L-R: Izumi (dr.), Nao (ba.), Isshi (vo.), Shin (gt. & koto), Akiya (gt.)

Kagrra, is possibly one of the most unique contemporary bands from Japan. With a name that means "music of the gods" (Kagrra is a misspelling of kagura, a traditional Japanese dance), they combine traditional Japanese elements with modern styles to create something wholly their own.

They formed in 1998 under the name CROW and signed to Key Part Records, releasing a mini-album and a live DVD during that time. In 2000, they changed their name to Kagrra and signed to PS Company (which also handles other popular bands such as the GazettE, Alice Nine and Kra, and used to manage Miyavi). They released their first demo tape, Kotodama in 2000, and later in the year, the mini-album Nue.

Their indie years were filled with their hard work towards becoming a successful band. 2001 marked the release of several singles, 2 mini-albums, a one-man live and two one-man tours. In 2002, they released their first full-length album, Gozen, and before that, three singles and a fourth mini-album. They also had three one-man tours during this year. They did not slow down in 2003, a year marked with the release of their fifth mini-album, Ouka Ranman, two maxi-singles, a photobook, a live DVD, several one-man shows and the announcement of their major debut in 2004.

It was then Kagrra added the comma to their name, the comma symbolising the magatama, a Shinto talisman of good fortune. Their first major single, Urei, was released then, and a full album, Miyako. 2004 was mostly filled with many live events throughout the year. Two more maxi singles were released in 2005, and another full album, san, was released. San marked the first time Shin played the koto, a traditional Japanese instrument, and Akiya also played a twelve-string guitar for this album. They also participated in PS Company's 5th anniversary tour.

In 2006, Kagrra, released the maxi-singles Chikai no Tsuki and Utakata, which is notable for being one of their most popular songs. They had another one-man tour in 2006. In 2007, they released another full-length album, Shizuku, had two tours in Japan and played at two major overseas events - J-Rock Revolution in Los Angeles and J-Rock Invasion: Episode I in Cologne, Germany.

2008 saw the release of their album CORE and a month-long tour to promote the album, and the single Uzu from their 2009 album at the end of the year. So far, in 2009, they played at PS Company's 10th Anniversary live alongside fellow PSC bands, and have also played in Brazil. They were one of the acts for the V-Rock Festival in October 2009, and have released a new album, SHU, in April, and more recently, Shiki.

Aesthetically speaking, Kagrra, usually dress up in various costumes such as kimonos, with styles from several Japanese periods, most notably the Heian period. They add their own flair to their costumes, however, with brightly coloured hairstyles, dramatic makeup and materials and accessories such as leather and buckles. Through the years though, they have toned down their style more and have worn more "high fashion" than what is normally considered Visual Kei, although in recent years they are starting to bring back more traditional Japanese costumes. Their videos also reflect their style, and each one is beautiful and meaningful.

Live, Kagrra, have a solid stage presence. Their lives are known to be full of energy and entertaining. Isshi often leads the crowd in dancing along with him, usually with his flamboyant hand gestures, while Shin easily switches between the koto and the guitar as often as he has to. Meanwhile, Nao and Akiya all but bounce across the stage playfully, entertaining the fans with their antics, and Izumi has his fun behind the drumset, playing with a smile on his face.

Kagrra,'s music blends Classical Japanese sounds along with contemporary rock music. With Kagrra,'s masterful songwriting, they complement each other perfectly and create a unique sound that cannot be found in any other band. Isshi's lyrics (sometimes even containing Old Japanese) are beautiful and poignant, reading like Classical Japanese poems. His voice range is very wide, and his powerful vocals bring every song to life. Akiya, with talent and passion, creates a wide variety of sounds that fit in perfectly with their style on his guitar. Nao, Izumi and Shin work together to create a strong backing rhythm, though Shin, too, stands out when he plays the koto, lending a traditional sound to Kagrra,'s work.

The label Neo-Japanesque is one they have earned for themselves, and no other word would describe them as well as this one does. For anyone interested in Japanese culture, Kagrra, is a band that is worth checking out. Even if not - their brilliant work is always worth a listen.

Shi Mi Me Yu Ki Sa A

Yume Izuru Chi

Urei (grief)

Utakata (Transience)

Uzu (Swirl)

Utakata at PSC 10th Anniversary Live
(I thought this simply had to be added - it's a beautiful performance that brought me to tears)