Wagakki Band "Senbonzakura" REACTION & ANALYSIS by Vocal Coach / Opera Singer

What happens when you mix rock music with traditional Japanese instruments and pure poems reciting art? Wagakki Band is what! This original amalgamation is just so super fun and enjoyable, plus we get to see more Amy Lee of Evanescence!
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, as she listens to Wagakki Band for the first time, performing "Senbonzakura” live with guest vocalist Amy Lee.
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Performed by Wagakki Band, Amy Lee - Words and Music by Kurousa-P
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I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions, here's the link: • Video
Show Wagakki Band some love: / @wagakkiband
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Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
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#WagakkiBand #Reaction #TheCharismaticVoice

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

We just released merchandise! Check out the full line-up here: thecharismaticmerch.com

[@Amber184]

1:36 - Taiko (A type of drum. Can take a few years to create a single drum due to the drying process it goes through) 9:45 - Koto (A 13-string instrument, there are also 17-string Koto instruments. Fingerpicks are usually used when playing the Koto. Also the national instrument of Japan) 9:49 - Shamisen (A 3-string instrument used with a 'pick' called a Bachi. The shape and size of a Shamisen will change depending on the genre it's being used for.) 11:20 - Shakuhachi (A bamboo end-blown (like a recorder) flute. It's gone through very few changes over the centuries.)

[@gamesincharacter5106]

That’s really cool! I’ve always loved this song for its orchestral tradition mixed with rock elements.

[@mgoblue0970]

There's also a 25 string koto. Check out Google "NHK Blends Layla"

[@bruceinoz8002]

Shakuhachi: Th e"difficult flute".Pitched VERY close to the Western "transverse" flute. Check out the amazing Herbie Mann album; "Gagaku and Beyond". Great band, great atmosphere; actually "pushing the boundaries".

[@sodiem_23]

Thank you. that's perfect explanation.

[@SLKRR]

There is an amazing version of Evanescence's "Bring Me to Life" from this same concert. The harmony between Amy and Yuko is out of this world!

[@mrz80]

I'd never heard Amy Lee's mondo vocal chops until I came across that collaboration. Blown away. Totally. Blown away. GREAT stuff.

[@ontaka5997]

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). She also learnt sword dancing and fan dancing.

[@cyberpotato63]

In addition to the Wagakki Band channel, she also has a personal channel under her name (Yuko Susuhana). . Last May she wrote a short artsong piece, self accompanied on piano, titled うたいびと

[@edi9892]

I've never seen her sword dancing.

[@fumin8]

@@edi9892 This is one of Yuko's fan and sword dance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZC2f4yYpK6CesU

[@edi9892]

@@fumin8 Thanks!

[@edi9892]

@@fumin8 A very different sword dance than the kind I knew (/watch?v=8XGIRLwcw4o).

[@VerchielxKanda]

Just to let you know, this was originally a vocaloid song. =) It's why it's hard to find a place to breathe in this song, cause computers don't breathe. XD The Wagakki Band group definitely does it justice!

[@czsdos01]

Who do you thing you are to evaluate something coming from culture you don’t even understand. …. Traditional instrumetns you can’t name… and part of Evanescence was according to me a hurting element of this performance, taking in consideration the whole setup.

[@Rosy_Haze]

@@czsdos01 what are you even talking about they’re correct. This was originally a vocaloid song sang by hatsune miku. Miku is a computer program, not a human being, so a lot of her songs are difficult or even impossible to sing. They’re not coming for their culture or anything of the sort they’re simply stating facts. They are very talented to have been able to make such an amazing cover of senbonzakura.

[@mrz80]

@𝕤𝕙𝕪 It's s a stretch to call Vocaloids AIs, I think. The Vocaloid software contains a database of phoneme samples recorded by singer that it uses to combine an input set of lyrics with an input melody to get a vocal performance. I don't know how much control the user has over the process vs. how much is black box magic in the software, though, so maybe "AI" isn't that far off a description. Either way, it's darned effective, and when you combine it with well-done character animation, you really DO get a better pop star than Justin Beiber! :P

[@Small_Vocaloid_UTAU]

@@mrz80 Actually, A few Vocaloids and other voice synthesizers have recently gotten AI support, making them sound significantly more realistic. Here is an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZrCiJ6eZtWpgJY I personally still like the more sythesized sound of older Vocaloids, but I can very much appreciate the creations with the AI ones.

[@biker6600]

@@czsdos01 u are so cringe

[@cesarsales22]

As you requested: The japanese guitar is called Shamisen (shah-me-sehn). There are many different variations, the one that Beni Ninagawa plays is the Tsugaru Shamisen. The japanese flute is called Shakuhachi (shah-coo-hah-tchee), it's a bamboo flute tuned in a pentatonic scale, played by the master Daisuke Kaminaga, a real living legend. The big drums are the Taiko drums or Wadaiko, played by Kurona. These are very traditional and of course a very tribal form of instrument. That horizontal harp is the Koto, played by Kiyoshi Ibukuro. Also it's worth to mention the guitarist Shin Omura (goes by Machiya) uses a very specific type of a 29-fret baritone guitar, which is a regular guitar but with 5 extra frets at the top of the neck, perfect for making arrangements (check the size of that neck). The singer Yuuko Suzuhana sings in a style called Shigin, which is a traditional way of singing poems, that's why it's so peculiar. Wagakki Band is amazing, so is your channel. Thumbs up, please :)

[@cesarsales22]

Also, the bassist Asa is a dude and the drummer Wasabi is Chinese/Japanese

[@dakitticat]

Great info! Beat me to the instrument descriptions.

[@briannicholls2893]

Until 2018 Machiya did play Sago 29 fret guitars, especially the "Kirin" model, but since then has switched to the 7 string 24 fret "Shigure" model, which he finds he can use on a wider variety of songs without needing to change guitars

[@richardrounds3244]

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. I recommend 2 other songs, 1: Sabakuno-Komoriuta, and 2: Kyosyo No Sora. (If you can find the acoustic version with just Daisuke and Machiya, it is my fave.)

[@briannicholls2893]

@@richardrounds3244 It's also worth checking out Yuko's singing in KZbin videos by Hanafugetsu, the trio that gradually grew into the Wagakki Band

[@CHRISCONTEPSS]

Incredible. She is the first and only reactor to pick up that Yuuko and Machiya MATCH VIBRATO width and rhythm when singing harmony together!!!! So amazing is this band and our lovely charismatic reactor!!! :)

[@gomongio]

Come on. Elizabeth is not a mere “reactor”, she actually analyses music technically. I haven’t found any other “reactor” actually analysing musical composition and being technically invested on their channels.

[@velhesvalden1309]

It's nice that Elizabeth is giving her reaction & analysis to various singers & styles, who are not so well known in the western world. There are gems in this worlds and we can wait for a long time for official radios and TV channels to bring them to a wider public. It's a good side of the globalization to be able to open our eyes & ears by ourselves.

[@noelle3551]

You are right there are gems in this world that the majority of the western know nothing about! I gave up listening to music from the UK/US over 15 years ago and discovered a lot more in other countries ie Vietnam..My Tam, Japan rock scene not forgetting wagakki band whom i listen to every day and other artists from Russia, Ukraine , Taiwan, Armenia the list can go on and on!! Broadening ones horizon this way is also like travelling. The narrow minded people will say " .....but they dont sing in English" is their reason for not listening to them!! In terms of globalisation music has no borders!!

[@Lewis_Kilgo]

The rabbit hole is deep with this song. Originally released in 2011, this song by Kurousa P is one of the most enduring songs within Vocaloid fandom. Vocaloid, in brief is a singing synthesis technology developed by Yamaha which enables a computer to perform songs drawing on a pre-recorded database of human vocal samples. The software uses a piano-roll style of interface where the user inputs the notes and lyrics then "tunes" the voice with various effects. The particular voice in this case is Hatsune Miku, by far the most popular Vocaloid character worldwide, and is voiced by Saki Fujita, one of the most well-known voce actors in Japan. The song as been performed "live" in many concerts since then, including two perfomances with the traditional drumming troup KODO, and has been covered by Lindsay Stirling and now Wagakki Band, obviously As far as the bright, positive sound of the song, Vocaloid songs are well known for being bright and cheery with some very dark lyrics. And yes, the fan interaction is a well known feature of Vocaloid fandom. Check out this "live" performance and you'll se what I mean, and I'd love to hear your critique of the synthesized vocals. :D kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGaWi5V3h8eto5Y

[@kitwayne4891]

The Japanese instruments I learned are: Shakuhachi (flute); Shamisen (3 stringed lute); Koto (the horizontal stringed instrument); and the Taiko (the drums). I do recommend Band Maid, but most of their songs are pretty short and I know that bothers you. But they are very talented.

[@aragontonchoify]

Drums name are wadaiko and drum stick taiko

[@ontaka5997]

@@aragontonchoify Taiko or Daiko just means drums in Japanese, and Wa-Daiko means "Japanese (traditional) drums". The drums sticks used in Wadaiko are called "Bachi".

[@Space_Ranger]

Second for Band-Maid.

[@lawrencesmith6536]

Yes!! Band Maid. Blooming would be a good start

[@ontaka5997]

For Band-Maid, I would start straight with Domination, live version at Line Cube Shibuya 2020. It captures the essence of them being a great live rock band.

[@Guitar4life99]

This band is so cute, if you want to see a group of musicians doing what they love, Wagakki Band won't disappoint, they'll probably even put a smile on your face

[@mr1d44ever2]

The traditional Japanese instruments: Shamisen (looks like a banjo), wadaiko (Japanese drums), shakuhachi (flute), koto (looks like a harp on its side).

[@frankroos1167]

You forgot to mention the singing style. That's also Japanese traditional. I forgot the name (again) though.

[@blund3r40]

there are some great animes about Koto and shamisen from what i have seen

[@mr1d44ever2]

@@frankroos1167 I was answering Elizabeth's question about the traditional Japanese instruments. The singing style is Shigin. The recitation of Japanese and Chinese poetry.

[@hansentw]

Also, the Shamisen player is using a "bachi" to pick with, instead of using her fingers as some players do for a slightly more intimate sound on songs called ko-uta (literally small song). There is a specific set of finger picks that Koto players use as well, plus the nice thing about the Koto is that it can be played on either side of the "bridges" when tuned to do so, and also have notes bent by pressing down on the string on the other side to add vibrato as well. Some very interesting instruments in Asian music. :)

[@frankroos1167]

@@mr1d44ever2 Still, well worth mentioning. And thank you for reminding me of the name. I keep forgetting it (as well as Shakuhachi) A matter of practice, I guess.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Want to support or hang out with me and the community? Join our Patreon. We have an amazing Discord, do 2 live chats per week (usually), play video games, get behind the scenes footage and content, masterclasses, polls and pick content for me and this channel, and soon to be merch deals. It’s a ton of fun, and I hope to see this community grow! www.patreon.com/thecharismaticvoice

[@brucekirkpatrick3653]

Now I found that you're in Tucson, down south. I'm in Sedona

[@rabiatorthegreat6163]

Sounds interesting. This is one of the reasons I watch this channel: Sometimes I discover great music of which I didn't even know it existed 🙂.

[@ice2heart]

You also should check original version from Vocaloid.

[@renefrijhoff2484]

They're a really good band consisting of professenial musicians. They began as a Vocaloid cover band with Senbonzakura as the biggest example (this is the original by Hatsune Miku as DIVA project kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6LTpGeXo82tZrM, there is also a live version). Nowadays they also make their own music some with impressive CGI: Akatsuki no Ito with a 神龍 Shenron (Divine dragon or Dragon god) soaring through the skies kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJTYlJWef5KCqMU or jazzy with a movie like clip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKi7pZyKrdmcftU (Extended version, but not the way they do in the West). These are 2 songs of which the 1st song is instrumental 焔 (Homura) + 暁ノ糸 (Akatsuki no Ito) live kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqDRhZV6ebKMoNk

[@DeltaEntropy]

Wagakki band is great. A ton of great vocaloid covers and originals.

[@Darth_Mik6]

let me suggest you "Homura", by the Waggaki band. Just instrumental, but amazing performance

[@renatowada9721]

Hi Elizabeth, first string instrument that appear is the koto and then when she start naming the instruments you have: shamisen (the Japanese violin), shakuhachi (the flute), and then she call for the guitar (guita, in Japanese pronouciation, with no r). The drums you have there are the Taiko, although it is not common to see someone playing all of them in sequence… you usually have a single person per drum.

[@iridescentdemon]

15:17 a little thing i noticed is it seems they have the taiko drummer shouting out to the rest to encourage them to keep going, which is a characteristic of taiko-only performances due to the endurance it requires. i think its cool they have him doing that to add more to the traditional sound outside of just the drums themselves! also i love how amy high-fives the shakuhachi player at the end i wonder if they were hanging out backstage

[@enol8603]

Love Wagakki band. They are trained in authentic traditional Japanese music and dance, bringing traditional arts into modern music.

[@tiedomi80]

Ningen Isu is another stellar Japanese metal band. Heartless Scat ended up in my suggested videos once, and I was hooked. Bump of Chicken is great too. Bradio. Minami (specifically "Crying for Rain".) There is so much great Japanese music! They know no boundaries, and are highly experimental.

[@jimz6850]

His "Board To Death" walkthrough of his pedal board and just ripping through solos after solos is great! Shinji seems like a genuine nice dude.

[@ChristChickAutistic]

Bradio! I love them!

[@sokka47]

1. Beni Ninagawa- Tsugaru Shamisen (it's chinese instrument. But it's also called Japanese lute. It's the skinny guitar) 2.Kiyoshi Ibukuro- Koto (Mongolian/chinese/Japanese Harp? Not sure) 3. Kurona- Wadaiko/ Taiko . (precussion drums) 4. Daisu Kaminaga- Shakuhachi . ( the long flute one) 5. Yuko Suzuhana- Vocals . 5. Machiya- Guitar and Vocals . 6. Asa- Bass . 7. Wasabi- Drums . Need no shout out. I'm just so happy I get to see the reaction as a fan. 😭 ❤️

[@frossbog]

False. The shamisen reached its current form in Japan. Just like the banjo can be traced back to the lute, that doesn't mean it's not an American instrument.

[@phloxpaniculata4750]

both Koto and Shamisen are Japanese. Sure its origins can be traced back to other countries/cultures, or its shapes might resembles some other instruments, they are definitely Not the Same: for example, China's Guzheng, Korea's Gayageum, Japan's Koto and Vietnam's Đàn Tranh are zithers and share the same root, with similarities but they are still individual instruments that can be easily distinguished from each other.

[@DeadPoemStillAlive]

The instruments are shakuhachi (flute), shamisen (3 string lute-like instrument), koto (horizontal string instrument), and wadaiko (drums). I can't help but replay Beni's shamisen solos as well. Love it when she gets to shred!

[@lukebob49]

I believe it was at this same show but they also performed Bring Me To Life with Amy Lee and its great

[@4ndy17]

Which sounds AMAAAAAZING.

[@aizukiwiart]

I second that, possibly my favorite version of that song!

[@antuloiotile9344]

I think that is the best version of that awesome song!! I would love Elizabeth to react to it, I think in that perfomance both of the voices are more "interesting", I mean: to analize.

[@SLKRR]

Yes, it is from the same concert!

[@JeshuaSquirrel]

It was so epic.

[@EDuGoIHuvvet]

I think the tecnique the singer uses is at least inspired by traditional Japanese folkmusic. And that energy is crazy! Saw a Japanese idol band play on a convention this spring, and they kept that energy up for over an hour, literally never stopped moving, dancing or jumping even for a moment. So impressive!

[@Jordan-Ramses]

It's a cover of a Vocaloid based on a traditional melody. You should check out the original it's amazing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6LTpGeXo82tZrM

[@EDuGoIHuvvet]

@@Jordan-Ramses Oh, I had no idea! Thank you for the tip, I'll definitely do that! 😄

[@Jordan-Ramses]

@@EDuGoIHuvvet OH. And by the way a Vocaloid is a voice in a computer program. Hatsune Miku is the original Vocaloid. She's not a real person. An anime voice actress recorded the original voice files. She's very cute but at the same time creepy. She doesn't sound human. I like the combination. She's a superstar in Japan. She's like the creepy doll in a cute dress that you think might murder you in the night. Anyone can buy the Vocaloid software and have the Vocaloids voice their songs. Hatsune Miku has thousands of songs. A lot of the best ones she's not voicing a human. Like Alien Alien, or Ghost Rule or The Vampire. Ghost Rule is probably her most iconic song. She's a female Ghost apologizing to a boy for making him think she's alive. She's creepy, sad and cute.

[@EDuGoIHuvvet]

@@Jordan-Ramses I'm actually a cosplayer and has gone to several conventions, so I do know a little bit about Vocaloid and Miku too 😉 Not nearly as much as you though, so thank you so much for sharing! 😄 I enjoy hearing about things that people are passionate about or interested in 😊 I've only heard a few of her songs, but I don't think I've heard those. But I'll definitely check them out! 😄

[@Jordan-Ramses]

@@EDuGoIHuvvet OH if you're a cosplayer you have to see the video of the flash mob in some big Japanese city dancing to Luka Luka Night Fever. It's awesome. It's not Miku it's Luka but she's great too. It's her song. And they're doing her dance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnXPdZquhZeEpKs The song in the video is a cover. The original song is fantastic. It's a good cover too. Luka is the sexy Vocaloid. They gave her an adult age.

[@onetymebigtyme]

wishing for WAgakki and here it is YEEESSSSS! I wish for LOVEBITES - empty Daydream, Swan Song

[@lord_haven1114]

All I think when I read the title is bleach and byakuya “scatter, senbonzakura”

[@Moribax85]

Well, senbonzakura makes sens as the name of a fighting move, since it means "a thousand sakura", sakura being the petals of the japanese cherry tree, those beautiful pink trees you see in every pic

[@KommandeurMumm]

Wagakki Band and Amy Lee also did "Bring Me to Life" together, which was very interesting because Yuko actually got to sing verses of the song instead of providing just backup, like Amy Lee does here.

[@GoPyrate]

They are a fun and unexpected band, for sure! Their flutist is INTENSE! :)

[@DrAcula-os1nz]

This will be interesting to hear what a Vocal Coach / Opera Singer thinks about Shigin singer Yuko Suzuhana. "Senbonzakura" is in many ways the signature song of the wagakki band. It's their first mega hit actually taken from the strange music genre VOCALOID so this is a Cover. Too bad Amy is only in the last verse, they do an excellent version of Bring me to life right before this one. To really hear Yuko's voice, you have to listen to songs like "Queen of the night", "Izana", "Doppo" or the masterpiece "Sabaku no komoriuta"

[@MichaelScheele]

Wagakki Band's cover is the most popular one of Senbonzakura in Japan. @Elizabeth, the only western cover of Senbonzakura that I am aware of is an instrumental version performed by Lindsey Stirling.

[@hokieham]

Yup. Sabaku No Komoriuta is just astounding…….so much emotion in that one. It takes my breath away.

[@brucekirkpatrick3653]

Absolutely Sabaku no Komoriuta!!!!

[@arapaimagold8088]

Sabaku no Komoriuta in live version shows the note that Yuko have but rarely used. Her contralto.

[@gokbay3057]

@@MichaelScheele I am pretty sure I have seen some English covers of Senbonzakura. I am certain that Lizz Robinett has one.

[@Darth.Fluffy]

People try to compare Wagakki Band to other bands. But Wagakki Band is it's own thing.

[@brossjackson]

The lute-like thing is a Shamisen, the flute is a Shakuhachi, I think there's a Koto (zither like thing) in the back.

[@trokoshea1]

And the Taiko drums.

[@johnanderson7739]

Extra trivia, the Shamisen traditionally used a cat skin for the soundboard

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Thank you! It's such an amazing instrument.

[@LeftClick]

@@trokoshea1 exactly, never sleep on the taiko drums that just blast the percussion into something else

[@inqlaing1987]

The Yoshida Brothers played shamisens as I recall.

[@ammonbarney7690]

The shamisen player is AMAZING. I love her style and attitude. It's contagious and I watch all I can of her playing.

[@PenneySounds]

She released a solo track that's really interesting. It's Glitch Electronica.

[@ricagalina]

Wagakki band is wonderful, you should listen to other songs, you won't regret it. Tks from brazil

[@casualpheasant]

Holy heck, never in a million years did I think I'd see this band on this channel...

[@casualpheasant]

For another Japanese singer popular for her unique voice, I'd recommend Aimer.

[@Zonda441]

I think this is going to be a reeeeally fun video. I hope you enjoy the song! I'm always eager for Wagakki Band reactions (specially the first time!).

[@seiunbklicky4364]

I was watching a guitar teachers reaction to the Wagakki band when I saw your channel. I ran over to my mom's house who at 89 still transcribes choir music and leads choirs to intro her to your channel. Your enthusiasm is AWESOME. Simply put they are singing traditional Japanese folk style with a Koto (lots of strings on the floor), Shamisen (banjo looking and sounding instrument with the coolest pick), Shakuhachi (flute) and Taiko drums. Again, I love your enthusiasm!!!

[@dangerdude2537]

Their guitarist can sing too. He does a cool accoustic ballad!

[@phoebeflagg2694]

This one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/amKZfKWYo8eoqJo One of my favorites!

[@cesarsales22]

Especially in Wagakki Band I can recall Tsuioku, Kyoshu no Sora (my favorite), Synchronicity and other participations

[@raidoukuzunoha2346]

Listen to yoshiwara lament (bass is singing in this song), Synchronicity (for the jazz like feel) n dont forget the bring me to life version with amy lee...

[@raidoukuzunoha2346]

@Tim A haven't heard the accoustic one, thanx for letting me know...

[@stephendibnah1633]

It’s nice to see you absolutely enjoying yourself. As you always do, but here you are in heaven.

[@Silieol_Nails]

The version of Bring Me To Life with Wagakki Band and Amy is probably one of the best around. Sakura Rising that hey did together is another great song. Amy and Yuko both have amazing voices and they go so well together.

[@n20games52]

I love Wagakki band and your reaction was terrific as always. I feel like I learn a lot about what it takes to be a vocalist with every episode.

[@sanderveger4088]

Another Japanese metal band I would love you to analyse is: Nemophila. They just released their first album, and it sounds amazing! Mayu's vocals are really good, she's able to switch between clean vocals and scream. The other members are also really talented

[@iDEATH]

Nemophila is awesome, so I second this nomination!

[@Ratovx]

overrated band

[@denniswitt1638]

She should not sing in English though, as that is definitely not a language she knows.

[@Wyl7]

they’re good, but it’s really hard not to recommend Fuki first… either Midnight Circus era Lightbringer, Unlucky Morpheus, or the first Doll$Box album

[@AlucardsQuest]

@@Wyl7 If we're talking vocals for Japanese bands, LOVEBITES can't be left out of the discussion imo.

[@iothemoon7665]

I knew at some point Wagakki band would catch your attention, and I'm so GLAD you reacted to them and appreciated their lineup and tecnique. I hope you bring more of their music on the channel, especially their originals! I personally highly recommend Ignite, Synchronicity and Sabaku no komoriuta (Desert lullaby)

[@jargien240]

YES! Can't wait for this one :D Thank you Elizabeth! This can become another rabbit hole as Yuko´s vocals are very good!

[@sometimesidreamaboutcheese]

And this song is actually writen and perfomed by vocaloid producer Kurousa-P in 2011! It is already soo well known and became legend and viral, and lately was covered by HUGE amount of musicians

[@slm50350]

Since you are exploring Japanese rock-: Band-Maid: Domination or Freedom live Manners video. All female band with exceptional musicians.

[@cbmalm]

love bites and anthem especially love bites

[@Michael.Larsen]

@@cbmalm was just about to say this but you beat me to it ;).

[@ForestofCicadas]

I had a huge smile the whole time I watched this! Your reactions to all the fun in the music and everything going on were contagious even though I've heard this song so many times. I hope you react to more from this wonderful band!

[@snipercod]

The vibrato Yuko is using is called Kobushi and it's a technique used in traditional japanese songs like Enka

[@lacdirk]

The first notable attempt at a human rendition of this song was also an Enka singer.

[@KhajiitMoon]

I literally suggested this (I'm late to the party), should have scrolled to you

[@rafamordzinski6630]

Hey Elizabeth, thanks for taking us to this awesome oriental music trip. Even thou I am metalheart I did enjoy it so much. I will follow this band for sure, as I love exploring music areas which are unknown to me.

[@sephiroth3776]

I have been waiting for a reaction to this band. They are amazing. And you should definitely check out their collaboration with Amy Lee. This band, Amy Lee, and an orchestra performing Bring Me To Life. Can't wait for the premiere. Edit: I just noticed this is a different collaboration with Amy Lee from the same show. Freaking awesome!!!

[@jeffarterburn4977]

Thank you so much for this one!! Been following this band for a long time now and they deserve so much exposure, so glad you gave them a listen, looking forward to more great content!!

[@luca6821]

If you feel like watching Wagakki band again, they actually made a new song with Amy Lee where both she and Yuko sing together and it does a way better job ats showing how good they armonise together, and showcases more Yuko's way of singing (which derives from being trained in shigin, a traditional way of singing/reciting poems in Japanese and where that vibrato comes form). Almost forgot, the name of the song is "sakura rising"

[@greekfreak1980]

If you want to check out more J-Rock/Metal here some suggestions: -Loudness, Anthem & 44 Magnum, they´re oldschool 80´s metal -Galneryus, Prog-Power-Symphonic Metal, imagine Helloween but with more symphonic elements more complex instrumentalisation - Lovebites, imagine Helloween meets Iron Maiden, with a hefty dose of Thrash Metal....on steroids and they´re 5 cute girls -Sigh, crazy avantgarde Black Metal -Ningen Isu, Black Sabbath meets 70´s Prog meets japanese crazyness -Gyze, Melodic Death plus Symphonic plus Folk plus Power Metal. Because why not mix all your favorite styles together?

[@justicar5]

Yuko is a sensei of Shingin poetry, which is where her vocal style is based (And she is also a sensie of Kenshibu which is sword and poet dance)

[@NovaKnight]

I love WagakkiBand! They're awesome!

[@waynebernitt2806]

I love these guys. Bumped into Wagakki scrolling through Bandmaid vids. Also I love that you love it. Just like I love bands having a great time, seeing you nerd out is heart warming. Maybe this is why I'm drawn to japanese bands and this channel. Cheers from Australia to all fans of this great channel.

[@deadfromnfh]

Awesome! CAN'T WAIT TILL YOU DISCOVER LOVEBITES!!!

[@xmadcoil]

Hearing and seeing the word Senbonzakura I INSTANTLY go BLEACH!! In my head Byakuyas abilities looked so cool, powerful and beautiful when you first saw them :)

[@evozero905]

Ban Kai!

[@robertcapozello4789]

If you really want to see how well Amy and Yuko harmonize and interplay, you really need to see their cover of “Bring me to life” that they performed at this same concert. Best version of the song ever!

[@Firedog-ny3cq]

I've watched far too many "music" critics listen to new music (for them) that is outside of their self-proclaimed area of expertise and then try to expound on what they just heard with a semblance of authority. Yours is the first (and maybe only) channel where I was as interested in your reaction as I was to the music being listened to. You immediately showed your intricate and well-developed understanding of what was going on in the music and you explained it to us in such a joyful and accessible way that I heard the subtleties you were describing for the first time even though I had heard this particular song many times before. Your enthusiasm and appreciation of what you were listening to came through loud and clear. By the end of the video, I was absolutely waiting to hear what your final opinion would be. I subscribed on the spot just based on my first impression of how knowledgeable and open-minded you are. Thank you for your wise honesty and open-hearted generosity to all the new things in life that come our way.

[@NGC6144]

Ningen Isu "Lovers Suicide in Shinigawa" Japanese hard rock-metal band. This song has characteristic Japanese musical accents with Rakugo, a form of spoken entertainment. Sort of a one man play. The story behind it is rather amusing.

[@jeffreycherep8264]

I just recently discovered Ningen Isu,but I like them a lot. Great musicianship and silly humor.

[@revangerang]

Yes!! No one ever recommends that song by them but I love it so much!

[@C64SX]

Hell yes, we need more Ningen Isu!

[@missdee9404]

I love Ningen Isu, great band! They have another great traditional/rock blended sound

[@sarumanork-orphanage5612]

ANYTHING by Ningen Isu! I love the one with the ugly worm, too, Imomushi I think. Which means caterpillar. Or perhaps Life for sale? It should be called Inochi Urimasu. Idk anything by Ningen Isu, really. They're really gaining popularity, but still underappreciated.

[@narcissus79]

Wagakki band just popped up on my recommended today (25/06/2023) and I'm for once pleased with the algorithm gods for this greatness!

[@UweKlosa]

I am looking forward to this. I was one of those who recommended this months ago when you did a video about Evanescence.

[@parajacks4]

I love your infectious enthusiasm, you’ve got me listening to, and appreciating, music I would not have discovered by myself.

[@papasang6360]

I cannot wait to see this. I love the style mix this band uses.

[@brian0703]

The song was beautiful with the mix of modern & traditional instruments & the vocals were truly incredible. This style of singing also accentuates the mood or setting. The guitar-like instrument is a shamisen. The recorder is called a shakuhachi. The faced down harp is a koto. And I think they were playing taiko drums as well..

[@mr.daisock1728]

If you want to see a Rock Band going Traditional with there Song take a look at Band-Maid "Secret my lips" and there April-Fool-Day Version "Secret Maiko lips" as Band-Maiko.

[@gillesbouvier5176]

An another great combo is their version of "Bring me to life" with Amy Lee during the same concert.

[@chop661]

Now all we miss is LiSA. One of the First Take videos, ofc.

[@bhg70]

I am very much looking forward to you entering the rabbit hole of amazing Japanese music.

[@JeshuaSquirrel]

I think this was their last song of the concert. So much energy in that room.

[@Krieghandt]

All the members of the wagakki are amazing muscians. Yuuko has a masters degree in piano, and has been doing sword and fan dancing for many years.

[@eturnerx]

I'm a recent Wagakki Band fan too. The musicianship is great, but what really makes it is how great the compositions are. They're great and giving all instruments space at the "front" while everybody else keeps on going. The flutist is often layering counter-melodies too. A great example of this is in Sun Wheel.

[@phoebeflagg2694]

@@eturnerx I agree! Well said!

[@horrifyinggelatinousblob]

Band-Maid has an amazing vocalist, amazing hard rock girl band from Japan!

[@mirathas15]

Its Time to listen to Band-Maiko (Band-Maid) and their funny song "Secret Maiko lips" with Japanese Instruments

[@PanamanianMan317]

Hey Elizabeth. Talking about Japan, you should try Versailles. That's a famous visual kei and symphonic power metal band known for their Rococo-inspired attires but also their music. You should do an analysis of Kamijo, its lead vocalist. To me, he's a tenor. I am surprised nobody in Patreon knows about them. They're amazing.

[@Taran858]

Was just about to make this suggestion myself

[@arapaimagold8088]

As great as Kamijo can be, people watched Versailles for Hizaki...

[@ardent7172]

The best vocal coach on KZbin!

[@gyummii3167]

Oh my goodness your enthusiasm is so endearing i want to give you a huge hug

[@marthdaeglin]

I'm so happy to see you reacting to Wagakki Band! I would love to see more, they're an amazing band with a broad range of styles with the same instruments. Also, I've seen a few commentaries on their instruments but not many that get into the vocals, so this was especially great! Thank you very much!

[@guithomas96]

If you liked this one I think you would like also Band-Maid. Specially their "fake band" Band-Maiko. Which is the same people, although they rearranged some of their songs adding this more traditional japanese sound. They're great. And if you are looking for more J-pop, J-rock songs you can check LISA and Eir Aoi. Both are great singers and have great songs.

[@user-dokuzetsukun]

Thank you for great reaction!! Love from Japan💓

[@nimedhel09]

I'm sure you'd love their live performance of Homura + Akatsuki no Ito (which is in my top 3 favourite songs of theirs). For Akatsuki no Ito, Yuko also recites a poem with the traditional shigin reciting/singing technique at the beginning. Another amazing one would be the acoustic version of Tsuioku with Machiya, the guitar player, as the sole vocalist for that live version. And if you want more crossover with Amy: Bring me to Life. It's awesome! They like to play with different genres too. They do rock, metal, but also jazzy songs. As for the instruments (but I'm sure someone already told you): - Beni, with the banjo kind of instrument: shamisen - Daisuke, the flute: tsugaru shakuhachi - Kurona, with the drum thingies: wadaiko - Kiyoshi, with the horizontal string instrument: koto

[@phoebeflagg2694]

I agree. I only discovered Wagakki Band in May andI love the songs you mentioned plus many more! They make me happy. Machiya writes many of the songs. Asa writes many also and are usually very bouncy. Yuko and all the band write songs and I think that makes for a lot of variety. CC W channel has lyrics in English and also the names of the composers, if you have not already watched that channel. Some beautiful lyrics, although some are confusing to me. Probably because I am not familiar with Japanese culture.

[@tulsadlance]

I absolutely love Wagakki Band!

[@Jed-qi8wo]

Babymetal - Megitsune traditional instruments with a brutal breakdown

[@nigeldepledge3790]

Seconded!

[@kirbys1370]

Hi Jed, Elizabeth reacted to, "Karate," back in Dec. 2020, but this reaction was worldwide blocked by KZbin's Content ID system and its copyright holder, so she posted it on her Patreon.

[@Jed-qi8wo]

@@kirbys1370 Did she watch the live version or studio?

[@nigeldepledge3790]

@@kirbys1370 - Oooh, it makes my blood boil when the KZbin system is abused by copyright holders. Criticism, analysis, commentary and satire are all fair use.

[@raziellight7507]

My favorite band !!!

[@benjaminloehner257]

So you found Wagakki Band? Next i recommend NINGEN ISU, especially Heartless Scat.

[@krisj2365]

Great reaction! Waited for your feedback on Wagakki Band for quite a while. Thank you for taking the recommendation! 🙂

[@Michael.Larsen]

Not sure if this is all of them, but you have the shamisen (the three-stringed plucked instrument), the koto (the many-stringed flat instrument), the shakuhachi (the woodwind flute), and the taiko (the big drums).

[@blazejecar]

I mean technically gong also counts as a chinese instrument but yea, you got em all. Give this man a shoutout

[@FinneousPJ1]

The solos were the shamisen and the shakuhachi for sure

[@yannisgouras4482]

That is one hell of a production!

[@vin-metal5192]

Oh, I'm excited - Elizabeth taking her first steps down the J-Rock path. I have many more recommendations if she likes this one!

[@jeffstumpf9129]

She just asked for more recommendations, so do it!

[@vin-metal5192]

@@jeffstumpf9129 thanks, I just hit her with a small essay by YT standards!

[@eduardopatraca3272]

If you want to listen to more of them, I suggest you listen to the songs "homura" and "akatsuki no ito" from that same concert I believe. If you look it up together you should find a video of those songs together.

[@bert8731]

I'd love it if you'd react to Ningen Isu. They are a really old and well-established japanese Doom-Metal band.

[@arapaimagold8088]

You mean a band with ghost Buddhist monk in it...

[@mmasque2052]

Plenty have told you the names of the wagakki (traditional instruments, their band’s name is literally ‘traditional instrument band’), here’s another tidbit: the band was complete with the koto, shakuhachi and taiko, along with the guitar, bass and drum kit. One day, while they were practicing, Beni, the Shamisen player shows up, “Hi, I’m joining the band.” No asking, n9 being asked, no audition; she’s just in. Moral of the story is this, when a national award-winning musician says she’s joining your band, you say, “Yes, please.”

[@DianaRussia531]

The best Japanese all girl metal by far is LOVEBITES. Holy War live performance.

[@Equilibrium2903]

Pretty sure they have left that limiting title behind a couple years ago. Can easily count them amonst the best power metal bands on the planet now. Combined with Band-Maid almost single handedly keeping the rock genre from going too stale, you have to wonder what they feed those girls in Japan. But yes, definitely deconding Lovebites. Should also be interesting from a vocal coach perspective because the singer comes from an R&B and soul music background and is now singing power metal.

[@onetymebigtyme]

i am wishing for that as well Empty Day Dream will be good for vocal perspective, GO LOVEBITES!!

[@vin-metal5192]

Nope, Nemophila

[@Equilibrium2903]

@@vin-metal5192 Not even close from a technical/songwriting POV, but can't argue with taste. You do you.

[@vin-metal5192]

@@Equilibrium2903 Yeah, I'm just going for a good nature argument here because I do like Lovebites. But as much as I love 80s power metal which is essentially Lovebites' genre, I like the wider variety of metal styles in Nemophila's music. I'm also not a fan of Asami's voice though she does seem talented. But Nemophila has some great musicians, not the least of which is Saki who often ends up at the top of lists of female Japanese guitarists (though Midori and Miyako are definitely in my top 5).

[@yaya5tim]

I have been to their concert back 2016 when they came to Los Angeles, it was a small concert and now they're so much bigger!

[@johngaglione4076]

The energy alone is appealing.

[@daveruddiman8871]

Excellent choice and great reaction/analysis. A word of warning - the Wagakki Band is a rabbit hole you can easily go down!

[@BlackRaven87]

Lindsey Stirling does a cover of this song too, that’s where I first heard it. Then just a few months ago I found this band while watching videos of Amy Lee.

[@andreskanes1348]

Thats why I clicked on this video, I'm so happy I did!!

[@Dan-C-71]

They did “Bring Me to Life” with Amy Lee as well. It’s really cool.

[@JeshuaSquirrel]

That performance is epic.

[@BaphoRez]

There is another fantastic (metal) band that is combining a traditional japanese singing style with metal called 陰陽座 (ONMYO-ZA). This song for example is from the anime/manga series "Basilisk": kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5uop3h6rsupqLM

[@stefanopaladini8914]

Both singers of Onmyouza are incredible! It would be nice a reaction to one of their songs.

[@dpcnreactions7062]

I love this band and I love it even more that they teamed up with Amy Lee!

[@draconidmike]

I thought you will try their coop on Bring me to life first, that is my favorite version of the song Looking forward to your comment of the traditional instruments, but this is also played with a orchestra so it is not as pure, see if you will react to any of their songs later on

[@Beastofgaia]

i can't stop listening to the version of Amy lee and Wagakki on bring me to life

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Possibly the next one I'll react to. ❤

[@wildbronco038]

If you want another Japanese singer, check out Nano. She's sung a bunch of anime theme songs, and her songs have been featured in Japanese video games, etc.

[@TehRegent]

i mean Lisa would be even better

[@Zeruel84]

Nano is great yeah but i am on Bart's side, Lisa would be much better for a Reaction. If my memorys are correct Elizabeth knows Demon Slayer, so she knows Gurrenge.... Lisa - Gurrenge First Take Version would be perfect for a Reaction because its diffrent enough. ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6G8qmmtrNarpdE )

[@wildbronco038]

@@Zeruel84 I'll be honest. I hadn't heard of Lisa until these comments. But, after checking her out, I think I'm inclined to agree.

[@Zeruel84]

@@wildbronco038 There are too many good singers, you can't know all of them. I love May'n work for Macross Frontier, Yoko Kanno was the Composer. When someone speaks about Yoko u cant forget Yuki Kajiura, both God Tier Level Composer. Yuki composed for FictionJunction (4 Singer) and Kalafina (3 Singers, 2 from FJ), 2 absolute great bands, sadly almost no one reacts to them. Both Composer are making Soundtracks since 25+ Years with many great Singers, enough good Music to React for Years :D

[@4ndy17]

I loooooooved your reaction. Elizabeth, you are awesome. Wagakki Band has sooooo much to offer. I suggest: Homura + Akatsuki No Ito First Japan Tour Or Bring Me to Life, same concert, which is now my favorite version of this song.