The only way WagakkiBand could be more Japanese is if Scarlett Johansson was playing the part of the singer.
The eight-piece hit the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium for a pair of concerts that were its biggest yet, according to organizers. The Feb. 17 show, which I was at, was big, theatrical and dramatic. Lead vocalist Yuko Suzuhana glided onto the stage decked out in an elaborate kimono and waving a folding fan as the group launched into a performance of "Hanabi."
I wasn't too familiar with WagakkiBand before the show, but a friend told me she likes the way the group mixes rock music with traditional Japanese instrumentation. Sure enough, a five-song segment in the front half of the show provided the chance to showcase each instrument — koto, shakuhachi, Tsugaru shamisen and wadaiko drums.