As others have pointed out, the bass player, Asa, is actually male, and speaks very masculine Japanese in a surprisingly deep voice. He's a music university drop-out, and is known as the band's best writer of "pop" songs. Regardless of who wrote them, most Wagakki Band songs are arranged by the guitarist, Machiya, but Asa does his own arrangements for his songs. He also has a solo career on the side, and some of his songs such as "unmei no hito" and "heisei ga owaru hi wo" are on KZfaq. As for the traditional instruments, the bamboo flute, the shakuhachi, gets its name from its length. It typically measures one "shaku" and 8 (hachi) "sun", or about 20 inches in imperial measurements. The koto (flat harp) traditionally comes in 13 and 17 string versions, but to make pitch matching and key changes easier when paired with Western instruments, the Wagakki Band's koto player plays 21 and 25 string versions. The 3 string shamisen used in the band is a "Tsugaru " shamisen from northern Japan, and is the largest shamisen in Japan. It is played with a plectrum known as a "bachi."

It's still fascinating to me that the shakuhachi (flute) player, Daisuke Kaminaga, is the most metal guy in the group!! He has enough energy and air supply for three people.

Yuko Suzuhana (鈴華ゆう子) - vocals Machiya (町屋) - guitar Beni Ninagawa (蜷川べに) - tsugaru shamisen Kiyoshi Ibukuro (いぶくろ聖志) - koto Asa (亜沙) - bass *He also wrote my favorite song "Yoshiwara Lament" Daisuke Kaminaga (神永大輔) - shakuhachi Wasabi (山葵) - drums Kurona (黒流) - wadaiko

Their usual version of Senbonzakura is great, but I really like the orchestra addition here. It adds some nice new sounds to the song.

Discovered this band yesterday, and i don't know if i could survive diving into THIS rabbithole. It's waaay too awesome

Senbonzakura is originally a vocaloid song, the voice bank used to create the original was Hatsune Miku, and is a song about the Meiji Restoration period in Japan.

The lead singer said "shamisen Beni" (shamisen being the instrument and Beni being the woman playing it.) The story I've heard is that when the band was originally created, Beni (an already famous champion shamisen player, and Shigin singer, until she had to get surgery on her vocal chords and had to stop singing) just showed up uninvited to a practice on night and declared herself part of the band and that was that, no argument or complaint, if Beni wanted to be in the band then the band had better just like it (and of course, it did.)

Ninagawa Beni on the tsugaru shamisen...she is awesome...she is also funny as hell off-stage. In typical J-Band form, they are also good friends off-stage. Lots of social media posts by all of them...especially when Wasabi and Beni go bungee jumping and Yuko and the guys go to Fuji-Q Highlands for scary roller coaster rides. BTW, the "wind instrument" is a shakuhachi (8-hole flute).

No matter how many times I Iisten to Waggaki band, I always get goosebumps. IMO, They are the epitome of Trad Metal

They did Amy's Bring Me To Life after this and it is awesome! You should check that one out for sure.

Always love more Wagakki Band! It was cool to get more commentary on what they did with this one. Thank you very much!

I found this band only recently (regrettably), and was immediately convinced that this band has the highest level of musicianship (musicality/virtuosity) and showmanship (visual/theatrical effects) Actually, I think this band is among the best fusion bands ever existed, and the very best when it comes to originality and showmanship. Moreover, they can play so effortlessly with smiles on their faces! Mesmerizing both visually and auditorily : simply amazing and entertaining! As a live performer, this band is peerless. I can imagine top-notch fusion musicians such as Ballaké Sissoko+Vincent Ségal, and Jean-Luc Ponty would love to play with them.

WB have 2 additional songs with Amy, one being their version of Bring me to life, which you need to see, the other being Sakura Rising. Also, additional stuff to add to your to-do list would be Senbonzakura official video, which is a feast for ears and eyes, Ignite, Synchronicity (both official and live are a blast) - basically everything they did is worth checking.

Seriously i found this band by accident , best accident ever. There s no one like them, so unique. Even i dont understand a single word this music gives me so many emotions. Nice review u did a great job ✌️respect from Montreal. Sorry if my English is bad... French is my first language

Hi I'm one of the drum students at Temple Cool I found this..

Your video quality is absolutely getting far far away better right now! So much dedicated to making such a content like this. Subbed!

I love this band. did you know, that they´ve made the opening theme for anime series "Mars Red"? and singer yuko has announced, that she´ll soon have her premiere as voice actor for an anime. I so like how deep anime is entagled in japanese culture ...

Amy Lee is covering Hatsune Miku. What timeline are we in?

YES! Found the video! Commenting before I watch it haha can't wait !💪

Great video Sir! If you like the sound of Beni's Shamisen you should check "Yoshiwara Lament"... It's a slower song but with really nice shamisen sounds, especially the intro.

To answer your questions yes she sang in Japanese and sorry for the long comment. After a few listen thrus I reconize Amy's voice even though its a different type of tone than we are used to. . Shamisen (Shya-me-sen) Shakuhachi (flute not suprised if you forget this one I already did, but he is amazing) Koto (Sitting harp?). I am fellow Japanese music Otaku so yeah this hits the spot. Just as a helpful tip if I may. The way i remember Japanese pronucation is like the vowel are tall A (AH) I (ee) u (oo) e (eh) o is oh is most like choral vowels to me. Glad I stumbled on you today. Have an awesome rest of the weekend.

The drummer with the white hair is "Wasabi" (Sasaki Akira) and I'd happily listen to him and Kurona (taiko drums) do "solos' all day. Pretty sure a good part of why this group does so well together is that they're practically an extended family outside of the music itself...can find em online with vids doing everything from cooking to bungee-jumping to going through theme parks together. Love these guys to death and would do just about anything to get a chance to see em live

I think she said "Shamisen Beni", Beni Ninagawa is the player. Asa is the bassist; I am a big fan of him as a bassist myself.Yes, he is on the androgynous side.

The senbonzakura from Music Video was A Mix of traditional Japanese Instrument and Metal Now in Concert version with an inclusion of "orchestra"

The wind fan dance that the lead singer is doing is more than just fun and exciting it has cultural significance as well and adds to the flare of the song she has experience with it and with traditional sword dancing as well btw

She learned the phonetics just for this song~

The 3-string instrument is called "Shamisen", while the harp-like string instrument is called a "koto", sometimes they also call it Chinese Harp, I think? And yes I am one of those who actually thought Asa (bassist) was a female lol

The one instrument that looks like a 3 string guitar is called a Shamisen. The shamisen is a plucked stringed instrument. Its construction follows a model similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, with a neck and strings stretched across a resonating body. The neck of the shamisen is fretless and slimmer than that of a guitar or banjo. The body, called the dō (胴), resembles a drum, having a hollow body that is covered front and back with skin, in the manner of a banjo. The skin used depends on the genre of music and the skill of the player. Traditionally, skins were made using dog or cat skin, with cat skin favored for finer instruments;  though use of animal skins was common throughout the 20th century, use of these skins gradually fell out of favor, starting around the mid 2000s, due to social stigma and the decline of workers skilled in preparing these particular skins. Contemporary shamisen skins are often prepared with synthetic materials, such as plastic. The sao (棹), or neck of the shamisen, is usually divided into three or four pieces that fit and lock together, with most shamisen made to be easily disassembled. The neck of the shamisen is a singular rod that crosses the drum-like body of the instrument, partially protruding at the other side of the body and acting as an anchor for the strings. The pegs used to wind the strings are long, thin and hexagonal in shape; though they were traditionally fashioned out of ivory, due to scarcity and trading regulations regarding and constricting the sale of ivory, many are now constructed from other materials, such as wood and plastic. The three strings of the shamisen are made of either silk (traditionally) or nylon. They are stretched between the pegs at the head of the instrument, and a cloth tailpiece anchored at the end of the rod which protrudes on the other side of the body. The strings are stretched across the body, raised from it by means of a bridge, or koma (駒), which rests directly on the taut skin. The lowest string is purposefully laid lower at the nut of the instrument in order to create a buzz, a characteristic timbre known as sawari (somewhat reminiscent of the "buzzing" of a sitar, which is called Jivari). The upper side of the dō (when on the player's lap) is almost always protected by a cover known as a dō kake, and players often wear a little band of cloth on their left hand to facilitate sliding up and down the neck, known as a yubikake. The head of the instrument known as a tenjin may also be protected by a cover. The material of the strings will depend on the skill of the player. Traditionally, silk strings are used. However, silk breaks easily over a short time, so this is reserved for professional performances. Students often use nylon or 'tetron' strings, which last longer than silk, and are also less expensive. Played usually by women, what looks like a very over sized pick is called a bachi. Usually a bone of some kind.

Should check out Utada Hikaru's Devil Inside, Kremlis Dusk & You Make Me Want to Be a Man performances at her Utada United concert... those songs are originally pop/rock songs on the EXODUS album, but at the concert, she rearranged them to be more rock... he and her talented band killed it...

I'd be more than happy if you reacted to the longest johns sometime, they are incredible.

This was the first time Amy Lee sang in Japanese. This is from "Premium symphonic night Vol2". Sad that she just came in at the end. They also performed a good version of "Bring me to life" just before this. But their own songs are better, like Ignite, Kagerou, Izana, and many many more.

fuck ya !!!...great vid dude !!!

Suggest checking out Japanese group "Kalafina" They are no longer together but gorgeous vocals. Live is awesome also. songs include - Lacrimosa, Red Moon, Sprinter, Heavenly Blue, Storia, Magia - Yuki Kaijura is the composer who got them together (also a singer - lots of music from her over the years - several bands)

You shuld to react to Sakura Rising, have an original video in the channel of Wagakki Band :3 love your videos! greetings from Mexico!

Love your analysis. I will suggest some music videos of Wagakki band. They are included in their latest album released in last year. Both of them well illustrated how they incorporate traditional Japanese instruments into modern rock songs. One point to add, except their 1st album, all the 8 band members make their own songs. Majority of their songs are written by Yuko (Vocal), Machiya (Guitar) and Asa (Bass). Machiya is responsible for composing in order to prevent traditional instruments being overrided by the contemporary electric elements. They are all genius. Ignite (Machiya raps while shredding guitar) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/lduoo6uimM_ShXU.html Sunwheel (Insane drums combo between drums and Wadaiko, Yuko shows her "Shigin", traditional poetry recitation technique and sword dance) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rdhnoqubsr7Ul6c.html

These two are my favorite Wagakki Band Songs: Strong Fate(the build up and when that chorus drops is amazing): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bLBzeMiEu5bKeYU.html Sabaku No Komoriuta(This one will pierce your soul): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r9R2mppezNeuoZc.html Check em out!

I think that was only a cover the original singer is an vocaloid called Hatsune Miku

Please watch the collaboration on “bring me to life”. That was an epic performance between them.

If you like WAGAKKI BAND and their fusion of modern music and Japanese traditional instruments, I want you to check out on the song "sunchronicity". You saw their fusion of the rock music and Japanese traditional instruments on two song you reacted, but this one should be the brand new experience for you. I hope you like it.

Oh and if you hadn't already heard it please react to BxMxC Baby Metal its a different sound, but still awesome. They did lose two members one of the guitars passing and one of the dancers due to undisclosed health condintions, but still awesome.

ありがとー😉👍🎶、他の曲も お願いいたします❗

And another worth listening to (and watching as well - you'll understand when you see it - I won't spoil it 😉): Meskie Granie Orkiestra 2018 - Kortez, Podsiadlo, Zalewski "Poczatek" (LIVE) Official Video ♥️

Did you notice that Machiya is playing a 7-string guitar?

Great channel! I love discovering new music - this song rocks! 😁 Maybe you would like to react to some Polish music? I think you might like this one: "Co mi Panie dasz" by Adam Sztaba (recorded online during Covid lockdown last year)

When I found out she could actually sing in Japanese I freaked hahaha

nice reaction ... a big huge from italy

The wind instrument is call 尺八 in English it‘s call shakuhachi flute

since you are a guitarist, try react to Tomodachi Ninarouyo by Wagakki band in 2020. It's a trio between Shamisen, guitar and Toko. You won't be disappointed.

She plays it with the traditional geisha comb

The shamisen doesn't have a frets so it's difficult to find the pitch by feel.

That instrument is called a "samisen" I call it the Japanese banjo...

What does a 5 string bass by Asa and 7 string guitar by Michya give to their music?

If you want a really fun video to watch check out Zombies vs Hillbillies "Survivor" done by 2 of the best acapella groups out there. Voiceplay and Home Free.

Please react to Evanescence Blind Belief live 2021!!!

Hi! I am new here I love the detailed review. Please react to Juan Paasa - Summoning Eru. A filipino band.

one, two, san, chi!

Beni on the shamisan is fantastic, Amy Lee adjusted her voice alot for this performance, her usual voice would have totally overpowered the lead singer, but Amy is so experienced and talented she can adapt very easily to different styles.

play shamisen , koto traditional

If you like this, why don't you go through the "Premium Symphonic Night Vol.2 ~ Live & Orchestra ~ in Osaka-jo Hall" at the following play list: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rpeUg9GU15vRmYk.html Note that the 13th song is "Bring Me to Life" with Amy Lee In my opinion, this whole iive concert is the best showcase of Wagakki Band's versatility so far.

You should check out this group called The Hu, they are a Mongolian rock band that uses traditional instruments like Wagakki Band does, and listen to their song called Wolf Totem featuring the singer from Papa Roach, its epic!

Recommended song.　→　WAGAKKI BAND / Bring Me To Life with Amy Lee of EVANESCENCE　kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ntFheteKsJ2meoE.html

she is singing japanese, hard to hear, but most likely she practiced this song over and over and over to get it right.

Can you please react to Garbage song called Magnetized Please

Please react bring me to life amy lee feat wagakki band

Hello Hatsune Miku!! VOCALOID!!!~🎶

Hello, please REACTION per group (WELICORUSS - Siberian Heathen Horde) Thanks in advance!!!

Handsome. #amylee deserves a lot for her professionalism, talent, humility and humanity. Whoever sings with her can feel lucky. React to the whole new #evanescence album The Bitter Truth. Best songs for my Part Of Me/ Freeding The Dark.

I'd like to see a reaction video to machiya and daisuke from the wagakki band in this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jJiamKZ7ktvehZc.html it's a great acoustic piece

If you like Shamisen, look at the Yoshida Brothers - Rising : kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o9ecprJnzraZn6s.html T.

а ты прикольный

she is super tight ? 👀

The Bassist's name is Asa and "she" is a He, and before I'm flamed by social justice warriors Japan is not here. Personal identification and personalized "pronouns" aren't a thing there. There are now and have always been a portion of the community there that identify privately as LBGTQ, the majority keep their private lives private as Japan is a VERY traditional nation. Yea, I know Pike that can pierce anything, meet shield that can not be pierced (meaning of the characters that make up the Kanji for Contradiction. "Mujun" (矛盾) - contradiction), that said, I have no idea what Asa's sexuality is, nor do I care, he rocks! On a side note there is a VERY (like over 1000 year or more) old tradition of man dressing and playing the parts of female characters in Kabuki, so maybe that is why he chooses such a female-centric style of dress and hairstyle for performing.

To say Yngwie was the OG of the classical + Rock is sacreligious!!! Ritchie Blackmore is the OG!!! Yngwie is a wannabe Ritchie Blackmore, he copied him from the black jumpsuit to his white Fender Strat, not original at all, yet he pays no homage to Ritchie on that front!!!

Should check out Utada Hikaru's Devil Inside, Kremlis Dusk & You Make Me Want to Be a Man performances at her Utada United concert... those songs are originally pop/rock songs on the EXODUS album, but at the concert, she rearranged them to be more rock... he and her talented band killed it...