I'm 71 years old. I started playing guitar in 1961 when I was 9 years old. I played my first gig in 1966 when I was 14. I've seen a lot of music and played a bunch. I also taught over 27 years. Music has been my entire life. I thought I've seen it all but this band is a blast of fresh air. I just discovered them and I love it!!!!! Also major props to the sound engineer who mixed this. Most people don't understand how hard it is to balance all the instruments, but whoever it is is pure genius.

She is not an amazing bass player, HE is an amazing bass player.

This live video is from their first concert tour 9 years ago. The leader, Yuko Suzuhana (main vocals/keyboards), is also the winner of the "Shigin" contest. She was concerned about the gradual decline of Japanese classical performing arts. She came up with the idea of presenting the Japanese classical performing arts to the world with a more POP image and formed the "Wagakki Band. Their first task was to produce a cover album of "Vocaloid songs. The music video for "Senbonzakura", a song on that album, caught the world's attention and has over 150 million views. In case you are wondering, the music videos owned by Avex Trax, which they were a part of until 2019, are definitely blocked except for the live videos.

Where to begin..............first, WGB is a true supergroup like we used to see in the 1970's. Their vocalist, Yuko Suzuhana, is a Renaissance Woman in the truest sense of the word. She is a classically trained pianist from the age of 3, and trained in shigin (Japanese singing/ poetry recital) and traditional Japanese dance, with both the fan (shi) and sword (ken) from the age of 5. Her mother is a top-notch musical professor. She actually formed the band to get young Japanese to know and love the traditional instruments. She is also an instructor of both shigin and traditional dance at university. That is where she met Kiyoshi, who plays the Koto, a type of harp/zither type instrument that came from China, where it's called a Guzheng. Yuko is married to Kiyoshi and had their first child, a daughter, in November of 2022. Kurona is the name of the practitioner of the Wadaiko drums and he is an expert. The floutist, Daisuke, is an amazing talent that is more central than what it may seem. He is always in motion and his presence is vital to the band's oveasll success.The last traditional instrument is called a Tsgaru Shamisen, a three-stringed instrument that is played with a spectrum in the shape of a miniature fan. Shamisen means "three strings". The artist is named Beni and she is one of the most proficient artists of the instrument there is. On to the modern instruments. The bassist is Asa and he is also a composer and songwriter with a lot of talent as well as a vocaloid producer. The guitarist is Machiya, another fantastic performer who is also a top-notch composer, songwriter and arranger. He does most of the arrangements for the band. He also is a fine singer and is perfect in his duets with Yuko. Last, but not least is Wasabi, who plays the modern drum kit. He also is a top of the line performer. Don't worry, I'm almost finished, lol. If you want to get a good sampling of WGB, check out the videos on KZfaq for Wagakki Band's Live Premium Symphonic Night Vol. 2, from 2020. There are 16 videos that run the gamut of their styles, buttressed by the members of WGB and a full symphony. From the Overture all the way to the end of the concert, it is just an amazing experience. You have symphonic backup and all the musicianship by the group and tremendous vocals. There is uptempo, ballads and several fine acoustic performances. One-stop shopping, lol. I hope I haven't been too wordy. I do, at times, get carried away with myself. And remember, even though their official music videos are extremely well-made, WGB is best watched in live performances. It will blow your mind.

Beni is a national champion shamisen player. She’s amazing.

Wagakki Band literally means "traditional Japanese instruments band" and their purpose is to keep alive the interest in the traditional stuff by making it cool and modern too. I think this style is called "folk metal" across the world, when different cultures make metal with their historical styles. Every member here is a master-level pro at their instruments. The two drum sets are Wasabi on "normal" drums (well named for his spicy playing!) and Kurona on the traditional taiko (wadaiko) drums. The wadaiko provides extra oomph and off-beat sounds that aren't possible with just one drummer or a normal band drumset. There are whole competitions in Japan built around the traditional drumming techniques on all different sizes, including ones that are about three times as tall as you! Fun fact: Beni's showy tsugaru shamisen can only be played on the downstroke with her weighted plectrum (large fanlike pick) and the silk strings change pitch rapidly with changes in humidity, and it has no frets, so she has to play everything by ear and muscle memory! Machiya on guitar rarely wears shoes onstage and wears his traditional Noh mask for the songs he wrote before he was with WagakkiBand like Homura. Kaminaga Daisuke on the shakuhachi flute needs a TON of breath to do what he does--and who doesn't love surprising people that they shred the flute in a metal band? Suzuhana Yuko, the vocalist is a licensed Shigin (poetic recitation) performer and teacher, and can do sword and fan dances. I swear the koto player Ibukuro Kiyoshi has golden fingers. The lyrics are as follows: Hana hirakeba chou eda ni mitsu | Flower bloom filling the butterfly branches Warera utau sora no kanata he | To the sky that we sing Haruka nagaru kumo no mukou he | Beyond the faraway clouds Umi wo koete niji wo watatte | Cross the sea and cross the rainbow Kimi ni todoku you ni | Like to reach you Seki wo kitte afureru omoi | Thought to overflow the weir [a low type of dam meant to raise a river or catch fish] Itsuka sameru yume no ibashou de | In the whereabouts of a dream, that will someday Warai atte irareru you ni | Just like being laughing [as in the state of being that you feel when you're laughing] Kasane tsumuide yuku | I am going to spin it ((Repeat from "Warera utau")) Also! Check out Synchronicity by WagakkiBand for a crazy change of pace! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/prKjdKujzam6dY0.html

Love when Beni steps out and starts shredding on her shamisen. Wagakki means Traditional/ Traditional instruments. Best face mask ever!

Wagakki Band is awesome. You just went down a big rabbit hole.

When Beni appears, everyone have a cultural reset

First time I ever watched their video, I about shit myself. Bloody lovely. I love the way that they mixed modern and traditional instruments together into an AMAZING performance. This is a fine example of Folk Metal.

If you love this, check out their version of Evanescence's Bring Me to Life with Amy Lee. Amy and Yuko trade off lead vocals and harmonize amazingly on it.

Machiya usually plays a Sago guitar, it's a 33 "scale baritone with 29 frets tuned BEADF # B, if you capo at the 5th fret it becomes a 25.5" scale guitar in standard E tuning. He uses baritone to not drown out the traditional instruments so easily. He is also the one who has the last word.

A classic!. When Beni and her shamisen appear on the scene ancient and modern sounds blend and works its magic. Good job!

The lead singers voice is really amazing it just commands your attention ❤️

I’m pretty much in love with this entire band, but the shamisen and shakuhachi (flute) players have my complete adoration. So glad you appreciate them too 😊

Next song Wagakki Band Senbonzakura ft Amy Lee

Senbonzakura (official mv is great) next.

This band is so good, so good that I want to release my bankai.

SENBON SAKURA by this band!! It's crazyyyy

John; Think about the sound equipment set up for this band. FYI, the lead guitarist does the set up.

Omg, my taste is all over the place and u cover a lot of my fav bands. Love this!

The mask and movements Machiya makes are from Noh Theatre, an ancient Japanese art form.

the bassist is not she he is "he". there is stuff called visual kei. i dont know much about it but i think they cross dress and thats why he is kind look like she. i thought same at the first. i am in love this band❗Recommendation: check out "Bloodywood" songs: Machi bhasad ,and Dana dan. there are 2 vocals so it would be great stuff for you. they are so good damn good

More of this. one of my favorite bands in Japan.

Thank you. I love it when someone who knows what they're talking about reviews a great band.

Headbanging flutist. I believe I have seen everything lol. Love this.

You have been introduced to another amazing band out of Japan. This band is incredible and unique. Wait until you hear more of the lead vocalist Yuko. She has an unbelievable voice. I love their vocaloid covers.

The Black haired drummer was recognized as a "pro" drummer at the age of 10. Like "pro" in the adult world.

You gotta watch "Bring Me to Life" where Wagakki Band and Amy Lee performed it together live! Awesome review and keep the Wagakki Band vids coming.

Thank you for finally reacting to Wagakki Band!

The japanese are so good at this traditional Fusion Rock.. its awesome.

Yes! I've been waiting for you to discover Wagakki Band! The musicianship is top notch, their stage performance is fantastic and the music is both varied and unique. Yuko is a great singer and Machiya, the guitarist, provides perfect secondary vocals. They mix traditional singing/instruments with modern rock/metal and what you heard with "Akatsuki no Ito" is perhaps their most traditional song. Wagakki Band has amazing live shows, much more impressive than you saw today, but most of their music videos are also excellent. Some suggestions: Senbonzakura (live 2020): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jtCnmJyI3rWcgac.html Reload Dead (live 2020): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r7mnl7yd27-lhqc.html

If you loved this song you'll definitely love this one: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l72cgMZe1ciok2w.html 和楽器バンドWagakki Band：鏡花水月(Kyoukasuigetsu)+月に叫ぶ夜(Tsukini sakebuyoru) - REACT tour 2019 (sub CC)

Thank you John to have reacted to my favorite band. Yes, this is absolutely awesome, chilling unique, well composed and super high level performance. And totally underrated below the same format many many other songs. So I was crying….your full appreciation of this band!! Please react to Hakushu Kassai, the live version. Their live always exceeds studio version.

absolutely amazing ❤❤❤

the emotion you feel is an indescribable satisfaction :D

I'm Japanese living in Japan, but I only met them two weeks ago. And I met some of the most talented people I've ever met in my life. I've been listening to a lot of their music these past two weeks, and I've been thinking about why I haven't noticed them for the past 10 years. Moreover, there was also the unfortunate news that they will cease their activities at the end of this year. In the early days, they even appeared on fairly major TV programs in Japan, although it was rare. This may have been a pitfall of the diversification of media for viewing and listening to music. Originally, these people were able to work all over the world, but the timing of COVID-19 may have been unfortunate. However, from now on I can go back in history and learn about their achievements over the past 10 years through various media. I also hope that they will be able to perform by same member.

I am so glad you checked out the Wagakki band - they all struggled to do visual kei/Jrock individually but when they came together mixing rock with wagakki (traditional instruments like shamisen and koto) and shigin (traditional singing style) they roared. They are fantastic live. I first saw them live in summer 2014 in Paris, I was blown away. I always liked JRock and visual kei - please check out NAITOMEA ナイトメア STAR [K]night ~the Five Stars Night~ Live at the budokan.

You have found one of my absolute favourite bands of all time. The combination of traditional with modern instruments is a passion of mine and has been so for many years. I’m glad you enjoyed it. This is the video I always use to introduce people to Wagakki Band. As to your thinking that the bass player was female there are 2 subcultures in Japan. Men who like to appear female is Otokonoko. There is also a genderless group called Jendaresu danshi.

as a folk metal fan I LOVE this band

Just stumbled upon this band today! ☺ In spite of the fact that I've been fascinated with the Far East (well, it's far to the east from where I am in Sweden) since I was a kid and that I like metal, folk and prog, I've barely explored Japanese metal. What little I have heard tend to be complex, dynamic and melodic and the musicians tend to be mind-blowing virtuosos at their instruments. In short, it seems like something I really need to explore further! Oh, and I _love_ the sound of the shamisen, the banjo-like instrument we see in this performance! Thanks for the reaction!

Lol the Drummer looks straight out of an anime

Pretty cool to see that they get it

Finally!

You should scope out the collab between Wagakki and Amy Lee, such a crazy performance

Can you imagine being in the crowd!

It is a signature Sago 29 fret guitar

Nice John. Greeting from Spain!!!

Music isn't a destination, it's a journey

Every single member is very talented. Every single one. My favorite is Beni, on the shamisen(the instrument that looks like a banjo). Watch their Senbonzakura video. Another group you can check out is Def Leppard. Especially because of their drummer Rick Allen. He lost his arm in an accident back in 85 and has a special drum kit, so his left pedal can emulate what his left arm could do. He is nicknamed the Thunder God.

Wagakki Band, fly!!

Asa, the bassist, is a guy and I'm 200% gonna say it...I love the fact that his bass lights up!!!

I hope you can react to their song Synchronicity to see how versatile this band is. They are freaking amazing.

You should check "Senbonsakura - wagakki band" i highly recommend it, you will absolutely love it.

Beni Beni Beni!

Wagakki!!!! My favorite Japanese Music!!! Coming from an arab guy LOL

Machiyaaa🤩🤩

I liked! I particularly like Japanese bands that play with traditional instruments. It usually always comes out good!

This is an amazingly creative and cool metal band. I luv it! They collaborated with Amy Lee and performed Evanescence iconic song “Bring Me to Life.” You should check it out.👏🏽🙌🏽🔥🤟🏽❤️

Seeing them in Fukuoka in Nov.

Wagakki band is an alternative vkei band! Some of the more classic bands include, malice mizer, dir en gray, l'arc en ciel, buck tick, dadaroma, gulu gulu, kaneto juusei and more

If you want some recommended for Wagakki Band more, try their song Synchronicity The song is pack of surprise

Machia is a damn God guitarist ❤

That's a Sago Material Guitar's Named Seed Kotetsu and it has a 29 frets Tunned in B E A D F # B that's why he is using a Capo on the 4th Fret to get the standard tunning of EADGBE.

❤ Wagakki Band

Listen to the note selections in her vocal runs, then listen to Saiki doing the same kind of runs and note choices. I’m not sure if it’s something to do with the way Japanese singers are taught or not, but I just love the way it sounds.

you should watch there performance with Amy Lee from is it Evanescence…called bring it to life 👍🏼

Congratulations, you've fell into the bassist's (Asa) trap. But don't worry, you're not alone. Also, the vocalist (Yuko) and the Koto player (Kiyoshi) are married couple.

Unlucky pause with the "Wtf! Shamisen Moment" but still mind blown by the performace. Welcome to the Wagakki Band! Friendly recommendations: Wagakki Band - 千本桜 (Senbonzakura) / Dai Shinnenkai 2018 ~Ashita e no Koukai~ kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qdmodq15va3Go2w.html&ab_channel=FrankGarc%C3%ADa Wagakki Band - 拍手喝采 (Hakushu Kassai) / Dai Shinnenkai 2018 ~Ashita e no Koukai~ kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9l6odmWp9zTfKs.html&ab_channel=FrankGarc%C3%ADa

You need to see them do bring me to life with Amy Lee live

People who are reacting to this performance, needs to react to the whole performance. Kurona plays the taiko masterfully.

React to Chie no Kajitsu,please!

Beni is literally recognized as one of the best Shamisen players in the world ;)

dramとwadaikoが混合する、これぞまさに世界が真似できない真髄です。

Their live performances are insanely good. Japanese perfection.

SHE is a good bass player !!!

Bariton guitar with capo, the frets near the pickup are wider than on conventional guitar, easier to play high notes.

They are all great - the bassist (I thought chick too - he's a dude), guitar and drummer are very good. With the traditional instruments (wagaki) they are really unique. The singer is the one that "started" the band. A great way to get into traditional Japanese music when it is blended this way.

Marvelous! Let’s stay in touch?

Where have you been these last 8 years????????

Really a beautiful live performance. But have you ever done a live from unlucky morpheus?

With Zac Brown Band now having 9 members, this is the best 8 member band on the planet. Enjoy the rabbit hole 🥳

Esses japoneses são show, pancada

😁😁😁🤘🤘🤘

❤🎉

ボーカルの鈴華ゆうこは、東京音楽大学卒業、そして『詩吟』の師範の資格を持つスペリャリスト…。他のメンバーもその道の達人という事を覚えてといてね〜❤

"I knew SHE was an amazing bass player" Ladies and gentlemen, we got him!

😁

Just stumbled upon this reaction, glad to find another Wagakki band enjoyer. If you get the chance, check out Unlucky Morpheus, another Japanese band fully of masterful performers, mix of slow songs, heavier gothic-speed metal and a violin in a metal band, also any of their songs are great so won't recommend anything specific.

Yuko Suzuhana, Amy Lee, and Emi Evans are my top 3 women singers, too hard to put in order. Just a year ago or so Yuko and Amy did a concert together singing wagakki band and evanescence songs. It gave me chills!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!?!?👀 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

Supposedly this isn’t one of Beni’s favorite songs to play as it is apparently very hard on her hands to play.

Please react more Babymetal, Lovebites, Unlucky Morpheus, Crossfaith, Sokoninaru, Asterism, Versailes, Galneryus, Gacharic Spin, Ichika Nito, Tatsuya Amano, Shuhei Kamada, Imperial Circus Dead Decadence ⚠️If possible react to their live performance ⚠️

Check out GACKT i think you will love them.

🇫🇷👍🎼🇯🇵🤝🤝

Try zenbonsakura. Your socks definetively will go on fire.

Beni ninagawa!

If you americans pronounce capo as "keypou", do you also say "keypoudeyster" instead of capodaster?

John, I hate to burst your bubble, but the Bassist (Asa), is not a she, but a HE. Don't worry, I had made the same mistake based on the way he dresses, wears his hair, and the name "Asa" seemed to be more feminine. However, there is a lot of "Gender fluidity" in Japan, there has been for centuries, it's just a part of their culture. Asa wrote Yoshiwara Lament, initially as a vocaloid production, then an anime was made that explains the song even better, and finally an analysis of the lyrics was written and translated to other languages. It's truly a sad story. Anyway, WGB is a force to be reconned with. Watch as much as you can find, I don't think they have a bad song in their book. Enjoy.

よし！次はXやな