RAG MusicRock
Lovely rock

Masterpieces and popular songs by Wagakki Band

As the name suggests, it’s a Japanese-instrument band that combines traditional instruments like shakuhachi, koto, shamisen, and taiko with Western instruments such as guitar.

Along with the instruments, their songs also have an appealing, distinctly Japanese flavor.

Many of their tracks frequently feature Vocaloid covers, making them a band that’s also highly popular among Vocaloid producers.

Top 10 Masterpieces and Popular Songs by Wagakki Band

Snow, fall and scatter toward you.Wagakki Band

Wagakki Band / “Snow, Dance and Scatter, Toward You” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)
Snow, fall and scatter toward you.Wagakki Band

This is a song included on the 3rd album “Shikisai,” released on March 22, 2017.

It’s rare for Wagakki Band to have a winter-themed song, but the beautiful music video is mesmerizing.

The lyrics are somewhat bittersweet, expressing feelings for someone unforgettable.

I imagine some listeners will relate.

Strong FateWagakki Band

Wagakki Band / “Strong Fate” full-size music video
Strong FateWagakki Band

This song was released as a digital-only single after its first performance at the Budokan on January 6, 2016.

The music video can only be described as beautiful.

With visuals and lyrics that evoke the transience of life and death, it’s sure to draw you into its grand, immersive world.

War -ikusa-Wagakki Band

Wagakki Band / “Ikusa” — Wagakki Band “Ikusa” Music Video
War -ikusa-Wagakki Band

This is a track included on the second album “Yasou Emaki,” released on September 2, 2015.

The song was used as the theme for the TV anime and the game Samurai Warriors.

I think it fits the world of Samurai Warriors well.

It’s also a piece that expresses Wagakki Band’s unique sense of transience, as well as the ephemerality of war.

Wagakki Band’s best and popular songs (11–20)

Thread of DawnWagakki Band

Wagakki Band / “Akatsuki no Ito” MUSIC VIDEO / Wagakki Band “Akatsuki no Ito”
Thread of DawnWagakki Band

This is a track included on the second album, Yasoe-maki, recorded on September 2, 2015.

The grand and elegant melodies of the shakuhachi and koto in the intro, and the way the song builds, are incredibly cool.

The beautiful vocals resonate deeply.

The lyrics are beautiful as well, crafted to suit the traditional Japanese sound, and they are truly moving.

a miraculous comebackWagakki Band

Wagakki Band / 'Kishikaisei' Music Video (Short Ver.)
a miraculous comebackWagakki Band

The single Kishikaisei, released on August 17, 2016, was also used as the theme song for the Rio Olympics broadcasts.

Fitting for an Olympic track, the lyrics are uplifting, making it a kind of cheer song.

Although it’s a support song, the energetic, Japanese-style rock sound adds an unexpected twist, but I think it suits perfectly.

Snow Shadow CapWagakki Band

Wagakki Band / “Yukikage Boushi” Music Video (Short Ver.), out 1/24
Snow Shadow CapWagakki Band

Wagakki Band, known for their unique sound that fuses traditional Japanese instruments with rock, released this classic winter song in January 2018.

It was featured in a New Year’s sale commercial for the used-car dealer Gulliver, drawing attention as the band members themselves appeared in the ad.

Written and composed by vocalist Yuko Suzuhana, the track layers the three-dimensional timbres of traditional instruments—Tsugaru shamisen, koto, shakuhachi, and wadaiko—within a pop-rock framework, evoking a resilient strength like waiting for spring beneath the snow.

The driving force of electric guitar and drums contrasts beautifully with the delicate tones of the traditional instruments, creating a comfortable blend that can make you feel warmed from the core when listened to in the cold season.

Included on the album “Otonoe,” it has remained a staple in the band’s live performances.

Nadeshiko SakuraWagakki Band

Wagakki Band Nadeshiko sakura Live
Nadeshiko SakuraWagakki Band

This is the second single, “Ikusa / Nadeshiko Sakura.” The song was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Samurai Warriors.

The koto beneath the melody is very beautiful, and the shakuhachi solo in the latter half is rich and cool.