Kagrra,
Kagrra, (spelled with a comma) was a Japanese band that combined visual kei with traditional Japanese music and aesthetics, a concept that they referred to as "Neo Japanesque". They were formed in 1999 using the name Crow, but changed their name to Kagrra (without the comma) in 2000. The name is an intentional misspelling of "kagura", Shinto music and dance. The comma was added in 2004 to mark the band's major debut and release of the single "Urei".
In 2005 they took the Neo Japanesque concept up a notch when Shin began playing the koto in many of their songs. Also in 2005, they began making a sort of internet-only variety show called "Kagrra, no Su" (The Nest of Kagrra,) that often featured the members participating in games or contests with each other, such as table tennis, drawing competitions, and card games. These are almost always hilarious.
As of March 2011, Kagrra, has disbanded and several of the members have begun working on new projects.
On July 18th, 2011, Isshi was found dead in his home. The news was announced on July 25th, 2011.
- Audience Participation Song: "Sakura Maichiru ano Oka de". When performed live, the band goes silent and allows the audience to sing a repeating line, lead by Isshi mouthing the words.
- Cherry Blossoms
- Color-Coded for Your Convenience: The band members almost always wear a specific colour. Nao is purple, Akiya is red or orange, Shin is green or yellow, Izumi is blue, and Isshi is black or white.
- Long Runner Lineup: Category 1.
- Neoclassical Punk Zydeco Rockabilly: Traditional Japanese/rock/visual kei.
- Nobody Loves the Bassist: Completely averted with Nao. In fact, he is one of the most popular of the five. He even has an alternate persona named "Charisma-sensei" that often shows up in fan club events.
- Rerelease the Song: "Sarasouju no Komoriuta" was released in 2001, followed by a shiny new version in 2005. The band just really loves this song.
- Visual Kei