Babymetal year 2023: 94 concerts in 25 countries.

I was fortunate enough to see Babymetal live for the first time in the UK this year. As a long time rock fan, who's attended many, many gigs since the mid-1970s (!), I was totally blown away be the Babymetal gig. The energy, vibrancy and positivity of the band was something very special. Hopefully, Babymetal will consolidate their achievements and move on to even greater things in 2024! 🤟🏼

That last example of things going off-script for AG in Tokyo was rather fascinating, because it's the polar opposite of what BM does, where the latter strives to make every performance more-or-less "perfect" (and they are amazingly consistent at it!). I can scarcely imagine something like this happening at a BM show, in part because of how well-rehearsed everything is (and professional, though I don't really mean to insinuate that AG is "unprofessional"), and when things do go wrong, they play it off and don't draw attention to it so most of the audience probably wouldn't even notice. There's a certain charm to AG's style, and a certain "out-of-body sensation" BM creates. As people often say, "theatrical". There's a time and place for different types of performance, I'd say. Some things are great when they break the 4th wall, and others are great because they are very immersive. And somehow, I like both of these styles without preference. It's rather odd; I'm not really sure what to think of it!

BM and AG do have "Suzuka" in common, though written differently. So much buzz about AG now on Japanese tv-I don't recall BM ever being buzzed about to this extent. It's truly been a breakout year for AG, and a strong move early next year with the W o w o w (premium satellite service) deal for three events including a Budokan concert. I got into BM some years ago through the Kami Band, whose members' gigs I'd been to. But didn't pay much attention to AG until this year-thanks partly to you I've become a fan.

Very, very happy for Babymetal and the incredible year that they have had. And seeing them live finally was really a dream come true for me. Plus, the Other One was my favorite album this year.

Regarding your remarks about the new Babymetal beeing comfortable on stage: I would take that even further. The amount of mutual pranking, goofy faces, unscripted moves and sheer joy of performing with each other created a lightness that I don't think we ever saw after 2017 and maybe not even that often before that time. And now we see Moa grabbing one of the stage webcams in Madrid and stage an impromptu selfie session on the big screen. It should also be noted what an extraordinary effort BM made to reconnect with their fanbase. Not only the sheer amount of live shows they played around the globe, but also the way they performed. Moa and Momo taking every chance to rush forward and connect with the audience, establishing eye contact, smiling, waving, giving hearts and thumbs-ups or headbanging with the crowd. Add Su's ability to say a few key words in the local language (in Hamburg even incorporating the VERY local "Moin, moin") and good decisions like treating the Spanish audiences to Night Night Burn, it's no wonder that old and new fans around the globe fell for them.

I don't have much to add. Two of my all time favorite groups. Of course it's great to see them both with so much forward momentum. I follow the AG! members on social media, and they've done a ton of commercials this year. Their 2022 US tour was quite a bit smaller than the 2023 tour. In 2022 they performed at Comic Con in San Diego, the Crunchyroll Expo in San Jose, and had headlining shows in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The tour wrapped up with their first appearance at the Head in the Clouds festival in Pasadena. I had VIP for the L.A. show, which (as previously discussed) featured quite a few older songs, as well as the stuff from the 'SNACK TIME' EP.

My favourite Morning Musume, BABYMETAL, Atarashii Gakko!, Perfume, Lovebites, Hanabie, Nemophila, Band Maid! We love all of them so much!!!!!!! #MusicJapanRules #MusicJapanForever

It was a big year for both groups, and deservedly so. We saw Babymetal storm back from their hiatus with, I believe, 94 shows, across 25 countries and playing to over 250,000 punters. It was also my first time seeing Babymetal, in a small venue. I would have loved to see a much bigger stage show like they hold in Japan, but I actually think I prefer the more intimate shows. I can't imagine that I would get within 20 feet of them on stage in a Japanese show. I'm an older guy and I have seen a lot of bands perform over time, but I would have to put the Babymetal concert I saw this year right up in the top shows I have ever seen. Professor, I agree with you, I reckon we will see a new Babymetal album in the second half of next year. I think we will see the two big shows celebrating Momoko's birthday in March, then on Fox Day I feel they might announce a new album. After all, they have toured the crap out of 'The Other One', so I think they will be looking for some fresh material to move forward with next year. I could be wrong, but a new album feels right to me. I am insanely jealous of you for being able to not only see AG live, but to actually meet them. I hope that in the coming year there might be some cut through for them in Australia and our near Asian neighbors which might tempt them to test the waters in a couple of Australian shows. Even if they just did two nights in Sydney, I would happily fly down to see them. Anyway, thanks for this video. It was, as always, very interesting. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and look forward to your content in the upcoming year.

That scream when MOMOMETAL is announced said it all. She earned her spurs as an Avenger and since then has proven she is a perfect fit. I saw in the UK concerts (2 right at the barrier) the smiles, grins, laughs, jokes and sheer fun all three were clearly having. They had found joy in performing. Moa was still the primary prankster but Momoko was starting to get in on the act and they were dragging Suzuka with them. Atarashii Gakko continue to be fascinating. Even if their actual music is not my thing - their whole experience is fascinating to follow and enjoy. I do love Suzuka's ballsy move to stop and restart to get it right. Oh and it was a real pleasure to meet you this year in person finally

I give AG great credit for being prepared and able to capitalize on their viral TikTok success. They, and Asobisystem, look like they had a "cunning plan" all along. The 88rising deal has been good for US exposure and I think working with Money Mark has made their music more salable internationally. But mostly I think it's down to AG's hard work and drive to make themselves better concert performers. Suzuka's personality has been allowed to grow and the other three have stepped up too and they are really expressing "seishun" in their performances. The confidence and joy that they all showed in the N.American tour was great to watch, particularly from Mizyu who I think might have had the most difficult journey as I get the impression she was more of the focus initially and might have taken a step back on stage in favor of Suzuka, although I think they still look to her sometimes in interviews.

These are two fun groups to compared and two of my favorite groups as well. Thinking back to just before the pandemic, what hurt Babymetal, and it wasn't just the pandemic itself or Yui-metal leaving, it really started with the tragic death of Mikio Fujioka. It took an emotional toll on the group, on top of the fact that he was one of the few guitarists who knew all of their songs. I'm just glad Babymetal has since recovered and seeing Momoko up on stage as an official member was incredible. It really felt like the old days, and if anything, they are better now then ever! I'm a relatively new fan of AG but this has been a breakaway year for them. Japan has so many idol groups that they often are really obscure and then will just take off overnight. I'm glad AG is finally getting some recognition. Suzuka is such an incredible performer and has an unparalleled stage presence. I loved how in NYC, and all the locations, she would just push herself through the crowd. You didn't know where she'd pop up next! Anyways, I love hearing your analysis on both groups, and their songs. Great video and I hope you have a wonderful holiday and New Year!

I was hooked by BABYMETAL one minute into the very first song I ever heard - (of which it took thirty seconds to recover from the initial shock of "what is happening?"), but it was not the same for Atarashii Gakkou, and you gave them twice the air time than BM. Knowing you through many of your presentations, I will certainly give Atarashii Gakkou another look. Now for BM... I saw them live for the first time @ Makuhari this January, and when I heard Su's voice, I was destroyed. I was crying and smiling and shouting throughout the show and ran in the circle pit during ROR. I just came home from a trip to Spain, and the main reason for going was to see their very last show in Madrid (94th) of their successful 2023 year. They drove all the Spanish people around me nuts, and as a Japanese was so thrilled to feel their excitement, and know they are on the new roll. Please have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!

Atarashii Gakkou are so cool, every album is so different and groovy. The two main singers are great and the choreography always interesting. I also like Babymetal and I am excited for their return.

Thank you for the updates. I’m a big AG fan and appreciate their dedication to their talent and their ideals.

What a Babymetal year it was... 7:14 In some ways nothing changed in this regard, Babymetal has done this all the way back when Suzuka was going to leave SG. They asked all 3 girls if they want Babymetal to continue outside of SG and Moa took the most time. (her mom is very strict and had told her in the past: if you don't do well in school you are not allowed to work which is a pressure on Moa she maybe wanted to first think about, a policy which Amuse Kids in general also seems to adhere to in some degree).

Sensei, excuse me for belated, but Happy New Year. After my previous comment of this video, I meant to see the second half of it about AG after my bath and dinner, but I beg you pardon. Also in Japan, bad things have been happening since New Year's Day with a big earthquake in Noto area, Ishikawa pref. followed by a plane crash at Haneda Airport. Suwa, where I live, it was also pretty shaken by an intensity 4 earthquake, but fortunately I had no damage. However the number of earthquake victims is increasing with each passing day in Noto. So it's not a very happy new year, but I mustn't get too disheartened, sometimes I need to change my minds and spend the rest of the new year's holidays. I think so too, that 2023 was a real breakthrough year for AG. It is unlike BM, AG was in the TV media a lot. Actually, I went to order their new album, ' Ichi-ji Kikoku Delux' (Temporary Return Deluxe) from a nearby CD shop today (sorry, CDs is still one of major ways in the sales of musicians in Japan, and I still do in-store orders. That's why Japan is lagging behind the rest of the world. Japan's GDP has been overtaken by Germany, hum..), because their CDs were never on the shelves before, but to my surprise, the album I wanted, it was on the shelves, even though it was local area I live in, and I was able to buy it right away. I think it is a fact they are becoming popular in the domestic country at this incident, ha.. Suzuka's control on stage is excellent. The girls have already had years of live experiences too, so they are probably unfazed by troubles. Also, I am sure that the live performance at that time, it will be made into a video production. So maybe that's why she acted like that, haha. You had your book taken up by Suzuka at a show in the US! In fact, their Budokan concert is coming up on the 9th. Unfortunately I can't go, but I hope to go to their solo shows next year! Thank you from Japan!

I've been a fan of BM since the first album. I discovered AG a few months ago and I love them. I like BMs music a lot more but AGs online videos are brilliant even if you can't understand what they are saying. They are full of likable personality and charm. I am a bit concerned about how many gigs BM have been doing. I hope they don't burn out. Great video. It was my first of yours.

Saw you at the AG show in DC I should of said hello and that I like your content but I didn't want to be a bother. Anyways it was an awesome show in DC. AG's Rise in popularity is simple as I been following them from before that time and after, 88Rising. When they joined 88Rising how they marketed themselves caused them to explode. The push to market them came from this and thank god they joined them. Momoko taking her rightful place and finally ended the Cancer of the yuicultists.

Suzuka clearly has the attitude and voice of a great leader.

A great year for these 2 amazing bands and for Japanese bands overall. 🖖❤

Hello, Sensei. Their idea seemed to be that BABYMETAL should be active for ten years and then take a break. So when they went on hiatus, it seems they had every options. But surprisingly honestly, they seemed to think that they wanted to do it again. It's great for us, their fans. I am not sure about the PIA Arena footage you used in the video, and it was the first or second day, but I only went on the first day. At the end of that night, it was announced that Momoko would be a new member, and I remember the applause was surprisingly quiet (I applauded though, ha). There are many possible reasons for this. I guess some fans were hoping for the return of Yui. On the other hand, I guess there were many fans who saw Momoko's official membership as a default. So I believe it was a surprisingly calm reception... It seems that BM has played over 90 shows this year, with Legend MM coming up in March and appearances at major music festivals outside Japan later in the summer. I hope the ladies take care of themselves and show us great stages. I will take a bath and have dinner. So about AG, later 😀

Idk why but there's something about Suzuka's stage presence in the DC show that gave me vaguely Elvis Presley vibes.

As always your videos are great, AJ! Seeing both groups for the first time this year has left an unexplainable impression on me. While both blew me away beyond words, AG! in D.C. has to be one of the greatest shows I've been to all around. We got to be close to them and witness greatness. Among that, their personalities and humor shining through made the night that much more special, along with the group of people around us being extremely entertaining as well. Both groups left me with memories that I'll never forget.

Thanks for the year end wrap-up. Both groups have exploded this year. BTW, thanks for the review of the Makanai, it's a wonderful show.

I very much enjoyed your looking at the Atarashii Gakko show, as I’d seen nothing of it. I saw Babymetal this year as support in Leeds and as headliners in Wolverhampton; the first show was very restricted, so I was happy to be at an easier longer show, with Metali as an added bonus

Can you image a show were both of these groups performed? Or even a collaboration between them. That would be on another level. Here's to wishing. 😉

曲のやり直しがとっさに指示できるのは、ライブの演出もずっと自分達でやってきたからかな…。普通の若いアイドルならやり直しさせるなんてできないかも…。「時間を戻す」って仕切り直し方上手いと思う♪

Suzuka takes command and does so with complete confidence. She's with us and with the girls. Suzuka - the 'Elvis' of the 21st Century? Think about it.

Atarashii Gakko is the best

Absolutely agree re AG. Kohaku is a massive mainstream show in Japan and Budokan less than two weeks later. Plus at least one date in Europe this coming summer. Waiting for more to be announced. Babymetal have definitely survived their ''hibernation'' and their pulling power is still there. I was at the Wolverhampton show. I like some of the new stuff . On the other hand the last three songs were Megitsune, Headbanger and RoR (encore). So all pre 2016 Babymetal songs. These three songs got overwhelmingly the best reaction. Also you did not mention the Metalverse. I know the jury is out amongst Babymetal fans about this new group. This comes from polls taken inside ''The Fox God Bar'' in Shinjuku over several nights. The drinking was purely in the interest of furthering scientific research, something I believe you may also have done given the photographic evidence above? I think this new group was formed around Miko's voice much as the original group was around Suzuka's. She really is a Su clone. Great voice and comes from the same place etc

Suzuka stopping the hyped up remix of Pineapple Kryptonite shows me one thing... she's a star, she commands that stage!!! There was a similar incident in San Francisco during their tour last year where someone stole her shoes!! After spending like nearly 10 minutes trying to get them back, Suzuka's inner Karen O and Souxie Souix kicked in. She basically said, "you know what? keep the shoes!!! in fact, keep my socks too!!! I'm doing this show barefoot because I can!!!" And yeah, just like that... she added to the already nuclear hot energy of that show. She's got this punk rock edge to her, and when it comes out it's beautiful. Her command of the crowd is really unrivaled, even by season J-POP vets like Su-Metal.

Momo said in an interview Su had told her she shouldn't see joining them as replacing someone else, but as becoming a member of a new Babymetal in which they were all newcomers. After 'Metali' I can see what Su was talking about.

It was necessary for BM to include a third official member again as being a duo felt so unbalanced and really fueled Yui speculation. So congratulations to Momoko and BM can now progress creatively. I'd like to see some new Su solos and some songs from Momoko and Moa as a duo. However, I don't think this will completely stop the speculation about Yui; that won't happen until her Amuse webpage is taken down and there's an official notice about her retirement or other plans. She's become J-pop's Greta Gabo.

yeh, thanks *

I've been meaning to toss this at you for awhile . I love all of atarashii gakko music and learning what the translations are there's one song sung by Mizyu that sound almost like a lullaby until you know what she's saying ,now it's I prefer this over that pretty much the entire song I'm having trouble finding the name of the song I really want to know if there's a deeper meaning or if it's a these words sound good together so let us record it thing . If you don't the song I'm on a quest to find it now 😁

Hello again AJ... would you mind to talk about THE ORAL CIGARETTES. I' m a big fan of them because of an old video you did ... Would really love your view in their music.

Hi. I'd like to recommend 3 J Rock bands to you. One Ok Rock, Man with a Mission, Band Maid. Their songs are catchy and rock.

東京体育館では、その前にもカフェのセットを出すのが遅れたようです。その時はさり気ないMIZYUのアドリブのお陰で、トラブルと気付かない観客も居たかも知れません。 初のアリーナ、そのために急激に増えたスタッフ、かなり混乱していたのかなと思います。 ジミー・キンメルの動画のコメントで、2018年に東京に訪れてAGの CDを買っていたという方がいました。その頃から彼女達は素晴らしいパフォーマンスで、他のグループとは一線を画していた。 ただ、ライブ後のグッズ販売では、他のグループにはスタッフが付いているのに対し、AGはメンバー4人で販売していたと😅 事務所からそんな扱いを受けていたの？私にとっては初めて知る、少し衝撃的なAGの歴史でした😮

I am heading to Tokyo on 2 January if ONLY to see them at Budokan on 9 January.

Atarashi Gakko “ no leader!!!”

What do you know and think of another Japanese group that seems to be on the rise lately? XG. Maybe they haven't gotten your attention yet because they are more connected with K-Pop because of their way of promoting.

Next Babymetal album in 2028? Heaven forbid! (or should I say fox god forbid?). But I think I know where you got the number from: 1st album in 2014, add 2 years -> album in 2016, add 3 years -> album in 2019, add 4 years -> album in 2023, add 5 years ... Anyway, BM has experienced so many ups and downs, I personally divide their development into four phases (so far): 1. Initiation (before 2010). How BM was formed in the course of Sakura Gakuin (also including Suzuka's membership of Karen Girl's) 2. The Golden Age (2010 - 2017): From their beginnings as the trio we all know and the release of Doki Doki Morning until the departure (or better disappearence) of Yui (which I set to be at the end of 2017). Lots of attention wordwide. 3. The Dark Age (2018 - 2022): Only two members, Covid, fading "cuteness", fading "novelty effect" (becoming more serious, less playful) 4. Out of the Dusk into the Dawn? (2023 - present): Fourth album, in my opinion rather a Su-Metal solo album (I consider it as an aftermath of the Dark Age). Then, a new permanent member, lots of touring and a refreshing new, promising song (Metali) What's coming next? (chant with me:) Only the fox god knows. Via Babymetal I found your channel and I am very grateful that it exists because you speak out most of the thoughts and opinions I have👏. Also thanks to you I encountered Atarashii Gakko! last year. While Babymetal opened a new (musical) world for me I was baffled after I entered the AG! universe. Their versatility in very different musical styles is stunning, they seem like an entertainment machine to me: Give them anything you want and they sure make a masterpiece out of it. With their sailor-suits they definitely have one-of-a-kind appearance but sometimes seem oddly be in the wrong place or time (e.g. when they stood next to New Jeans at the NHK Expo 2023). But their self-confidence is so huge (especially Suzuka's), they not only don't care, I believe they probably think 'Thank god we chose to not look like all the others'. Especially Suzuka is a gem because she is very extroverted (whenever she spots a camera the tongue is out 😛). I guess without her, the coat mishap would have been handled completely different. Speaking of the coats: In my opinion the coat outfit looks way more modern and stylish, maybe they opt for this outfit when they grow older ... BTW: In one of the comments you wrote about the dance routines and the degree of in sync unity. If you haven't yet, please check out videos of Avantgardey, it's like another level of AG! - more girls but no singing.

Professor, don't be offended, but for me the video ended at minute 11:02... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!