Let's talk about the instruments used in this band. About Wagakki Band's instruments (sorry for the long sentences) "WA" means Japan. "GAKKI" is a musical instrument. (1) "KOTO" (a large, flat instrument of about 6 feet) The ancestors of "KOTO" came to Japan from China about 1300 years ago. "KOTO" has been used without changing its shape. The body is made of fine paulownia wood. A wave-shaped groove is carved on the back of the body. This is to make the sound sound like the inside of a violin. The strings are made of silk thread. Put "Kotozume" on your fingertips and play the strings. (2) "Shamisen" (instrument like a banjo) Generally, the "shamisen" is used as an accompaniment instrument for quiet and light songs. (Current ballads, songs like light pop) However, performer Beni plays a special shamisen called "Tsugaru shamisen". "Shamisen" is evolving in various styles all over the country. Among them, "Tsugaru Shamisen" has a fast and powerful sound and a unique playing style. It seems that the reason why this style was created is that TSUGARU-SHAMISEN was born in the extremely cold region of northern Japan (Tsugaru: place name). People with handicaps (mainly visually impaired) who lived in harsh natural environments lived. They earned money by letting people listen to songs and performances. They created a unique musical style to save their lives. It's music with a sad history. (3) "Wadaiko" "WA (Japan)" + "TAIKO (drums)" = "WATAIKO". And the pronunciation changes from "WATAIKO" to "WADAIKO". Like Shamisen, "Wadaiko" has evolved uniquely in various parts of Japan, and there are various playing methods. There is a band called "Kodo" which is famous as a Japanese drum performance group. They are doing performance tours of Japanese drums all over the world. If you are interested in WADAIKO, we recommend listening to the performance of "Kodo". (4) "SHAKUHACHI" (bamboo instrument like a flute) Until about 60 years ago, units of length such as "Shaku" and "Sun" were used in Japan. (The pronunciation of "sun" is like a shortened version of "soon") 1-shaku = 30.3cm (It's a coincidence that it's almost the same as 1 foot) 1-sun = 3.03cm "Hachi" is the number "8". And the average length of "SHAKUHATI" is "1-shaku and 8-sun (about 56cm)". The "shaku and 8" part became the name of the instrument. The material is cut from the base of the bamboo. It has a simple structure in which the material is dried, strain is removed, and the necessary finger holes are opened. In order to make sound from a simple bamboo tube, it is necessary to control the delicate movements of the oral cavity and lips. It is said to be one of the most difficult Japanese musical instruments to learn. One month after the beginners started practicing the shakuhachi, they sometimes hear stories such as "I was able to make something like a sound for the first time." "From Japan" (This is a sentence using a translation app. I hope the intention is conveyed correctly).

“Wagakki” is Japanese for “traditional instruments” The “lute” thing is a Shamisen. The “harp” thing is a Koto. The “flute thing” is a shakuhachi. The band was founded by the singer, SUZUHANA Yuko. Yes, you’ve heard these instruments a million times, in movie soundtracks, when they want to convey a Japanese atmosphere. Here is a video that really lets you see up close all the instruments and how they work together: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h5idmLqcvNfHXX0.html It was originally written for a “Vocaloid” which is an electronic virtual singer-essentially an AI. In Japan (where else?) vocaloids have actually become pop stars. What can I say? America may be the land of technology innovation for things like social media, but in music no one here cares any more. Most of the creative action has moved to Europe and Japan.

I love Wagakki Band! Lovebites and WGB are literally my two favorite bands right now! When Yuko-san shows up and starts singing, I frickin` lose it. How can anyone be so beautiful, and badass at the same time! She blows me away. I literally want to steal her for awhile and put her in Lovebites so she can sing with Asami! Hehehe! And yes, everyone loves Beni-san on the tsugaru-shamisen! She has her own KZfaq channel, I watch it all the time. She is always eating something with her friend Kana-chan! Thanks for doing WGB! See you on the next one!

A visual and sonic tour-de-force. who else plays a 29fret 7 string baritone guitar- live?

"homura" is a Machya title from one of his past solo album, that's why it is guitar centered. "Akatsuki no ito" is a Wagakki Band original song.

Hakushu Kassai is imho the best one live perfomance of them highly recommend

Love this performance of these 2 songs but they have lots of other great tunes too. When the beautiful Beni starts shredding her shamisen it always gets a wow reaction. PS It's a 3 string lute.

Hello @freetobewhoibe, Finally you came into the Wagakki Band world. They are very huge in Japan and popular in Europe and USA too. I read they were scheduled to play in the olympics cerimony, but the covid-19 blew everything. They are an amazing band, I saw a couple of live dvd´s and love it, beautifull music. Cheers!

You can find lot of WGB Live performances along with English subtitles on the channel "CC W". They do a lot more than just traditional playing. Their genres is quite widespread, starting from jazz (Synchronicity), Ballad (Nadeshikozakura, Atena no nai tegame, Okinotayuu, Nichirin), Songs for anime opening (Seimei no aria, Valkyrie) Vocaloid covers (Senbonzakura, Tengaku, Yoshiwara lament), modern music (Starlight, Ignite, Guernica) & they also collaborated with Amy Lee of Evanascence & did a song called "Sakura Rising" & so much more!

Yeah, Homura is my favourit Song of theirs, 'cause that's the first of them I ever heard. It was stuck in my mind for days. :D

I would give a heavy recommendation to Senbonzakura. However, to should avoid the music video- it tends to get blocked. There are several excellent live versions that are safe. My favorite is the one from Dai Shinnenkai 2018.

I really like this band. If you look the guitarist Machiya plays a 29 fret guitar. Because of this vid I went online and bought a Shamisen. I like the fact they blend traditional music and instruments in their music. The original vid of Akatsuki no Ito is visually amazing.

Really happy to see some Wagakki Band! Their live stuff is always a blast. They have a song called Hakushu Kassai that's basically a summary of what the band is all about, which I highly recommend.

Great choice! love this band super talented, my favourite is the chic with what i can only describe as a 300 year old guitar played with a wallpaper scrapper 4:52 thats what i have been calling it for years but you actually took 2 seconds to find out its real name 😂 my favourite songs are "Tengaku" and 和楽器バンド / 千本桜 its hard to find the English

Love your videos, very good analysis and you actually take time to look them up and know more about the band.

Homura is the anomaly in their repertoire. Most of their songs are on the Akatsuki no Ito end of the scale. Songs I really like are Senbonzakura, Sun Wheel and Ikusa, but they have other amazing songs too but I don't know what they're called because I've never seen their names written in anything but kanji.

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

Great band.

Hi, a great analysis and comment! I recommend another live show of Chie no Kajitsu + Somosan Seppa. Somosa Seppa presents chill thrilling Japanese tones.

"Homura" is from Machiya's solo album, before the forming of this band. There is no shamisen solo originally in it. It is one of the instrumentals they do in between regular album songs. Always changing instrument combinations, those pieces can be found only at live shows. For example: Tomodachi ninaruyo, Tonno monogatari go go, Tono monogatari yon yon kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oMCAY6Sa1szOoqs.html "Senbonzakura", "Homura+katsuki no ito" and "Bring me to life" with Amy Lee are the top 3 most requested videos, but i can't wait for you to past through these. Bou getsu Kyoka suigetsu+Tsukini sakebu yoru Atena no nai tegami Sun wheel (the music video is fine to do, only older than 2019 music videos get copy right strikes) Nijiro chouchou Howling Reload dead Tori no youni Kagerou Tengaku Doppo Synchronosity Sabaku no komoriuta Eclipse Guren Iroha uta Shizumanai taiyou Watashi shijou shugi Strong faith Izana Noushou sakuretsu girl Hana Ichimonme Episode.0 (2017 ver.) Ikusa Tengaku Kishikaisei Sasameyuki Hotarubi kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eMyZdrOBxLHHc2Q.html Tsuioku kzfaq.info/get/bejne/apdmftWT08jZomw.html Tono monogatari Kyuu yon kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nrKJg9l219nQeGw.html I've placed bits from everything - vocaloid covers, pop, jazzy, acoustic, instrumentals, prog (?), ballads.

Good reaction, I recommend you hakushu kassai for the next

Beni Beni Beni!

Tsugaru-shamisen is the largest of the various types of shamisen but has the smallest bachi (the pick used to pluck the strings and strike the surface under the strings). One that I'm going to recommend isn't so much a song as it is a performance. It shows off most of the band members in ways a typical song might not. Also, it shows that they can mix and match band members and always get a result that's captivating. It's called "Toono Monogatari: Kyuuyon" and comes from 2017 when the band performed at the Heian Jingu shrine in Kyoto. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nrKJg9l219nQeGw.html

I believe Homura is actually by Machiya, and from his solo stuff. It is used more as an interlude, and there are other more folky interludes too (such as thumbnail that popped up at top right when you finished the video (Chie no kajitsu) or Gobusei (where the koto player gets to show off a bit and the singer messes around with a freaking sword because why not it's Japan).

so for your asking of more song: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gcWoh8illZy3haM.html Senbonzakura Tsuki Kage Mai Ka kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oNiDmpaQtNa2YI0.html there is TOO a second band with the singer, koto and shakuhachi Called Hanahugetsu that you can find with this japanese characters 華風月 that is more "traditional music" One exemple is this song "kataguruma" kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nspgqqR-zaevnpc.html

Homura (Flame) is a song Machiya has brought with him from previous careers. He uses the "noh" mask on those songs. Akatsuki no ito (thread of down) is used as an encore chant by the audience. It's a live version of the song from Daishinnenkai 2021 where you can get a sense of what's going on, but here due to infection control the audience was not allowed to sing, but ticket holders where asked to send video of them singing Akatsuki no ito. As was played on the big screen during the song. Stick to live performances. This band is best live anyway. All their songs are good, so you can choose almost anything from them and it will not go wrong. Highly recommend this. Hangeki no yaiba - (2018 Dai Shinnenkai) (lyric provided) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jbmBat1eycjGe6c.html&ab_channel=CCW

I believe it is now time to introduce "Aria of Life", one of Wagakki Band's latest songs. The live performance is great. I hope a reaction to it doesn't get copyright struck. It can be regarded as one of the best examples of the fusion between Japanese tradition with the modern way - a manifestation of modern Japanese culture, which you will also see not only in their pop culture, but also in their technology.

More wagakki band! XD

Next recommendation. Because it's before the pandemic, everyone including the audience is alive Wagakki Band - 千本桜 (Senbonzakura) / Dai Shinnenkai 2018 ~Ashita e no Koukai~ kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qdmodq15va3Go2w.html

I've got a WGB playlist here: kzfaq.info/sun/PLZ21YbS1_trXHEWhOdeBMJ4-TvGKkB3oN The first few vids are probably more up your alley, given your comments. The more modern ones do show how well they integrate the old and new.

Beautiful Benjamin!

I'll add another vote for "Senbonzakura". It's a cover of a vocaloid song, but it does an outstanding job of showing off this band's talents. You might also consider "Sakura Rising" which is a song they co-wrote with Amy Lee. It's got a bit of an Evanescence vibe while still being completely WGB.

I will post a recommendation so please listen to it if you like. There are many other great songs.♪ Hangeki no Yaiba(反撃の刃) → kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eM16odyT0dvSonk.html Synchronicity → kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rbiJibN1sNvVfZ8.html

Beni will have up to 4 Shamisens at a performance with a Tech retuning as needed. Notice that are no frets. All are highly respected Masters of their instruments. Yuko, vocals, was the catalyst for the forming of the band. Their purpose is create an interest by the Japanese young people in the traditional instruments and music forms of Japan. Yuko is also a highly accomplishist pianist on a national level. They have toured in Europe and America. Think about the sound set up and the engineer(s) work load for this performance.

You should check out one of my favorites, "Hakushu Kassai". Lots of mini solos dispersed without the song. Specifically this live version: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9l6odmWp9zTfKs.html

Waggaki Band...they arent just musician but they are Gods and Goddess and engineers of their own musical instruments... Suzuhana Yuko - Vocals Machiya - Guitar Asa - Bass Wasabi - Drums Beni Ninagawa - Tsugari Shamisen (traditional 3 string guitar) Kurona - Wadaiko ( traditional drums) Kiyoshi - Koto ( traditional harp) Daisuke - Sakuhachi ( traditional flute) ...sir i recommend to please do comment to their other songs.. -Ignite -Sunwheel -Valkyrie -Okinotayuu -Zenbonsakura -Perfect Blue ( live ) -Subaku no Komoruita -Tengaku - Seimei no Aria - Synchrocity - Ikusa - Bring me Back to Life with AMY LEE and still more.. I be following your reactions sir... im not a japanese.....I one of their Fan... Im a Filipino... Thank You

My favorites are Senbonzakura and Hana Furunai. And of course this one. Unfortunately Hana furunai is not often reacted.

Wagakki Band are very capable of switching up genres. Ignite is a very rock-centric tune. Yoshiwara-Rament, on the other hand, is a jazz/blues-style song that heavily features Beni on Shamisen. Singing For is a pop-style song. Senbozakura is a more folk-style song. That's their biggest strength. Wagakki Band is amazingly versatile as musicians and can vary their sound based on the strengths of their talents. Finally, check out their live performance with Amy Lee of Evanescence. They perform Bring Me to Life, and it's flat out better than the original thanks to how well Amy and Yuko harmonize together on vocals.

Please watch their live video🙏🏻

Watch Kyougasuigestu you will se Yuko our singing samurai with some awesome sword play on stage

The song was 6 years ago !

I'm watching always! because I'm coming from Babymetal🦊 there is their master Miku Hatsune👽 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jLl-qbGfl9ydkqs.html I like them songs inspired by her. I recommend Wagakki Band - 六兆年と一夜物語 (Rokuchounen to Ichiya Monogatari)/ Dai Shinnenkai 2018 ~Ashita e no Koukai~ kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b5aBhbOEv6reo3U.html

I agree with you about the first song being too guitar centric. I actually don't understand why this is often the first video reactors go to, because there are a LOT with more emphasis on the Japanese instruments and the fusion aspect. See my other comment for a suggestion.

考えるな。感じろ。

where does so much idiocy come from, that as a reaction they only place a front camera, and start making idiotic gestures to the videos!!, it only shows their lack of talent to create content and they start making a fool of themselves earning likes