_Ossu!_ 🦊🤘🥋 Welcome back to the Foxhole and thanks for coming back with this suggestion. Interesting story about your younghood, sometimes life got a hard way to taught us a lesson. Also love your insight and interpretation of this song, it's very similar to the one I did when I watched this the first time, I guess knowing about Karate and general "martial arts" can give you this meaning right off the bat like very few reactors did, but the thing that was really rare is you totally forgot about the music and you said nothing at all about it lol "Karate" is one of their stronger weapons along with "Road Of Resistance" from 2nd album "Metal Resistance" released in 2016. It's an uplifting song about keep fighting besides the obstacles no matter what, and just like you noticed when you take a closer look at the end you'll see in the eyes of their rivals that they're fighting against no other than themselves. This song was composed by Yuyoyuppe (aka YuppeMetal), he's the same behind Monochrome, Rondo Of Nightmare, Kagerou and Believing along the arrangements of Megitsune. There's some nu metal elements, mixed with metalcore and djent riff guitars on this track, it sounds really good, freaking jam with those pinch harmonics. The song was released to active rock radio as an airplay-only single in the United States on 2016, which is cool to reach a broader audience. Some fans find anime vibes on BabyMetal songs like this one, the only other song I could find with anime vibes besides this one and "Divine Attack - Shingeki", is "Syncopation" another banger. I love Karate and is really sad that some fans don't really appreciate all the references you noticed and even dare to rate down this song, but i know those aren't the majority. You probably remember about "hajime", "yoi" and "ossu" words and meanings used frequently in Karate dojos but I came to know that ossu isn't used at traditional Karate dojos in Okinawa the land where Karate was created (btw BM played there this year for the first time at Legend 43, Ayumi Hamazaki was also in that special live show), it's used at modern Karate dojos, but the problem isn't about the actual meaning, which apparently comes from military training that's also related to Bushido, but the abuse of times using it pretty much for everything, “Ossu!” expresses a strong assertiveness, masculinity and “let’s kick-butt” spirit in Japanese, so isn't wrong to say it in certain and specific ways or moments when practicing or before starting a battle, but instead of using that word to say "yes" is better to say "hai". With that being said at least they used one word normally used in Karate, in fact it's the only one in the lyrics. Also good thing you noticed about the kiba-dachi stance (horse stance), there's a beginner kata called "Teki-shodan", it's a typical kata with that stance, once in a while I like to remember about these as well "Teki-nidan" and "Teki-sandan", beautiful hands movements set focus but my favorite kata are "Kanku Dai" and "Empi", there are more of course but those are just beautiful. If you like this type of theme on music MV I suggest you Sia - Alive, really amazing show of Karate skills. There are other movements in this choreo and those are probably from different Karate "schools", i pretty much know more about Karate Do Shotokan, but i know about Kyokushin and Goju Ryu and their own set of movements, so besides that BabyMetal is doing their own set with this choreography borrowing from different places and adding their own kawaii flavor, just like when they're saying "ossu" isn't a typical word said by a girl afaik, is all about heavy contrast, after all that is their thing and they got no match doing this, or maybe (just maybe like you noticed) they're doing a hidden and forbidden kata to fight with evil entities like these, who knows... Only The Fox God Knows 🦊🤘 You also hear another shouts like "seya" and "soya", those are typical japanese shouts at festival when carrying a shrine in those Shinto ceremonies. And another hit on the spot you did when noticed about the Wushu or Shaolin style from one of the enemy they're fighting first, probably to reference the rivalry between these two countries with different styles, although Karate got roots on Chinese martial arts. Btw the monkey figure you're probably talking about is Sun Wukong from Journey To The West, the Chinese novel book, which was the inspiration of many modern manga and anime such the notorious "Dragon Ball" (R.I.P. Akira Toriyama sama) and more recently the new upcoming videogame called Back Myth: Wukong. Like you noticed there are reference to Karate Kid movie coz they made research before making this song, like the scene when MoaMetal is catching a fly, after this she became the bug catcher expert when traveling on live tour lol. Like no other group they did a proper homage to this typical japanese culture "martial art" and in this way MoaMetal know about this lines from the father of Karate. _“Karate wa rei ni hajimari, rei ni owaru.”_ (“Karate begins & ends with respect.”) - Funakoshi Gichin (1868-1957) Btw just in case, the band playing behind in this MV are hired actors, so no Kami Band on any of this type of official MV, heck even some live MV got studio album sound instead of the sound of the Kami Band playing live smh. You can enjoy the live version with the blaster sound of the East Kami Band watching Download Festival 2016 among many others but this one is safe to react. Now with that being said, they played this last weekend at Rock Am Ring Festival in Germany and they did like never before plus new super cool outfits or battle dresses, it was really beautiful and there's a proshot clip around but I'm not sure if that is safe for a reaction, you can try if you want, trust me, it'll worth the effort. I'm gonna try to leave in my next comment where to get it. Also another cool version to watch the new Metalverse subgroup you already know is Karate live at PIA Arena MM 2023. Next suggestion to meet Black Babymetal songs: - Onedari Daisakusen live at Legend 1997. My bad for the wall of text and taking so long to write this special comment for you. As always kitsune up and see you next time 🦊🤘🔥

I must have watched dozens of reactions to this video but you're the first one to interpret the meaning accurately. Most don't even spot the reflection of the girls in their own eyes at the end. 👌

Live at Download 2016 is the classic one to watch, Su's vocals during the crowd interaction is just perfect.

One thing I like about Japanese mythology and storytelling is the protagonist is just as likely to suffer defeat as they are to win a victory, and it's more about how they handle either one.

johnnyさん、映像から読み取る能力がすごい！尊敬します。babymatalを分かってくれてありがとう。

This is the most insightful reaction to this music video I have ever seen. This was the first BABYMETAL song I ever heard. It's a shame it's taken me 5 years since then to get hooked on Babymetal.

Brilliant reaction, I loved that you were spotting nearly all the little details and interpreted or understood the message in the visuals. I will leave you my usual comment for reactors to this video with my own interpretation ... I've been watching this video regularly and watching and commenting on reactions to this video for nearly as long as it has been out - it took me a lot longer to see everything you saw first time. 'Karate' was the lead single for their second album (2016). You got it - it is about fighting adversity, when life knocks you down and everything seems too hard so you're hurt and crying, its about standing up and fighting on, helping each other through the hard times. I do like your thoughts about also standing up and fighting back against the criticisms they got from a very male dominated metal scene (that came more from metalheads than from other bands). They used karate to illustrate this because as a Japanese martial art it reflects their culture - that was a very important thing for them as well. As with a lot of their songs it is also about always moving forwards. As you saw, in the video the figures in white were the girls all along and they were conjuring up their own inner demons to fight against. They beat the first, the second knocked them down but they got up to eventually defeat themselves (I am so glad you noticed the reflections of each of the girls in their own eyes when the masks shattered and it was revealed as them. Not many people spot that). They did watch a lot of martial arts movies to get ideas for the choreo as they wanted it to look as authentic as possible (but they are not martial artists). Moa catching the fly, as you said, was a nod to Mr Miyagi in The Karate Kid. Mr Miyagi may have used chop sticks (and it may have taken him two or three films before he caught one), Moa caught her fly with her eyes closed - first time .... and as you noticed, she let it go. We all know Moa wouldn't hurt a fly. This song and video won 2 awards. "Best Metal Video in MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2016" and "Best Metal Song in 6th Annual Loudwire Music Awards".

Awesome reaction Johnny, and you are dead on with your analysis! Karate is definitely one of my favorite MVs from Babymetal due to that visual message. For the live, the best one would be from *Download UK 2016*. You'll get to see Babymetal at their rawest, with an amazing moment of unity with the audience. Fun thoughts: Only Su-metal can sing an opponent to submission in a Karate match, 😆. That's why she's the queen! 🤘🦊

So many great messages in so many great BABYMETAL songs. My favourite for a message is still _Ijime, Dame, Zettai._

Oh boy... Here we go again! Tears streaming out... What a beautiful song and MV. And good reaction too! You have perfectly captured the essence and message of the song. Waiting for your reaction to this song at Download 2016. Babymetal Forever!! 🦊🦊🍅🦊

There's several really good live performances of KARATE - Download 2016 someone mentioned, Budokan 2021 and PIA Arena Clear Night 2023 all have different things that make them special.

👍 as you say, there is always lots of meanings beded in Babymetal's music. I like the Moa catching the fly, she doesn't kill it but releases it later. In other words true strength is not killing and taking life but giving life. Also the unity in adversity is a frequent theme in Babymetal's work.

What a great response! I'm amazed at your thoughts and insight. Your live performance is great, but this music video is well done. Your karate performance at ROCK AM RING in Germany was also very good and moving.

Most people don't realize how really deep babymetal songs are

I think it was A.J. Hartley ( a Shakespeare professor who is analyzing BABYMETAL lyrics on KZfaq) who added another facet to the interpretation: At the moment you are getting back on your feet after defeat to stand together with your friends and continue the fight, you are not only going to win, you have already won. I think that's a very nice interpretation.

What I like about your reactions is that you actually take time to think about the meaning of the song. I enjoy that very much. Thank you.

⚡ 💀 💕 / 👻 👻 👻 There's a good reason this was the featured single from the second album, 'Metal Resistance'. Like a lot of BABYMETAL songs, this one has a positive message about facing life's challenges, both internal and external. The members liked the idea that karate is a Japanese martial art, and that it teaches advancing, and not retreating in order to succeed. You really nailed the deeper meaning of this one. Although they really shine in live performances, I'd consider this to be among their best music videos. I love the color grading on this one. They made a lot of friends among other groups by playing a bunch of metal festivals, and this song converted quite a few. Both the live heavy riffs, and also the choreography. : )

Great reactions! A true BABYMETAL fan will watch the music video properly🤘🦊 As expected of John.

this was a lovely reaction, you really understood the message right away.

Su: "I have fists of steel!" Yui: "I got legs of steel!" Moa: "I can catch a fly mid flight and release it without harming it!"

You are the first to pick apart the visuals behind the song, and you have nailed it. I am proud of you. THIS have earned you my sub.

Perfect Review and Interpretation, Sir! Your insight shows that YOU are familiar with the subject and are an excellent reviewer.. Subscribed

This is a beautiful video. The 2nd song i ever heard by Babymetal. Still remember that day almost 2 years ago. Became my favorite band that exact same night. Blew my mind watching their live stuff. Its cool they used real karate moves and stances for it. And yes if babymetal didnt have the Kami band backing them i dont think they would have made the same impact amongst the metalhead community. Kami band talent was almost a vouch that demanded respect. And Su was always amazing in her own right. The Kami band was built around her voice/ for her voice. :)

Excellent reaction, thanks. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why this music video is a masterpiece. "Karate" is about resilience and endurance and the music video is self explanatory (if you know where to look). Until next time! 🤘🦊

👍👍An awesome performance and MV. This MV is special for me because it was my introduction to BABYMETAL.😊 The girl's appearance in the eyes at the end was a nice touch. 🦊🦊🦊 🖖❤

I love your analysis ! I think you're seeing why their fans love them so much. I've seen dozens of reactions to Karate over the years. Your reaction is my favorite.

I admire your deep insight. It is deeply moving to listen to this song again now, thinking of the difficulties they, especially Su and Moa, actually overcame. We also realize how irreplaceable a member Yui was for Su and Moa. Furthermore, I am even impressed by Karate's staging after Momo joined the group. This song shows that these girls have always been fighting against themselves. It also reminds us of the importance of confronting oneself, sharpening one's mind, and overcoming difficulties.

Thanks again 有難う💛。 If you watch the scene where Su breaks tiles at 09:30 in your video very carefully, you will see she do it NOT with karate chop BUT with fox sign 😄. You should do it in slow motion mode.

as well as the Karate Kid reference, I also get a Kung Fu reference in the way that after they get knocked down, they remember their training like breaking the sticks with the leg kick as well as balance and end the end they still have their humanity to release the harmless fly. They have recently brought this classic back to the setlist at least for the summer festival tour replacing Monochrome which has the same vibes with Su calling for our lights.

Finally with his wise wide open he got part of it. The three spirits are the girls and this is all about fighting your inner demons.

Nice reaction. This is the video that popped up in my suggestions and got me back into BabyMetal.

I think it is about battling your inner demons.

BABYMETAL is happiness 🎶🎶🦊👁️👁️🦊🎶🎶

Just a bit of a cool news here!! Babymetal and Electric Callboy just hit #1 on the Billboard digital Rock charts. This marks their first #1 hit for both bands. Although Babymetal did come close once before with Bring me The Horizon which came in at #6. Add to this a their recent photo op with Green Day just appeared recently. Which kinda came way out of left field here as wasn't expecting that one lol. Babymetal always is full of suprises here. Great reaction to Karate though!! 🤘🦊🔥

ありがとう！🦊 I had thought the song simply represented their battle with themselves, but then I realized that it may represent the way the girls live their lives as SU-METAL, YUIMETAL, and MOAMETAL in the world of metal in the form of BABYMETAL. SU and MOA have spent more than half of their lives as BABYMETAL, overcoming many hardships and struggles to get to where they are today. I respect them. 🔥🤘🦊 From🇯🇵

Conquer your fears and break down your own inner barriers to overcome adversity. Believe in yourself, your abilities, your friends and continue on your road, even if it is a "Road of resistance"...a recurring theme of BABYMETAL.🤘🦊🤘

This was the song and MV that dragged me deep into the foxhole when it was released. I was a fan starting with Megitsune MV when I saw it some months prior, and had watched all of their MV, but not any of the lives (I don't count Gimme Chocolate as an actual live MV). But the music, the storytelling, the serious performance, and Su-'s intense vocals blew me away and I finally asked that fateful question: "How did this happen?!" 😅 So I started reading the comments, and watching live recordings as well as every fancam video I could find. And I understood as soon as I saw Road of Resistance - Live in Japan that they had staying power and were not just a flash in the pan. Great reaction. Do continue to check out the official music videos first, at least through 2017. At some point I hope you will also check out some of Karen Girl's and Sakura Gakuin.

Great reaction brother 🔥🤘🦊🤘🔥 Part of why I enjoy Babymetal is they have managed one of the most amazing and courageous things ive seen in music. You spoke of them entering a very competitive and aggressive genre, they did and held their own and then some. Now more than a decade latter its obvious how "Metal" they actually are. There is no courage without something to fear, courage comes from carrying on inspite of that fear. Playing Download UK as young teenagers takes something special . 💥🎸💥

They were fighting their inner demon's. They were fighting themselves.

BABYMETAL ROCKS!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🤘🦊🤘

My fave MV. I love Moa's bit. She doesn't kill the fly. She lets it go and doesn't let the swarm bother her. The symbolism is just great. You made better sense of it than most reactors. 🤘🦊🤘

little they know. Babymetal already diss the haters since Headbanger release "All the crybabies , Get outta here" 😂

I didn't like the song that much initially, but seeing it during the Rock am RIng live stream, I have a new appreciation for it. Great ballad, great song. Your interpretation is very good and valid. Part of it is definitely the fight against your inner demons and doubts.

With your comment about fighting the "Boss" you need to react to the MV "BMC". Su and Moa take on the "Boss" and others in a Rap Cypher (BMC = Baby Metal Cypher), a kind of battle between Rappers for supremacy, needless to say the "Boss" didn't stand a chance. "BMC" is probably one of their most unique songs and is heavy AF. The MV has a Mortal Combat Vibe to it and shows how bad ass these girls are.

I never thought of it as a battle agains a male dominate music genre, I just thought it was about life in genereral. You have to overcome obstacles, and if you get knocked down you have to get back up and keep fighting. A lot of people don't notice the reflections at the end. Nice catch.

I totally agree with your song's analysis, and I love this MV. This was the video that brought me in the fox hole...

Karate LIVE at 2016 Download Festival in the UK 60,000+ British metal heads sing along with the girls

Niiiice reaction! Love how you got the essence of the song and the MV! There are not much reactors out there thinking so much about "Karate", although it is a song with a rather deep meaning... and the MV is top notch, a piece of art 😄 I´m still wondering, what Yui´s part with the crushing of the bats was inspired from... I vaguely remember something with baseball bats being crushed. Maybe it was movie, from the late 70´s, some Bruce Lee movie, perhaps. Still can´t get my memory on what it was exactly, trying for years now 🤣 You got some recommendations already, the "DRownload 2016" version is a good one! Very special performance! They put "Karate" back on their live perfomances setlist recently, that´s great! Hope to see it live myself, one day! 😀

Yes it was them. Many people miss that. Kudos

Great reactions and your interpretation and observations were spot on! Not many reactors catch the reflections of themselves in the eyes at the end when the faces of the spirits are revealed. As you said, my interpretation is almost the same. Not necessarily being about the masculine dominated metal scene but rather about live, where you have to fight not only against obstacles but also yourself, your fears, your own inner demons, etc. Live at Download 2016 is a great live performance (in the rain) but tbh the one at PIA arena 2023 is also worth watching! See you! 🤘🦊🔥

you gotta check the live version of this song at Download Uk. three girls dancing and the bass guitarist while raining.

My favorite live performance of this song is the video titled "BABYMETAL-KARATE (live UK Download 2016)". The crowd of about 30k+ waiting for about 30 minutes in pouring rain until the rain stopped enough for BABYMETAL to perform. Kobametal, their producer, even helped sweep the pools of water off the stage.🤘🦊🤘

Your analysis of the fight was interesting; the fight could have been both a fight against masculinity in metal and against their own anxiety. I never saw the enemies as gatekeepers trying to intimidate them before, so you added something new there. This is another song by Yuyoyuppe, and it is based around the same type of triumph over adversary theme that monochrome had. I always think of monochrome as a sequel to karate, and I hope there will be a song in the future from him that creates a trilogy. His other three songs, Rondo of Nightmare, GJ!, and Kagerou, are all completely different. But karate and monochrome are like two masterpieces crafted from the same source.

Thanks for this reaction. About your story, from a Babymetal perspective I just want to yell: IDZ ! (Ijime, Dame, Zettai, we'll get to that with a later reaction). I have a theory, Babymetal released this song in 2016, which is before the Japanese closing ceremony at the 2016 Summer Olympics. And 4 years before Japan's own Summer Olympics in 2020/2021. Karate was going to be a new sport in the Summer Olympics and they actually waited for that to do that for the Japanese Summer Olympics. Babymetal performing at the Olympics opening or closing ceremony would have been amazing, but just the media using the song for coverage of the Karate events would have been great. I think I've seen 1 Japanese outlet use it in the years before the Olympics. But there is a sad story attached to it, choreographer Mikiko, who is well know for not just doing the dances but being the lead for producing the shows of Perfume, also known as Mikikometal, actually was tasked with creating the opening/closing ceremony of the Olympics in Japan and the closing ceremony/handoff for Japan in 2016. She did the handoff and organized the 2020, but it got delayed and some guys got involved who said this isn't the job for a woman and took her ideas and made some changes and that became the 2021 Olympics ceremonies. Babymetal and Perfume or SG, etc. did not perform at the Olynpics. It was confirmed Perfume was supposed to perform at the Olympics. The girls did not have any experience with martial arts themselves (even though they perform at the Budokan, which was created for especially Judo in the Olympics of 1964), at the time wacthed a lot of martial arts movies to learn some of the moves (don't know if that's a good source as movies often embellish, but that's what they did, maybe not such a bad choice as choreography is also a sort of over-acting). Very few metal bands have said bad things about Babymetal, they know how grueling touring can be and they can respect the music. Also Babymetal acts like a gateway band into metal for all kinds of people. It's often better to grow the pie as whole. Babymetal in interviews have said: they feel strong together, give them confidence. Also that the Kami band has their back (when on stage, but obviously a lot of other staff is involved as well off-stage). You were right. :-)

This is still one of my top songs by them and videos. This is one video that it helps to watch before seeing them live or watching a live video. They maintain their parts of the choreography live but they do not have the other 'characters' live so such as the part where they drop and they fight their way to get back up, it still plays very well but carries much more meaning if you've seen this video. Also...Su's vocal run at the very end is still one of my favorite vocals from her.

🍅💀🍅 🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼 Ossu !! Ossu !! Thank you for this great reaction !

I am sad this song is no longer in their setlist. It was the second song I ever heard from them (after PA PA YA) and it really solidified to me that BABYMETAL was a group I wanted to throw myself into. I think often how if I had heard other songs first (e.g. Gimme Chocolate or Doki Doki Morning), I would have ended up with the same reaction you had when you were younger. I am so glad that things worked out the way they did, and this song will always be special to me as a result. I enjoyed your commentary as always and I am excited to see what you react to next. I saw you inquiring about Band-Maid. BABYMETAL really brought me back to metal after almost a decade of being away and I realizing there are so many interesting and unique bands out there now. I can't wait for you to start discovering them along us!

Before Maya, Divine Attack and so on came along, this was the song fans tended to show their "metalhead" friends given the djent-ish bits.

What this song is trying to say is that the real enemy is within you. Life is a battle with yourself.🤘🦊🤘

Everyone has their own views and opinions but what I take away from this music video is that you are your greatest enemy. When you get knocked down, you gotta get back up and fight again and persevere. Another solid reaction mate. Love your thoughts on this one. Keep em coming!

Hellyeah! 🤘

Overcoming your own inner demons..

Great reaction, you are right, there is always more going on with Babymetal than first impressions suggest. I never got to play Lazertag much (was too expensive), but our lives are defined by our actions and it sounds as though both of your chosen paths were defined that day. Good on you for being the better man. I'll echo the other suggestions to follow this MV with their D(r)ownload 2016 performance of Karate❤🦊🤘

Congrats to your good eye on details

I love this song. I also love the unforgettable performance, in the rain, in UK, Sonisphere Download, 2016. But, I'm sad to see Yui leave after this success. It was very painful. The melancholic notes at the beginning of Karate remind me of this. It was also the mourning in relation to the tragic departure of the genius Mikio, from the original Kamiband. It was a difficult phase, but one of consolidation for Babymetal. Perhaps, it is also a difficult moment in the rite of passage from childhood to the adolescent and adult world. Babymetal's sensitive history is a lesson for Rock and Metal fans to think about themselves. The song Karate teaches how to deal with adversity and pain, rather than following victories. Fate made the song perfect for that moment in Babymetal. It's nice to see that Babymetal is alive and its fans are happy. In fact, Babymetal sings and dances poetically to the inner child in each of us. Long live Babymetal! 🦊🦊🦊

It means fighting against yourself.😊

Great song with cool choreography,, most recently they played this song on rock im park with new clothes, very cool🤘

Great reaction and bang-on analysis… 🦊🤘

For the Boss Fight, you need to see the BxMxC video.

Loved it Johnny. 🤘🤘🤘🦊🦊🦊

Pretty much you got the meaning of the song. Some of the live have the captions, always good to learn the lyrics. (Your Japanese understanding will get even better!)

Great reaction! Thank you! 🤘🦊🤘

jhonny reactsswaaaaay

A proper translation of this song? Dont see that very often. Good work dude.

Your reactions can be summed up in one word: gentlemanly. This is not sarcasm, I like and respect your attitude towards reactions. kitsune🤘🏻🦊🫶🦊🤘🏻

🤘

You should really do one of the documentaries/ info videos about the girls

I'ts true that they got a lot of hate, but when they went to festivals overseas they got reached out a hand from Bring Me The Horizon, who helped them to get into a male dominated scene! THey got really close to Ollie and Bring Me The Horizon Guys! Good Job catching the reflection on their eyes! As someone already said, it's about battling your inner demons, and never giving up! This MV won several awards for them as best metal MV! If you also want to see a cool live version of this, try looking for Karate Live at Download 2016!

😎😎😎🤘🤘🤘👍

Your interpretation was very good. But always when I watch this MV I think, In Movies theres the side of light, the good guys and the bad guys the dark side. Well the dark side won and we are in their side! 🤔 And Dart Vader is a friend of Babymetal 🤯 🤪🤘🦊

Waiting for Amore.... ❤

it's a much more ornate retelling of Tubthumping ;)

🤘🦊🤘

🦊❤😍🦊

What does this MV mean? It means that the person you really have to fight against is yourself.

Long pause on the Gun Show towards the end.

🦊🦊🦊

🤘🦊🤘