Final Project - Wagakki Band by EE AEL-WEN https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw Student ID: 21086467 en-us 2025-07-20 22:54:13 UTC 2025-07-31 02:32:00 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/8.0/png/1f3b6.png Essay PDF File 21086467_2 https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525890529 2025-07-22 08:30:16 UTC https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525890529 Traditional Context 21086467_2 https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525890795 Shamisen

  • The shamisen is a three-stringed instrument originating from China. In the 16th century, Japanese craftsmen adapted the instrument, and its modern form is distinctly Japanese. The instrument has a sharp, powerful sound, and plays a central role in Japanese cultural performances, as well as in kabuki music and puppet theater (Raineri, n.d.). It was historically used to accompany singing and storytelling in the traditional arts. 

  • Tsugaru Shamisen (using Ripple) - Tsugaru Jongara-bushi Kyokubiki


Wadaiko 

  • Wadaiko drums have deep, resonating tones, a long history in Japanese culture, and are vital in festivals. Taiko is the most well-known form of wadaiko, involving coordinated, choreographed drumming. In contemporary times, taiko is performed in schools and public events as a way to preserve tradition.

  • Tamagawa Taiko - "Hibiki"


Shakuhachi

  • The shakuhachi is a bamboo flute that originated in China. There is a consensus between scholars that it came to Japan in the middle of the 8th century. The shakuhachi was a part of Gagaku, the imperial court music of Japan which is still practiced to this day (Macke, n.d.).

  • https://youtu.be/S0eNCZJtiaY


Koto

  • The koto, a 13-stringed zither, is an ancient instrument that was also once a central part of Gagaku. It was historically played in court performances and by high ranking individuals in society.

  • Noriko Kawata, Koto Solo

]]> 2025-07-22 08:30:39 UTC https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525890795 Modern Context 21086467_2 https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525890867

  • The link above leads to the original audio of the Vocaloid song Senbonzakura, which was covered by Wagakki Band and became a turning point for their rise in popularity.


    • Wagakki Band initially gained popularity by utilizing traditional instruments in covers of Vocaloid songs. Vocaloid technology refers to a type of music synthesis software that creates singing voices by using recorded voice samples as a voicebank. Vocaloid music quickly became popular due to its accessibility, and the creative freedom it offered artists. Platforms like Nico Nico Douga and YouTube helped Vocaloid music grow, leading to the development of entire subcultures and fanbases. It can now be considered a popular subgenre of Japanese music.

    • Vocaloid tracks are known for their energetic, fast-paced nature. The synthesized voices allow for wider manipulation of pitch, tone, and rhythm, resulting in often futuristic-sounding songs. These qualities align well with the music preferences of younger generations and Wagakki Band's music style.

    • Vocaloid music is currently relevant in Japanese culture and has also reached a large global audience. The international reach the internet has allowed Vocaloid music to gain is a key part of the genre’s modern popularity. 

    • By using the pre-existing fanbase from Vocaloid music, Wagakki Band was able to grow at a more rapid rate. Their fusion style gives the popular genre a more cultural twist and a new sense of originality.

    ]]>     2025-07-22 08:30:47 UTC https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525890867     Traditional and Modern Comparison 21086467_2 https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525891252

  • Traditional instruments: Traditional instruments (wagakki) like the shamisen, wadaiko, shakuhachi, and koto, are deeply rooted in Japanese cultural heritage. Having been used in kabuki theater and Japanese court music, wagakki is often directly associated with Japanese history and its classical music, allowing it to hold significant cultural value.

  • Modern Instruments: In contrast, modern instruments like the electric guitar, electric bass, and drums, are commonly associated with Western musical traditions, aligning with more contemporary genres such as rock, pop, and Vocaloid music. 

  • Integration: Wagakki Band expertly integrates traditional instruments with Vocaloid and modern music in a way that allows the instruments and phrases to complement each other, reintroducing traditional instruments - and Japanese culture by association - into a modern popular fusion genre.

  • Modern Relevance: Vocaloid music in particular is a relatively new cultural genre in Japan and is only possible because of digital technology. This genre's popularity is driven by the internet and could be considered a form of musical innovation. By re-introducing traditional instruments and playing techniques in a modern context, Wagakki Band proves that these classical elements can continue to be relevant, attracting a younger and new demographic.

  • Visual comparison: As traditional music was often connected to formal settings, the visual elements of traditional performances often feature classical Japanese attire such as kimonos and other cultural outfits. Modern performances, however, are more visually dynamic with the aim of capturing the attention of the audience. Rock and Vocaloid music in particular often feature energetic movements, with bright attention-grabbing lighting, appealing visuals, and large crowds. Wagakki Band combines this modern style with traditional Japanese attire and design sets inspired by classical Japanese literature, poetry, and dance.

  • Cultural Storytelling: Wagakki was often traditionally performed with narrated or visual stories, such as poetry and puppet theater. Wagakki Band also incorporates elements of storytelling. Their lyrics are often inspired by classical Japanese poetry and literature, particularly shigin.

  • Diverse Audiences: Wagakki Band’s ability to appeal to both traditional music fans and modern audiences has been vital to their success. In this way, they can preserve Japanese culture and share it with younger audiences, fully utilizing the modern appeal of energetic rock and Vocaloid music.

    • ]]>     2025-07-22 08:31:32 UTC https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525891252     Wagakki Band Interviews 21086467_2 https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525891560 Wagakki Band Interview in Japan Expo FULL - YouTube


    My Interview with WagakkiBand (Part 1) [Eng Sub] - YouTube


    My Interview with WagakkiBand (Part 2) [Eng Sub]


    My Interview with WagakkiBand (Part 3) [Eng Sub]

    ]]>     2025-07-22 08:32:06 UTC https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525891560     Music Videos 21086467_2 https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525892013 和楽器バンド / 「戦-ikusa-」／Wagakki Band「Ikusa」Music Video


    Wagakki Band - 華火 (Hanabi) / Dai Shinnenkai 2021 Nippon Budokan ~ Amanoiwato ~

    ]]>     2025-07-22 08:32:35 UTC https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525892013     References 21086467_2 https://padlet.com/21086467_2/ardz9kxdlpn7ldhw/wish/3525900931 Avex. (2014, January 31). 和楽器バンド / 千本桜 [Video]. YouTube. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_xTet06SUo


    Avex. (2015, January 16). 和楽器バンド / 「戦-ikusa-」／Wagakki Band「Ikusa Music Video [Video]. YouTube. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5zj3dwNxJw


    Frank Garcia. (2021, October 13). Wagakki Band - 華火 (Hanabi) / Dai Shinnenkai 2021 Nippon Budokan ~ Amanoiwato ~ [Video]. YouTube. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUBFQb_a3tY


    Googoo888. (2015, April 11). [1080P Full風] 千本桜 Senbonzakura "One Thousand Cherry Trees"- 初音ミク Hatsune Miku DIVA English Romaji [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqps4anhz0Q


    Japan Music Culture Export. (2016, May 10). WagakkiBand’s live performance and exclusive interview/ 和楽器バンドのライヴ映像と貴重なインタビュー [Video]. YouTube.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3VhGc5rPnU&t=3s


    Joynfinity. (2016, April 23). My Interview with WagakkiBand (Part 1) [Eng Sub] [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss7htd8-nPE


    Joynfinity. (2016, April 23). My Interview with WagakkiBand (Part 2) [Eng Sub] [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7xIR6p6wAc


    Joynfinity. (2016, April 23). My Interview with WagakkiBand (Part 3) [Eng Sub] [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiTfNRhWeqQ


    Macke, B. (n.d.) Shakuhachi: The History and Practice of Suizen. Japan House. 

    https://japanhouse.illinois.edu/education/insights/shakuhachi


    MichaGi. (2017, September 9). Wagakki Band Interview in Japan Expo FULL [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMAhnj89S2g


    Noriko Kawata. (2010, April 18). Noriko Kawata, Koto Solo [Video]. YouTube. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC4XvX47egA


    Raineri, S. (n.d.) The Shamisen, the Resonance of Traditional Japan. Deeper Japan. 

    https://deeperjapan.com/journal/shamisen-the-resonance-of-traditional-japan


    Rodrigo Rodriguez Music. (2014, October 10). The Heart of Japanese Folk Tradition: Shakuhachi flute by Rodrigo Rodriguez [Video]. YouTube. 

    https://youtu.be/S0eNCZJtiaY


    Shamisen Komatsuya. (2017, September 1). Tsugaru Shamisen (using Ripple) - Tsugaru Jongara-bushi Kyokubiki [Video]. YouTube. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJhlX6Lkq_Y


    The Kennedy Center. (2015, June 27). Tamagawa Taiko - "Hibiki" [Video]. YouTube. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP9VFZYoiws


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