
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Deer that appeared in downtown Osaka gets a new home, a new name, and a lot of snacks[Video]
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Famous koi ponds overwhelmed with tourists throwing thousands of coins in them
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Japan’s full-facemask Ninja Parka still lets you eat ice cream[Photos]
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
Horse meat sushi restaurant opens up in Tokyo, becomes sushi’s latest craze 【Photos】
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
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
J-pop…maybe J-metal?…band Asunojokei blends genres, wins fans in Japan and abroad【Interview】