Fun fact: This was one of the songs brought over by ASA (bass) from his Vocaloid producer days. Many of the members of the band were established solo artists before joining.

Wagakki translates as traditional instruments and the way this band mixes the trad with the modern is superb. Always a happy, smiling band too!

That's the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park. I saw an 70 year old phone on an antique stand there. I went over to take a photo and realized that it was a live in-house phone.

They have toured the US. Hopefully they will be back soon. How about playing Aldious "We Are" for him. The drummer is the stepdaughter of Terry Bozzio. Who I'm sure he has heard of.

Mosh is rarely practiced at concerts in Japan. This is because moshing itself is a dangerous act that can cause fatal accidents, and the organizers are held responsible for its management. Also, Japanese people believe that it is more pleasant to cooperate with the performers and make the concert a success together than to ignore the performance and make noise without permission.

1:34 FINALLY Yeaaaaayyyy, someone's saying it. Now is Rock still playing on major radios ? probably not (I say probably, it has been truely years I haven't turned on a radio) And the ones complaining indeed complain, but seems never really go out of their confort zone to find new stuff. Nor do their due dilligence to share new stuff (nor seems willing to go on the tracks where we lead them, unlike what you do here) Japan's metal music has been that refreshing wave for me being from Europe where almost all metal european bands sound alike in one way or an other.

I live in Japan and've never heard of Wagakki. Pretty cool stuff, tho'! Of the DVDs you got, I noticed one was Superfly (also a Japanese band). Not sure which album that one is, but they've got some pretty cool songs. I hope you enjoy Superfly! A couple personal faves from Aska. This guy is very well-known in Japan (for his music as well as drug-related problems, too, unfortunately). I suggest: Aska - One Aska - Girl These aren't exactly in your wheelhouse, but I'd be interested in seeing your reaction. I think you'd appreciate it and jam out. I doubt many other people are suggesting him, so it'd be cool if more people outside Japan were exposed to his music. Rock on!

Sounds like a happy song but it's not, "Yoshiwara" was a Red Light District in 17 Century Edo, Modern day Tokyo, it's about a girl sold into prostitution wishing for a way out and knowing the only way is to buy out her contract (not likely) or have a rich patron buy it, which wouldn't change her life just her location.

Beni Beni Beni!

Amy Lee of Evanescence actually joined this band in a collaboration playing several songs together.

Check out NiNi, Taiwan Folk Metal performer. Definitely different.

This song, as great it sounds is one what i dont listen much. Thats because lyrics make me sad. I cant not to think what kind of life that is. But im old soft so, glad others can enjoy this song too while i cant. But it sounds great, like every wagakki band song.

OK I have never heard their bassist sing before and I lowkey thought he was a woman up till this point. He did great!

This was a nice piece. I have not seen it before. But, it do not show the full potential of Wagakki band IMHO. They can be more fun and more impressive.

So re the guy and gal balance there are only two women in Waggakki Band. Year ago someone one put Assa on the list of 'best female bassists in Japan and the fans roared back 'Assa is a GUY who fells better in womens clothing when on stage so...

Ryan is living in a bubble. Why has he not heard of all these other bands? Some people are too focused on what they are doing, and they miss out on what is happening around them.

BLOODYWOOD, USES SOME TRADITIONAL INDIAN INSTRUMENTS, THEY ARE A LITTLE BIT LIKE RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE??? MIXING TRADITIONAL FOLK INSTRUMENTS WITH ROCK/METAL IS A NEW MOVEMENT???