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You expect a great world class performance from Saiki, but Kanami's Backing vocals are so beautiful- known to make the hardest metal heads weep. This is from The Zepp Tokyo concert in 2018 and the DVD of the show. The audience is there but very respectful of the quiet acoustic songs. "Hai" means Yes.

You've probably heard Kanami sing before but always as part of gang vocals. She asked Miku "Do I have to sing?" when she was considering joining. She didn't want to sing, she wanted to be a songwriter and guitarist but not a singer. No idea why, but Akane and Misa seem to have the same attitude. This is mid-concert as you guessed. The crowd is still restless as this segment starts. The stage goes dark, the other three leave, there's a music box playing the melody of Anemone while the stools and microphones are set up. Kanami gets her Alvarez ready, Saiki gets a sip of water. The music box recording ends, the lights come up and Kanami strums the opening of "Puzzle." It's remarkable how quickly Saiki puts her spell on everyone, and by the end you can hear a pin drop. You have not over-rated these two songs. Saiki pronounces her name "sah-ee-kee" when she's being precise, but in real life the "ai" gets slurred together and turns into one vowel ... same with the "hai" you noticed. The "hai" literally means "yes" but it gets used as a space-filler and takes on other meanings like "I'm here" or "I'm listening." I suppose we do that in English too, yes.

I’m not sure if you’ve heard the original hard rocking version of “Puzzle”, but it’s one of their best songs. Miku wrote some truly heartbreak lyrics of meeting a special person who completes the puzzle of one’s being, but who is already in a relationship and is already taken. In the rock version, Saiki sings it with resentment and anger. In this acoustic version, Saiki sings it in pure heartbreak mode. Kanami actually has a beautiful sweet voice and is wonderful in these acoustic versions. Good review dude !

First time I heard Kaname sing I teared up. It was a beautiful surprise.

The studio version of Anemone is magical too. One of their best slower songs and shows a different side of the maids.

The lyrics for both 'Puzzle' and 'Anemone' are by Miku. I think it's a testament to her abilities that Saiki can put so much of herself into the delivery.

Songs so beautifully written and performed you don't need to understand the language to make you shed tears.

i love when they do acoustic. It really lets you hear the beauty of Saiki and Kanami's voices.

If you do read the lyrics for these songs, you will see why there is so much emotion in Saiki's voice, and a tear in her eyes at times. When she places her arm across here stomach, she is literally holding in the pain & emotion. Also, bear in mind, before joining BANDMAID, Kanami was a 'singer/songwriter' & session musician in her own right. And yes, such a sweet, angelic voice.

At 14:32 [of your reaction video] Saiki sings 'Tatoe sonohi ga konakute mo Aishiteru'...translates as 'Even if the day would never come I'll still love you'. At that time Saiki becomes a true soul singer as those words are torn out of her very being. Me; you; and hundreds at the venue were mesmerized!.

How many bands can rock and roll punch a hole in your chest and then gently caress your heart, what a fckn Band. This performance is the intoxicating combination of absolute elegance and unbelievable talent, time to find the box of tissues 🤗 thanks man, peace and love Po 👍🎼🥁🎤🎸🍻

"Hai" is Japanese for Yes. I agree. Kanami has a beautiful voice. She also backs up Miku when they perform "Rock in Me", one of those songs where Saiki takes a break. But from what I've heard, she doesn't want to sing. She'd rather just focus on her guitar playing. I was also surprised with Akane's singing on that acoustic version of "Sayonkidori". The only one I haven't heard sing is Misa. Though I wouldn't be surprised if she could carry a tune too.

Anemone (studio version) is a top tier 'slowish' song by Band Maid. So underated and the acoustic version is just as badass.. tnx for the RV

You can shed a tear HTMBG. If you didn't then I would think you weren't a BAND-MAID fan. That is their mastery and awesomeness at work.

1: It was the acoustic songs that made me realize just how good a vocalist Saiki is. 2. The holy grail of Band Maid videos is of Kanami, her early days, on the Japanese version of youtube. This is what Miku watched and based her decision to invite Kanami on. No trace of it has been found.

Chills indeed BG. I love that the audience was as enthralled as I was when I first heard this and seem to be collectively holding thier breath. I'm glad you were able to experience it this deep into their catalouge when you have gotten to know them better. I was hooked by the rock but didn't realize that I had built up such an emotional attachment to these ladies until I heard this. Just beautiful!

Kanami has the voice of an adorable little angel 🥰

C'mon onion ninjas, attack attack attack. Nothing you can do can make me cry....Oh right you're playing "Puzzle" & "Anemone" acoustic at full volume. Yep that'll do it.🥲

Kanami is a reluctant vocalist but is very good when called upon. Akane the drummer has a nice voice as does Misa but neither like to sing unless forced to do the odd harmony or backing. As they did in last years acoustic Christmas on line concert. Puzzle acoustic is just so full of regret while the original is full of anger. Brilliant writing and singing.

*Date:* April 13, 2018 *Tour:* WORLD DOMINATION TOUR 2018 [SENKOKU] *Venue:* Zepp Tokyo, Japan 1 DOMINATION 2 Play 3 Spirit!! 4 the non-fiction days 5 Moratorium 6 Alive‐or‐Dead 7 CROSS 8 Turn me on 9 Don't you tell ME 10 Daydreaming 11 One and only *12 Puzzle (acoustic ver.)* *13 anemone (acoustic ver.)* 14 DICE 15 secret My lips 16 CLANG 17 FATE 18 onset 19 Carry on living 20 alone 21 Rock in me 22 I can't live without you. 23 you. 24 FREEDOM 25 REAL EXISTENCE 26 Choose me

Kanami had actually had voice lessons before joining Band Maid,when she had her own YT page, but decided she preferred not to sing lead or first back up. She does do back up on some songs-you can observe her on some live videos and MV acoustic sets.

Anemone will give you chills even in the full studio version. It's just a beautiful song.

Kanami was a singer songwriter on KZfaq or the japanese version before Miku discovered her. Funfact. Many people do not know that Misa also was a back singer in her former bands.

In this video the uploader cut out the part where in between the songs they talk to the audience. Kanami thanks the audience for coming and selling out the concert. She goes on and on until Saiki tells her that they don't have all day. Saiki then says "Please listen" 聞いて下さい (another saying you'll hear often, pronounced Kii te kudasai) then they start singing Anemone.

My feelings on acoustic Puzzle. This version is full of sadness, regret, longing, desperation. It's heartbreaking and heartbreakingly beautiful. Even not understanding the words by the end you just want to comfort Saiki and tell her you'll do anything to make her feel better. Anemone just continues this, both hitting me hard.

Puzzle is about a woman who is in love with a married man and comes to the realization that he will never leave his wife to be with her.

Glad you got a chance to see these (thanks Panic). Always, always get chills from these songs even though I have heard each 100+ times. Thanks BG!

Funny.....how regardless of who, or how many Maids are performing.....the music NEVER suffers....that.... my friend.....is talent

I also suggest Anemone full version. There’s such a beautiful bluesy solo by Kanami. I’d consider this song in top 10. I love to listen it in the car in a rainy day.

This acoustic performance was the one that made me fell in love with Saiki's singing voice💕💕💕💕💕

Two Very powerful and emotional songs, make me tear up Everytime I listen to them. BG there is a rockier version of Anemone, I think it's put out as a single tho. I could be wrong. But there is a different rockier version of it.

All 5 of the Mighty Maids can sing. I love Mincho's vocals in this version of puzzle. 😎👌If you haven't already, you really need to see the acoustic Christmas concert. (don't feel the need to record reactions. Just watch and enjoy) I've seen a few people have uploaded a stream capture of it to KZfaq.

Really love your reviews, brother, it's a real pleasure watching these incredible performances with you. I'm soooo smitten with this band and I've been listening to rock and roll for almost 50 years. Hope to see you in Daytona in May! Dress cool, it will be hot in a number of ways! (Queens of the Stone Age AND Band-Maid, I'm freaking!)

I think Kanami is more than happy to be the RIFF MONSTER and composer of the group. She will do vocals when there is a "group" backing vocal along with Akane at times. Look for it and you can see it in a few songs. But you're right, she was a singer/songwriter in her days before Band Maid.

This may sound strange but no I do not wish Kanami would sing more. Does she have a beautifully soft angelic voice? Yes! However the first time I saw this it almost killed me. I forgot to breathe when she started singing. I already had so much love and respect for her as a musician but this is when she stole my heart...in a manner of speaking. Of course I am not 100% serious. We would all love to hear her sing more. I just have to prepare myself. 😂

On the older songs, Kanami would often do back vocals with Akane. Kanami also backs Miku on her songs with the band.

That Kanami vocals on anemone justo hits... ♥️👌 Thank you for the reaction

I really like your sincere reaction to Band Maid, I will subscribe 👍

10/10 2time 😉👍They are just a gift for humanity.

Kanami's chord choices are perfect for this version.

Dude....yer killin me.....burned thru my whole stash and harvest is still 10 days away....LOL

Kanami was a singer/songwriter when she joined Miku to form the band. She took vocal lessons but doesn't really like to sing, she prefers to focus on the guitar. There are also a couple of duets with Saiki from their Christmas acoustic concert but I don't know if you can find the videos online.

Saiki does a great job, but Kanami Mincho shines here. I love her voice and her guitar playing is superb!

This performance is one of our favourites from zepp tokyo 2018 Live, the same show where Onset was performed. Anemone original electrical version is also amazing. Personally I prefer the original studio version a bit more, in which the entire band tell the story together. Miku and Saiki seem to be in sync. The way the emotions are expressed is very different from this acoustic version, too. Vocals are deliberately held back, while Kanami's guitar cries.

I think we'd all love for Kanami to do a little side project, in the same way Miku went off to become Cluppo for a bit. Yup, I know I'd love that.

Kanami is living her dreams just being with Saiki.

Check out the studio version of anemone its also epicly great

Kanami didn't want to outshine everyone... so she nerfed herself to not doing backup vocals, lead vocals, bass and drums. She took one for the team😂... thats how awesome she is.

Thank you, BG! Tens, of course!

You have to remember mincho is a singer songwriter also you need to look up the lyrics to puzzle and then you will know why you got goosebumps

Mincho is angelic......

Kaname was a singer/songwriter before Miku found her Kaname was the first member Miku got to join the band(I think it was the maid outfits that won her over)and she knew Akane, who knew Missa The four original members

Kanami also does the chants on a couple of songs, but on the acoustic stuff there's no vocals on a backing track. It's all her. But Rocking Out, Softer Side or Acoustic Ballads, BAND-Maid does it all!

Not trying to be condescending in any way. But honestly, your reaction to the first 30-60 seconds of Puzzle 10/10. Read all 68 comments, nothing to add. Obedient Saiki's "Shot the fck up!"

Hai is Japanese for "YES"

Hai means yes, but it is also the response one makes when your name is called.

Kanami used to be a singer-songwriter, but apparently she didn't like her own voice and doesn't like to sing (it might be embarrassment, I don't know). You can sometimes see her sing some backing parts during concerts (together with Miku), but usually quietly. I have a feeling she sings more than we realize, not sure if her mic is always on. I agree that her performance on these 2 songs is fantastic. I would love for her to sing more although she is usually busy playing complicated guitar parts, so not sure how feasible that would be. I am not the biggest fan of Anemone myself. It is a beautiful performance for sure, and I like this acoustic version over the original, but I am generally not the biggest ballad fan. But the acoustic version of Puzzle is one of my favourite songs by Band-Maid. I already love the original, but I would place this one even a little higher. It's literally (without the meme top-5 stuff) in my top-5, possibly top-3. These slower, calmer tracks always let Saiki's vocals shine even brighter imo.

Anemone consistently wrings out my heart.💪🏻🤘🏻

Kanami should be the third vocalist and have her own song like Miku with her ballad song :)

Aww.....you left off the music box intro. And yeah, this was mid-set. Their shows in Japan an 2+ hours long with no intermission. They use instrumentals, Omajinai and MC time as well as Miku led songs or acoustic sets like this to give each member a break. Kanami also dies backing vocals live. Saw her singing quite a bit during the San Diego show.

Kanami was a singer-songwriter before Band-Maid. She has a beautiful, sweet voice. What an embarrassment of riches this band has.

Isn't it like Kanami to be great at something she prefers not to do .

12:36

Anemone is the sadder one it's a true story about love being decided by totally Japanese ideals, one that hits close to the singer, just look at her eyes when she sings this

In my personal opinion, Kanami's voice is as clean and clear as Miku, but weaker than Miku's. Kanami was aware of that.

I would like to see all 5 singing harmony on just 1 song. No instruments or just maybe acoustics.

Puzzle,Live please

"Hai" means "Yes".