WagakkiBand

Japan’s WagakkiBand is known for mixing traditional instrumentation and shigin—an ancient form of poetry recital—into their pop-leaning rock ’n’ roll. ∙ In 2014, they had a viral hit with “Senbonzakura,” from Vocalo-Zanmai, a concept album with covers of popular songs in the Vocaloid genre, which features computer-synthesized vocals. ∙ Following 2015’s chart-topping Yasouemaki—their first release of original music—they were honored as one of the Japan Gold Disc Award’s Best 5 New Artists. ∙ “Cradle of Eternity,” the title track of vocalist Yuko Suzuhana’s 2016 solo album, was the opening theme for the video game SD Gundam G Generation Genesis. ∙ Shikisai featured the hits “Kishikaisei,” which played throughout TV Tokyo’s 2016 Summer Olympics coverage, and “Valkyrie,” which opened the anime series Twin Star Exorcists. ∙ Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee cowrote and performed on “Sakura Rising,” the lead single from 2020’s Tokyo Singing, a Top 10 hit on the Oricon Albums chart.