
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
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Mister Donut releases new doughnuts that look and taste like Japanese sweet potatoes
This Japanese 7-Eleven has the most expensive drinks, and item, we’ve even seen at the chain
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Foreign travelers arrested in Japan following smash-and-grab robbery in Tokyo shopping mall
Pizza Hut Japan creates moon-viewing sukiyaki chrysanthemum pizza for tsukimi season
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
Japan’s double-decker portable rice cooker/bento maker is better than ever with new version
Nephew of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki serves up Totoro Shaved Ice in Tokyo
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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】
A brief history of Japanese rockabilly: Not just for your grandparents!【J-Tunes】
Wagakki Band’s newest video “Strong Fate” might just be the most epic one yet!
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