Takayoshi Ohmura - The Hill of Wisteria REACTION & REVIEW! FIRST TIME HEARING!

[@Grington300]

As already stated in the comments below the tribute version they played after Mikio's tragic accident with Takayoshi playing Mikio's guitar (Mikio's wife gave it to Takayoshi) is very emotional.

[@minamihideki7123]

Mikio Fujioka's last name is in Kanji characters, '藤岡'. Fuji (藤) means 'wisteria', a kind of flowers in English. And Oka (岡) means 'hill' in English. So its song title, 'The Hill of Wisteria' means 'Fujioka'. This original video is from the Oomura Band's January 2016 concert, 'New Year's Celebration - The Gathering of Metal Warriors', which was included on the DVD of Oomura's January 2017 cover album, 'CERBERS'. So, this is a live video clip of Mikio, who passed away in January 2018, before his death. The soundtrack for the same song title, is from Oomura's solo album, 'I・RI・S', released in September 2016. Mikio's memorial concert titled, 'The Hill of Wisteria' was held in his hometown of Awaji-shima Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan in January 2019. The drummer is Hideki Aoyama in this video. We are a little confused because he wears a wig in Kami Band. Well, after writing all this, this is all only I can tell you about the video clip and the song. I was like a fossil guy who listened to only certain Japanese fusion music (late 70's-80's) when I liked in junior high school until I got to know BM now. So I was very happy when I knew some great young jazz fusion musicians emerging in Japan, oops, metal musicians, haha. R.I.P. Mikio-san.

[@minamihideki7123]

By the way, the death of the another great Japanese fusion/pop drummer, Yukihiro Takahashi was reported yesterday in Japan. if David-san, you comes from a jazz background, If you like, please react to some songs by the band in 70's he belonged to, 'Yellow Magic Orchestra', aka YMO. Rest in peace, Takahashi-san...

[@journey-down-the-foxhole]

Good point, YMO is great, and considered an innovator of early electronic music. If you haven't taken a look at them yet, they may be worth checking out.

[@michelm.6033]

Thank you for the language background. I actually have wisteria in my yard and will probably never look at it the same way. I read of the passing of the other musician recently. I believe that was on NHK, but I can’t remember off the top of my head. I’ll have to check out the music.

[@minamihideki7123]

@@journey-down-the-foxhole Thank you. I see that there are many memorial videos for YMO and Yukihiro being uploaded from Japan now. I was never a big fan of YMO. But I know Rydeen, or Tong Poo (Eastern Wind) (←Is this title okay for Westerners?, ha), and other classic songs at least. My older sister, who is a music lover, might have liked it back then. I am not a music expert, but now when I watch his playing on YT during his YMO days, and even before that during his legendary, the 'Sadistic Mika Band' days, I think it's tight and amazing.

[@minamihideki7123]

@@michelm.6033 Thank you too. And you must have nice wisteria in your yard. Who would be 'passing away the other one'.., a Japanese? If it is a big name in the West, I know Jeff Beck has unfortunately passed away recently. Mikio-san's old ancestors must have lived in a hill where wisteria flowers bloom nicely. That is the way in the pretty many case Japanese people give their family names historically. By the way, my family name, 'Minami' means 'south'. It is too simple and boring, lol.

[@BlackArr0w]

I have also seen the tribute version without Mikio, and it's very emotional! You can see Ohmura crying, it's really touching! I read that all the money they get from the tributes, are sent to Mikio's family, and to help them support their family business!

[@Dead-Eye]

Mikio was Ohmura's guitar tutor at Musician's Institute Japan. So, mentor, friend and bandmate... You can imagine how much he meant to Ohmura. When Mikio died at 36 after a fall, a mourning Ohmura (whom Mikio used to call "Muracchi") renamed this piece in his honour. As Minami-san and RoadRunner have explained here already, the new title alludes to the meaning of Fujioka-san's name. There is a video of Ohmura, Boh and Aoyama playing this after Mikio passed away. Ohmura is clearly in tears as he plays and the pain on his face is hard to watch. Aoyama is also visibly distressed. There is another video of a similar performance (presumably later as the band control their emotions somewhat more easily) in which two of Mikio's guitars are positioned in a place of honour stage-centre and Ohmura opens a can of beer for Mikio (Mikio was the beer fan!) which he then places between the guitars. Boh and Muracchi can be heard announcing "Beer!". Boh and Ohmura also both go over to touch the headstocks of Mikio's guitars. It's a beautiful tribute, especially as they are able to smile a little. Ohmura was given one of Mikio's guitars after Mikio died. He has had it with him at every BABYMETAL performance ever since.

[@radioraffa]

Yes that other performance was a couple of months later. You could tell Boh was holding it back when Takayoshi was talking to him and Boh gave a short answer kept looking down messing with his bass.

[@yolandria]

Ohmura also recieved Mikio's amp as well.

[@flugelhornoldman1362]

Thanks again from Japan 有難う 💛。 And good quotation from JFK's speech "Life is not fair" 😄 . I think I understood what you said. We know that these chefs can serve excellent dinner at their own bistro, but can serve amazing dished at the grand restaurant (grandmaison) called "BABYMETAL" where they can show off their extraordinary techniques using exceptional ingredient.

[@tonygriffin_]

This Song was originally called “The Gathering of Metal Warriors” but was changed as a tribute to the late guitarist Mikio Fujioka as his last name in Japanese means 藤(Fuji) = Wisteria and 岡(Oka) = Hill. Here's Takayoshi and friends - Marty Friedman, Gus G, Takayoshi Ohmura, Herman Li - Extended Jam: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmildol-nbhlkNU .

[@Wagoo]

"The Gathering of the Metal Warriors" is the name of the full concert, not the song alone (there are various musicians throughout the concert, not just the kami-band line-up.. so it's like a festival of great musicians coming out to play with Takayoshi Ohmura)

[@mikepowers9486]

The love and respect these men have for each other is amazing. In and outside BABYMETAL. RIP Mikio 🤘🦊🤘

[@road-runner]

Great reaction, thanks! Of course they are (in order of the solos): Mikio Fujioka, Takayoshi Ohmura, Daisuke Bohte aka BOH and Hideki Aoyama. The song was originally called “The Gathering of Metal Warriors” but Ohmura changed it to "The Hill of Wisteria" as a tribute to Mikio after his untimely decease, as his last name in Japanese means 藤 (Fuji) = Wisteria and 岡 (Oka) = Hill. RIP Ko-Gami

[@seregamolodets5286]

🍅💀🍅 🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼

[@vibrato_yt]

They played this song as pre-intro to Rondo of Nightmare at Yokohama Arena 2015. But dvd from this day was not released. And also they played this song on a seria of concerts tribute to Mikio Fujioka after his death. And Fujioka's part was a record of his playing. There was a video on youtube like "hill of wisteria mikio fujioka tribute" but might be blocked

[@radioraffa]

Yes.. At that Yokohama show. Isao was there instead that night instead of Takayoshi. (2 Shows at Yokohama)

[@sarahgomez9727]

I didn't know that performance hasn't been put as DVD. I heard of this performance a couple months ago when I found out about this song being played at live show. However, that performance intro is on YT recorded by someone who was there, then another version fixed it up a bit more on the video quality and sounds. That was very cool to see and how you can see how many people were there from not so more entertainment side, but fan perspective. The sound quality definitely not perfect within that fan video but isn't terrible to hear. Thanks again David for your reaction. My fav. Kami Band Intro I believe is from the Yokohama Arena for another version of Rondo of Nightmare. You will see what I mean when you see Mikio's part, it was sooooooo cool! Still the Budokan Black Night stage wise and atmosphere was better, intro then was not bad at all but the Yokohama one I believe takes it farther. The Red Night when the song got released is interesting perspective to the Black Night. It seems the Black Night Rondo of Nightmare was perfected from night before, however I believe the Red Night showed more of the fans reactions a lot more with more of Sumetal not too into serious mode but smiling in having great night. That what is pretty interesting from both nights. Red Night for more fun smiles, more crowds reactions shown, and the Black Night taking it further and getting more into the songs. Finally, I believe the song was called before something else in this qoute I found months ago, take it as you will. A quote from "k4lt," on the song when it was done by "Genius" Company within the comment section. "This song was originally called "The Gathering of Metal Warriors" but was changed as a tribute to the late guitarist Fujioka Mikio as his last name in Japanese means (Fuji)=Wisteria and (Oka)=Hill. RIP Ko-Gami." Hope you enjoyed that interesting qoute hidden somewhere else. To find any info on this songs meaning was hard and looked at many places months ago to find something. Keep up the great work and hope your wife gets better.

[@vibrato_yt]

@@sarahgomez9727 Day 2 was released on DVD. Day 1 - not

[@sarahgomez9727]

@MrVibrato Did day two have that intro? I didn't think it did, but I did figure it later on that day 2 was recorded onto dvd.

[@vibrato_yt]

@@sarahgomez9727 day 2 was with another list of songs

[@LaPanda]

I love this song, especially Mikio's solo, love his way of playing. And the tribute version when Takayoshi plays Mikio's part on Mikio's guitar and cries, damn, every time I see it I also cry...

[@radioraffa]

He doesn't play Mikio's part in that song except for the intro when he is using the whammy bar and starts to cry.. That is Mikio on the backtrack for his part. Although Takayoshi did just recently played the part on Mikio's guitar at one of his shows. He has been working on his harmonics with the whammy bar, since using one was never his thing.

[@Wagoo]

I cry every time I watch this performance.. Mikio was such a special guitarist that we've lost

[@AidilAfham]

I hope they come back for the upcoming live BM show

[@radioraffa]

Without masks

[@crimson0119]

Too bad Sean (sp?) didn't also send you the Tribute version of Hills of Wisteria. As a musician yourself, you'd know the sense of family, if you've played as a group for s long time.... you see it in the tears and the pain in the faces in the performance. 🤘🦊🤘

[@wickeddummy]

Thanks for this reaction David 🤘 I personally think this is masterpiece, so I would have given a higher score 🙃 Always get a bit teary because of Mikio, he was an absolute genius. Everyone interested should check out the Tribute version they did after Mikio passed away, really emotional to see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5u2i4VvnJKMla8

[@jakemuller8626]

I saw Minami Hideki and many more giving you all the info about this, great.👍 R.I.P. Kogami 🙌❤️

[@radioraffa]

They do a show every year on his birthday. I think it was called the "Gathering of Metal Warriors" prior to Mikio's death. This was from a Takayoshi show in 2015. Mikio and Drummer Hideki Aoyama were guest at the show. Hideki is actually playing on Yuya Maeta's drums, who was a Kami band drummer in 2014 and in the Kari Band with BOH and Mikio. There is a part 2 version that came out a couple of years ago on Takayoshi's Angels in the Dark album. That version has the prominent Kami guitarist Isao and Leda along with Yuya and Bassist Shoyo who was never a Kami but was friends with Mikio. Mikio was into harmonics and was influenced by Allan Holdsworth.

[@athlonen]

First off, Mr. Heretic, your timing in posting this video couldn’t be more apropos because it’s coming up on bathe anniversary of Mikio’s passing. Perfect time to see him and what he did. Now for the video. This video, which is the first video of them playing this, was originally called “Gathering of the Metal Gods”. This was performed at a Takayoshi Ohmura solo show, sometime before a Babymetal show. If you look at some of the shots of BOH, you can see that they started the face paint on the back of his head. After Mikio passed, the remaining three renamed it to The Hill of Wisteria. Why they renamed it that is already answered. You were confused by who Ohmura was in your previous reaction, so this one should clear it up. Mikio played the first solo, followed by Ohmura, then BOH, then Hideki Aoyama, who all play for Babymetal. Mikio was Ohmura’s instructor, mentor, and friend, so I,agile being up on stage playing a 50000 person show with the person who taught you. That’s what Mikio was to Ohmura. After Mikio passed, every year, around this time, as Sean said, the the band gets together for a tribute show, called “My Little God”, where proceeds from the show go to Mikio’s family. I would suggest that if you find that performance, watch it offline (unless you want to re-react to the same song. But there are some slight differences there. Finally, have another look that reaction you did to KARI Band. You’ll notice the guitarist there, is Mikio.

[@Javadevil1982]

Like it a lot.

[@Bluebox-146]

YEAH, finally, just had to wait a bit over a year for this review. ;-) honestly, I was afraid that you would score lower than that. I am totally fine your reasoning and your reaction and glad that you were able to watch this performance and enjoy it(at least I hope so). Looking forward to the next review, have a nice day.

[@radioraffa]

Just a heads up .. Mikio's birthday celebration will be live streamed 7pm 1/19 Japan time. It will be on the KeaslerTV youtube channel. Takayoshi, BOH, Heideki, Isao, Yuya, Kuze (Jupiter), Toki (C4), and Shoyo to perform as the "MLG Avengers"

[@JoFa876]

Love the song, too. I gave it an 8.4 so I was pretty close to your rating. :) Very talented musicians, all.

[@boshiken4914]

Just for yourself I’d recommend you watch the tribute version of this same music. Super powerful / emotional

[@hugovictor5186]

Hideki without a wig. Don't get to see that often.

[@majorasm00gle]

I’ve seen this video numerous times and yet it’s still weird seeing the kami band not in their outfits when performing with babymetal

[@raycollins511]

this was before Mikio's passing. the first solo was Mikio. he was TO mentor and friend. after his passing they did a tribute and it was so emotional to watch. if i am not mistaken To was presented with Mikio's guitars from his family. they were called the Kari band when not backing Babymetal. TO has some videos with Marty Freidman playing opposite with each other. Mikio had been known at that time to be one of the best guitarist in Japan. he was on a whole nuther level than others. he used the whammy bar all the time creating a different sound. this just spotlights the band. also the girls treated Mikio like a father or uncle figure. so when he passed away it was hard on everybody for 2018. they went thru so many things in 2018 and then come back in 2019 better than ever. in 2018 many called the end of Babymetal. some reactors dissed Babymetal so even now they tried to get back to Babymetal but many will not forget how they left when the girls needed their fans.

[@vichoceballos3917]

🖤

[@AngelLWJ]

R.I.P mikio

[@jarjunhutagalung]

Tribute to mikio. Love it

[@DrftWd-ru7zu]

Dave, Dave my friend, may I please tell you something? You could VERY easily pull of a very effective Witcher cosplay... specifically as Vesemir

[@THEDavidHeretic]

LOL

[@hardcorechristopher9174]

Good

[@Glynthepin]

Emotions are funny things. Even though i don't play guitar, don't know Mikio or know anyone who does, know nothing about him before BabyMetal, the tears flow when I see him play his guitar. It seems particularly cruel that he died leaving a wife and child. I believe Mikio was a mentor and teacher to many. No 'god' complex either. From my understanding he led a life far removed from many of his well known western counterparts from the 1970's. No drug enthused debauchery, wrecking hotel rooms, or so drunk that they can't play on stage etc. Yet some of those arrogant, self centred folks are still around. 8.5 is a great score and does not require pandering to the rabid fans, who want every song to be in the nines. 😀

[@paulmarks3662]

Victims of their own greatness lol

[@ullalito8436]

How is that?

[@paulmarks3662]

@@ullalito8436 Because in the video he said he gave a lower score because he expected it to be great. Also saying that if it was the first time he heard them he would have given a higher score.

[@ullalito8436]

@@paulmarks3662 In my opinion it was great. And I saw this after the rondo of nightmare and all of their babymetal stuff.

[@paulmarks3662]

@@ullalito8436 I am talking about David's reason for his score. I am not arguing that it is not great.

[@mendbayarluvsansharav4440]

8.4 is not a bad score. I am totally agree with your point of view. I am just blaming the long queues. It took too long time to get reaction from you.

[@vierdo]

heya DAVE i lost ya bro.. sorry .. Hope all is good..

[@johnschultz7765]

I don't believe he was ever one of Mikio's students and he was bandmates (along with Yuya Maeta) with Mikio in the Kari Band. But, Boh commonly referred to Mikio as Mikio-sensei. From context I always got the impression in English it would *Maestro* Mikio. Although I wonder if anyone that does not have at least a bit of a classical music background would get the full significance.

[@Marco-nu6dg]

Lovebites Judgement Day"" next please 🙂

[@josephdoo]

😭🤘🤘🤘

[@PlezurBazar]

Why would any ever not give Boh a solo? Kitsune dao!

[@bubbles6883]

Sir, please react to New Millenium Cyanide Christ by Messhuggah. Thank you!

[@jonbutcher9805]

But that's Mikio playing. Or does Ohmura look like Mikio. No kidding it's complicated. I'm befuddled. That explanation didn't help. Sorry sean