Babymetal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Babymetal
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Babymetal performing in May 2025; (L–R): Momometal, Su-metal, and Moametal
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Tokyo, Japan |
| Genres |
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| Years active | 2010–present |
| Labels |
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| Members | |
| Past members | Yuimetal |
Babymetal (Japanese: ベビーメタル, Hepburn: Bebīmetaru) is a Japanese band from Tokyo. They formed in 2010. The band is known for mixing heavy metal music with Japanese idol pop. This unique style is called "kawaii metal" (which means "cute metal").
The band has three main members: Suzuka Nakamoto (known as Su-metal), Moa Kikuchi (Moametal), and Momoko Okazaki (Momometal). Su-metal sings the main vocals, while Moametal and Momometal provide backing vocals and dance. They are joined by a group of talented musicians called the "Kami Band" who play the instruments. Babymetal started as a sub-group of a Japanese idol group called Sakura Gakuin. They became an independent band in 2013. The band has released five studio albums and toured all over the world.
Contents
History of Babymetal
How Babymetal Started (2010–2012)
In 2009, a music producer named Kobametal had an idea. He wanted to combine heavy metal music with the fun style of Japanese idol groups. He was impressed by a young singer, Suzuka Nakamoto, who was about 11 or 12 years old. He thought she would be perfect as the lead singer for his new group.
Babymetal officially formed in Tokyo in 2010. It was a special club, or "sub-unit," of the idol group Sakura Gakuin. The name "Babymetal" combines "baby" and "heavy metal." "Baby" means the start of a new kind of music. Yui Mizuno and Moa Kikuchi joined the band. They were chosen to dance around Nakamoto, who had a strong stage presence. None of the girls knew much about metal music before joining. A choreographer named Mikiko created their dance moves.
Babymetal's first live show was on November 28, 2010. This was at a Sakura Gakuin concert. In July 2011, they performed their song "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" ("No More Bullying"). Their first single, "Doki Doki Morning", was on Sakura Gakuin's first album. A music video for "Doki Doki Morning" was put on YouTube in October 2011. By the end of 2012, it had over 1 million views.
In March 2012, Babymetal released a single with another band called Kiba of Akiba. It was called "Babymetal / Kiba of Akiba". This single did very well on indie music charts. In the summer of 2012, they released a music video for "Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!". In August 2012, Babymetal played at Japan's Summer Sonic Festival. They were the youngest act ever to perform there. Later that year, they performed outside Japan for the first time at the Anime Festival Asia in Singapore.
Becoming a Major Band (2013–2015)
On January 9, 2013, Babymetal released "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" with a major record label. It sold many copies and ranked high on the music charts. In spring 2013, Nakamoto finished junior high school. This meant she had to "graduate" from Sakura Gakuin. But the band's managers decided Babymetal would continue as its own group. They released their next single, "Megitsune", on June 19, 2013. This single also had a song called "Onedari Daisakusen" by Yuimetal and Moametal, who performed as Black Babymetal.
Babymetal played at the Summer Sonic Festival again in August 2013. In October, they became the youngest artists to perform at the Loud Park heavy metal festival. In November, they released their first live music video album, Live: Legend I, D, Z Apocalypse. In December, they performed in Indonesia and Singapore.
Babymetal released their first album, Babymetal, on February 26, 2014. It had thirteen songs and was very popular with fans and music critics. It sold over 37,000 copies in Japan in its first week. The album also topped iTunes Metal charts in Germany, the UK, and the US. It even reached number 187 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
On March 1 and 2, 2014, the band played two concerts at the Budokan. They were the youngest female act to perform there, with an average age of 14.6. About 20,000 people attended these two concerts. After their concert on March 2, Babymetal announced their first world tour, the Babymetal World Tour 2014. They played in Paris and Cologne. Fans helped them get invited to play at the Sonisphere Festival in England.
After their UK shows, Babymetal played their first show in the United States on July 27 in Hollywood. They also performed at Heavy Montréal 2014 in Canada with famous bands like Metallica. In August, Babymetal opened for five of Lady Gaga's concerts on her ArtRave: The Artpop Ball tour in the western United States.
In November 2014, Babymetal played a show at London's O2 Academy Brixton. There, they performed a new song called "Road of Resistance." This song was a collaboration with members of the band DragonForce. In 2015, they re-released their first album. They also made a surprise appearance at the Download Festival in England, performing with DragonForce.
World Tours and Metal Resistance (2016–2017)
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In December 2015, Babymetal announced their second album would be released on April 1, 2016. They also announced a world tour starting in London at the Wembley Arena and ending in Japan at the Tokyo Dome. On January 15, 2016, the second album's title was revealed as Metal Resistance.
This second album was different from their first. Yuimetal said they tried many new music styles. The band also used more positive lyrics and even performed a full song in English. They chose the title Metal Resistance because it showed who they are as a band. Su-metal said it was about exploring new things they could do.
On April 2, 2016, Babymetal became the first Japanese act to headline Wembley Arena. They also had the highest album entry for a Japanese act in the UK charts. The Guardian newspaper gave their Wembley show a perfect rating. On April 5, Babymetal performed "Gimme Chocolate!!" on a US TV show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In 2016, Babymetal was even added as a character in the video game Super Mario Maker.
On May 26, 2016, the WWE announced that Babymetal's song "Karate" would be an official theme song for an event. On July 18, the band performed "Karate" at the Alternative Press Music Awards. They were joined on stage by Judas Priest singer Rob Halford. They all performed parts of Judas Priest songs together. In September 2016, Warner Bros. announced a fantasy-adventure TV series featuring the band members was being developed.
Babymetal ended their Babymetal World Tour 2016: Legend Metal Resistance by performing at the Tokyo Dome on September 19 and 20, 2016. Both nights were sold out, with about 55,000 people attending each night. Yuimetal and Moametal were surprised to play at such a big venue. Su-metal said performing at the Tokyo Dome was a dream. In December 2016, Babymetal supported the Red Hot Chili Peppers on their UK tour. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer, Chad Smith, even joined Babymetal on stage to play some songs.
In January 2017, Babymetal supported Metallica and Guns N' Roses at their concerts in Japan. In April 2017, they supported the Red Hot Chili Peppers again on their US tour. In June 2017, Babymetal performed at the KISW Pain in the Grass music event. During the summer of 2017, they supported Korn on their tour.
In October 2017, Babymetal sang the theme song for the Unikitty! TV series. On December 2 and 3, 2017, Babymetal performed in Su-metal's hometown of Hiroshima. These shows were called Legend "S" Baptism XX. It was a special celebration for Su-metal's 20th birthday. This was also Babymetal's first show without all three members, as Yuimetal was sick and could not perform. Sadly, Kami Band guitarist Mikio Fujioka passed away in January 2018.
New Era and Metal Galaxy (2018–2020)
On April 1, 2018, Babymetal shared a video called "Metal Resistance Episode VII – The Revelation." It talked about a "dark side" of Babymetal and a "new era." A graphic novel about the band was also announced. On May 1, 2018, Babymetal launched their own record label, Babymetal Records. On May 8, they released a music video for a new song, "Distortion".
Yuimetal was not present for Babymetal's US tour in May 2018. Fans wondered about her. A representative said Yuimetal was still a member but was not on tour. They hinted at a "new story" for the band. Yuimetal remained absent for the rest of the tour. In October 2018, the band released a new single, "Starlight". On the same day, they officially announced that Yuimetal had left the group due to health issues. She later said she wanted to start a solo career. During their tour, Babymetal also played at big festivals like Rock on the Range and Download Festival.
On April 1, 2019, Babymetal announced their third album would be released later that year. On May 10, 2019, they released the single "Elevator Girl". On May 29, 2019, it was announced that Babymetal would perform at the Glastonbury Festival in England. They were the first Japanese band to play on one of the festival's main stages. Babymetal also planned their first arena concert in the United States at The Forum in Los Angeles. This concert happened on October 11, 2019, the same day their third album, Metal Galaxy, was released. A live album from this concert, Live at the Forum, was released in May 2020.
On June 27, 2019, Babymetal released the single "Pa Pa Ya!!", featuring Thai rapper F. Hero. The music video for this song included footage from their concert in Yokohama. It also showed touring member Kano Fujihira. She was one of three "Avengers" (backup dancers) who filled in for Yuimetal. The other Avengers were Riho Sayashi and Momoko Okazaki. After their performance, they announced the Metal Galaxy World Tour. This tour ran from September 2019 to March 2020.
In October 2019, the band became the first Asian act to reach the top of the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart. In 2020, Babymetal was featured on the song "Kingslayer" by the band Bring Me the Horizon. On November 16, 2020, NHK announced that Babymetal would perform on the 71st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen on New Year's Eve. This was their first time in the competition.
The Other One and Momometal Joins (2021–2024)
The band's first collection of past songs, 10 Babymetal Years, was released on December 23, 2020. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, their live videos were released as audio-only vinyl records in August 2021. On October 11, 2021, the band released a mysterious video. It hinted at a break or the end of the band. The message said their "metal spirits" would "continue to shine forever."
Babymetal announced their fourth album, The Other One, on October 11, 2022. They said it was a "concept album" with a special story. The album was released on March 24, 2023. The first song from the album, "Divine Attack (Shingeki)", was released on October 20, 2022. This was the first Babymetal song where Su-metal wrote all the lyrics. The second song, "Monochrome", was released on November 17 with a lyric video. On January 19, 2023, Babymetal released "Metal Kingdom" and shared the full list of songs for The Other One.
On October 18, 2022, the Swedish metal band Sabaton announced that Babymetal would perform at their shows in Europe. On January 28 and 29, 2023, Babymetal played their first live concerts in almost two years at Makuhari Messe. They played 13 songs, including five from their new album. Videos from these concerts were used for the "Metal Kingdom" music video, released on February 3, 2023. They also released the song "Light And Darkness" on February 23 with a music video from the same concerts.
Su-metal and Moametal performed a piano version of "Monochrome" for The First Take, released on YouTube on March 10, 2023. On March 15, the band announced their first tour since 2019, the Babymetal World Tour 2023, which included shows in Asia and Australia. Babymetal released "Mirror Mirror" from their concept album on March 23 with a lyric video. The album was released the next day.
Babymetal's concerts in January 2023 made fans wonder if a third member would join. Momoko Okazaki was a popular guess. On April 1, 2023, during a concert in Kanagawa, Okazaki was officially announced as the new member of "reborn Babymetal." She took the stage name Momometal. Her first video appearance as an official member was in the "Mirror Mirror" music video, released on April 7. On August 18, 2023, Babymetal released the song "Metali!!" featuring Tom Morello. Momometal had a spoken part in this song.
Two concerts were held at the Yokohama Arena on March 2 and 3, 2024. These shows, called Legend – MM, celebrated Momometal's birthday. About 30,000 people attended over the two days. On May 23, Babymetal worked with the German band Electric Callboy on the song "Ratatata". This song was later used by WWE for an event. The band also made a small appearance in the Finnish comedy film Heavier Trip, which premiered in September. On December 6, Babymetal was featured on the song "Bekhauf" by the Indian metal band Bloodywood.
Metal Forth (2025–present)
Babymetal's first regular radio show, Babymetal's Metal Radio!, started on Tokyo FM on January 4, 2025.
On April 1, 2025, the band announced their fifth album, Metal Forth, would be released on June 13. They also announced they signed with Capitol Records. The release of Metal Forth was later moved to June 27, 2025, and then again to August 8, 2025.
On May 30, 2025, Babymetal became the first Japanese artist to headline and sell out a show at the O2 Arena in London.
Babymetal's Style
Music and Song Meanings
Most Japanese pop idols are known for bright music and cheerful smiles. Babymetal, however, adds a darker, more complex touch to cuteness. The band calls their style "kawaii metal" ("kawaii" means "cute"). It's a mix of J-pop idol music and heavy metal. People have described their music as alternative metal, death metal, power metal, and more.
One music reviewer said Babymetal makes metal "cute without losing any of its edge." Another described their style as combining "heavy metal and idol pop," with both loud screams and catchy, sweet choruses.
Babymetal's songs often talk about real-life issues. They also share messages of being positive and strong. Their music often has fun and less serious themes. For example, they sing about body image worries that girls face, and about bullying. They also sing about going to your first concert, the idea of an "ideal woman", and even chocolate! These topics are different from what most metal bands usually sing about.
Music experts have noted that Babymetal, like other idol groups, shows girls as an "idealized figure." Su-metal's singing is strong and clear. The band's international fans are often from the metal community, while their Japanese fans are mostly male idol fans.
One musicologist, Lewis F. Kennedy, looked at Babymetal's song lyrics. He noticed the contrast between their often young themes and the serious look of metal music. He also pointed out how their first album used a lot of wordplay, making the lyrics sound more childlike. Their second album, Metal Resistance, used more English words. Kennedy saw this as a way for the band to reach more people around the world. He felt this made the album more "traditionally metal," which metal fans would like. He also thought the album's themes of working together were different from their earlier songs and typical idol music.
Live Shows and Music Videos
Su-metal is the main singer and dancer. Moametal and Momometal (and previously Yuimetal) provide screams and dance on either side of her, forming a triangle shape. In their early days, the band members did not talk to the audience or smile much. But over time, they started to interact more with the crowd. Between songs, Babymetal usually has a blackout or freezes in a pose. Babymetal's costumes are inspired by Japanese Gothic and Punk Lolita styles, often using red and black colors.
During the 2018 World Tour, when Yuimetal was absent, Moametal and Su-metal performed in front of each other. Backup dancers performed on the sides of the stage. After Yuimetal officially left, the traditional triangle formation returned, with a non-singing backup dancer in her place.
Instead of the common "sign of the horns" hand gesture used in metal, Babymetal uses the hand gesture of the kitsune (fox). This symbolizes that the band gets its ideas from a "Fox God." The band members first thought the "sign of the horns" was a fox head. Their management decided to keep the fox sign as the band's symbol. Also, Babymetal has a special way of moshing (a type of dancing at concerts) called "mosh'sh." It's described as a safe, fun, and friendly way to push and shove.
At their concerts, Babymetal performs with a live backing band. In the beginning, this band was called "Babybones." They wore skeleton costumes and pretended to play along to pre-recorded music. In late 2012, Babymetal started using a live band called "Full Metal Band." These musicians wore white robes and special makeup. Fans and the band members now call them the "Kami Band" (Gods of Metal). Since early 2014, the Kami Band has been Babymetal's main backing band.
The Kami Band has had different musicians over the years. Since early 2018, the main members have been guitarists Takayoshi Ohmura, Leda, and Isao, bassist Boh, and drummer Hideki Aoyama. Sometimes other guitarists fill in. Kami Band member Leda has also helped write music for Babymetal. Since 2019, the Kami Band has mostly featured Western musicians.
Babymetal's music videos are very important for showing their unique visual style. They have helped the band become widely known. Their video for "Gimme Chocolate!!" became very popular in 2014. One reviewer said the video looked like a "bizarre animé" with a dark setting. The three girls perform detailed dances, make heart signs, and do "windmill" arm motions like they are playing air guitar.
Moametal said she was proud that their "Karate" music video showed Japanese culture. The song's lyrics are about never giving up and moving forward. Yuimetal said the dance moves for "Karate" helped show the song's message. Most of their lyrics are in Japanese, so their dancing helps break the language barrier.
Babymetal's Impact
Babymetal is known for creating the "kawaii metal" genre. This style combines elements from J-pop and heavy metal. This new genre has introduced metal music to many new fans. Many new kawaii metal bands have formed since Babymetal started. Most kawaii metal bands are in Japan, but the style has also spread to other countries like South Korea.
Babymetal's influence has reached far beyond Japan. In 2016, Babymetal became the highest-charting Japanese band ever in the UK's Official Charts history with their album Metal Resistance. In the US, Metal Resistance was the first Japanese album to chart in the Billboard Top 40 in over 50 years. In 2019, Babymetal became the first Asian act to top the Billboard Rock Albums chart with their third album, Metal Galaxy.
Band Members
Only the names of the main members of Babymetal are officially shared.
Babymetal members
- Su-metal (Suzuka Nakamoto) – main vocals and dance (2010–present)
- Moametal (Moa Kikuchi) – backing vocals and dance (2010–present)
- Momometal (Momoko Okazaki) – backing vocals and dance (2023–present; was a backup dancer from 2019 to 2023)
- Yuimetal (Yui Mizuno) – backing vocals and dance (2010–2018)
Kami Band members
- Anthony Barone – drums (2019–present)
- Chris Kelly – guitars (2019–present)
- CJ Masciantonio – guitars (2019–present)
- Clint Tustin – bass (2019–present)
- Ryan Neff – bass (2023–present)
- Matt Deis – bass (2024–present)
- Mikio Fujioka – guitars (2013–2018; passed away in 2018)
- Leda Cygnus – guitars (2013–2020)
- Boh – bass (2013–2023)
- Takayoshi Ohmura – guitars (2013–2023)
- Hideki Aoyama – drums (2013–2023)
- Isao Fujita – guitars (2015–2023)
Backup dancers
- Riho Sayashi – Avengers (2019–2020)
- Kano Fujihira – Avengers (2019–2020)
- Minako Maruyama – backup dancer (2018)
- Minami Tsukui – backup dancer (2018)
- Shōko Akiyama – backup dancer (2018)
- Saya Hirai – backup dancer (2018)
- Kotono Ōmori – backup dancer (2018)
Timeline
Babymetal's Music
- Babymetal (2014)
- Metal Resistance (2016)
- Metal Galaxy (2019)
- The Other One (2023)
- Metal Forth (2025)
Babymetal on Screen
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
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| 2024 | Heavier Trip | Themselves | Cameo appearance |
Babymetal Tours
- Babymetal World Tour 2014
- Babymetal Back to the USA / UK Tour 2014
- Babymetal World Tour 2015
- Babymetal World Tour 2015 in Japan
- Babymetal World Tour 2016: Legend Metal Resistance
- Babymetal US Tour 2017 (with Korn and Stone Sour)
- The Five Fox Festival in Japan (2017)
- Big Fox Festival in Japan (2017)
- Babymetal World Tour 2018
- Metal Galaxy World Tour (2019–2020)
- Babymetal World Tour 2023–2024
- Babymetal World Tour 2025
Awards and Recognitions
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
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| 2014 | Babymetal | 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards — Wild Card for Best Japanese Act | Pre-nominated |
| NEO Awards 2014 — Best Musical Act | Won | ||
| 2015 | Babymetal | 7th CD Shop Awards — Grand Prix | Won |
| Babymetal | Loudwire 4th Annual Music Awards — Best New Artist of the Year Award | Won | |
| Kerrang! Awards 2015 — Spirit of Independence Award | Won | ||
| Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards 2015 — Breakthrough Award | Won | ||
| 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards — Best Japanese Act | Nominated | ||
| 2015 MTV Video Music Awards Japan — Best Metal Artist | Won | ||
| GQ Men of the Year 2015 Award, Special Prize "Discovery of the year" | Won | ||
| Vogue Japan Women of the Year 2015 | Won | ||
| NEO Awards 2015 — Best Musical Act | Won | ||
| Loudwire 5th Annual Music Awards — Most Devoted Fans of 2015 | Won | ||
| Loudwire 5th Annual Music Awards — Best Live Act of 2015 | Won | ||
| "Road of Resistance" | Loudwire 5th Annual Music Awards — Best Metal Song of 2015 | Won | |
| 2016 | Metal Resistance | Loudwire — Most Anticipated Release of April 2016 | Won |
| 2016 MTV Video Music Awards Japan — Best Album of the Year -Japan- | Won | ||
| "Karate" | 2016 MTV Video Music Awards Japan— Best Metal Video (Japan) | Won | |
| 2016 MTV Video Music Awards Japan— Best Group Video (Japan) | Nominated | ||
| Babymetal | Kerrang! Awards 2016 — Best Live Band | Won | |
| Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards 2016 — Best International Band | Nominated | ||
| 2016 Alternative Press Music Awards — Best International Band | Nominated | ||
| 2016 AIM Independent Music Awards — Best Live Act | Won | ||
| Revolver Music Awards 2016 — Best New Talent | Nominated | ||
| 2017 | Metal Resistance | Loudwire 6th Annual Music Awards — Best Metal Album of 2016 | Won |
| Loudwire 6th Annual Music Awards — Best Metal Song of 2016 - "Karate" (music video) | Won | ||
| Babymetal | Loudwire 6th Annual Music Awards — Rock Goddess of the Year 2016 — "Su-metal" | Won | |
| Loudwire 6th Annual Music Awards — Best Live Act 2016 — "Babymetal" | Won | ||
| Loudwire 6th Annual Music Awards — Most Devoted Fans 2016 | Won | ||
| Loudwire 7th Annual Music Awards — Most Dedicated Fans 2017 | Won | ||
| 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards — Best Japan Act | Won | ||
| 2020 | Metal Galaxy | 2020 MTV Video Music Awards Japan — Best Album Of The Year | Won |
See also
In Spanish: Babymetal para niños
