
When we introduced you to the Wagakki Band last year, we were pretty sure they might end up being a big deal. And, as it turned out, we were definitely right about that! After releasing a full album to rave reviews earlier this year, the band has been on the road touring both in Japan and at the Japan Expo in Paris. But despite their busy schedule of rehearsing and performing, they’ve had time to work on a new, original song. While they haven’t released a full video yet (you’ll have to wait a few more weeks), you can check out the short version below!
Called “Hanabi,” which means “fireworks,” the song is an original–a first for the band, whose debut album was all covers, mostly of vocaloid songs. In case you ever wondered if they had the musical chops to write their own music, wonder no more–they definitely do!
The full song and accompanying video will be released on August 27, when DVDs and Blu-rays will become available. There will be two different versions–regular and an Amazon exclusive–of the final release, with each version including the full-length video and a making-of video in addition to a version-specific live performance. Each disc will also come with a randomly selected member trading card.
But enough talk, let’s get to the music! Here’s the short version of “Hanabi.” We can’t wait to see the full video!
And in case you missed it earlier this month, here is the strangely melodramatic commercial for the song. It provides some (possibly unnecessary) background for the single–and movie-trailer English narration.
Finally, if you ever wanted to know what it would be like to actually see the band live and you don’t happen to be living near any of their planned tour spots, here’s a video of the band performing their cover of “Kagerou Days.”
We’ve also included the original vocaloid version below for comparison.
If the wait for the new, original song is killing you, we recommend following them on Facebook, where they post updates in Japanese and occasionally English. Otherwise, come back on August 27 to check out the full song!

The new Wagakki Band album is out! Let’s find out what the fans think!
New video “Ikusa” from Wagakki Band mixes rock, traditional instruments, and swords!
Famikoto celebrates Nintendo with medley of game music played on traditional instruments【J-Tunes】
Wagakki Band release music video for “Valkyrie”, opening song for Twin Star Exorcists anime
Rocking out with the Wagakki Band: Giving vocaloids a human voice
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
What did Shibuya really look like after the crowds on New Year’s Day?
Combining all of Nissin’s new Cup Noodle series into one powerful bowl of ramen
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Japan’s train travel soundscape faces sad change as JR East axes special station departure melodies
Is McDonald’s Japan’s new watermelon frappe worth your yen?
Can you crack this beautifully minimalist comparison of Japan’s big cities and rural countryside?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Rick Rack: The teenage girl rock band that is way better than they have any right to be【J-Tunes】
Math, art, and music: Sputniko! reimagines J-pop【J-Tunes】
Knocking on your door: Kiyoshi Sugo’s beautiful, melodic dubstep【J-Tunes】
Wagakki Band releases new teaser video, third album on sale soon!【Video】
Wagakki Band’s newest video “Strong Fate” might just be the most epic one yet!
A brief history of Japanese rockabilly: Not just for your grandparents!【J-Tunes】
Pleated skirts, Kewpie dolls, and death: The wild music and videos of Urbangarde【J-Tunes】
NINGEN ISU: This Japanese literary metal band will rock your butt off【Photos & Video】
Wagakki Band breathes life into the Olympics with “Kishikaisei”
Flagitious Idiosyncrasy In The Dilapidation: Japan’s awesome all-woman grindcore band【J-Tunes】
Japan Self-Defense Force’s elite Central Band performs Hatsune Miku song Senbonzakura
Monsters of Shamisen: New music for an old instrument 【J-Tunes】
Japanese band robot-dances their way around London in latest music video
It’s a hard rock life: NINGEN ISU’s Shinji Wajima talks about songwriting, working with friends
Super Mario Maker level recreates intense Vocaloid hit with carefully positioned music blocks
Leave a Reply