What Japanese Think of BABYMETAL (Interview)

[@Playbahnosh]

In my opinion, the reason why BABYMETAL got so popular around the world is, their music is very inclusive. They didn't just try to fit into an existing genre or subgenre, but they created their own by mashing together two completely different cultures: Girly Japanese pop music and heavy metal. It was a combination that, by all accounts, shouldn't have worked. But by the hard work of Suzuka, Yui and Moa, the very talented artists behind them, and some insane miracle (the Fox God, obviously), they somehow created a phenomenon nobody expected, not even them (Koba mentioned this in an interview). On the surface, why people gravitate towards them is the fact BABYMETAL is....weird. It's a very unusual mixture of Jpop and authentic heavy metal. This is important, because BABYMETAL does not play the usual Japanese style Jrock or like Visual Kei stuff, but their sound and music is very close to real western heavy metal, taking cues from popular metal bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, HammerFall, and various elements from black, trash and nu-metal. If someone uninitiated would listen to the instrumental only tracks, there is no way they would be able to tell this music was made for three teenage Japanese girls to sing and dance to, it would simply make no sense :D But if you go deeper, and look at the big picture, you realize the genius behind the phenomenon that is BABYMETAL. They have, without doubt, the most inclusive fanbase ever. You find just the weirdest friggin crowd at their live performances. from small kids, Jpop lovers, cosplayers and casual music enthusiasts, all the way to gruff, long-haired, leather-clad metalheads, and they all jump around to the same music, screaming the the same lyrics, smiling ear to ear. Young, old, men, women, everyone is represented. Only at a BABYMETAL concert can you see a huge bearded dude in a studded leather jacket, with a small girl sitting in his neck in a BABYMETAL costume and an industrial ear protector. Only here you'll see a pink-haired Sailor Moon looking girl standing next to a guy in an Anthrax hoodie, both hunched over a phone looking at the pictures they took at the concert. You can be literally anyone, from any country, any age, any walk of life, you are welcome in the BABYMETAL community. I think this is a huge accomplishment. And this is admittedly what BABYMETAL stands for, to unite everyone under their umbrella of kawaii-metal. THE ONE, as BABYMETAL calls their fans, is their way to symbolize we all belong. When the girls shout "we are BABYMETAL" at a concert, it doesn't mean the three of them, it means EVERYONE, the girls, the band, the fans, everyone is BABYMETAL. I think this message is beautiful and we need more bands like this.

[@alblgz]

Greatly undervoted comment. This should be at the top.

[@Yellow-Rose]

Playbahnosh Good comment, but you've posted your entire blog here. TLDR.

[@Playbahnosh]

@Yellow Rose I'm sorry a four paragraph text surpasses your attention span. I'm long winded, I like to detail my reasons and explanations, so those who do decide to read it, they get a clear picture of what I'm talking about and might even learn something they didn't know before. It was clearly written for people who appreciate longer, more detailed pieces. Information is power.

[@dudexkratos9239]

Playbahnosh wow an essay

[@Playbahnosh]

@Dudex Kratos Oh, you've seen nothing yet. I could write entire books about just BABYMETAL alone ^_^ I was always pretty prolific when it comes to sharing my thoughts.

[@steffenjachnow8176]

The girl in the orange sweater absolutely nailed it!

[@RoosterIB]

That exactly what I said!!

[@redredred407]

hahaha hai

[@even1313]

Partially right. It's not that they brought metal to a new level, it's that they brought it to a different level. As far as metal music goes they are actually pretty tame but at least I haven't heard any other bands like them here in the US.

[@Cendoria]

That's the comment I was about to make, but you already made it, so.. good.

[@mike.n4]

My thoughts (well viewing) exactly...

[@Nicodegalloyo]

Babymetal is awesome. The girls are great singers, the band is ridiculously talented, and it blends J-Pop and metal very well. The only complaints I hear about them are from metal elitists who complain about everything anyway.

[@Cletus-Hellfire]

I thought the singers were children because of their height and appearance. They look hella young.

[@anawatry]

this is my favorite comment on youtube

[@RaijuBFox]

Nicooo i'm somewhat a metal elitist and i agree with u, shows look fun to go to

[@PatrizzaEatsApizza]

"The only complaints I hear about them are from metal elitists" So you are saying that you hear complaints only from metal elitists, and everyone else likes them? That's just bullshit.

[@Nicodegalloyo]

Patrícia Vampyre Didn't say everyone likes them. Just said the only complaints I hear are from metal elitists. If it's not for you, then it's not for you. But no one can pretend that the band isn't talented, and they deserve some credit.

[@Ritsky9636]

The lady in the orange top has some pretty convincing arguments. I gotta agree with her

[@ZoepX]

she's real cutie

[@SilverShion]

Karaoke girl knows a lot about babymetal.

[@steffenjachnow8176]

I personally was astounded, that she knew Mikiko is the choreographer of the three girls. It's a fact that one hardly know, when he/she is not a fan of this band.

[@tomhannah3825]

Yeah, I always love when some random street interview person turns out to know the band so well! I feel like I'm meeting a fellow fan! (I love Babymetal and Perfume!) Great interviews! :)

[@PainterVierax]

Steffen, I guess she is more a JPop fan than a jrock/metal/punk fan.

[@SkpalTube]

She is one of the kitsunes.

[@hikkun7]

They are really amazing Artists! Then Babymetal's fandom is one of the best fandom I've ever seen. Concerts are very powerful and give goosebumps thanks to fans too! This group deserves more and more success and space on this planet.

[@h-haru-metal9786]

I am glad to find your comment!! I am also looking forward to the BABYMETAL reaction. From Japanese fans.

[@matthiasrooffeners790]

They are popular in the United States and popular in UK oversaw supporting them :)

[@ehSuavoBravo]

After finding out about the group 3 weeks ago, I have bought and heard the 2 albums I can get many times over along with watching their amazing live shows! I hope to get to experience that atmosphere 🤟🐺

[@borrellipatrick]

The band that plays with them are very talented. They play their instruments with a level of precision that's kinda rare when you go see bands play live.

[@winters4960]

Called KAMI-band in japanese. KAMI means god, muehehe

[@cooliestguy45]

Japanese musicians are next level.

[@Final00Exit]

Thanks to BabyMetal I started learning Japanese. I'd love to attend a concert of theirs one day.

[@andrefricke9998]

I attended a concert in Germany and while the music sounded good, the voices were very shallow and the concert itself was way too short. Still, the crowd enjoyed itself very much :)

[@vatroslavmorbidovic4105]

Kool avatar, bro. 🤘

[@Final00Exit]

Vatroslav Morbidović Thanks man! 🤘

[@yomomz3921]

Stereopony got me studying Japanese :-)

[@gaming4K]

@@andrefricke9998 Honestly their performance needs an arena... They need the show that what makes it whole. It's more like an anime than just music. 😏

[@justSascha]

I really like Babymetal especially their song Karate! I don't really like metal, but I enjoy their music a lot!

[@TheWerelf]

Sascha lol, they are as far from metal as it can get

[@katiaazizi]

Kos aka Kosm same. They are close as metal as I get.

[@justSascha]

The band is literally doing metal music (a lot of my friends who love metal are listening to babymetal because of the band), but they are just singing as if it is a jpop song. It's called kawaii metal lmao

[@katiaazizi]

Sascha Ok, Lol

[@StarryStarryNocturne]

Yeah, don't listen to Metal posers like Rob Halford, Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman, Herman Li, Sam Totman and the entire band of Metallica. Kos aka Kosm here knows Metal better than they do and if he says they're not Metal then they're not Metal. ./sarcasm

[@ForAnAngel]

I'm honestly surprised there aren't more Japanese people who know and/or are fans of Babymetal. Babymetal is everything to me and I live about 7000 miles away. Babymetal even made me want to learn Japanese.

[@fmarrr]

Me too! I live in Florida. I found BM because of Hasuni Miku making me curious about Japanese music. I listened to ten girl bands 2 songs each and the next day I woke up with no one but Babymetal in my head. Maybe if the others had 2 songs like "Karate" or "Give Me Chocolate, Babymetal would not own me like they do.The others don't even now.

[@FIRE-LOTUS]

You know who else is Kawaii? Fuki from Unlucky Morpheus. You should check them out.

[@ForAnAngel]

@@fmarrr Babymetal is coming to Orlando soon. I hope you got your tickets already!

[@golfer435]

It has a lot to do with Japanese culture and Metal not meshing well.

[@Duct_Tape.]

I find it pretty interesting that, and maybe I'm wrong, it seemed like the guy who put Babymetal together wanted to create a bridge for J-Pop fans in Japan to appreciate a perhaps underappreciated genre that he liked a lot, being metal, but instead he drew a great deal of Western (at least among my metal friends, though we are older, less edgy and definitely not elitists by any means) into discovering J-Pop. If you told me ten years ago that my metal friends would be willingly and actively searching out Japanese Idol music I would have laughed in your face. I mean, the guys that played bass and guitar in my thrash band back in the day are HUGE Sakura Gakuin fans now. In the past, the best I could get them to listen to was Maximum the Hormone (definitely metal) and more recently Kinoko Teikoku (definitely not metal, but far from idol music). At the same time, a lot of people in the West that have resisted metal music in the past have been given a way in through Babymetal, as they defy the "sweaty long hair dudes screaming over something loud and fast" image that metal has.

[@autohmae]

Hahah, from Babymetal to Sakura Gakuin, some how that step isn't as big as it might seem. And also kind of what Yui and Moa also want Babymetal to be a way to also promote SG. :-)

[@alexdhamp]

That actually sounds a lot like what Koba(the guy/brain behind Babymetal) had in mind...or so that's what it sounds like from his interviews that I've read. He wanted to bring his love of metal and introduce it to his work(Idol music)...and as you say, get it noticed. autohmae Yui and Moa aren't in SG anymore, though, so why would they want to promote it? Why did you leave out Suzuka, too?

[@autohmae]

+Kami Nann It was mentioned when Suzuka had already graduated from SG, so we only know that Yui and Moa feel that way: www.dailymotion.com/video/k3vwvZY8RgGgADdHGmY?start=1647s Pretty much all former members of SG still go to SG events/big shows (this includes Suzuka, Moa and Yui).

[@MrTubularBalls]

Metal has a "sweaty long hair dudes screaming over something loud and fast" image because that's basically the definition of metal!

[@alexdhamp]

MrTubularBalls No, that's screamo or speed metal. Not every metal band screams.

[@MrNippon]

That's not my type of music, but they definetely deserve to be succesful!

[@StarryStarryNocturne]

Good attitude. :D

[@anafuentes7833]

Any quirky twist to music (that most japanese end up doing) always deserve to be successful!

[@ChickenCurry66]

『Mr Nippon』がタイプじゃない音楽なら知名度が低いのも自然…w　ってのは冗談ですが、東京ドーム2Daysも11万席が完売しました。あと、アミューズは初期のMVへのリアクトの大半が欧米南米ASEANなどの外国からだったので、日本での露出を減らし欧米へのアプローチを始めたようです（嘘っぽいですが、本当に結果的にそうなったようです）。浮いた予算は英での活躍や、米とシンガポールに事務所に費やしているのかもしれません。2018年もすごいフェスに出ますね。

[@ChickenCurry66]

東京の女性ってKPOPのほうが好きですよね？地上波のTVではそう言ってます。

[@yoshy6821]

僕は乃木坂も箱押しですが、ダンスのクオリティや歌の上手さではBABYMETALとは比べ物になりませんね（両方のコンサートに行くと良く分かる）。日本のアイドルはやっぱりパフォーマンスより顔面偏差値でしょう！BABYMETALはヘビーメタルをベースにしているので、やはり日本ではコアなマニア中心になるのでしょう。大部分の人は、メタルを爆音としか感じていないし、リフの善し悪しも理解できないから。彼らは他の日本のアイドル達と十把一絡げにされるのが嫌でTVにはほとんど出ないし、多分紅白も辞退しているのでしょう。でも、この戦略は成功だと思いますよ。

[@lordlordingtonofawesomeshire]

Been a fan of metal for decades. I didn't want to admit it at first, but I love BABYMETAL. Honestly, listening to their music was a motivating factor to start learning Japanese and also start exploring more Japanese music.

[@airones]

Lord Lordington of Awesomeshire same bruh been listening to them since the 70's love em.

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

Same here man! 50 years old and I'm all into extreme metal, especially brutal black metal like Tsjuder, Setherial, Belphegor, Nefarium, etc. but this strikes a chord with me. And it makes me want to start relearning Japanese also. I regret not continuing my studies in teh language decades ago. The fact is, Japan is a unique world in and of itself. Lost to explore and the country has made an amazing contribution to the word on so many levels, from technology to the arts to philosophy.

[@gromax2]

You're right, they got something special. I'm 46 and on now get back to Metalica (all until Garage Inc), Mercyful Fate (from Melissa into 9), Rammstein, Nightwish (only with Tarja Quinn) and - yes, BabyMetal. And recently I add The Hu (mongolian). All is going with me for whole working day as I can listen on earphone and switch-off from others. BUT - lets look on my mix, there is almost a bit older metal (80's and 90's) and pretty new BM. E.G when is going to start gig song and.. for first couple bits is very hard to find if it is Rammstein or Meta Taro. But I remember my first finding on YT, that was headbanger and some other songs not really in my style. Su waking up, got collar on.. and that was my true love. Real metal in type I liked it! and this is by today, non-stop listen to. Just don't like if is to much pop mixing, but this is BM style. Just saying!

[@citizenerased174]

I love Babymetal. Im a huge metal fan and they are a breath of fresh air in the metal genre. Very talented group and I would love to see them live

[@garoutail]

They are awesome live. 100% worth it.

[@babymetalsheets2764]

@@jsullivan2112 they have 2 power metal songs and they are automatically a power metal band. Nice 👌

[@iqbalmuhammad2920]

Ah, a metal fan, Babymetal fan & Muse fan. Hi there! 😁🤟

[@PrettyTranslatorSarahMoon]

I love BABYMETAL!!! I was super-into kawaii J-pop in my late-teens and early-twenties, and super-into metal in my mid to late-twenties, so that probably explains it...

[@n1nj4m0n3y]

I'm not into J-pop at all, and Babymetal is my favorite band ever :D

[@hrodgerjuvenis]

Can we Be friends ?Aaaaa

[@kerobi2001]

私は大ファンです。いい歳ですけど夫婦でTHE ONEの会員だし、どうしても都合がつかないとか抽選にもれた場合を除いてもちろんライブにも行きます。 日本ではわざと露出を控える戦略を取っているのだと思います。 最年少で武道館デビューを果たし、東京ドーム２日間をソールドアウトにするのは並大抵のことではありません。 露出が少ない分、ＡＫＢグループやジャニーズと比べると知名度は低いかもしれませんが、日本でも確実に人気があることは間違いありません。 特にコアなファンが多いと思います。

[@ParakeetPotato]

I like BabyMetal because of their Shinto and Kami themes with their performances and music videos.

[@iqbalmuhammad2920]

1. More "strong" than "cute". 2. Intense. 3. Different from typical idol. 4. Great live backing band. 5. "New sound".

[@rios4528]

普通に周りでも人気あるけどな〜。 私はbabymetal可愛いしかっこいいし見た目も歌も大好き！

[@theneedfulniche]

The lady's comments at 4:07 are very close to what a lot of Western musicians, fans, and critics have said about Babymetal. Gimme Chocolate was a big internet hit, but I haven't heard much about them in the States since the second album hit.

[@Arthur_Rodri]

The forum in LA ??? sold out show. and ameticans don't really listen to metal anymore.

[@Hasenpfote01]

i like the message of ijime, dame, zettai. one of the bigger issue of modern sociality

[@TrickWithAKnife]

That's because the singers don't write anything. The lyrics are mostly written by people in their 40s.

[@Mega_Mikey]

Yeah sociality

[@autohmae]

+TrickWithAKnife actually 4 no Uta was written by the two smaller girls. In the tour bus no less, like any great rock/metal band. :-)

[@ThomasNovLoh]

I see Babymetal, I click.

[@Wirmish]

Simple.

[@amirhafyan1859]

@@Wirmish HAHAHA 😆

[@mountainking8855]

Same

[@devildriverrule111]

As a massive metalhead I would say they are huge for the same reason bands like Amaranthe and Dead By April are as big as they are, pretty much, if you mix metal with pop and do it well, people like it. Babymetal do it really, really well, so people like it a lot. Also when it comes to the language barrier, metalheads are used to that because of European bands.

[@d.n.3652]

Dr. Moostoffelees, Cow M.D metal goes good with any genre. Not sure about country for I have never heard a country metal song

[@juanchavez9922]

"Massive metalhead"?? You sound like a fucking idiot

[@SirensLament]

Juan Chavez and you "sound" like a metal elitist :)

[@phillipesteele2021]

+Zeger Raus no he sounds like a jackass.

[@akalichamp7030]

D. N. Metal/country fusion is fucking great, trust me, listen to twisted by Dimebag Darrell. It was one of his solo pieces from before... well, you know. Rest In Peace Darrell “Dimebag” Abbot... it’s always the legends that are taken from us too soon. Fuck Nathan Gale.

[@seyana209]

METALLICA、GUNS N' ROSES、DRAGONFORCE、RED HOT CHILE PEPPERS、KORN、ROB HALFORD、LADY GAGA etc... Maybe they thought same as BABYMETAL HATERS at first . BUT once they saw BABYMETAL live performance ,they couldnt help offering collaborating or touring with BABYMETAL..

[@TakoyaKyono]

I enjoyed Babymetal when they came out, so much so that I bought both of their albums as well as the live version of the first album. It was a fusion of two things I liked, metal and Jpop. I couldn't understand the vile hatred directed at the girls and band by the "metal elitists" though. I've been to Tokyo twice in the past two years, and not once did I hear or see anything Babymetal related in music stores in Tokyo, which I found baffling. But then again, the "fad" is wearing pretty thin over here in the UK. I rarely ever hear anything about them on social media these days.

[@regulator062]

PauseForGames They're not a fad, you just haven't been hearing as much about them because they've mainly just been doing support tours in US and concerts in Japan this year, instead of a world tour plus album like previous years. It's likely 2018 will be another world tour maybe with a new album again, they're already confirmed for appearances at Download Festival UK and Rock on the Range US. Also Babymetal have been around for 7 years now, that's pretty long already, longer than the lifetime of the average band. And yet they still sell out big arenas in Japan through word of mouth alone. Calling them a fad is just stretching it at this point imo.

[@drakan4769]

metal is pretty niche everywhere, I can only imagine it is more so in japan. As for the hatred, don't worry, it doesn't apply just to metal, as a gamer and anime fan I can tell you most normal people don't get the elitists

[@autohmae]

Actually, I think they might be more popular among metal fans outside of Japan than metal heads inside of Japan, partly because metal fans think people in the west might see Babymetal as a representation of metal from Japan. Which obviously is not true, just like Rammstein does not represent all metal from Germany.

[@Storfot]

BABYMETAL drew the biggest crowd at Summer Sonic this year. They sold out all their Japanese arena shows within seconds of the tickets going on sale. And they haven't released any new music or played any shows in the UK this year, so you not hearing about them is hardly indicative of anything...

[@Fektthis]

I think of German metal and the first thing in my head is Kreator. However, I know a lot of other great bands from Germany that jump in right behind it. Helloween, Scorpions, Scanner, Sodom, KMFDM, the list just goes on and on with so many different styles. Gotta love some German metal

[@samanthamansfield6693]

My friend who also listens to metal recommended that I listen to Babymetal and I was instantly hooked because I LOVE women fronted metal music! I then learned what they looked like and thought, "Such talented singers and what cute matching outfits!" I love the band as a whole and enjoy their music very much. It is fun to practice and sing along! I hope they will perform nearby in the future so I can attend a show! :)

[@rosxjun]

the girl at 4:03 is spot on, at least for me personally. I have been a huge fan of metal for 15 years now (over half my life!). I grew up on pop music but went to death metal come high school so when BABYMETAL came out I was so in love with the music. It had a fresh new hybrid sound that was pretty unique at the time. Good video! Also to add, the dude on the left at 2:11 is so hot! Wish I could find a man as gorgeous as him!!!

[@jeromevuarand3768]

I think they might be popular in the west because people crave for a good visual show, but they don't want to put up with the shit music you get from the pop boy bands and girl bands we got int he west. That's part of what made the success of Rammstein worldwide for example, even though they sing in German. These bands attract people from outside of the metal genre, which let's be honest is not for everyone (I know it's a very broad genre, but I've met many people not receptive to any of it, especially past a certain age).

[@mysticvirgo9318]

A very good point, Seems stage production in music in west , other than Blech POP pop.. . Venue allowing :)

[@roddy222]

I started listening to BabyMetal before my first trip to Japan. I also discovered a group called Band-maid. I was lucky enough to see them live in Shib's a couple of times back in 2015. Now they are very popular, toured overseas and are very hard to get tickets for. Yes I find the J-pop idol scene interesting and enjoyable to watch and listen to, but I think Japan has a big heavy metal/rock culture out there as well. After all they do have some rock festivals each year which I would love to go to. Cheers.

[@pedrodpadua]

I love this video! I live in the Dominican Republic and I've listened to all of BABYMETAL's songs.

[@MorganBennett]

Me too

[@sylverserf2174]

The cigarillos I smoke come from DR. Do you make them?

[@kkdeveauxgue262]

I'm in shock an Aldious lives in Japan and tours there every week while thier album is out,that's sad to hear how those jrockers are popular overseas but not at home,it's the same a little in the States but we got or had a lot of good artist in the 80$ Motley Crue Ratt, Madonna,Etc Etc.but wow..!! That's a shocking revelation..

[@ravneet10]

Babymetal are great. I saw them live last year and they gave an amazing and energetic performance. the band was amazing as well

[@Maj01984]

Babymetal is awesome. Im from germany and love these kawai little metal chicks :D. Your Videos are awesome to Yuta. Pls keep it up!

[@steffenjachnow8176]

Hey! Willkommen im Club!

[@DKM977]

I disagree with the woman that thinks Karate was written to draw foreign fans. Babymetal was selling out venues in the US before that single was even released. The band just works for people with eclectic tastes. It flawlessly blends together so many different genres that I love and it makes a sound that's totally unique. I don't even care if I don't understand the lyrics, I love Rammstein but i'm not about to go and learn to speak german lol.

[@cmikhail7289]

I like Baby Metal because they're very cute!

[@joshuapickford6827]

I think Babymetal are more popular overseas especially in USA and UK is because they are big well known countries for their rock and metal influences which dates back to the Metal invasion that happened late 70s through to the 80s with bands like Judas Priest, Motörhead, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden which spawned sub genre after sub genre and really it isn't all too uncommon for a foreign band to make it big as in the 90s it happened in Germany with Rammstein. I myself saw them live back in 2016 and even as on stage performers they are electrifying to the point where even Rob Zombie himself credited them as bringing such a good energy with them everywhere they go whilst defending them from critics.

[@Bahqlak]

I flew out from Colorado to San Francisco to see them in 2016. I enjoy them because they are a great fusion of two of my favorite music types, Japanese pop and metal, and they do it in a way that is both true to metal as well as Japanese pop idol groups. I also feel that they bring new life and energy into metal, which I feel has been stagnant for a decade or so.

[@tomhannah3825]

Karaoke girl turns out to be a fan, which is awesome! She even knew their choreographer! (I love people who know what they're talking about, plus I love Babymetal and Perfume!) :) And that comment was so true: "In Japan, sometimes you can get big by just looking good." Whenever I see like AKB members in TV commercials, I realize that... In Korea too, look at Twice.

[@srkn5721]

BABYMETAL fucking rocks! And Moametal is one fine momma 😘

[@pattobyo]

Babymetal is undeniably popular here. They tour domes such as Tokyo dome and you can hear their music in the background of popular variety shows on TV. Like the girls said, most people have heard them before but maybe didn't realize it. Also, Japanese people like metal far more than you would expect, especially from the sample here. Sometimes it might be seen as a little "unstylish" so some people probably won't admit it. Or it's just being lost in translation. Something that would be considered "metal" in English might be labeled as "punk" in Japanese. As for their popularity overseas, I think Japanese metal is probably the most popular Japanese music outside of Asia (where Jpop probably remains the most popular). Bands like Dir en grey have toured with major western bands, attended huge metal festivals, and went on one man tours all over the world (all before Baby Metal). So I think this base probably helped them. The only reason I found them at first was because I was already looking for other Japanese metal bands.

[@henrys_arte8173]

BabyMetal is awesome, I rarely listen to music for its lyrics but more for their music itself so listening to them is full of energy.

[@SIPEROTH]

In terms of music and signing Band Maid are a lot better. although Band maid is hard rock really instead of metal.

[@LiljaStorm]

Well, Babymetal was just the beginning of a weird journy into japanese Metal. Ended up with the real hard drugs like, Gotsu-Totsu-Kotsu, Yousai Teikoku, Gonin Ish, Birushanah or Gallhammer. Just to mention some i really like

[@nyanekoboypurinsu]

I love Babymetal so much

[@qidewen]

The guy at 1:13 is wearing Sandaime J Soul Brothers' Naoto clothing brand Human Made! Awesome, I wish Yuta would interview people about J Soul Brothers, specially here in Tokyo, they are huge 😁

[@TheDevian]

I saw them play with Rob Halford, very cool. Not enough good rock/metal bands these days. Listening to them really takes me back.

[@steffenjachnow8176]

Yeah, this was epic! A pity this typical award show audience was obviously in a state of rigor mortis...

[@StationIolausUK]

I saw BABYMETAL in London,England. They was great ! I would go again if they come back .

[@Hito343]

Man, i love Babymetal. normally, i am not into asian music, like japanese or korean, but hell i love Babymetal, its so catchy.

[@drymu9497]

skvěle

[@13Kr4zYAzN13]

I'm a fan of Babymetal, but even I've noticed that they seem to be more popular overseas than in their home country. I've always wondered why that was the case. Thanks for bringing this up, a lot of good points were made. Looks like Japan isn't quite ready for intense music to be mainstream yet. But to be fair...how many places are? Metal as a whole gets famous through word of mouth, and Babymetal seems to have found the same success in the same theaters.

[@aiyayayaya843]

Different in taste. Japan isn't really into rock. When band trended around 1, 2 yrs ago, it's more like indie, soft rock than metal ie Sekai no Owari, Radwimps, Gesu no Otome songs were dominating the charts etc. It's like how they're not into dubstep, tropical house, dance/club music that trended in the west.

[@13Kr4zYAzN13]

That's true, and to a point I already knew that. I just find it odd that Babymetal is half Idol and _still_ not well known in Japan. Of course, that might've been me overestimating Sakura Gakuin. (They weren't a HUGE group in Japan, were they? Like they weren't AKB of course, but they weren't no names, right?) Either way, my point is that they gained fame not as Idols (as was the original intention), but as a rock band in their own right. Internationally too. And, considering that this international rock band has its roots in Japan...as a pop group...with Idol culture...and then looking where they are now, I will say that's _damn impressive_ Like, who else could get away with something like this? Lol

[@SolitudeDragon]

+Huong Tran Wait, what? No, unless you're talking about more recent tastes which is the undeniable shift from metal/rock to J-Pop idol music. If we're talking about modern Japanese music in general, rock and metal were _the_ genres to listen to primarily because of one band: X Japan. Modern Japanese music is defined as "Before X" and "After X" over there. Most visual kei bands leaned towards hard rock and metal sounds and this is because of X Japan. This shift to J-Pop Idol music is actually very recent. For almost 20 years, rock and metal dominated Japan all because of one band.

[@aiyayayaya843]

SolitudeDragon Idols are out already since 2016...and I'm saying this as fans of these 48g/46G groups. AKB is just hanging on to their old glory days since they are such a big media presence but they only got one hit 364 days like last yr thanks to drama. People think idols dominate because you go off physical charts but idols inflate the hell out of their sales...AKB keeps adding new members to the group and their single include all 500+ members of their respective sister groups to boost their own sales. Not saying there aren't any relevant groups like Nogizaka46 is the real trend right now especially with girls for their fashion, and Keyakizaka46 established themselves since debut with edgelords image and Silent Majority was a hit, but idols aren't the main things anymore. The trends for past two yrs have been indie bands. Gesu had the biggest hit like last yr until one of the member fcked up and cheated on his wife and it was s big scandal. The biggest song for 2016 was Hoshino Gen Koi. Radwimps also had a great yr this yr. I'm not sure what it is now since Japanese scene is pretty stale rn tbh

[@aiyayayaya843]

13Kr4zYAzN13 Just bc they're idols doesn't mean they'll be well known lol People think bc some groups sell by gimmicks means Japanese public like idols when it's capitalizing on a dedicated but niche culture...99% of idol scene are indie acts. Even Momoclo and AKB that are more prominent names in idol scenes now were indie acts passing flyers in parks their early yrs. they only know established names and Sakura Gakuin definitely were not big. BM have always established themselves as a total seperate entity even when they were in SG days anyway

[@TheInfiniteNine]

I instantly clicked when I read the title. Babymetal are amazing, I missed seeing them during a tour they were doing with korn last summer because the date I went was the day they stopped participating in it so I was extremely disappointed. I hope to see them live one day. And they are also a huge inspiration for me to start learning Japanese. One day I’ll even visit Japan. I’m grateful to have discovered them.

[@DRAGONBLOODX]

I would love to see Babymetal at Rock in Rio

[@Siriusblck3]

In Rio to make it better....

[@elkciptish]

i just saw them live tuesday. was pretty epic.

[@pedrodossantos5890]

Concordo

[@Lowezar]

>"they sing in Japanese and people still listen" You don't know half of it. :D In Russia most of my generation love good heavy metal and all sorts of rock, but there are only two or three decent bands that sing in Russian. So of course most of music library consists of all sorts of foreign artists: mostly singing in English, but some are in Polish, German, Finnish and whatnot. Anyway, even English - surprising few even care to translate the name of the song, let alone understand what is being sung. :D And then there's all the club shit that has no vocals at all. I think it's just the way it sounds together that matters most, not the lyrics.

[@alblgz]

True that. That's why I never could understand all those fuss about "But they don't sing in English!" Like, it's hardly 1/7 of the world population understands English, it never stopped people from listening any music they like. (Besides, most metal vocals are hard to understand even when they _are_ in English, lol.)

[@Lowezar]

+alblgz >Besides, most metal vocals are hard to understand even when they are in English, lol. Ha-ha, that's so true! Just replace "in English" with "in whatever your native language is" :D

[@mysticvirgo9318]

What is the saying ?? "The Lyrics aren't the important part" that is , the actual words are the smallest part of good songs. I don't understand a damned thing that Maximum the Hormone sings and its sorta fun playing misheard lyrics :)

[@0okamino]

While the lyrics can be important and meaningful, music is the true universal language.

[@michaelafrancis1361]

It's only the linguistically challenged Americans and British that are so offended when somebody sings (or speaks for that matter) in a language not native to them. The rest of the world gets along quite fine listening to music sung in a different language. In any case, nine times out of ten, metal lyrics are incomprehensible shrieks and snarls anyway and even if you could understand the words they're usually not particularly inspiring messages about death and zombies or something.

[@caio2k23]

About this video now: I've never listened to them before, but it doesn't seem bad. Maybe not my favorite style, but I cannot overlook their efforts. Most of the times breaking the norm is difficult. Also, I like the decoration of your room/kitchen.

[@viniciusmorais66]

Most Japanese don't have chance to access BabyMetal, Because they rarely appear on TV music show, TV variety show, CM, Drama. Himetan(Su's sister) is more famous in Japan.

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

Very insightful comments actually. All of them correct IMO. And this group is rekindling my interested in learning Japanese. I studied it for a few years long ago and kick myself for not continuing. I think I'll start again tomorrow!

[@もももものもも]

ほとんど海外で活動してるのに、日本でもこれだけ人気なの凄いと思う

[@viniciusmorais66]

ほとんど海外で活動してるわけではないよ 年に１～2ヶ月くらい 残りはずっと日本で活動してる

[@mitchellbettes]

Glad I found this video, I love baby metal and have often thought about asking around when I go back to Japan in February.

[@charleswolf1066]

Have you heard of Band-Maid? They're also a Japanese girl group but, they play hard rock. I stopped listening to metal back in the late 70's, but BabyMetal has reawakened my interest in metal. Rock on Babymetal an Band-Maid. Y'all are totally wicked.

[@joshuarivera6195]

I am surprised to hear that they aren't that much popular in Japan. I like them because of their combination of heavy metal and J-Pop.

[@PainterVierax]

It's not really surprising, the concept is tailored primarily for the western audience.

[@joshuarivera6195]

That's true considering that they play heavy metal, but since they are from Japan and sing in Japanese, I thought the people in Japan would be intrigued by them as well.

[@iqbalmuhammad2920]

The general music listeners are more receptive to the mainstream pop music, than extreme, heavy music like metal. Even in Japan.

[@RoosterIB]

The chick in the rust colored sweater hit it right! BABYMETAL ROCKS! Much better than American metal! I still like singing and good vocals!

[@PCWorld2ady]

Just listened to some Baby metal's songs and i couldn't enjoy them much., i personally more into Japanese Symphonic and power metal bands the likes of Liv moon, Jupiter, Knights of Round(Forest Of The Fortress is my favorite),Dragon guardian, Scarlet Valse (just listened to their 2017 album "reincarnation" and it's beautifully done).

[@bvedant]

Japanese people and Japan are so cool

[@zainda646]

When I first came across them, it threw me off, because you have metal playing and then these cute girls with the cute outfits and voices but they're not bad. If I still listened to Metal, I'd listen to them.

[@ondreatorrence4322]

I love babymetal. Hope to see them live next year

[@carlos2004]

fastest click i've done for a new video. Was able to attend their concert about two years ago. I'm surprised they not bigger in Japan. Also, I would totally date the girl in the grey hoodie, seems to be into music.

[@KillingMachine44]

BABYMETAL ARE AWESOME , not just the girls but the Kami Band as well KITSUNE UP

[@VampyrMygg]

As a metalhead, we often find ourselves listening to metal in languages we don't speak. A lot of bands come from the Nordics, and will sing in Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Icelandic and so forth... yet have a lot of fans from countries that don't speak either language. So metal in Japanese wouldn't be that different, however mixing in the cutsey J-pop... does make it very different, maybe that did help make them popular. :)

[@Aphrantus]

I listen to metal since I can remember, that's the only kind of music I used to listen until I heard Idol music. When I first listen to BABYMETAL my first reaction was to think they were a joke, but they are great. If I had to guess why are not "that big" in Japan (I mean, it depends in what you call big, selling out 2 consecutive knight at Tokyo Dome with more that 50k people each day is by no means "unknown" or underground), it's just because they don't release many singles and are not on TV all the time. They don't do as much promotion as many other artists. And that's since Sakura Gakuin, that Idol group that BABYMETAL came from, they have more than 3 years without a formal single release. That's unheard of for an Idol group as well known as them (again, they are not super famous, but they are very well known). I have heard several times on random places about BABYMETAL from Japanese people and people living in Japan. I don't know if they are as unknown as this video makes them look. "Girls in Metal" is not something new, maybe not as common, but definetly not new. And "Kawaii Metal" is not new either. There was a band called ANIMETAL, they used to play with Mie from Pink Lady (one of the most famous Idol duos ever). Their sound is very similar. That "sub-group" was called Animetal Lady and it was awesome. Idol bands with a bit of hard sound existed before too, like Buono! I still believe that BABYMETAL was inspired by Buono!, they were big (I mean, in the Idol genre) by the time BABYMETAL was created. They were a rockish kind of Idol trio that used to perform with a support band, which is not at all common among idols.

[@TaraShulerAuthor]

I’m an American wife and mother in my 40s and I absolutely adore BABYMETAL!!

[@xiachan9226]

I headbang to Babymetal. I like them a lot and a lot of metalheads like them.

[@oyaji6251]

Yui Metal い

[@limi.]

"In Japan, sometimes you can get big by just looking good." 😂😂😂 on point 😂

[@iqbalmuhammad2920]

Pretty much true anywhere else in the world though, not just in Japan.

[@shintsu01]

interesting since a lot of people here know them, specially metal fans :)

[@MrDboydeluxe]

Kind of surprising Babymetal isn't well known among the young Japanese locals (in this interview anyways). Partial to Band-Maid myself but I do appreciate Babymetal over the top production

[@timward2647]

They combine something you know which is metal with something you don't know, girls. SHOTS FIRED!

[@adrowleyvoodoo5905]

I'm 46 now and I was a goth in my youth but we also listened to some metal and goth and metal crowds sometimes kind of overlapped, both musically and socially. At the same time, I was also getting into Asian cinema and especially anime and J-culture which was just starting to get a grip in the west. Although the internet didn't exist for home users at the time we had a few startup magazines which all failed and there wasn't much on TV either but now it's more firmly established and I think people in general are slightly more familiar with it than they were then. I think it was a surprise to folks here to see that Japan could in fact rock out that much but still combine all the cute elements they thought Japan was only interested in with the music they were more familiar with. This can only be a good thing for both Japan (and south-east Asia in general) and the west. Sharing ideas and cultures can be both stimulating and strengthening- never a bad idea- and I think Babymetal is one example of that.

[@SANDTIKTIK]

Incredible, I know babymetal and Im from México...

[@nyaxkill4609]

I love babymetal

[@Hirome_Satou]

I'm surprised to see that they are perceived to be not that popular in Japan, especially after seeing packed concert after packed concert, like the one in their Road to Resistance video. I think all of their live concert videos are from stages in Japan, and they're always filled with people. As for the points the interviewees brought up, they all sounded accurate to me. Babymetal brings a fresh sound to the Metal genre, are cute and cool, make great music even if you don't understand the lyrics, and have a fantastic stage presence. They certainly aren't like most idol groups.

[@steffenjachnow8176]

The problem is, the japanese music market consists mainly of pop (modern and traditional) and some kinds of electronic music. Metal is a extreme niche there and BABYMETAL are trying to break this up a little bit at least. They achieved to revive the japanese metal market (wich was almost dead) to some points at least. They don't name their tours "Metal Resistance" for nothing.

[@viniciusmorais66]

Because Japan has 120 million populations, only 0.1% of them is interested in Babymetal, Tokyo Dome 2 days could become full.

[@necomeko]

There are many Japanese who will say that AKB48 is not famous or never heard of them even though they consistently sell the most singles/records year after year and have members that show up on television on a weekly basis.

[@Hirome_Satou]

I highly doubt that. They have their own dedicated stadium where they hold weekly shows that are always sold out.

[@Hirome_Satou]

Obviously there's probably some Japanese people who don't know what AKB48 is and that'd be an easy thing to agree with, but to say there are many who will say that they aren't famous or that they haven't even heard of them and that's one, not true that they aren't famous, and two extremely unlikely. AKB48 is a massive sensation across all of Asia with dozens of teams in Japan and internationally as well. To not have heard of AKB in Japan you'd have to literally be living without any connection to the world, living in the most backwater town there is, or be completely uninterested in the current music scene. Even then you'd have a hard time finding people who hadn't even heard of what AKB are. It'd be like asking random people if they've ever heard of Taylor Swift, even if people don't listen to her music they've at least heard of her.

[@GoDrex]

I love Babymetal!❤️💕 All of their songs are great and their live performances are legendary.

[@shokill]

I freaking love Babymetal! I think you're spot on, it's a unique blend that is really interesting and ultra catchy/cute. The girl in the blue coat really knew her stuff. She was awesome!

[@luminosway5249]

Japan has long produced musical artists that Westerners can enjoy. The Japanese tend to take Western styles and put a twist on them, which we find fascinating or at least cute. I wonder though, in the case of Babymetal, if they are self-consciously cute and whacky.

[@h-haru-metal9786]

In Japan, a lot of exposure means "expiration date". BABYMETAL does not take that strategy.

[@Censtudios]

4:00 pretty sure that's why they are popular overseas. I've heard of em. Their music is interesting, but I'm more interested in the band playing in the background than the 3 girls jumping around singing pop songs over a metal backing track. But I know a lot of people who like them because they are so different from other metal bands, and I get that.

[@StarryStarryNocturne]

"GIrls jumping around singing pop songs over a metal backing track." LOL. Yeah, that's all they are. It's not like the very concept of BABYMETAL was built around a producer's vision based and focused on the lead singer's vocal ability and style. There's no clever artistry behind them or anything, it's not like say... precisely and pertinently blending various genres (from Punk, to Reggae, to Ska, to Techno/Electronica, Dubstep, Hip Hop, Flamenco, to freaking Opera) into a composition in a way that not only serves either the lyrical content or the theme of a song and into a contrasting dynamic of Metal and Pop (you can't get two more contrasting genres) that is pulled off in a such a way that is not only genuine to the music but also pleasing to BOTH sets of ears. Yeah, nothing but a Metal backtrack with girls jumping around singing pop songs in front, that's all they are. xD No wonder they got over big in Sonisphere, and have been given the public respect, love and support of legendary Metal artists, all those guys are suckers for such transparent superficial ploys. xD

[@StarryStarryNocturne]

Oh and btw, that band that you think is doing much more out there than the girls. They're playing someone else's music that they rehearsed to play on stage. You know, doing what the girls also do. They're interpreting someone else's work. You give credit to one, you have to give credit to the other. The backing band has zero to do with the music created in studio, unlike the girls who actually have wrote one of their songs. :) Oh, btw, did you know it was Yui (one of the jumping girls) who dictated when one of their biggest, metal songs would debut on stage? She's the one that insisted to the producers that they debut it in London. She's actually responsible for their current show in Hiroshima. It would've been canceled if not for her urging to the powers that be. Imagine that, actual invested artistic direction with an eye and mind coming from a jumping prop.

[@StarryStarryNocturne]

That song was Road of Resistance, btw. :)

[@Censtudios]

StarryStarryNocturne uhm... I didn't say the band does more. Read again what I said. I'm more into the music they play than that poppy stuff the girls do and sing. So to make it even clearer since you might not get that either: I'm not into jpop, especially the wannabe cutesy jumping around kind. The metal part is great. They play complex things and do it well. And yes I know they're hired artists to play stuff. But again, that's not the point. Don't even know why you mentioned that

[@StarryStarryNocturne]

I mentioned it for the same reason I made the comment I made in reply to your comment. It's not what you said, it's your dismissive phrasing that endures in your reply, for example,"Wannabe cutesy jumping around kind." How do you applaud musicians for pure technique in playing someone else's music and nothing else and yet dismiss dancers and singers for doing practically the same thing WHILE contributing more to the group they're BOTH a part of is baffling and actually rather offensive (as a music lover.) You not liking a particular a genre is no excuse to disregard talent. I don't particularly care for Western Pop music (as it stands today) like Lady Gaga for example, but I'm not going to describe her as "a twinkle little star piano player that likes to play dress up." My dislike for her music does not suddenly mean her talent is less than say Jerry Cantrell, just because I prefer Alice in Chains. It's a ridiculous attitude to have. Basically, if you don't like it, that's fine. You can scream to the heavens how much you dislike it if you want, but don't dismiss talent just on the basis of bias and if you insist, don't be surprised if someone takes exception to it and challenges your take. :)

[@davidbush8341]

Having seen Babymetal several times, I think they're music speaks more to the metal fans in the west. Taking elements of some the greats from the UK, USA, Scandinavia and Germany melding it with something we don't see a great deal of J-idols. Hoping Death Rabbits & DeadLift Lolita do a few gigs outside of Japan at some point.

[@gruu]

The girl at 4:02 seems to understand how it works better than the others

[@Kane-fn3go]

Love Babymetal. Road to Resistance is an awesome song and you can really hear Herman Li and Sam Totman's influence. I know theyve played together before but a Dragonforce/Baby Metal tour would be amazing

[@joeypoltergeist1147]

I personally am not a fan really, it's just not quite my style. I do love metal music, it's just their particular style isn't really my thing, but I definitely find them interesting and talented. I would love to see them continue to get more famous :)

[@0okamino]

Yeah, it's not going to click for everyone, but it's nice to see positivity towards them. :)

[@ludo3941]

Idk how I didn't see this video on your channel. I just found out about Babymetal a few days ago, and i just got recommended by KZbin to watch this video. And i already was subscribed to you. I wish I had seen this earlier so I could've been enjoying their music for a longer time. I really liked them.

[@axis1727]

I love also Wagakki Band, Passcode, X-Japan、Band Maid, Fact and much more

[@EndoplasmicReticulum7]

Onigiri Band-Maid rocks🤘!!!

[@hikaru0824hikaru]

nice! i know all BABYMETAL is my best but i like all

[@hlb979]

Endoplasmic Reticulum definitely agree; really impressive live, strong energetic groove sense, communicative vocals, look cool yet they don't appear uncomfortable even in "foreign territory" (they feel like they are at ease, thus also the public feels at ease, involved), "head up" approach in composition (aware that commercial success is a big priority, but still willing to develop different nuances)... there's clearly a jpop element esp. in melodies but not to the point of being an impenetrable barrier for the random listeners. I think they have legs to have a very long career, both inside and alongside the band, and regardless of niches.

[@SoronQuenta]

When I heard their music 3 years ago, it shocked me the combination of music styles; I didn't disliked it but certainly it took me some time to appreciate the presentation.

[@КарбованеСрібло]

Fun fact, I was not interested in Japanese culture at all, before i listened to babymetal. And now like every third video in my KZbin recommendations is about Japan. So, this band kinda changed my life in a way

[@erilaz7]

I'm a huge fan of Japanese idols, but I don't care for most metal. Be that as it may, I do tend to prefer idol songs with a harder edge to them (Morning Musume's "Kanashimi Twilight" and "Shabondama" and AKB48's "Beginner" and "UZA", for example), so BABYMETAL is an ideal mixture of elements for me. I especially like their song "Megitsune", which combines the cute idols and hard rock with more traditional Japanese musical elements -- yet another feature of several of my favorite idol songs. When BABYMETAL came to San Francisco last year, I bought a VIP ticket and took the day off from work. I bought a t-shirt and a hoodie at the show and wear them often, even though I don't own any other metal-themed shirts.

[@D0x1511af]

+erilaz and babymetal isn'\t metal tho....they just heavily influenced by metal scene and you said hard rock sound?it's make me more cringe more and your understanding of musical genre totally shallow

[@alblgz]

Mich X エモ Listen to this kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap7JaoVtpMiij80 and if THAT is not metal, you have no "understanding of musical genre" whatsoever. It's not a surprise for BABYMETAL haters being total morons tho...

[@judefizahelmy1156]

Most of Baby Metal fans are foreigner not Japanese....Im from Malaysia and I am baby metal fans!

[@willow7435]

If genres like BABYMETAL aren't as popular in Japan, then what about visual-kei and metal bands such as Girugamesh, The Gazette, Sid, Versailles, Sadie, Screw, etc? They seem to be pretty popular

[@megs376]

im a filipina i like thier song and they are so cute.

[@humanityyy]

they're coming here in 2020!!!

[@rashawnjackson9489]

A friend of mine hooked me to this when I first met him. Honestly, 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Sh4dySam]

I have a healthy obsession with BABYMETAL in that every couple of months it's all I listen to for days on end. Their music is so catchy and fun. I bought their live show from Tokyo Dome (both nights) and was absolutely blown away by their talent, excitement, and stamina. The Kami Band is insanely talented. Whoever their manager is should be very proud, as should Su, Moa, and Yui's parents. Thanks for making this video Yuta! You rock =]

[@bes4497]

I saw Babymetal live at Countdown Japan 2015/16 and they put on one hell of a show. They definitely seemed popular with the crowd at that festival! But you're right, when I mentioned them to other Japanese friends and classmates, lots of people didn't really know them. Whereas in the UK they seem to be fairly well known- even my grandma had heard of them!

[@viniciusmorais66]

I went there too. But I think most audience were kitsune(mate) with black Tee, They go every live show as many as they can. So their live show are always crowded.

[@EmilyRafferty]

My friends and I actually kinda like it.... guilty pleasure! Haha my friends thought I would like it “because it’s like sailor moon”! According to them! Lol 😂

[@lassemaja8382]

I believe the last girl really nailed it. Altho i think the reavtions would have been abit more fun if you had showed them songs like Headbanger and Iine because those songs have more of a crazy wibe and look to them. Good job man.

[@Ruby_V_]

But I listen to japanese vocals precisely because I don't understand them Yuta. Its not distracting that way. :]