to Joe.
Wagakki Band is a unique blend and I simply love it. Great showmanship too. In some concerts Yuko Suzuhana shows off some of her sword skills. Really cool. There are many japanese bands worth checking out e.g. Lovebites, Asterism or Versailles.
Just found this reaction. Congratulations on finding one of the most interesting and talented bands in the world. Here is a brief background--forgive any overlap with comments from others. “Wagakki” is Japanese for “traditional instruments” The “lute” thing is a Shamisen. The “harp” thing is a Koto. The “flute thing” is a shakuhachi. The Japanese drums are collectively called “wadaiko”. The band was founded by the award-winning shigin (classical poetry) singer, SUZUHANA Yuko, who is also a classically trained pianist. She developed the concept of fusing Japanese traditional instruments and musical tropes with modern music. Yes, you’ve heard these instruments a million times, in movie soundtracks, when they want to convey a Japanese atmosphere. Here is a video that really lets you see up close all the instruments and how they work together: th-cam.com/video/Q2meWkWqc-I/w-d-xo.html It was originally written for a “Vocaloid” which is an electronic virtual singer-essentially an AI. In Japan (where else?) vocaloids have actually become pop stars. What can I say? America may be the land of innovation for things like tech and social media, but in music no one here cares any more. Most of the creative action has moved to Europe and Japan.
The U in akatsuki is silent, it's just a transcription of the syllabic writing system, where the letters tsu and ki represent tski. In other words a final letter Su is used for a final s.
At the age of 67 I've been privileged to see many big name bands from Pink Floyd to Tool, but the Wagakki Band live in Tokyo in 2018 was one of the best live performances I have ever seen. The band started as a trio of koto, shakuhachi and piano/vocal called Hanafugetsu, gradually added more musicians and become the Wagakki Band in about 2012. Other comments have described the instruments, but from the drum point of view it's often their big ballads and medium paced songs that best show how intricate and clever the dual drum arrangements can be. It's sad that neither Avex or Universal have ever made any effort to secure international distribution for their albums or to tour them widely overseas, as they have the potential to become Japan's biggest ever band, but they may have now missed their chance. As for other Japanese bands, the all girl metal band Aldious features as their drummer Marina Bozio, the very talented daughter of the legendary Terry, and if you want something more amusing, check out Ningen Isu and their song Heartless Scat, or anything by the bafflingly hilarious Maximum the Hormone.
the singer is Yuko Suzuhana lider of the group and the instrument is similar to banjo is not the that play is Beni Ninagawa, the others member I don't remember well there names, the group is one of top band Japanese traditional modern music that the type music they play is modern of the traditional, you check others videos you will notice right away
Since you've already set your foot into Wagakki Band territory, you should also react to their live performance of Hakusho Kassai. That live performance shows how brilliant each member is with their instruments. Great video!
Wagakki band is increidble, and their genre is one that isn't done as much as I think it should. I feel the genre got really popular around 2002 when the anime adaptation of Naruto released, as the main genre of the show used this traditional japanese and heavy rock fusion, and Wagakki got in on that later.
Homura was written by Machiya, the guitarist, for another project prior to him joining the band. It did not include the bass or the Shamisen, but he rewrote it so Asa (Bass) and Beni (Shamisen) would have their own time up front. According to what I have seen and read on the band, Machiya only wears the mask during the performance of Homura. There is so much to tell, and it'd take too much space to tell it all. Check out their page on Wikipedia. I first heard the Koto (Harp), Shamisen, and Taiko Drum(s) when I was a Marine stationed on Okinawa back in 1974 in a small bar in Naha.
The banjo like instrument is called Shamisen. The Harp like instrument is called Koto. The bamboo flute is called Shakuhachi. Their cover of Bring Me To Life by Evanescence, featuring Amy Lee herself, is something special.
ive been following them since they started circa ten years ago, wagakki have some drum numbers that include a full troop of drummers ... music died in teh west with c RAP cack stuck up its own arse but wagakki is a super innovative group of people hitting on the future
They are all independent, excellent artists and adults. They are older than they look. It seems that the decision to suspend activities was made based on various thoughts of each individual. I'm Japanese, so I am carefully checking their interviews or comment. Since it is not a disbandment, I am guessing that they will be active from time to time while balancing each other's thoughts and lives. Some members have said they would like to hold concerts overseas again. So I would be happy if you don't forget to continue supporting them.
Kurona plays the Wadaiko and the Taiko, Benina plays the Tsugaru Shamisen, Kiyoshi plays the Koto and Kaminaga-san plays the Shakuhachi, Shakuhachi that is also played by the Komuso monks, as for all the traditional instruments of Japan, these also originate in China, the Shamisen, which in Chinese is pronounced San-hsien, as can be seen is also very similar in pronunciation, in Japan it had its own little evolution that detached it from the Chinese original, which is why today it is called Tsugaru.
So happy you got introduced to Wagakki Band. I’ve been listening to them for years. They are in my top favourite band list. I purposely seek out mixed genre bands from around the world. I compose symphonic music that incorporates traditional instruments. I can give you suggestions if you want. Terrific reaction video.
I diddn't really know this band untill now. I do think it is important to not only talk about the drumkit drummer but also the Taiko drummer or other percussion (drum) players since they also often play with stocks and can use similar techniques with playing their drums. And yes it has a overwhelming factor so to react is not too easy but keep on the good work!
You can hear the drummer call out the instrument along with the player. First "Base Asa". That bassist's name is Asa. And then Shamisen Beni. Yeah, her name is Beni and the instrument name is Shamisen.
Man, you gotta watch the whole performance to see Kurona taiko drum. He kicks butt. He also composes the music, that is why there are beautiful transitions.
Wagakki Band 和楽器バンド Is a Japanese band that combines rock music with wagakki (traditional Japanese musical instruments) and shigin (Japanese poems reciting art) Their early songs were adapted from Vocaloid recordings but they have since written their own original music. They start in 2013. Yuko Suzuhana - vocals Kiyoshi Ibukuro - koto (tradicional japanese harp) Daisuke Kaminaga - shakuhachi (tradicional japanese flute) Beni Ninagawa - shamisen (tradicional japanese banjo) Kurona - daiko (tradicional japanese drums) Machiya - guitar and vocals Asa - bass Wasabi - drums Best Featuring: Wagakki band + Amy Lee - Bring Me to Life / Sakura Rising
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This is a good introduction to one of the most talented and fascinating bands I have ever watched or listened to. You ain't seen nothing yet.
Loving it John!
Welcome to the Wagakki Band world👍 The world's greatest band 🤣
The funny instrument is a "tsugaru shamisen" played by Beni Ninagawa.
Poet, Pianist and Shigin singer Yuko Suzuhana (Vocalist and founder of WGB). Shigin's singing style is used to perform poems and short stories.
Machiya (guitarist) with the "Noh" mask is responsible for the arrangement and has the last word. He accounts for at least 50% of the songs.
Asa (bassist) Is a well known vocaloid producer with several hits behind him.
Daisuke Kaminaga (Shakuhachi) has its own flute school and teaches at several colleges and universities. He can make anything sound like a whistle.
Kiyoshi Ibukuro (Koto) plays a rare 25 string koto, He is also an ambassador for Japan's national instrument and has played all over the world.
Kurona (Wadaiko) joined a professional drum ensemble at the age of 9.
Wasabi on drums is one of the best drummer I have seen.
So do not miss the Wasabi and Kurona drum batle "Rhythm game / Flame" from Daishinnenkai 2018.
"Wa" means "unique to Japan" and "gakki" means "musical instrument". Yuko Suzuhana (vocal), who has won the national tournament of Shigin (singing ancient Chinese and Japanese poetry with a unique singing method), had a sense of crisis in the declining Japanese classical performing arts.
The Wagakki Band is made up of top-notch musicians who have agreed with her call to "send Japanese classical performing arts to the world more POP."
Her wish came true for the music video for the song "Senbonzakura" from their first album "Vocalo Zanmai". As soon as the MV was released, it attracted worldwide attention and is currently being played over 140 million times.
There are a few things to note.
Wagakki Band changed its label from Avex to Universal Music in June 2019.
Therefore, please note that if you use the MV owned by Avex other than live performance as it is, it will almost certainly be blocked.
I remember knowing this band is from miku hatsune,and since then I'm fans of them
@@satreaaji Wagakushi Band has indeed released two cover albums of Vocaloid songs, "Vocaloid Zammai" (2014) and "Vocaloid Zammai 2" (2022). However, they are not just a copy band; they have released several times as many original songs.
My life changed forever when I found Wagakki Band. Yuko Suzuhana is a goddess. All 8 of them are superstars. It's a dream team. They have actually been around awhile. Since 2013 I think. I wish I had found them sooner.
Goddess doesn't du Yuko justice !!!!!!!!!
Wagakki Band has been around for a few years now. Each member is a master at their particular instrument. They did a collaboration with Amy Lee a couple of years ago, including doing a live performance of Bring Me to Life with an orchestra that's available on TH-cam.
For a song that has a great drum line that also features each instrument, check out their song "Ignite".
Thanks Charles!!
I had the pleasure of discovering this band a few years ago. Instantly fell in love with their music. They never cease to amaze me. They are so versatile in their playing. Definitely check out more of their songs.
I will!
Thank you
I friggin LOVE this band. Don't understand a word, but the music just takes me away and makes me smile
They have some good English subtitles on many of their videos which helps to understand what the songs are about.
@@TonyPayneUK Vocals are an instrument. There is no requirement in understanding lyrics to be able to appreciate it musically.
Traditional Instruments consists of
Shamisen, the one that looked like some banjo
Koto, the large stringed instrument
Shakuhachi, flute
Taiko, percussion
THANK YOU!
muy bien macho correcto todo
@@AndrewRooneyDrums In addition, that specific type of shamisen is a tsugaru shamisen. It has a faster, more aggressive & powerful play style than other shamisen.
Suzuhana Yuko is performing shigin here. It's the practice of reciting or singing traditional Japanese & Chinese poetry. These lyrics were inspired by classic poetry. On top of this, Yuko is a shigin national champion.
Both shigin & enka are melismatic vocal styles called kobushi. Enka's often called Japanese blues ballads since both blues & enka subject matter are often melancholic. Traditional enka also used a bluesy pentatonic scale. Both blues & enka started around the mid 1800s, both use melsimatic singing. Personally, I love that there's groups & people out there keeping traditional Japanese instruments & singing alive. Especially as a younger Japanese person.
Fantastic band. I saw them in NYC in 2019, and they were absolutely amazing live.
Japan is the only one country in the entire of Asia was quietly good with beautiful folks mix modren music.
Not just anime songs, but Rock music still alive in Japan.
🙌
And Bloodywood ?
It's the vocalist's birthday today..happy birthday Yuko!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Great reaction, Andrew. That instrument you were asking about is a Shamisen. The lady playing it is Beni Ninagawa. She is considered one of the best if not best players of that instrument in all of Japan. She has a her own TH-cam channel which is mostly videos of her doing homebody stuff with her kids and sometimes playing a short piece on the Shamisen.
Thank you for the kind words and info Rick!!
The double bass your hear is actually the combo of the taiko & drum kit in unison which I always found crazy
🙌
Every time i hear Wagakki Band i just cant stop smiling from ear to ear. Straight up good listening and feel good energy. Very glad you did the reaction Andrew. 🤟🔥😎
such a great melding of rock and traditional instruments.
Yeah it works great here Vince
@@AndrewRooneyDrums a japanese heavy metal trio that have been going since the 80s named ningen isu. they use a black sabbath type song structure with multiple transitions. th-cam.com/video/CbI79e5iZKs/w-d-xo.html
I love traditional Japanese music and this just blew my mind. Thank you!
Great Chris! 💯👌
Absolutely love Wagakki band!! I have been listening to their music for well over a year now. The combination of traditional music and modern rock is perfectly executed and stunningly awesome!!
I stumbled across this band when I was out on Covid furlough. They are a really good band! I hope you try more of their music!
This was the first Japanese band I heard 5 years ago, then some others and I fall in Band Maid. They are both bands that caught my attention for the first video.
I've come across them a while a go, where they had invited Amy Lee to sing with them. They also performed "bring me to life" together. I'd love to see them in concert one day.
I'd love to go see this live Peter
@@AndrewRooneyDrums But avoid the clips with Amy Lee. They are a useful hook to get Americans to watch WB, but once you've been exposed to the real thing, you realize their performances with Amy are not up to standard.
I found them on TH-cam a few years ago thanks to Band-Maid. Phenomenal band, the only band I hold in the same high regard as a Band-Maid at the moment. Also, today (actually yesterday in Japan), June 7, is lead vocalist Yuko Suzuhana's birthday.
Have you checked out LoveBites? Another all female Japanese rock/metal/progressive band.
I fell in love at 8 years old with music with piano lessons. I was isolated through childhood whose parents hated music. In my world there was no rock & roll. There was no world outside of Richard Nixon. There was no humor There was no "other side" politically. I never heard of Martin Luther King. I never heard of rock & roll. The closest I ever heard was Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams.Thanks to The Beatles my isolation broke at 13 years old. I learned guitar. My first guitar was a broom. I realized I had to leave. At 15 I ran away and never came back. My only goals was to play in a band and feel love. After the Air Force (I was drafted) I found love. I had her for 42 years till cancer took her away from me. My interest in music has never waned. I'm still at it playing and writing (legacy). In all these years, no music has moved me more than The Beatles, until The Wagakki Band. Their music is haunting and powerful. Their players are excellent and their compositions and arrangements and performance are something to behold. I wish my wife could have heard them. I discovered them a few years ago and still I am moved every time I hear them. I can't understand a word (I'm english) yet still I'm so moved.
It's just great to see musicians having so much fun performing . Sometimes we get too serious and forget music is created to lift our spirits or even console us . But its full of emotion ..
Peace and love to all .✌❤
Yes!
This is a whole different box of frogs
I have been listening to this band for years now and they are amazing. Very glad they have been brought to your attention :)
I discovered this Wagakki clip when i was chasing down a few songs from an Anime Series. When i saw this live performance, like you Andrew i got sucked into a zone pure music and visual pleasure. It makes you smile, it makes you cry and I can watch and listen to it over and over again and not get sick of it. Totally entrancing and magical. Oh and i love watching first reactions. :)
The shamisen is a three stringed lute instrument played with a bachi, like a plectrum, the artists playing it is Beni Ninagawa that's a former winner in shamisen competitions and also a former singer. Also a fact about the shamisen is that it often was used in theaters and came from the beginning from China, the lenght of the neck is similar to a guitar but has no freats.
The koto is a stringed instrument similar to harp and comes either with 13 or 17 strings and can be played with the fingers or with similar to picks,the artis playing it is Kiyoshi Ibukuro whom is married to the singer Yuko Suzuhana.
The drum like instruments is a wadaiko, if there is just one of those it's often called a taiko but adding them up it's a wadaiko, like the other instruments they came from China but has been used for a long time in Japan especially during shows and the summer festivals, though today it's been more modernised where you can find online games and in arcades ways to play the taiko, it's played by the artist Kurona.
Then the shakuhachi is played by Kaminaga Daisuke, it's a flute like instruments often made of bamboo, it's often used by the Zen Buddhists as a form of medetation, most of the time (traditionally) it only have four holes ontop but some have done modifications to have eight instead.
Except those traditional instruments you have Suzuhana Yuuko that's the vocalist, Machiya who's the guitarist and also vocalist, Asa that's a basist and lastly Wasabi the drummer.
A little bit late to the party but a little background story:
As others already have correctly pointed out, that banjo-ish instrument is a shamisen, played by Beni. Beni was the last one to join the band, the others have already formed and perfomed together.
She approached the band and was like "Hey, lemme jooin" and the other band members agreed, but didnt quite know who she was.
Beni has won International prizes on the Shamisen, also the highes and most prestige-worthy ones, so basically the musical equivalent to winning the gold in the olympic games. So imagine you are a freshly formed band, no fame, no recognition at all and someone like Jimmy Page comes around and joins you. Needless to say, the band members were just as blown away as you when they heard Beni play.
Love this band, superb skill and talent with an excellent fusion of rock and Japanese traditional music.
Yuko, singer, was the catalyst for forming the band. The purpose of the band is to bring the traditional music and instruments of Japan to the Japanese youth. All are Masters of their instrument and teach. They have toured in the US and Europe. Very popular in Japan, playing many festivals.
Think of the sound engineering to stage them.
International Music at it's best. This is truly the high-point for music and musicianship in the history of the world. Instruments are available to all who want them, and there is a audience for almost anything, almost anywhere you go. As a musician and music lover I feel blessed to live in these times on this Planet. Thanks for following your gut and giving Wagakki Band a view. I can tell you enjoyed it by the constant smile on your face😎.
Thank you Chill Monster and Andrew for introducing me to an amazing band. Look forward to digging into their music.
There is a passion that Wagakki Band has that is next level. I was originally drawn in by the lead guitarist, but all of them are masters of their craft. Their lead vocalist is incredible.
Basically one of the best performances on TH-cam. Great reaction
I knew of the shamisen while growing up in the Sixties thanks to the Addams Family. Mortisha never played it properly of course. I found out in years later what it's meant to sound like and it's magical.
The koto belongs to the zither group and comes from the Chinese zheng.
As for this particular clip, I've watched many times in the last five or six years. The costumes are gorgeous.
Discoverd them recently and i'm in love!!! So fun! They sound amazing! Nice to see them here!
This and Band-Maid are my two favorite Japanese bands. Speaking of Band-Maid, their "Real Existence" live would be a good one for you to look at.
Love this reaction video.
Andrew respects MUSIC !!
Thank you 🙌
They really do put on one of the greatest stage productions on the planet! 🤘🤩🤘
From all the "out of nowhere " bands I have came across with your channel, this group by far is the best. That performance was epic!!
Have to remind you to check out
The Music.
Cheers
Patrick
"This is a whole other world". I do believe you've worded that perfectly.
Yes, they are absolutely awesome.
There is another great double-live video.
The songs are Ikusa and Hakushu Kassai.
th-cam.com/video/Kli0M-dmoeo/w-d-xo.html (link to the video) That´s something quite different but also absolutely mindblowing.
Too much to check out!
Yeah, I've heard them once or twice since I am a Jrock fan. Love taiko drums for sure. They are trying to preserve traditional Japanese music by updating it. The shakahachi is wild and the shamisen playing was first-rate. Good stuff. Thanks mate!
wagakki band an underrated band their music can be an anime opening some shit truly talented
SAD NEWS... On the 7th January this year (2024) the Wagakki band announced that they were taking a permanant hiatus so members can follow their own musical careers outside of the band. That 7th January concert was probably the last the world would see of this amazing band. I was lucky enough to see them live a few years ago and will remember that show for the rest of my life.. absolutely amazing live.
At least you saw them! 🙌
go see them live ! fall back onto your seat and wish you can push the replay button :)
discovered this about month ago and fell in love... hasn't happened to me for long time that I discovered something new to me and so captivating
Ah yes, Wagakki Band! I recommend Kishikaisei Live, also from Wagakki band.
A truly spectacular array of professionals on their instruments. These people were collected by people who had a lot of appeal, and thus folks who other folks wanted to work with, presenting an opportunity to demonstrate the very best of instrumentalists who would otherwise never get this kind of exposure.
Interesting song. Cool seeing it sweep you away....it's never too late for new experiences!
So true!
Love the wagakki band. Other great Japanese bands with superb musicians which might intrigue you would have to include Ningen Isu, Lovebites, Asterism, BabyMetal and others (I remember you already met Band-Maid!). I once saw a flautist with a Rock Band, shredding it front and centre of stage at a big Rock concert. His name was Ian Anderson and the band were called Jethro Tull.
also Focus has muti-instrumentalist that plays flute in a unconventional way.
@@jerryadams6799 oh yeah. Forgotten that.
I discovered Wagakki Band about 6 months ago and like you, totally blown away. Their music is so out of my "comfort zone" but I love rock and world music and now I have to listen to Homura at least once a day if not 3-5 times! They have many other amazing videos of their live performances as well. Check out the Premium Symphony Night videos with full orchestra and the vocalist Yuko Suzuhana on vocals and piano, just superb. If I could only see one band in concert, this is the one I would choose.
I've studied cultural anthropology for almost sixty years. I focused on Japan for four years and only scratched the surface. IMO, it would take ten years of immersion to cover the basics. It's really that complex!
I'd believe it
Their culture/society has been around a long time. It's deep. For all the complexity... they are also kinda predictable. They hold fast to their traditions, and cultural ways.
I have to think of them as a stage production, or revue, as much as a band. The professionalism, the talent and the insane timing of their movements and playing/singing are just mindblowing.
So you've probably never seen a Jethro Tull concert, and Ian Anderson's crazy flute solos played while he standing on one foot, to which Daisuke tries to allude to at 7:52.
You are right. I haven't!
@@AndrewRooneyDrums Isle Of White 1970 festival, no end of TH-cam vid's to choose from. Via Verde (By way of Green or an allusion to Joe?) is right, Ian Anderson was/is a tremendous performer and can do some weird and wonderful sonic things with a flute.
Thats not an allusion to Ian Anderson, that is a technique for playing the Shakuhachi, by blocking the end with his foot, he alters the sound. So, Anderson was just standing on one foot, this is playing the flute, with your foot. Big difference.
@@jars6230 Hi Jars6230, I think that you misread my reply to Via Verde. His online name means "By way of green" in Latin or is a nod to Giuseppe Verde (Joe Green) hence my comment about being an allusion to Joe.
@@jerrywilde6156 Sorry, guess thats what happens when you jump to conclusions.
Wagakki Band is a unique blend and I simply love it. Great showmanship too. In some concerts Yuko Suzuhana shows off some of her sword skills. Really cool. There are many japanese bands worth checking out e.g. Lovebites, Asterism or Versailles.
Thanks for the info!
Yes a few people have suggested Lovebites
Have followed the band for over five years and was hoping for an analysis of how the two drummers were playing off against each other.
Eight virtuosos, they are fabulous.
you absolutely must see the wadaiko vs drums battle by them
I believe that Wagakki is the Japanese term that encompasses their traditional music.
Thank you!
That shamisen solo was on 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Just found this reaction. Congratulations on finding one of the most interesting and talented bands in the world. Here is a brief background--forgive any overlap with comments from others.
“Wagakki” is Japanese for “traditional instruments”
The “lute” thing is a Shamisen.
The “harp” thing is a Koto.
The “flute thing” is a shakuhachi.
The Japanese drums are collectively called “wadaiko”.
The band was founded by the award-winning shigin (classical poetry) singer, SUZUHANA Yuko, who is also a classically trained pianist. She developed the concept of fusing Japanese traditional instruments and musical tropes with modern music.
Yes, you’ve heard these instruments a million times, in movie soundtracks, when they want to convey a Japanese atmosphere. Here is a video that really lets you see up close all the instruments and how they work together: th-cam.com/video/Q2meWkWqc-I/w-d-xo.html It was originally written for a “Vocaloid” which is an electronic virtual singer-essentially an AI. In Japan (where else?) vocaloids have actually become pop stars. What can I say? America may be the land of innovation for things like tech and social media, but in music no one here cares any more. Most of the creative action has moved to Europe and Japan.
The U in akatsuki is silent, it's just a transcription of the syllabic writing system, where the letters tsu and ki represent tski. In other words a final letter Su is used for a final s.
That instrument is called Shamisen
Thank you Laurentius
I watched your reaction second time. First one was Meshuggah's. i like these two. Keep going bro. Stay strong
At the age of 67 I've been privileged to see many big name bands from Pink Floyd to Tool, but the Wagakki Band live in Tokyo in 2018 was one of the best live performances I have ever seen. The band started as a trio of koto, shakuhachi and piano/vocal called Hanafugetsu, gradually added more musicians and become the Wagakki Band in about 2012. Other comments have described the instruments, but from the drum point of view it's often their big ballads and medium paced songs that best show how intricate and clever the dual drum arrangements can be. It's sad that neither Avex or Universal have ever made any effort to secure international distribution for their albums or to tour them widely overseas, as they have the potential to become Japan's biggest ever band, but they may have now missed their chance.
As for other Japanese bands, the all girl metal band Aldious features as their drummer Marina Bozio, the very talented daughter of the legendary Terry, and if you want something more amusing, check out Ningen Isu and their song Heartless Scat, or anything by the bafflingly hilarious Maximum the Hormone.
the singer is Yuko Suzuhana lider of the group and the instrument is similar to banjo is not the that play is Beni Ninagawa, the others member I don't remember well there names, the group is one of top band Japanese traditional modern music that the type music they play is modern of the traditional, you check others videos you will notice right away
Since you've already set your foot into Wagakki Band territory, you should also react to their live performance of Hakusho Kassai. That live performance shows how brilliant each member is with their instruments. Great video!
Wagakki band is increidble, and their genre is one that isn't done as much as I think it should. I feel the genre got really popular around 2002 when the anime adaptation of Naruto released, as the main genre of the show used this traditional japanese and heavy rock fusion, and Wagakki got in on that later.
Wagakki Band is currently one of the most popular bands in Japan. They have toured the US and Europe.
Homura was written by Machiya, the guitarist, for another project prior to him joining the band. It did not include the bass or the Shamisen, but he rewrote it so Asa (Bass) and Beni (Shamisen) would have their own time up front. According to what I have seen and read on the band, Machiya only wears the mask during the performance of Homura. There is so much to tell, and it'd take too much space to tell it all. Check out their page on Wikipedia.
I first heard the Koto (Harp), Shamisen, and Taiko Drum(s) when I was a Marine stationed on Okinawa back in 1974 in a small bar in Naha.
great reaction!
Hey thanks!
That was really something different. Impressive!
Japan has the best music instruments. Hands down!!
The banjo like instrument is called Shamisen. The Harp like instrument is called Koto. The bamboo flute is called Shakuhachi.
Their cover of Bring Me To Life by Evanescence, featuring Amy Lee herself, is something special.
You should listen to the rock drum and the traditional wadaiko (Japanese drum) battles, it’s so hype
ive been following them since they started circa ten years ago, wagakki have some drum numbers that include a full troop of drummers ... music died in teh west with c RAP cack stuck up its own arse but wagakki is a super innovative group of people hitting on the future
They are all independent, excellent artists and adults. They are older than they look. It seems that the decision to suspend activities was made based on various thoughts of each individual. I'm Japanese, so I am carefully checking their interviews or comment. Since it is not a disbandment, I am guessing that they will be active from time to time while balancing each other's thoughts and lives. Some members have said they would like to hold concerts overseas again. So I would be happy if you don't forget to continue supporting them.
one of the coolest bands out there!
Kurona plays the Wadaiko and the Taiko, Benina plays the Tsugaru Shamisen, Kiyoshi plays the Koto and Kaminaga-san plays the Shakuhachi, Shakuhachi that is also played by the Komuso monks, as for all the traditional instruments of Japan, these also originate in China, the Shamisen, which in Chinese is pronounced San-hsien, as can be seen is also very similar in pronunciation, in Japan it had its own little evolution that detached it from the Chinese original, which is why today it is called Tsugaru.
So happy you got introduced to Wagakki Band. I’ve been listening to them for years. They are in my top favourite band list. I purposely seek out mixed genre bands from around the world. I compose symphonic music that incorporates traditional instruments.
I can give you suggestions if you want.
Terrific reaction video.
I diddn't really know this band untill now. I do think it is important to not only talk about the drumkit drummer but also the Taiko drummer or other percussion (drum) players since they also often play with stocks and can use similar techniques with playing their drums. And yes it has a overwhelming factor so to react is not too easy but keep on the good work!
Thanks for watching!
I love your channel Andrew!
Thanks Jennifer!
You can hear the drummer call out the instrument along with the player. First "Base Asa". That bassist's name is Asa. And then Shamisen Beni. Yeah, her name is Beni and the instrument name is Shamisen.
That girl, one of my favorites Beni is playing the Shamisen.
Man, you gotta watch the whole performance to see Kurona taiko drum. He kicks butt. He also composes the music, that is why there are beautiful transitions.
Ian Anderson shredded on the flute.
Thanks Carl!!!
She play shamisem ❤❤❤
Masterclass, and Yuko has a presence and charisma that few possess.... po.
Wagakki Band 和楽器バンド
Is a Japanese band that combines rock music with wagakki (traditional Japanese musical instruments) and shigin (Japanese poems reciting art)
Their early songs were adapted from Vocaloid recordings but they have since written their own original music.
They start in 2013.
Yuko Suzuhana - vocals
Kiyoshi Ibukuro - koto (tradicional japanese harp)
Daisuke Kaminaga - shakuhachi (tradicional japanese flute)
Beni Ninagawa - shamisen (tradicional japanese banjo)
Kurona - daiko (tradicional japanese drums)
Machiya - guitar and vocals
Asa - bass
Wasabi - drums
Best Featuring: Wagakki band + Amy Lee - Bring Me to Life / Sakura Rising
there's another version of this same live that includes the taiko solo before the instrumental part starts (flies away)
Beni Ninagawa es excelente tocando el Shamisen!!!! La amooooo!!!
So , you’ve never seen Jethro Tull ? FLUTE BRO ! FLUTE !
👀
Shamisen - There are many musicians who can handle this versatile 3-string instrument, but not many can rip it like Beni does. Awesome!
Oh, Wagakki Band is amazing I really like them. :)
You should react to something by another japanese band The Gazrtte, their drummer Kai is amazing.
You need for sure watch/listen to Fuuga Reirei also form wagakki band, most shamisen instruments
Asa, bass player, always looks like he’s having a blast out there~
(^~^) 💕🦋
That's not really my music at all. But I haven't heard anything like it and I've probably already clicked 100 times.
HAHA! Love it Thomas
Love the play button
🤣🙏
Extremely talented group of musicians. But that lead singer is a goddess !
🙌
Yuko is probably my favourite Japanese singer.
Sublime