October 22nd, 2013 
AstroNerdBoy I recently mentioned BABYMETAL, an idol group that blends heavy metal with expected pop idol elements.Β The result is actually quite good, so much so that yours truly actually got an iTunes account just to score their music. ^_^
For this post, I wanted to talk about the song Megitsune, which means “female fox”. When BABYMETAL was founded, they apparently jacked up trying to do devil horns, resulting in the group’s trademark hand sign, that of the kitsune. So it is appropriate somehow that they make a song called Megitsune.
I love this song. The video is pretty awesome too with shamisen players wearing kitsune masks, all the while thrashing like heavy metal head bangers. *lol* It is so awesome somehow.
About 1:50 into the video, the tempo and tone of the song change, and the video shifts to match. The BABYMETAL girls are gone, replaced by a woman in a kitsune mask, kimono, and performing a Nihon Buyou (I think that’s what it is) dance. The kitsune thrashers behind her just add to the awesomeness of the moment, as does the primal screaming for some reason.Β I started thinking that Inuyasha and Kagome might show up at any moment. *lol*
I scored both the instrumental version of this song as well as the full version from iTunes. It is expensive to get otherwise.
Later, I’ll touch some other songs BABYMETAL has done that I like. ^_^
Posted in 
Tags: 
well thats new… and pretty dang good. thanks for the intro =D
You’re welcome. ^_^
The only thing that bugs me is I worry that this is just exploiting the children. I mean they may be involved in this because of vicarious parenting, and you sometimes hear stories about child stars who had all the money taken by their parents, no childhood, and a lot of issues. The two on the sides in the picture above don’t even look happy.
I wouldn’t put too much stock into how the girls look in the promo image. They are trying to create an image fitting for a heavy metal chick. ^_~
As to the exploitation, I understand your concerns. In Japan, the idol culture is a big one, as the Japanese like the young, cute girls. So there are tons of idol groups out there. Indeed, the three girls from BABYMETAL came from another idol group (don’t remember which one off hand). But, a lot of girls in Japan would love to be an idol to get the fame and some money to boot. As to whether parent’s are living vicariously through their idol children, I’m sure there are some who do, but there are some who just consider it an honor to have their child showcased like that. Just one of those culture things.
I am a musician and play rock guitar as well as the Japanese koto for over 10 years. Megitsune amazes me. I think Baybymetal will get better and better, as their songs are maturing with each release.
As to exploitation, why is it when little Japanese girls perform in idol groups it is exploitative, but when Western singers like Charlotte Church, Connie Talbot, and Jackie Evancho perform THAT’S FINE?? and I haven’t even begun to list all the little child movie stars…YES, stardom and fame can lead to disaster in some children, but should we just ban all gifted and talented kids from performance because of a few burnt out?
Further more, though there is a long list of crash and burn western child performers, I never heard of a former Japanese child actor or singer, musician who later became a drug addict, drunk, or a suicide…
>I think Baybymetal will get better and better, as their songs are maturing with each release.
I agree there. You really can tell how much they, and their producer, have worked out rough edges that were there in their first release. The only problem I see is that BABYMETAL may end up changing singers before long to keep the idol thing going. I hope not since I like the lead singer’s vocals.
>Further more, though there is a long list of crash and burn western child performers, I never heard of a former Japanese child actor or singer, musician who later became a drug addict, drunk, or a suicide…
You’ve got a point there, though I do know there has been an idol or two (or maybe more) who’ve decided to do porn. Not sure if that’s something recent or not since I’m not into that, but I do remember reading about it.
Still, idols are mostly kept on a tight leash, combined with Japanese culture, keeps them out of the kinds of troubles you mention. For an idol, getting into trouble is being seen dating someone and having to apologize. People in the West were so outraged by an idol apologizing for that, but I doubt any of them get outraged by what happens to Western child stars who go wild.
wow, i love all about baby metal. the girls look so amazing and the song is good too :))
Yeah, I’ve really liked them.
they are so awasome
I love this song and singer and the singers are beautiful too ^_^
I need to see what they’ve done of late.
amazing song π