Kudos on the sound technicians that do their setup. Getting plucking instruments, wind instruments, vocals, distorted guitars, big bass and drums to coexist in a stage sound mix is no easy task.

I love how people always stop and ask so many questions between the songs and then all their questions are answered in the next thirty seconds lol.

Welcome to the world of Wagakki Band. WGB is all about Yuko's shigin voice and the Wagakki (Japanese instruments) You were wrong about koto, Beni is playing a tsugaru shamisen WGB is a super group, everyone is professional, with shigin singer Yuko as the founder and driving force in the band. With guitarist Machiya as sound engineer, arengment and the last word. They have over 80 songs that are all good so if you liked this you are in for a thrill. It's hard to put them in a specific genre since the song spans all genres. WGB is an 8 piece band: Yuko Suzuhana - Shigin, vocals (Founder of WGB) Machiya - guitar, vocals (Arrangement) Beni Ninagawa - tsugaru shamisen (Three strings (guitar looks like)) Kiyoshi Ibukuro - koto (Japanese National Instrument) Asa - bass Daisuke Kaminaga - Shakuhachi (Bamboo Flute) Wasabi - drums Kurona - wadaiko, Taiko (Traditional Drums) Homura is an instrumental they play when Yuko has a break. at this concert Kurona had a small drum show in a couple of minutes before "homura" Machiya had homura with him from a previous solo project, he uses the mask on those songs. Akatsuki no ito is written by machiya and is very special for Wagakki Band since the audience uses it as an encore chant. It has only one verse that is repeated except for the shign part at the beginning. the song can be sung to infinity.

Eight musicians including the vocalist. It's a blend of traditional, rock with other classical and Japanese popular influences. This specific pair of songs is, by design, an introduction to the different members and what they bring to the table. Some of their songs are rockers, others are more ballad or orchestral in nature. They are very much traditional music revivalists, but bring a good mixture of old and new to keep the modern audience engaged. The rock songs tend to get reviewed. Unfortunately, their other aspects don't get anywhere near enough attention, but that is way of the world. Traditional music has a hard time getting to modern listeners.

Yuko Suzuhana is the main vocalist, Shigin or traditional Japanese singing master instructor. Also the flute or Shakuhachi player, Daisuke Kaminaga is also a master instructor. :) That does mean that both are recognized by the traditional music community as a leading figure of the field which is quite awesome :) On the other hand the koto or "箏" player has been expelled by his teacher or master, not sure if that was to protect him or not but he seems happy about it and also does respect the community, at least in public.

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.

"I got into a metal band!" "What Instrument?" "Flute!" An approximate translation of actual posts on flute(Shakuhachi) player's social media. The instrument apparently has multiple ways to produce notes of the same pitch, but with subtle/dramatic differences in tone coloring. The 5 holes are tuned to a minor pentatonic scale, but it can produce almost any pitch.

Hello, I'm happy you finally reacted to those guys and liked it :) The female singer, shakuhachi (flute) and koto (harp) players formed the band in February 2012. During the next year they asked other musicians to join them. There are 8 band members in total, so you've seen them all here. The instrument, which the lady you asked about was playing, is called shamisen. Are there any other songs from them in your list? They have many faster and more rockish songs that I'm sure you'd enjoy even more than this.

This is an 8 members band. The singer, Yuko Suzuhana, this is her band, she formed the band with flute (shakuhachi) and harp (koto) players in college (called Hanafugetsu), and added other musicians later and became Wagakki Band (the name translates as "traditional instruments"). Koto is the large harp. The 3-string banjo-like instrument is called shamisen.

Q1. Machiya wears the mask for little interludes that are from his own solo work (this is definitely the case for Homura). He doesn't wear it for Wagakkiband stuff. Q2. Yuko (the vocalist) is the dedicated vocalist, with Machiya as backup and harmonies. Q3. Everyone there is a full-time member of the band, but they break up their live performances with little interludes.

Waggaki Band are always best seen live. even better than their MVs. The harp thing is a Koto. Beni plays a shamisen [the banjo thing] Yuko is the founder, leader and lead vocalist. she is exceptional.

One comment you threw in their near end was "what's this band all about". From all the reading I've done about this band, that I love by the way. This band is all about keeping traditional music and cultural heritage alive. The lead singer, the flute and the koto player we're in a group that played festivals together and were disappointed in the lack of interest. They then thought to add modern instruments and combine with the traditional and it blew up and was a massive success. Depending on how much stock you put in charts, of all the stuff you've done from Japan this group has been the most successful in Japan. They have had 2 albums get to second on the charts and 1 number 1. I believe they are the only non pop group to do that in several years.

Love this band. Love the blend of modern and traditional instruments. Great Stage Presence! This is one of 4 bands I will sell my stuff, literally, to see in concert. All 8 are dedicated members of the band. I do not know the answers to the rest of the questions. Thank you for reacting to this video.

Wow, you did react to Wagakki! I’m amazed and so glad that you have reacted it. 👍👍👍

The vocalist Yuko Suzuhana is the real deal. She's a genuine master of traditional shigin poetry singing. She's also trained since childhood on classical piano. She will also sing neo-classical Japanese art song older early 20th century styles. The others that play traditional instruments have also mastered them.

This band is capable of epic performances. I first viewed their official mv for 10,000 Sakura. I was blown away, and to this day, it’s still one of my top 5 all-time favorite.

From France: Dear David, Thank you for sharing and this excellent review, as always, let's say... So to start some information about this group. Others will give you even more and certainly more precise. Wagakki means "Traditional Japanese (Musical) Instruments". From the start, it sets the tone. And it is well formed of 8 musicians, so you know how to count (joke). In or about order of arrival on stage in this video: - Machiya, guitar and vocals. He has his guitars made to his own designs. They have between 27 and 30 frets to be able to play certain traditional music, hence the almost systematic use of capos for the Wagakki Band. - Asa, the bassist who also has a solo career as a singer/bassist. - Wasabi, classic rock drums. - Kurona, is a master of "Wadaiko", a set of traditional Japanese percussions. - Then comes "and to your surprise", Beni Ninagawa who plays "Tsugaru Shamisen" (shamisen meaning 3 strings), with a fretless neck. His "plectrum" is called a "Bashi" and originally consisted of an ivory handle and a tortoiseshell pick in the shape of a ginko leaf. - From the beginning of Akatsuki No Ito, we can see (and hear) Kiyoshi Ibukuro who plays the "Koto", a large zither of Chinese origin historically called in China Guzheng and Daisuke Kaminaga on the traditional bamboo flute called "Shakuhachi". - Yuko Suzuhanna, the singer practices a type of traditional Japanese singing called "Shigin" (pronounced sheegin). She masters the Art of the Fan and the traditional Japanese sword dance. She is also an excellent pianist. During the first track, the words spoken by Kurona and which seemed to intrigue you are simply announcements: “Asa on bass”, then “Beni on shamisen”… Here you can fully enjoy other songs from this singular group and who knows what "occupying the stage" means!... Oh, by the way! My name, Gilles, is pronounced like "Jil" in English, but even if we say it "Giles" in English, it doesn't bother me at all... So long! [Cher David, Merci pour ce partage et cette excellente critique, comme toujours, on va dire… Alors pour commencer quelques informations concernant ce groupe. D’autres t’en donneront plus encore et plus précises certainement.
 Wagakki veut dire "Instruments (de musique) traditionnels japonais". D’entrée, ça donne le ton. Et il est bien formé de 8 musiciens, c’est donc que tu sais bien compter (joke).
Dans l’ordre ou à peu près de l'arrivée sur scène dans cette vidéo : - Machiya, guitare et chant. Il fait fabriquer ses guitares selon ses propres conceptions. Elle ont entre 27 et 30 frettes pour pouvoir jouer certaines musiques traditionnelles, d’où l’utilisation quasi systématique de capodastres pour le Wagakki Band. - Asa, le bassiste qui a aussi une carrière solo de chanteur/bassiste.
 - Wasabi, batterie rock classique. - Kurona, est lui un maître du "Wadaiko", ensemble de percussions traditionnelles japonaises.
 - Arrive ensuite "et à ta surprise", Beni Ninagawa qui joue, elle, du "Tsugaru Shamisen" (shamisen signifiant 3 cordes), au manche sans frettes. Son « plectre » s’appelle un "Bashi" et était formé à l’origine d’une poignée en ivoire et d’un pic en écaille de tortue ayant la forme d’une feuille de ginko.
 - Dès le début de Akatsuki No Ito, on peut voir (et entendre) Kiyoshi Ibukuro qui joue du "Koto", grande cithare d’origine chinoise historiquement appelée en Chine Guzheng et Daisuke Kaminaga à la flûte en bambou traditionnelle appelée "Shakuhachi". - 
Yuko Suzuhanna, la chanteuse pratique un type de chant traditionnel japonais qui porte le nom de "Shigin" (se prononce sheegin). Elle maîtrise l’Art de l’Éventail et la danse traditionnelle du sabre japonais. C’est aussi une excellente pianiste.
 Au cours du premier morceau, les paroles dites par Kurona et qui semblaient t’intriguer sont tout simplement des annonces : 
« Asa on bass », puis « Beni on shamisen »…
 Voilà tu peux profiter pleinement d’autres morceaux de ce groupe singulier et qui sait ce que veut dire "occuper la scène !"… 
Ah, au fait ! Mon nom, Gilles, se prononce comme "Jil" en anglais, mais même si on le dit "Giles" à l’anglaise, ça ne me gêne absolument pas…
 So long !]

Love this band, finally some folk rock/metal from Japan. Btw, the banjo like thing is not a Koto but a shamisen. However the thing you called a harp is actually a koto.

They put on a great show. Their videos are also very visually appealing.

There are eight members of the band; Yuko Suzuhana... the singer and founder who is a master in the Shigin style of singing and the Kenshibu style of interpretive dance. (plays piano too) Asa.... bass Machiya.... guitar and vocals Kiyoshi Ibukuro.... on Koto (a traditional Japanese instrument that vaguely resembling a horizontal harp) Daisuke Kaminaga... on Shakuhachi (traditional flute made from bamboo) Beni Ninagawa .... the lady playing the tsugaru shamisen (which you mistook for a koto) Wasabi.... drums Kurona... Wasaibi (traditional drums) They do have guest musicians with them as well from time to time including one concert including not only Amy Lee from Evanescence but a full orchestra as well.

Putting together what I gleaned from comments to other reactions, here are some agreed on points. 1. Beni Ninagawa - Tsugaru Shamisen 2. Kiyoshi Ibukuro- Koto 3. Kurona- Wadaiko/ Taiko . (percussion) 4. Daisuke Kaminaga- Shakuhachi 5. Yuko Suzuhana- Vocals . 6. Shin Omura (aka Machiya) - Guitar and Vocals . 7. Asa- Bass and vocals 8. Wasabi- Drums . The lead vocal Yuko Suzuhana is classically trained in piano (University level), is a teacher in "Shigin" (Japanese poem reciting which she incorporates in her singing). The japanese flute is called Shakuhachi (shah-coo-hah-tchee), it's a bamboo flute tuned in a pentatonic scale. Machiya plays a Sago 7 string 24 fret "Shigure" model. Yuko's Shigin style of singing was developed to harmonize with the twanginess of the shamisen. She is also the youngest person to be awarded the title of Master for that singing style. Previously she sang in Hanafugetsu, the trio that gradually grew into the Wagakki Band.

Answers regarding based on my experience. 1. It’s Shamisen. Not Koto. 2. Guitarist had to sing and audience need to see him actually singing. 3. Yes. They all are regular band members. 4. Wagakki is famous for including Japanese traditional instruments to metal and advertising Japanese culture. (By the way, I am not Japanese) I hope I have answered all your questions. Great reaction. Happy for the scores also. 👍👍😊

8 members -- 1) Suzuhana Yuko : Vocal + Piano + Sword Dance + Fan dance + song writer & composer (classical music -graduaate, major in piano) 2) Machiya : Guitar + 2nd Vocla + writer & composer + designer 3) Asa : Bass + 3rd vocal + writer & composer + vocaloid producer 4) Kurona : Wadaiko (Japanese drums) 5) Wasabi : Drums 6) Kyoshi : Koto 7) Beni : Tsugaru- Shamisen (3-string Japanese instrument) 8) Daisuke : Shakuhachi (Japanese flute) ** fact: before forming WagakkiBand ... they have their separate own bands and solo projects. Suzuhana Yuko was the initiator/founder of this band. -Yuko, Daisuke, Kyoshi - these 3 members have their own band named - Hanafugetsu - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nspgqqR-zaevnpc.html -Yuko also has her solo album - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qptoipaHx8-dimg.html -Machiya has his band named - ma.tu.re (guitar+vocal) -Asa has his band (bass+vocal) and his solo projects - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qLFghct315acipc.html

Wagakki Band is amazing. I hope you react to more of their stuff in the future.

The guitarist uses another name for his indie band, where he sings. He doesn't wear mask there. But as a guitar soloist he wears that noh mask. He entered with that persona (Machiya) here and was wearing the mask in the first two videos. After that he only does, when playing instrumentals from his solo work, done with Wagakki band. Yuko is the main vocalist, but since the guitarist Machiya is a vocalist himself, he does have his moments here. Asa (the bass player) is also singing in his solo work. But i guess his voice doesn't match Yuko's, as good as Machiya's. The bass player Asa was part of a visual kei band, and half the male band members of Wagakki were in a band, that can be concidered VK as well. Cross-dressing is also part of the Visual kei movement. Technically, in the beginning Wagakki had all the reasons to be called visual kei band, but i think they never did (not sure, haven't check all Japanese interviews). They are usually presented as folk-rock band, but are more like their own genre. Recently when they changed label, they toned down the clothing. The Wagakki band's "thing" is to fuse the traditional and modern. In the music, in the clothes, in the singing. Other formes of traditional art is also presented on their live shows. Interacting with each other AND the audience is very typical for them. For more rock and heavy feel, check out - Ignite, Sun wheel, Howling, Tsukini sakebu yoru For mellow sound, ballads - Sasameyuki, Sabaku no komoriuta, Atena no nai tegami, Tori no youni kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ocWKi5V6xpnWhWg.html acoustic: Doppo, Tsuioku 3 instrumentals in a row: Tono monogatari go go, Chie no kajitsu, Somosan seppa kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rdmHmr2bx9C8lYE.html more Toono monogatari: Kyuuyon kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nrKJg9l219nQeGw.html Tomodachi ninaryuo Prog? - Bou getsu, Hotarubi kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qMiihcWhqprXhmQ.html jazzy - Synchronisity Interesting ones: Shizumanai taiyou, Hakushu kassai

8 great members, each of them is the TOP DOG in his/her field, form a band, and that's not an ordinary band, what do you expect? SHOCKED. Jaw-dropping?

Beni Ninagawa is playing the "Shamisen" (3-string guitar-like instrument) and her [stage presence/posture?] reminds me of a Japanese Nancy Wilson. The Koto is the table-top harp. Visual kei lit. "Visual Style" or "Visual System" is a movement among Japanese musicians characterized by the use of varying levels of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics, similar to Western glam rock. Some Western sources consider visual kei a music genre, with its sound usually related to glam rock, punk rock, and heavy metal. However, visual kei acts play various genres, including those considered by some as unrelated to rock such as electronic, pop, etc. Other sources, including members of the movement themselves, state that it is not a music genre and that the freedom of expression, fashion, and participation in the related subculture is what exemplifies the use of the term

I absolutely LOVE the second song! It's so graceful yet haunting and also KICKS ASS. I will definitely check out this band.

Excellent reaction and some engaging discussion on music. This band is phenomenal! I found them about 3 months ago. They are so fun even when their music is quite serious in nature.

Shamisen is the handheld traditional stringed instrument that the lady (Beni) is playing, the koto is the horizontal harp that comes in later :)

I love this band. They are really damn good. They were supposed to be the Olympics opening ceremony band, but covid messed it up.

I love this band! I haven't seen a band as visually appealing as this in a long time. They put on a performance, not just a concert. It's also not easy blending traditional ancient instruments and modern sounds together; many have tried and few have succeeded. It also helps through when the traditional instrument musicians are considered Masters of the instrument. I have heard that they are very, very popular in Japan - much more so than Bandmaid or Lovebites. They constantly pack huge venues. So here's another rabbit hole for you to go down David! :)

That is the quietest I have ever seen David-Metal throughout a performance (trying to figure it out). :) So happy he has finally heard Wagakki. Looking forward to him diving deeper into the incredible musicianship in the band! Wagakki fans please join his patreon so we can get more in front of him!!! :) 🤘

Great reaction and analysis. Hopefully other songs from them will be requested, like Senbonzakura. And on the Japanese side, can't wait for your reation on Ningen Isu and hopefully Hanabie

First let me answer your questions. Machiya ware this mask only for Homura coz he does a lot of vocals too. Yuko is the vocalist and founder of the group and she has a master degree in Shigin what is traditional poetry singing. All people you saw on stage are members of Wagakki. Wagakki has so many styles you cant putt them in one category. If i had to i would say Japanese Folk-rock. Wagakki is a japanese Superband founded by Yuko (vocals, piano) and she handpicked the other 7 members. Kiyoshi Ibukuro (Koto) what is the laying harp, Daisuke Kaminaga (Shakuhachi) bambooflute, Beni Ninagawa (Shamisen) 3 string "japanese banjo", Kurona (wadaiko) traditional drums, Machiya (guitar, vocals), Asa (bass) and Wasabi (drums). All musicans are masters and teacher of their instruments. Outside of the song "Senbonsakura" all songs are written by bandmembers. Machiya has the last word in music productions. Their shows are second to none ... Folk, rock, metal, jazz, ballads, dancing, samurai swords you name it and they do it with perfection. "Homura" was written by Machiya in an earlier solo project and "Akatsuki no ito" is the song the crowd sings always for encore. I recommend 2 songs you should watch and listen to Sir "Hakushu Kassai" live from Dai Shinnenkai 2018 (New years concert) Yokohama, Japan kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9l6odmWp9zTfKs.html and "Kyoukasuigetsu"+ "Tsukini sakebuyoru" from their 2019 Tour (with engl. subtitles) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l72cgMZe1ciok2w.html . This 2 titles will blow your mind away and if you love bass playing listen to the songs .... Sorry for my bad english, i m german but i love me some Wagakki.

Oh my goodness, about time! I've been hanging out for this ever since you teased your January videos! Of course you'd do it right at the end!

Thank you for reviewing this band. I had never heard of them and want to hear more now.

This isn't Visual Kei for the most part, although bringing in elements of Kabuki theater was part of Visual Kei. Visual Kei was a style movement from the 80s & 90s, adapted by Japanese glam rockers & metal bands. Think of KISS or a UK glam band wearing neon colored spikes and Don King styled hair that goes up to the rafters. Over the top garish costums and kabuki style kimono's with huge shoulder pads underneath was the norm for a while. Google the band "Kabuki Rocks' and select images.

Hi Dave Instruments : girl intro solo is on a Shamisan ( meaning 3 strings) and she plays it with the tradition geisha hair comb long stringed horizontal instrument is Koto big drums are Taiko drums bamboo flute is Shakuhachi Singer , sings in Enka folk style you may hear in Kabuki theatre . uses whole tone vibrato style.

The three-string banjo like instrument is a shamisen. The flat harp like instrument is a koto.

It seems to me that the art of this band extends to their instruments. The sakura on the lead guitar as well as the way that the lights on the bass fretboard extends the colour of the body. The percussion instruments are also are very artistic.

Has anybody actually thought you can't rock out with a flute since Jethro Tull? Also, apart from putting multiple people up, the ego block lets the lead vocalist showcase her dancing.

This is one of my top two favorite Japanese bands, along with Band-Maid. Could you imagine the two of them co-headlining a show?

The best Rock flautist since Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull!

ah cool you did waggaki band, theyre a great band

4:35 Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery 🤗

Once again, I totally agree with you. Are you reading my mind? Your reactions are absolutely genuine and sincere!

they are called 和wa楽gak器kiband which translates as traditional japanese instrument band

Vocalist is Yuko Suzuhana and the guitarist Machiya also a vocalist.

The Koto is the horizontal stringed instrument that you called a harp.

Wow. Did you really react it? I’m really happy about it.

David. Beni Nanagawa the only other female on stage, is playing the Shamisen, not the Koto. The Koto is what you referred to as a HARP, I guess in a way that is true but it is played with picks on the fingers.

Holy crap!! I was thinking about requesting you to do Wagakki Band yesterday!! (but for Senbonzakura, the music video). Also - please, please please: Ningen Isu - heartless scat.

This video is a great intro to Waggaki band, but far from their best arrangement. The thing I wish is the Crazy Wadaiko (Japanese drums) in 5 that proceeds Hamura was included. The video on youtube that has it cuts off before Akatsuki no ito :( Wagakki Band: Members Yuko Suzuhana (鈴華ゆう子) - vocals Machiya (町屋) - guitar, vocals Beni Ninagawa (蜷川べに) - tsugaru shamisen (somewhat akin to Banjo) Kiyoshi Ibukuro (いぶくろ聖志) - koto (Horizontal Harp) Asa (亜沙) - bass (You know this one. . .lol) Daisuke Kaminaga (神永大輔) - shakuhachi (Wooden Flute) Wasabi (山葵) - drums Kurona (黒流) - wadaiko (Japanese percussion)

Very different kind of band, but I liked it. Interesting use of traditional instruments but they fit right in with the music. Great interactions between the artists and the crowd and the score was very deserving of 8.8. Gotta be able to see outside of your normal music and appreciate something different sometimes, and I did this time.

The guitarist wears the mask on instrumental pieces. Since he does backing vocals/harmonies, wearing the mask would interfere with that.

Thanks to Babimetal, I got to know the Wagakki Band a month ago. And in general drew attention to Japanese modern rock music. I'm impressed.

always Japanese musicians so so wonderful 💞💞💞

HANABIE - song WE LOVE SWEETS 😀

for more Wagakki Band ... some of my suggestions - live performances - check out when you can :)) 1) Hoshizukiyo - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gtR2atOQzcyUeZs.html 2) Synchronicity - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rbiJibN1sNvVfZ8.html 3) Hakushu Kasai - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9l6odmWp9zTfKs.html 4) Bring me to life (cover) ft. Amy Lee - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ntFheteKsJ2meoE.html 5) Hoarubi - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eMyZdrOBxLHHc2Q.html 6) Senbonzakura , ft. Amy Lee - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n-CJpc96l-DVcWw.html

He need to react more to Wagakki band ♥️ AMAZING band, they are 🔥live

yes yes yes ... you've found the Wagakki Band ... my most favorite ... they are masters of their crafts

Yes the ancient instrument players are part of the band. The 3 stringed guitar (shamisen) player was the last to join.

I tend t say it is a traditional rock band who mixed up rock/metal with traditional sounds and instruments. In europe it would be a medieval rock band. Visual kei sounds different pls see the band Gazette.

koto is the japanese harp and the 3 tring instrument that lady playing is named Shamisen if I recall correctly

Yeah just 8 and it is an interesting concept beautifully executed

Try Hakushu Kassai live version next. It highlights each of the members skills and mastery of their instruments.

Your pronunciation is pretty good 👍 I understood what you said 😉

i'll let you know sir that they had collaboration with AMY LEE of Evanesence on the song bring me back to life.....

I call Daisuke " The Flute Ninja"

Bring Me To Life (Evanescence)... WAGAKKI BAND FT. AMY LEE | is a must

Why not a kodo, shakuhaci or shamisen. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull made a flute a rock instrument in 1967/8. Whay dont people remember that? ;-)

Alle the 8 belong to the band. Yuko is the vocalist but the guitar player sings an additional mal voice when needed. But not in every song the whole band is on the stage. There are songs with only the traditional, with only the modern instruments. But when all the 8 come together that is unique. There is no genre for that band. They make their own genre since there is probably nobody else out there using Japanese traditional instruments playing rock. Wagakki ist a name for Japanese traditional instruments. They have the Shamisen (that looks like a 3 string guitar). That was original only played by the geishas using a fan. But a fan would break for sure very soon looking at the speed she plays. There is the Shakuhachi (that huge bamboo flute) the Koto (13 string traditional Japanese instrument) and the Taiko (traditional Japanese drums). They became famous with „Senbonzakura“ . Last year they also made a song together with Amy Lee called „Sakura Raising“. And Amy Lee also performed „Bring me to Live“ together with the Wagakki Band on one of their concerts. On this concert the Wagakki band was also supported by a complete classic orchestra. If you are interested in new Asterism stuff there is Church. In my opinion the best from their new album. A lot of amazing 7 string bass action !

wagakki band is folkmetal band so they use folk instruments in their songs

You should probably check out this band performing "Bring Me To Life" with Amy Lee. Yep, it is damn good.

The lead singer is so pretty. She's so incredibly attractive imo. Btw, where are you watching this video? that video player in the video isn't youtube.

I thing their most banger song is 千sen本bon桜zakura 1000 sakura trees

Good

I think that this reaction was recorded some time ago... The video has now more than 10 milion views...

Visual kei is a general term for Japanese musicians flamboyant costumes, make up and hair styles. Think Lovebites, Band Maid, Gacharic Spin/Doll$box as examples. The nearest in the west is glam rock. The guitarist does not wear the Noh mask (I think that is the correct term) for most of the show. I have only seen him wear it for this performance out of the shows i have seen. Yuko Suzuhana, is the main vocalist with the guitar player Machiya, providing excellent backing vocals. Yuko, has another musical ability that you will discover in a future reaction. The band members are as you saw them in this video. Other comments have given you all their names. I answered visual kei earlier. As with Band Maid, some of the live DVD's have way too many fast cuts. It is not so bad with Band Maid as there is just the five of them, but still so annoying when the video editor cuts away from the soloist. There is so much happening onstage with the Wagakki Band, you loose continuity and get visual overload as you can not follow one person for more than a moment. You will come across this in future reactions. Thankfully, it is not every live performance available on DVD this happens. Great score and I have already requested a further Wagakki Band song on your Patreon page.

Can't wait till he does Senbonzakura. . . . spoiler . . .(Full Orchestra!) :)

Visual K is the japanese version of Glam rock in the us. most Visual K muisc are Deathcore/metalcore.

What you called koto is actually a shamisen. The harp is actually a koto. 😂 But that's okay, no worries, learn while we're alive, right. Regarding if they're visual kei some people have different opinions, but I do consider them visual kei. They wear traditional-inspired outfits like Kagrra, did.

I think you are pronouncing the band name correctly. The guitarist Machiya only wears the mask for when they perform his solo work (I think). He was singing backup in the second song, so wearing a mask might not have been all that practical. They are an eight piece group, including the vocalist. They have been together since 2013.

this band can heal depression^^

Nah.. I not think WB counts as Visual Kei band. More modern trad style of clothes. Japanese Visual Kei bands is more early X-Japan, Versailles /Jupiter and Fate Gear and it is more of lifestyle like punkdudes.. Western band that can count in this clothing style at least on the sceńe is David Bowie, Kiss, Twisted Sister, Hanoi Rocks, Mötley Crüe and so on...

Recommended song.　→　和楽器バンド / Bring Me To Life with Amy Lee of EVANESCENCE　kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ntFheteKsJ2meoE.html

t's a pity that f...ck...ing KZfaq doesn't translate subtitles from English into Russian. It's in this video.

It's a shimisen. (sp?)

Fun review - it was pretty obvious how much you were enjoying it. Everyone you saw is a full member of the band, the vocalist, Yuko Suzahana, is the band's founder. Waggaki actually translates into English as "traditional Japanese instrument" so the name of the band is literally "Traditional Japanese Instrument Band" - what I most often seem them described as is Japanese Folk Metal. Right down to the vocals - Yuko's singing style showcased in this song is a highly poetic, traditional Japanese style, although she sometimes sings in a more modern style depending on the song. There is a koto in the band, but it's the instrument that looks like a sideways harp. The vaguely banjo like instrument (in appearance not sound) is a shamisen, played by the incomparable Beni Ninagawa. I don't think the band as a whole is considered Visual Key, although possibly the bass player, Asa, would be considered so. You immediately realized he's a guy, but he does often dress and use makeup in ways that it isn't so clear. I don't know if that's enough to qualify him as Visual Kei, but in my far from perfect understanding of what the Visual Kei aesthetic is, creating an androgynous gender bending appearance is a key part of it - sort of a Japanese version of Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust days. I'm sure there's more to Visual Kei than just that, but that is what I understand of it. I don't think the mask fell off, I think Machiya only ever wore it for a song or two, and I don't know if he wears it at all anymore - it may look cool but I would imagine trying to play an entire show in it would get very uncomfortable.

its kind of visual kei ... but I would rather say that its not. as they are do not having gothic/emo like make up... the instrument is a 三味線 shamisenn a 3 string instrument

🤘😍😍Beni😘😘

it's a shamisen

The Wagakki Band are not a Visual Kei band, that's not to say that 1 or 2 members maybe in to Visual Kei. Visual Kei is an artistic movement and is not a style of music. A lot of Vis Kei bands are metal bands, but you can go all the way to pop as well, you can also have a band that is not Vis Kei, but have members that are. Vis Kei is characterized by the use of varying levels of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics and is also does not have a sexual identity, meaning there is cross dressing. Also don't think as Vis Kei persons wearing black, yes some do, but the visual aspect of it is about how you look so you may see bright colours being worn, being an artistic movement they can tend to play around with the sound as well. Some of it is shock value as well. Here is a couple of Visual Kei bands for you both very different. Jupiter「The Birth of Venus」kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pb6pdrKDscuwlGQ.html DADAROMA 「夢タラレバ」(Dream Tarareba) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oJ-lnct2vbfHd4k.html

Here is no guest musician. They are all regular members of this band. 8.8 → What is the reason of minus point?

Uhm how could you NOT spot the homage to Ian Anderson and mention it?

I am not very familiar with Wagakki band... so, question to someone who knows things well... Is the singer the same as in Unlucky Morpheus? She looks and sounds the same. PS. I was guessing 8.8 score and it was spot on! :)

Beni Ninagawa on the Tsugaru Shamisen

nope, visual kei is something different, it's a bit hardcore kind of make up rock band,

I‘d really like to love this band, but I can’t warm up to the constant excessive vibrato on the vocals. It’s a pity, because apart from that it’s pretty cool.