Boston Marathon, Babymetal, X Japan

Alfred Yun

​​Recently, I’ve written an article about the hidden talents of rock in Asia: hereand here. It appears that there are fellow Beantown dwellers who agree with this sentiment. I have located my comrade in the aftermath of the Boston marathon. 
 
Yuki Kawauchi completed this year's event in just two hours, 15 minutes and 58 seconds, which made him close enough for first place and also the first Japanese man since 1987 to claim the top spot. Aiding throughout this arduous task was the music of Babymetal and X Japan.
 
Speaking at a press conference after the race, Kawauchi commented (video below), “I really like singing songs by X Japan, in particular, ‘Silent Jealousy,’ but recently I’ve also been getting into Babymetal.” 

​X Japan is the legendary Japanese heavy metal band that needs no further introduction. An interesting fact is that Seotaiji, who I have written about before, was a great fan of Hide the guitarist of X Japan. This prompted him to posthumously invite Hide to his rock festival, since it was Hide’s dream to go to the world stage beyond Japan before he met his untimely death. Hide’s family graciously accepted Seotaiji’s offer and even gave him Hide’s famous Burny Yellowheart Guitar as a present. 

​Babymetal is a metal/idol phenomenon that is taking over both the internet and the real world.
Look for Babymetal in the U.S. this may with eight shows lined up, including an appearance at the Rock on the Range festival to cap off the run. Check out the dates here.