Cute/Terrifying Music Sensation Babymetal Talks Overlords and Ariana Grande

Japanese idol culture has nothing to do with Keith Urban or jazzy interpretations of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” The idol performers are interchangeable figurines who, unlike American pop culture icons, are not individualized. Idols typically sing saccharine, Kawaii-styled J-pop, but there are rare occasions in which these teenage performers jump genres, moving away from the existing, seizure-inducing model. Yuimetal, Su-metal, and Moametal are the trio behind the Japanese sensation Babymetal-a group that both embraces and defies the Idol genre.
Before her turn to the dark side, Su-metal was a member of two bands, Sakura Gakuin and Karen’s Girls, both of which produced up-tempo dance pop. Now, with the help of the Fox God, their fictitious, benevolent spiritual overseer, Su-metal and the rest of the gang have transitioned into hardcore music overlaid with j-pop vocals. The result is undeniably fantastic and bizarre. Babymetal is a craze, drawing tens of thousands of diehard fans into arenas around the world. Read the transcript below, or watch NYLON’s interview in which we sweat under the sheer force of this epic teenage trio.
Hi this is Mickey from Nylon and this is…
Su-metal: Su-metal
Yuimetal: Yuimetal
Moametal: Moametal
Su-metal: We are…
All: Babymetal!!!
What is the craziest thing you’ve seen at a concert?
Moametal: Once when we performed at a festival there were between 50, 000 and 60, 000 people in the audience we were so shocked. It was crazy.
Nylon: Who is your favorite singer?
Yuimetal: Ariana Grande.
Oh! Mine too. Can you sing any part of any Ariana Grande songs for us?
Who is the Fox God and what is his purpose?
Su-metal: we don’t really know a lot about the Fox God, but we believe in him. We never imagined ourselves in this unbelievable situation that we’re in today such as having concerts all over the world and we believe this is all given to us by the Fox God.
How do you communicate with the Fox God?
Su-metal: We receive revelations through Kobametal the only person who can receive revelations directly from the Fox God.
And who is Kobametal?
Yuimetal: The producer.
What are the Babymetal fans called?
Su-metal: We are called ‘the one.’
Oh, so all of them together are ‘the one.' Alright. Powerful. Who are your typical fans and what do they look like?
Su-metal: Depending on the country there are different types of fans from older generations to kids, males, females, pop fans, and metal fans, there are varieties of fans that like different genres.
What happens when your pop fans and your metal fans come together and mix it up in the mosh pit?
Su-metal: Well, I think the pop fans were surprised by the metal fans in the beginning but now they all enjoy moshing and getting together.
So how do you guys talk to your fans? Is there a scream or is there a gesture or is there a hand movement?
Su-metal: We always do this fox sign that appears in our choreography very often. Our fans enjoy doing this sign together at our shows.
What is one thing that you love about America?
Yuimetal: I like the freedom America has in Japan people tend to think too much about others’ opinions and how to be like everybody else but to Americans it seems more important to be who you are and find your own way.
So as a very rad and intimidating metal singer yourself is there anything you’re afraid of?
Yuimetal: Ghosts.
Oh ghosts? Me too. I’m terrified of ghosts. And you?
Moametal: My mom when she’s mad…
Me too.

[@EBProductions]

I can't handle the cuteness

[@NefruSimons]

Y man its too much lol

[@cayetanoh.s2587]

Omg, wtf are u doing here guys??

[@roymilla6636]

Yep mang even my bulging muscles can melt the cuteness of this three.

[@amirhafyan1859]

Oh shit I'm dead when I hit at this video!

[@jasonsouza7003]

Seriously I want to take them all home!

[@pokemonfan118]

the interviewer was brilliant in this, didn't make it awkward and kept asking good questions, he even dealt with the language barrier well and so did babymetal

[@liphonottos8769]

+Kieran N7 I agree it was so awesome to see the girls reacting naturally for a change and also Yui was way too cute in this....I love her :)

[@dalandadan]

Yuimetal's gestures are just too cute. Especially when she covers her face from embarrassment.

[@Jordan-Ramses]

She's quite the actress. :) She has that cute act perfected. People don't understand how hard they work. Everything they do in public is work.

[@fizzy4149]

@@Jordan-Ramses -- So you're saying that it's not genuine? Just an act?

[@RODRIEUROMANIAKO]

@@Jordan-Ramses 🤡

[@08fka]

@@Jordan-Ramses ? you act like everything they do is an act. yui is known to be a shy person leave her alone

[@Jordan-Ramses]

@@08fka I'm picking on Yui by saying how hard she works and what a professional she is? K.

[@TheF4kE]

1:41 Yui's battery is lower than 20%

[@extrradicals5868]

TheF4kE poor kid she’s so tired :c

[@crackrat6166]

meez - It’s a reference to “Yui-bot”.

[@extrradicals5868]

Rob Punsalan I know, I’m just mentioning that she’s actually so tired here

[@zacky_M3]

Yess so tired....

[@momowawa447]

omgggg she was so sleepy poor thing :c

[@MegaEmilyGreerYoutub]

Interviewer: So none of this 'WAAAAAAAA!!' Su: :o

[@camposteladm3942]

+Light Yagami and Yui like .. /( ゜ o゜)\

[@sarkasmt2]

+Light Yagami luv it!

[@mikesinaro]

+Light Yagami LMAO. Awesome observation!

[@mauMauthecarabao]

"My mom when she's mad." "Me too" 100% true

[@peachgloss0025]

"My mom when she's mad" i was crying 😂

[@DanielDDanteRitterhime]

+Lili Zwingli haha so true

[@photonproton5000]

I was like, "BRUH, SAME!"

[@SUPERLINKX2]

My mom is one of the sweetest people I've ever known in my whole life. But when she gets mad....

[@JaidRose]

is there anyone who this isn't true though

[@MaxxGrimm]

+JaidRose Me. I don't get scared when my mom gets mad. I get mad when y mom gets mad.

[@ayumuchan3541]

Yui. Preforms in front of thousands. Won't sing one Arianna song on camera lol

[@Brandon2940]

Don't forget, she is a heavy metal singer.

[@ayumuchan3541]

Brandon2940 Not really, she dances to heavy metal but she is an idol singer, that's what makes their kawaii metal style. She doesn't sing enough for that role, metal singers usually scream and sustain powerful notes, Suzuka does most of that, Yui just backs her up. When she does sing, like in Onedari Daisuken, her notes aren't as strong and long as Suzuka's like in Rondo Nightmare or Ijime,Dame,Zettai. Listen to heavy metal singers and you'll see, they really hold their notes and vibrate it. Suzuka is closer to that then Yui :)

[@Brandon2940]

Rolthavik Helthyn That's actually what I meant to say. I listen to Avenged Sevenfold, Metallica, Megadeath, Slayer. And I only listened to Babymetal for 2 weeks and I can already say that Babymetal is my favorite band.

[@ayumuchan3541]

Brandon2940 Yeah they are awesome! i saw them live :)

[@Brandon2940]

+Rolthavik Helthyn At what show?

[@ichnisanchi9557]

Yui is so so so so kawaii when he asks her if she can sing an Arianna Grande song!!! I liked that interviewer. I have seen the whole intterview and he's quite cool. He asks some fun questions and the girls seem to really enjoy it. Quite often they are nervous or its awkward because they dont speak English and they get asked all the same BS questions, but this one is really good.

[@Wagoo]

How? A lot of us would love to see the extended interview.. wish it was 30 minutes not 3!!

[@trollloffice]

Where did you watch the entire interview??

[@mohammad_ahnaf_afique]

0:47 - 0:50 Dang I couldn't handle her cuteness broo😭😭😭..She's like a baby😭

[@blood_style_639]

Her voice is so cute

[@CriticsConfession]

Suzuka's face at 2:32 is priceless.

[@cookiemobers5650]

This BabyMetal fan is 54, Female, old school punk, that absolutely LOVES BabyMetal!!!! I was lucky enough to see them on 8/6/2014 in Denver. Hopefully will see them again!

[@AlizeeDefan]

How adorable are these young ladies! OK, they can live here, come join us!

[@dudevill4]

2:09 Moa looking at subtitles :0

[@Brandon2940]

Na, She looked up. But when the video was edited I bet they did that just as a small joke.

[@KingoftheRisen]

+Ricardo Saavedra omg that is perfect! reminds me of Austin Powers Gold Member when they break the 4th wall with the subtitles

[@kitsunetsuki5743]

+Owen Easter Or one might say ... "Yon no Kabe" ... yeah baby!

[@rizkiiqbalyt]

Lol

[@dominusmilans5478]

She has a habit of staring at Su's hair

[@FlipperWolf]

For sure one of the best interview of the girls since a long time, they act and answer pretty naturaly, that's pretty damn cool to watch :D

[@camposteladm3942]

+FlipperWolf yes not forced and they seems happy

[@razvandragomirskysoundradi1586]

+FlipperWolf Agree.

[@MA77SP]

This is the best interview I've seen. The girls look so relaxed and chilled there's not a moment of awkwardness. They seem very comfortable and can express themselves with ease. Great work Nylon news.

[@makesmewannadie647]

Yui was always very open minded i mean the things she says is very untypical for an "idol" i hope she is happy in life i will always hold her in my heart❤

[@7veri1sen44]

I have to say, this is the best BABYMETAL interview of all time.Look now, the host always ask boring questions,and Babymetal's administrator push them answer the same answer formula for so many years.Thanks for this host

[@hansdroedel5587]

i want to protect Yui from the ghosts and teach her Ariana Grande songs

[@costelcazan5349]

+hans droedel She knows very well Ariana Grande songs. She is just to shy to sing them in public.

[@hansdroedel5587]

Ok ok.... then i will stand next to her and we'll sing together

[@shaunpierce4174]

She needs to learn how to sing first

[@mirjam17]

@@shaunpierce4174 I don't often feel the need to say something about other peoples comments, but now I do. Yui has been singing and performing a long time so 'learning how to sing' is not something she needs to do. Maybe she's shy about her pronounciation in English, because that can be quite hard with some words. Please be kind because everyone prefers kind words above a sneer.

[@juanhenriquezz7273]

@@mirjam17 well done bro 👏🏻

[@likestoospooge]

An actual GOOD Babymetal interview. Nice work!

[@kalcaron]

Props to the interviewer in getting the cutest interview with Babymetal so far.

[@LIKEAB4WS]

aw, poor Yui. She's so tired..falling asleep at 1:50

[@DPWrepublic]

that's waisis! she wasn't asleep xD

[@angeliux4022]

Jajaja siempre se duerme :v xdxd

[@crackrat6166]

She’s not tired. It’s Yui-bot rebooting. She had to down load a new program to deal with this jack-ass interviewing them.

[@EthanSoFar]

Rob Punsalan Jack ass? He was actually really polite.

[@davidbatey7530]

I have watched this interview so many times and it never gets old. Mickey really connected with them. Awesome ^^

[@MA77SP]

Good interview. The girls seemed very relaxed and the interviewer seems to connect to them really well.

[@FeartheGreenKnight]

one of the best interviews i´ve see of BABYMETAL, I thought I would never see these expressions of Yui. *-* Kawaiiii!!!!!

[@Serena4226]

It's so adorable when Yui almost falls asleep while Su is talking. Her eyes suddenly pop open with that "I'm still here" look.

[@MooCow697]

Best interview yet. They look so relaxed and not so stiff for once. Like they're having a blast! Yui tho STOP KILLING ME

[@nicolelast6561]

Yui didn't fall asleep during this interview so she must've enjoyed it

[@nicolelast6561]

BLESS YOU BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEING FOR THIS ADORABLE INTERVIEW I AM CRYING A LOT THANK YOU

[@helsiclife]

they are sooooo cute I'm melting!!!

[@JamieJamez]

Best English interview with BABYMETAL I've seen in a while, it was great to see you bring out their personalities rather than just have them drone the same pre-rehearsed answers again.

[@socksumi]

So cute when Yui answer... "produsah".

[@alyogagames]

They are the cutest! This was the cutest interview!!

[@st4rkdrak390]

I love this interview, the girls are so cute and the interviewer is very charismatic, it all feels very natural

[@elaith80]

Watched some interview and i can't believe how polite and cute these girls are, it's almost impossible to hate them!!

[@ivenousername]

It's really awesome how you understand their answers, this interview has got to be my favorite

[@BeatDrag]

Setting you know..

[@Mashpito]

Her face at 2:33 when he growls is just something else XD

[@MrRyan2112]

Too funny. :D

[@apollosworld666]

Can we get another babymetal interview with this man?! this is easily their best interview !

[@I_am_Angerer]

I bought their album yesterday. I can't stop listening to them.

[@shemyaza8934]

If anyone is interested, Yui actually answered "obake' when asked what she was afraid of, which is a bit more than a ghost. It's a shapeshifter similar to the skinwalkers here in the US.

[@08fka]

this is one of the best babymetal interviews ewigh they actualy look like they are having fun and the interviewer is actually asking new and different questions!!

[@jun-kf1ej]

Always humble, polite, very cute -BABYMETAL

[@richardxavier5442]

This is a great interview, and I love to see a more natural and playful Su, Yui, and Moa! Even though I love Babymetal, I was always a bit annoyed with their interviews when there were so many rehearsed answers and "Only the Fox God knows" all the time. In this interview however, the spirit from the old Sakura Gakuin days comes through, and it's so great! More of this, please! :-)

[@jellysonallie3565]

yui is definately the defination of KAWAIIII!!!

[@Soufriere84]

Aww, Yui's so shy it's adorable. She also seems to be way more observant & introspective than one would expect of a teenage ex-idol. Suzuka's reaction to Mickey's death-metal scream is funny too (Su can be so serious, but I love it when she smiles and laughs).

[@johnschultz7765]

So much agree about Yui. I think Yui fits with the saying "still waters run deep." I believe she both thinks and feels deeply. You see it sometimes in some of the SG videos and her writing. (To be clear, I'm not talking about deep thinking as in intellectualism.) Yui-san will become a very wise woman, may be there already in spite of still being young.

[@Soufriere84]

>>I believe she both thinks and feels deeply. Introverts usually do. I *_do_* think she's the smartest of the trio. Her mind is very analytical and she thinks things though -- maybe _overthinks,_ which kinda hinders her English ability. Look at the answer she gives in this interview about individuality vs. conformity re USA & Japan. Can you imagine Su or Moa saying that? I can't.

[@mikays7059]

She's just trying to understand what he's saying. You can see it on a lot of english interviewers, she just wants to understand

[@Deato9000]

Never enough Babymetal! :D

[@inarimetal5991]

Sleepy, shy, with a surprising idea, cute: Yuimetal

[@user-yx9di2sk1v]

1:50 Yui: I'm so tired. I wanna go to bed already. Moa: Boy, is she sleepy Me: They're sooo kawaii

[@terorizr]

Interviewer: What happens when your pop fans and your metal fans mix it up in the pit Answer: pop fans get hurt.

[@koba9421]

Only assholes hurt others in the pit

[@yukikokikuchi9525]

They make Metal Pop babies

[@JamieJamez]

Oh please tell me there is an uncut version of this available. Yui's Kawaiiness especially goes off the charts in this one.

[@camposteladm3942]

+JamieJamez yes i was like fainting for Yui Kawainess , dam this time Yui won Moa . *Faint

[@ironhide3206]

Yui was extra cute on this one

[@socksumi]

Yui's very thoughtful answer to what is one thing you love about America. This girl is quite bright.

[@Serena4226]

The girl is an absolute genius. People who are introverts and shy tend to be very intelligent and deep thinkers.

[@Harlee_33]

The girls: Hey we are Babymetal Interviewer: Me too

[@jeydkabigas5193]

BEST BABYMETAL interview EVER!!

[@martinovittori3585]

they are so humble and simple! hope they never change. love babymetal

[@1fightdragons]

Easily the best Babymetal interview ever done, nice job!

[@kingsantos142]

Still watching this in 2020 man.. i need the cuteness!!

[@esdeebaybee619]

I love this interview! Hahah. "Who is Kobametal?" Yui- Produsah. 😍😍😍 hahah. Adorable!

[@Soufriere84]

I don't know how he did it, but Mickey is so far the only foreigner to really get the girls to let down their guards and give answers that aren't the same canned responses.

[@BeatDrag]

The japanes person like that when he spoke english, i hear that producer, volume up dude

[@russellrollain5295]

I wish I could go see a Babymetal concert! You know, a nice area to the side of the stage or something so I could sit. But as a soon to be 59 year old disabled US Marine Corps veteran, I sincerely doubt it. So I just hope you people out there, keep providing some more awesome Babymetal videos. Semper-Fi and Carry-On!

[@inyourarea3719]

My favorite babymetal interview! It's so funny and cute😍

[@angelravensett7043]

they're so adorable you almost can't help but love them

[@craigobrien6216]

Everyone likes this interview because the girls seem so relaxed. In another video the girls were talking about how they really liked the interviewer with the long hair (Mickey). Best non-Japanese interview yet,

[@TheBenFranklinEffect]

Yui was really engaged in this interview, some of her personality came through I think.

[@inarimetal5991]

Important three scenes on BM. The frog in Taiwan," Music dragon" in Jpn,and this interview.

[@arcturuz78]

Yui's so cute, always dozing off....

[@milk_chemistry]

omg yui is so CUTEEE the way moved away when he asked if she could sing Ariana grande

[@Pang5JariSaka]

why i can't stop staring at Yui~chan (^~^) ... aww she is adorable funny girl

[@Brandon2940]

Agreed. Moa was paying attention the whole interview and Su's smile and laughter. They all seem just sooo relaxed in this interview.

[@tawnkuimi-uru7212]

+ChotBenjermin They are all so very composed and loving the moment. At such young ages, it is so admirable.

[@ReneeNme]

+Richy K. lawl

[@juniorshadows]

+Richy K. XD

[@rocknrm99]

she's the cutest of em all

[@fenomozo9108]

i thought that this would be another awkward interview but it was surprisingly fresh and fun. great interviewer and the girls are cute as fuck

[@orionyoyo3427]

We will forever miss Yui-Metal 😫😭💕

[@laundrymoose2904]

I've watched this sooo many times and only just noticed Yui winking at 0:36

[@autohmae]

Moa and Yui always go a wink.

[@knkn9526]

yui is angel

[@toddyzilla6066]

Just see 2019 interview and back here my god I miss Yui so bad and Nobody can replace her no body

[@edubizare]

NO ONE 😢

[@rorizvitor]

2:30 Yui cracking up and Sumetal's reaction was gold! hhahahahahah

[@buzbom1]

Thankyou FoxGod for granting these girls a break, with one of the best interviews in a L O N G TIME. I've watched this 5 times already, and there will be more. The look on Su-chan's face when he does the Death metal growl.., Yui's constant hiding her face due to her chronic shyness, Moa was actually paying attention when not spoken to, Su's wonderful smile and laughter. Well done NYLON, well done. I have to say this though....I know, I know.....don't worry, just adding to Yui's answer about America....Yes Japan is that way, they are stuck on an Island with little or no jobs and what you are matters to you, family, job, and heritage. Here in the U.S. ...it's getting that way slowly but surely but mostly for the individual. I see it alot more over the last 30yrs. Gotta have tatts, piercings, listen to this music, dress like this, make up, drink, smoke, watch this reality show etc..etc. Or....you don't fit in. But, I am glad they liked it here for what they saw, and hopefully they don't see or hear to much of the low points. Every country's got them. I'd love to go to Japan someday, and just get lost. LOL I need to learn more Japanese than what I know working with them here at my job.(Indiana automotive plant) Peace all and \ v / =P \ v / "Dessth" P. S. 3:04 This is what an interview should look like.

[@Richie7884]

I give Yui credit for an interesting answer comparing Japanese and American cultures at 2:35.

[@0nan1banah]

2:26 I'm sooooo jealous

[@Brandon2940]

I can just picture that within minutes after the interview Yui just passed out. lol

[@alexdhamp]

So, Yui passes out and Moa zones out?

[@OnionRingProductionz]

"my mom when she's mad" this is the most honest answer to any question ever

[@traidahhsien7378]

yuimetal-chan geting sleepy again at 1:40....hahaha most adorable thing evarghhh~

[@obsidian4005]

Yui.... wherefore art thou Yui, when will you grace us with your presence on stage again, solo or in a group. If not yet I hope wherever she is that she is happy and well.

[@nowhereman119]

由結ちゃん眠そう。途中落ちかけてる（笑 3人とも相変わらず笑顔がいいね！

[@MsDinazavr]

Yui's calm manner of speaking and voice contrast so much with her kawaii appearance.

[@kazuish5711]

Yui is cute; is too cute！（ゆいちゃんはかわいい、かわいすぎる！）

[@lublife]

He's from fashion industry...They know how to make girls smile. Meanwhile metal dudes fear girls lol

[@dreiacosta]

nicely explained...now this is the reason why it's hard to see a lighthearted interview from them. Most of their interviewers are metal dudes

[@fightfannerd2078]

Most guys are like but yeah ur right

[@chrismartino3519]

then what fuck is he wearing....really!!!

[@h-haru-metal9786]

EJ K Yes！！Girls are scary＝『MEGITSUNE』

[@kzero1499]

lol fear? I'd say they tend to just come off more serious so the mood is different. This guy was pretty lighthearted.

[@randomrandom1949]

0:50 aww look at yui yawning! Kawaiiiii!! 😁🥺🥺💖💖💖

[@adycy8]

Now we know the power of "the one" thanks again Mickey! And the sight of all the flags raised by the fans from around the world during "the one" is epic and deserve to be made into an official video.

[@autohmae]

+Adrian Yap Wembley was so awesome, I hope other concerts do the same.

[@CollideWithTheSlope]

Andrea Pirlo did a great job interviewing the girls! Cant seem to find any air of awkwardness in this xD

[@nnoiteraa196]

Hey he is not pirlo

[@StephenPhillips]

I hope Yuimetal is doing okay. I heard she had poor health issues. I am praying for her.

[@comicker-cz4tj]

0:46～0:50 オレを殺す気かｗｗ YUI・・Are you gonna kill me?

[@eyesthere]

does mickey understand japanese? cos he chuckled at su's answer about the moshing and when yui said ghosts, he immediately knew without any translator cutting in, same with moa's answer. the translation is also more precise than other typical english interviews. if so, that's awesome. i hope he does a 2nd interview. moa looked so sad when yui talked about freedom and being yourself :c they all have great personalities, and staying in character must be tiring. i hope kobametal will allow them to express themselves in some way.

[@og3gamech.617]

2:00ぐらいの所から、ゆいちゃんにお水のペットボトルと、 回る椅子に座らせてあげたくなるのは、俺だけじゃないはずだ！！ だよな？　だよね？

[@user-lx1vf7od1d]

ゆいちゃんの可愛さが詰まってる

[@InsomniaAvery]

Omg that moametal smile makes me smile every time

[@cjsirm7109]

I think I liked this interview with Babymetal better than any other I've seen.

[@crazy1tad1pole1]

Awesome interviewer. : )

[@chrismartino3519]

Well excuse me.... but the girl on the left is the one everyone loves to listen too. stop at 2:37 and check it out

[@crazy1tad1pole1]

Chris Martino The "girl on the left", aka Moa-metal. The one on the right is Su-Metal and the middle one is Yui-Metal (the lead singer). Just so you know.

[@Denkart]

+Teddie It's Su in the middle, Yui on the left, and Moa on the right... lol

[@crazy1tad1pole1]

Denkart ...And the joke is ruined.

[@yuibot5998]

"Obake" awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww "I like the freedom America has" -sheds single 'Murican tear

[@Tumitukun]

Uncut version please yui is so cute 😍😭

[@pscully1969]

I am not emo or a softy by any means, but I must freely admit to a bit of cuteness overload on this one.

[@renecolorado9309]

Yui ! Yui ! Babymetal \m/

[@armaanamod]

Yui is insanly cute :'(

[@mrmamaluigi9000]

Su's face at 2:33 had me rolling on the floor

[@jakemuller8626]

why so much cuteness? my heart, please!

[@Kollin539]

They are too cute