Megitsune

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Megitsune"
A figure with a kitsune (fox) mask wearing a headpiece and a black robe on a red background, holding two shamisen criss-cross behind it. The word "BABYMETAL" appears at the top of the artwork in a yellow font.
Standard edition cover
Single by Babymetal
from the album Babymetal
LanguageJapanese
B-side"Akatsuki" (standard)
"Onedari Daisakusen" (limited)
ReleasedJune 19, 2013 (2013-06-19)
Recorded2011–2013
Genre
Length19:16 (standard edition)
7:26 (limited edition CD)
Label
Composer(s)Norimetal
Lyricist(s)
  • Mk-metal
  • Norimetal
Producer(s)
Babymetal singles chronology
"Ijime, Dame, Zettai"
(2013) 		"Megitsune"
(2013) 		"Road of Resistance"
(2015)
Music video
"Megitsune" on YouTube

"Megitsune" (メギツネ, "Vixen") is the second major label single by the Japanese kawaii metal band Babymetal. It was released in Japan on June 19, 2013 as the fifth single from the album Babymetal.[1][2][3] It is also the first single released independently from the idol group Sakura Gakuin.

Release and promotion[]

The single was first announced for a June release on April 1, 2013.[4] The single was released in four versions: a standard edition and three limited editions. The "Ki", "Tsu", and "Ne" (Kitsune means "fox" in Japanese) limited editions included single artwork focused on Nakamoto, Mizuno, and Kikuchi respectively, and their included DVDs feature footage of two songs from each of the live performances from Live: Legend I, D, Z Apocalypse.[1][5] Additionally, the single included a chance to contain a ticket to the premium event Kitsune Festival at Meguro Rock May Kan on July 14, 2013.[6]

To promote the release, the band was featured in the June issue of Marquee and on the cover of the July issue of Hedoban,[7][8] in addition to collaborating with Tower Records for the 34th rendition of the event No Music, No Idol?.[9]

Babymetal Death Match Tour 2013: May Revolution[]

Babymetal Death Match Tour 2013: May Revolution
Promotional concert tour by Babymetal
Start dateMay 10, 2013 (2013-05-10)
End dateMay 18, 2013 (2013-05-18)
Legs1
No. of shows4
Babymetal concert chronology

The Babymetal Death Match Tour 2013: May Revolution (BABYMETAL DEATH MATCH TOUR 2013 -五月革命-, Babymetal Death Match Tour 2013 -Gogatsu Kakumei-) was a promotional concert tour by Babymetal, occurring in conjunction with the promotion of "Megitsune". The band performed four shows, with two on the final tour date, at the same venue.[10] Customers who purchased tickets to the tour could receive an exclusive edition of the single, with a remix by Yuyoyuppe, under the name DJ'Tekina//Something.[11][12]

According to Mizuno, the tour was designed to be a "training tour". During each of the four shows the three members wore stage costumes for the eras of "Doki Doki ☆ Morning" (which had become nostalgically small for them), "Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!", and "Ijime, Dame, Zettai", respectively, with the final show premiering new costumes for "Megitsune".[13]

List of concerts, showing date, city, country, and venue
Date City Country Venue
Asia[10]
May 10, 2013 Osaka Japan BigCat
May 17, 2013 Tokyo Zepp DiverCity
May 18, 2013
May 18, 2013

Composition[]

"Megitsune"[]

"Megitsune" has been described as "festival metal".[14] Alongside the serious heavy metal tone, there is a mix of Western-style and Eastern-style music, noticeably with the use of Japanese traditional instruments. Unlike screams in traditional heavy metal, "Megitsune" is filled with festival chants by Mizuno and Kikuchi like "wasshoi" and "sore sore", while Nakamoto sings in the melodramatic style of enka.[14] The bridge has significant variety in genre, with elements of dubstep as well as interpolations from the traditional Japanese folk song "Sakura Sakura".[5][15][16][17]

The song contains lyrics such as "from the time of birth, women are actresses"[14] which reflect on the song's theme of women remaining strong when living with their varied facial expressions. The song relates foxes, which disguises themselves for deception in Japanese mythology, to women, who disguise themselves with makeup. According to Nakamoto, foxes are similar to women as they can keep their true feeling hidden, even through hard times, leaving a cool impression.[14] The last chorus contains the phrase "underestimate [maidens] at your own peril" (なめたらいかんぜよ, nametara ikan ze yo, literally "if you underestimate, it would be regrettable"), which is also famously said by Masako Natsume's character in the 1982 yakuza film "Onimasa";[18][19][20] whether or not this was intentional has never been confirmed.

Recording had begun shortly after "Ijime, Dame, Zettai", with a tone reminiscent of "Doki Doki ☆ Morning" and "Iine!". After several rounds of remixing, taiko drums were added while the lyrics remained the same.[21] In a Billboard interview about the band's album Metal Resistance, Su-metal explained that the song "is popular among international fans, and I have a feeling that "Karate" will be something close to "Megitsune.""[22] George Garner of Kerrang! called the song "the most hyper song [Babymetal] have ever put their name to."[15]

Other songs[]

Performed solely by Nakamoto, "Akatsuki" (紅月 -アカツキ-, "Crimson Moon") is considered to be in the genre of speed metal.[23] The song debuted as background music during the first live performance of "Iine!". Nakamoto went through voice training as the song was challenging with high tones. With more performances, her vocal performance improved as she stopped singing flat.[21] Being her first solo, Nakamoto felt accomplished being able to sing the entire song by herself.[14] While writing about the band's performance at Wembley Arena, Mark Beaumont contrasted it with the previous songs "Awadama Fever", "Iine!", and "Yava!", stating it had a darker tone, as "a show-tune ballad sung by Su-metal in a black cape, running along a flame-flanked ego ramp".[24]

Under the stage name "Black Babymetal", Mizuno and Kikuchi perform "Onedari Daisakusen" (おねだり大作戦, "Begging Operation") in the style of rap metal, with dialogue-style lyrics in the nature of small devils.[23] Due to the childish nature of the lyrics, Mizuno sang the song like a baby. Nakamoto has background vocals in the chorus,[21] in a cool manner.[14] Daniel Robson of The Guardian called the lyrics of Babymetal "delightfully tongue-in-cheek", explaining how "Onedari Daisakusen" "offers practical advice to teens on how to extract extra pocket money from one’s father with a well-timed shoulder-massage/flattery combo".[25]

Reception[]

"Megitsune" received positive acclaim from music critics. Tomonori Shiba of M-ON! Press wrote that "Megitsune" has an intro filled with the shamisen, bass guitar, synths, and flying shouts of "Sore! Sore!", signifying its festival-like nature, fusing the genres of metalcore and "wa" (和; Japanese elements). Like the music of Crossfaith and Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas, it contains elements of electro-trance music. He further compared Nakamoto's vocal performance to that of Evanescence band member Amy Lee, calling the line "Kitsune. Kitsune. I am Megitsune" in the bridge stimulating.[26] Patrick St. Michel of The Japan Times considered the song one of the highlights on the album, praising it for not depending on the band's "gimmicks". He further called it and "Doki Doki ☆ Morning" memorable and similarly constructed to "Gimme Chocolate!!".[27]

While reviewing a performance at Brixton Academy, Colin McQuistan of The Huffington Post UK described "Akatsuki" as an opportunity for Nakamoto to "show off her remarkably powerful voice", while "wonderfully bonkers" "Onedari Daisakusen" gave Mizuno and Kikuchi an opportunity to "lead the audience on a wildly merry journey".[28]

The single peaked at number seven on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart,[29] selling 22,000 copies that week.[30] The song also charted on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, peaking at number 16 in the week of July 1, 2013.[31] It also managed to peak at number two on the Oricon Daily Singles Chart.[32]

"Megitsune" was used as the opening theme for the Japanese talk/variety show Hakkiri 5: Sonna ni Sukarete Inai 5-nin ga Sekai o Sukuu.

"Megitsune" is used as one of the two pieces of walk-on music for Japanese darts player Mikuru Suzuki, the other being "Baby Shark" by Pinkfong.

Music video[]

A teaser for the single, featuring a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Robin seemingly headbanging to the song, was first uploaded to YouTube via the Toy's Factory channel on May 31, 2013,[33] with the full music video, directed by Takuya Tada (多田卓也), uploaded to the official Babymetal channel on June 4, 2013.[34][35]

The music video was shot on location at the Asagaya Shinmei Shrine in Tokyo; it is now a popular spot for Babymetal fans from outside Japan to visit.[36] The three members are shown dancing in Noh theater alongside the "Kitsune band" (using traditional Japanese instruments) within the traditional scenery of Japan; this forms the significant contrast found in the music (specifically between metal and wa), which has since garnered over 60 million views as of April 2020. In the last chorus, Nakamoto threateningly reveals that her microphone contains a hidden blade, while saying the aforementioned phrase "underestimate maidens at your own peril".

During the shooting of the music video, Kikuchi's outfit tore at the armpit; similar incidents had previously occurred at live performances.[14]

Live performances[]

During the bridge of "Megitsune", Nakamoto performs with a Kitsune mask partially concealing her face from the crowd.

Prior to the release of the single, "Megitsune" was performed live on the Nippon Broadcasting System program MC Plus on June 4, 2013.[37] The band also performed the song at the single's release event Pray for Success with "Inarin" & Mini Live at Tower Records Shibuya on June 22, 2013.[38] The next day, the song was performed again at a free concert at the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Festival.[39] The band performed the song on the Nippon TV program Music Dragon, which would be broadcast on June 21, 2013.[40] Later, they performed the song on the NHK General TV program Music Japan Annex, which was broadcast on July 16, 2013.[41] In February 2014, the band performed the song with Taiwanese band Chthonic.[42]

During the live performances, Nakamoto is shown holding a Kitsune mask to her face during the bridge, before tossing it out into the crowd.[43]

Track listings and formats[]

Standard edition

CD
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Megitsune" (メギツネ)
  • Mk-metal
  • Norimetal
NorimetalYuyoyuppe4:09
2."Akatsuki" (紅月 -アカツキ-)
  • Nakametal
  • Tsubometal
TsubometalKyoto (教頭)5:29
3."Megitsune" (Air Vocal ver.) NorimetalYuyoyuppe4:09
4."Akatsuki" (Air Vocal ver.) TsubometalKyoto5:28
Total length:19:15

"Ki", "Tsu", and "Ne" limited edition

CD
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Megitsune" (メギツネ)
  • Mk-metal
  • Norimetal
NorimetalYuyoyuppe4:09
2."Onedari Daisakusen" (おねだり大作戦)
  • Nakata Caos (中田カオス)
  • Ryu-metal
  • Fuji-metal
Team-K
3:17
Total length:7:26
"Ki" edition DVD – Digest of Legend "I" at Shibuya O-East (10/6/2012)[44]
No.TitleLength
1."Overture / Doki Doki ☆ Morning" (Overture～ド・キ・ド・キ☆モーニング) 
2."Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!" (ヘドバンギャー！！) 
"Tsu" edition DVD – Digest of Legend "D" Su-metal Seitansai at Akasaka Blitz (12/20/2012)[44]
No.TitleLength
1."Babymetal Death" 
2."Kimi to Anime ga Mitai – Answer for Animation With You" (君とアニメが見たい〜Answer for Animation With You) 
"Ne" edition DVD – Digest of Legend "Z" at Zepp Tokyo (2/1/2013)[44]
No.TitleLength
1."Overture / Ijime, Dame, Zettai" (Overture～イジメ、ダメ、ゼッタイ) 
2."Catch Me If You Can" 

May Revolution Exclusive promotional edition

Standard, Su-metal, Yuimetal, and Moametal edition CD
No.TitleRemixerLength
1."Megitsune" (メギツネ) 4:09
2."Megitsune" (Tekina Remix) (メギツネ -TEKINA Remix-)DJ'Tekina//Something3:18
Total length:7:27

Credits and personnel[]

Credits adapted from "Megitsune" standard and limited "Tsu" single liner notes.[45]

Recording and management

  • Recorded at ABS Recording, MukuStudio, Sound Arts Studio, S.O.L.I.D. Sound Lab, and Heat [sic] Beat Recording Studio
  • Mixed at King Sekiguchidai Studio
  • Mastered at Parasight Mastering

Personnel

Charts[]

Weekly charts[]

Chart (2013) Peak
position
Japan (Oricon)[29] 7
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[46] 16
Japan Hot Singles Sales (Billboard)[47] 7
Japan Adult Contemporary Airplay (Billboard)[48] 69
US World Digital Songs (Billboard)[49] 14

Daily charts[]

Chart (2013) Peak
position
Japan (Oricon)[32] 2

Cover versions[]

Violinist Ayako Ishikawa covered "Megitsune" on the violin; the song appeared on her 2016 album Sakura Symphony.[50]

On December 7, 2014, Sakura Gakuin members Aiko Yamaide and Megumi Okada covered "Onedari Daisakusen" as a "One-Night Shuffle Unit" in the concert Sakura Gakuin ☆ 2014: Celebration in December.[51]

Release history[]

Region Date Format Label Edition(s)
Japan[52] June 19, 2013
  • CD
  • digital download
  • BMD Fox Records
  • Toy's Factory
  • Amuse, Inc.
 Standard
CD, DVD "Ki", "Tsu", and "Ne" limited
Worldwide[53] Digital download Toy's Factory Standard

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "BABYMETAL、新作アートワークで妖艶メギツネ姿に". Natalie Music (in Japanese). Natasha Inc. 2013-05-10. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  2. ^ "BABYMETAL 怪しく激しいジャパニーズ祭りメタル「メギツネ」フル解禁". Billboard Japan. 2013-06-05. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  3. ^ "BABYMETAL新作「メギツネ」MVをYouTubeでフルサイズ公開". Musicman-NET. 2013-06-05. Archived from the original on 2013-11-12. Retrieved 2013-11-12.
  4. ^ "BABYMETALが生バンドと"修行"ツアー、6月には新曲発売". Natalie Music (in Japanese). Natasha Inc. 2013-04-01. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b "Babymetal To Release New Single, Embark On 'Death Match Tour' - Blabbermouth.net". Blabbermouth.net. 2013-04-17.
  6. ^ "【Kawaii girl Japan】全員キツネ？！ BABYMETAL、数百人のキツネ面のファンと「キツネ祭り」開催". Barks (in Japanese). Japan Music Network, Inc. 2013-07-15. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  7. ^ "【メディア出演情報DEATH！！】". BABYMETAL (in Japanese). 2013-06-07. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  8. ^ "「ヘドバン」創刊号メタル特集にBABYMETAL、X JAPAN". Natalie Music (in Japanese). Natasha Inc. 2013-06-15. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  9. ^ "BABYMETALがタワレコ新宿企画「NO MUSIC, NO IDOL?」に登場". Musicman-Net (in Japanese). F.B. Communications Inc. 2013-06-04. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b "BABYMETAL with FULL METAL BAND LIVE TOUR「BABYMETAL DEATH MATCH TOUR 2013 -五月革命-」開催決定DEATH！！". BABYMETAL (in Japanese). Amuse, Inc. 2013-04-01. Archived from the original on 2017-12-22. Retrieved 2017-12-04.
    "BABYMETAL、剛速球＆ド直球"修行"ライブツアー堂々完遂". Natalie Music (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. 2013-05-22. Retrieved 2017-12-04.
  11. ^ "Amazon.co.jp: BABYMETAL : メギツネ ～五月革命チケット特典盤～ [CD] - ミュージック" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-10-10.
  12. ^ "タワー新宿15周年SPライヴ〈15の夜。〉にゆよゆっぺ参戦! ベビメタDVD先行販売詳細も - TOWER RECORDS ONLINE". Tower Records Online (in Japanese). Tower Records Japan Inc. 2013-10-11. Retrieved 2016-10-10.
  13. ^ Mizuno, Yui (2013-05-21). "さくら学院『最高楽しかったDEATH！』". さくら学院オフィシャルブログ「学院日誌」Powered by Ameba (in Japanese). Retrieved 2018-03-18.
  14. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Yamamoto, Noboru (2013-06-19). "Hotwave" (Interview). Saitama: Television Saitama.
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b "101 Secrets Behind The Songs - Kerrang!". Kerrang!. 2016-05-06. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
  16. ^ "BABYMETAL、2ndシングル『メギツネ』を6/19にリリース決定！さらに全公演生バンド演奏によるライヴ・ツアーの追加公演も発表！！". Geki Rock (in Japanese). Geki Rock Entertainment Inc. 2013-04-15. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  17. ^ "作品データベース検索サービス". Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (in Japanese). Retrieved 2018-04-02. Enter "さくらさくら（原曲）" in the "作品タイトル" column, and "BABYMETAL" in the "アーティスト名" column.
  18. ^ "MEGITSUNE". du-metal.blogspot.co.id. Retrieved 2017-11-11.
  19. ^ nankyoku4go234 (2016-08-12), Masako Natsumi saying "You should not underestimate!", retrieved 2017-11-11
  20. ^ "早世のマドンナたち③ 夏目雅子 死の12年後に公開された幻のヌード秘話(3) | アサ芸プラス". アサ芸プラス (in Japanese). Retrieved 2018-03-18.
  21. ^ Jump up to: a b c "BABYMETAL全楽曲解説" [BABYMETAL Explains All the Songs]. Hedoban (in Japanese). Shinko Music Entertainment (1): 74–75. 2013-07-04.
  22. ^ "Babymetal Talk World Tour, New 'Metal Resistance' Album & Meeting Ariana Grande". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
  23. ^ Jump up to: a b "【Kawaii girl Japan】BABYMETAL、"祭りメタル"「メギツネ」の最新アートワーク、CD詳細解禁". Barks (in Japanese). Japan Music Network, Inc. 2013-05-10. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  24. ^ "Babymetal Live At Wembley: Vanishing Tricks, Flag Parades & A1 Dance Moves". NME. 2016-04-04. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
  25. ^ "Babymetal: 'I've never been in a moshpit. I think I'd get smashed to bits'". The Guardian. 2014-11-07. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
  26. ^ Tomonori Shiba (2013-06-20). "BABYMETAL SINGLE「メギツネ」ディスクレビュー│M-ON! MUSIC". M-On! Press (in Japanese). M-On! Entertainment Inc. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  27. ^ "Babymetal "Babymetal"". The Japan Times. 2014-03-18.
  28. ^ "Babymetal Live at Brixton Academy". The Huffington Post UK. 2014-11-12.
  29. ^ Jump up to: a b "2013年06月17日～2013年06月23日 オリコン週間 CDシングルランキング". ORICON NEWS (in Japanese). Retrieved 2018-02-15.
  30. ^ "客層広がるbabymetal、海外展開の道しるべとなるか". ORICON BiZ online (in Japanese). Oricon. 2014-08-18. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  31. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot 100│Charts│Billboard JAPAN". Billboard Japan. Retrieved 2014-08-08.
  32. ^ Jump up to: a b "自己最高デイリー2位にランクイン！BABYMETAL、ゆるキャラ"いなりん"と新曲ヒット祈願！". Music Lounge (in Japanese). Cansystem Co. Ltd. 2013-06-24. Retrieved 2014-04-08.
  33. ^ "BABYMETAL『メギツネ』-MEGITSUNE Special?! Trailer-". 2013-05-31. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
  34. ^ "BABYMETAL - メギツネ - MEGITSUNE (OFFICIAL)". 2013-06-04. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
  35. ^ "【伊達めぐみ】BABYMETAL「メギツネ」Music Video・CD JACKET". 高橋事務所 - takahashi office. Archived from the original on 2014-08-12. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  36. ^ 阿佐ヶ谷神明宮 (20 Aug 2016). "BABYMETALさん。「祝 初東京ドーム公演」当宮能楽殿にて「メギツネ」PV撮影時、小さく、可愛く、そして礼儀正しい女の子達が、今では日本、世界中の人々を魅了するアーティストになられたのですね。#神明宮 #BABYMETALpic.twitter.com/64PHwGVBl6". @AsagayaShinmei (in Japanese). Retrieved 2017-11-12.
  37. ^ "【本日、新曲「メギツネ」初オンエアー！！メディア出演情報DEATH！！】". BABYMETAL (in Japanese). 2013-06-04. Archived from the original on 2014-11-17. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  38. ^ "BABYMETALが新曲ヒット祈願「ライブで盛り上がって」". ORICON STYLE (in Japanese). Oricon. 2013-06-22. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  39. ^ "【Kawaii girl Japan/イベントレポート】BABYMETALとファン3,000人がダイバーシティ フリーライブで大熱狂". Barks (in Japanese). Japan Music Network, Inc. 2013-06-24. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  40. ^ "BABYMETAL「音楽龍」でタカトシとヘドバン披露". Natalie Music (in Japanese). Natasha Inc. 2013-06-21. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  41. ^ "7月15日〈MJ〉特番にベビメタ、しゃちほこ、FTISLAND、赤い公園、在日ファンクら". Tower Records Online (in Japanese). Tower Records Japan Inc. 2013-07-09. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  42. ^ Axl Rosenberg (2014-02-10). "Video: Babymetal Performs with Chthonic". MetalSucks. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  43. ^ "【Kawaii girl Japan/ライブレポート】BABYMETAL降臨!<SUMMER SONIC 2013>を興奮の渦へ". Barks (in Japanese). Japan Music Network, Inc. 2013-08-12. Retrieved 2015-10-29.
  44. ^ Jump up to: a b c "BABYMETAL Announces Brand New Single Release "Megitsune"". Retrieved 2015-03-03.
  45. ^ Megitsune (CD liner notes). Babymetal. BMD Fox. 2013. p. 2.CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
    Megitsune (Limited "Tsu" edition) (CD liner notes). Babymetal. BMD Fox. 2013. p. 2.CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  46. ^ "Babymetal Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard.
  47. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Singles Sales│Charts│Billboard JAPAN". Billboard Japan. Retrieved 2014-04-08.
  48. ^ "Billboard Japan Adult Contemporary Airplay│Charts│Billboard JAPAN (2013/07/01 付け)". Billboard Japan. Retrieved 2014-08-11.
  49. ^ "Chart Search | Billboard". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2018-10-30. Retrieved 2018-10-30.
  50. ^ "2016年は音楽界でもメダル続出！". 日刊エンタメクリップ. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
  51. ^ "さくら学院、シャッフルユニット多数登場の4周年公演に卒業生も - 音楽ナタリー". Natalie Music. 8 December 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  52. ^ "BABYMETAL". iTunes JP. Apple Inc. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  53. ^ "Babymetal". iTunes US. Apple Inc. Archived from the original on 2014-12-15. Retrieved 10 April 2014.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""