Music

Wagatame’s breakout success at Nekocon 2024

February 20, 2025

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In November 2024, Nekocon marked its 26th year at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA, drawing approximately 7,000 attendees. The event, known for celebrating Japanese culture, featured its usual lineup of cosplayers and voice actors. However, this year introduced a new addition to the entertainment lineup—Wagatame (我が為), an emerging music act from Japan.

Wagatame is the solo project of vocalist Mike (ミケ), formerly of the visual kei band Blu-BiLLioN. Though Mike usually performs solo, he was joined by support guitarist “mag.”, another former member of Blu-BiLLioN, and drummer KEIICHI from the band Universe. The event marked Wagatame’s first-ever performance in the United States.

Vocalist Mike.Chaotic Harmony

Wagatame’s name, meaning “for myself”, reflects the artist’s personal journey. The music blends vibrant, high-tone compositions that evoke feelings of youthfulness and optimism. Drawing from a wide range of influences, Mike incorporates elements of kayoukyoku (Japanese pop from the 1950s-80s), the smooth sophistication of city pop, and the energetic, guitar-driven style of visual kei. The result is a dynamic sound tied together by Mike’s smooth, soprano voice, which effortlessly shifts from bouncy, upbeat melodies to emotional ballads.

Although relatively unknown to Nekocon attendees, Wagatame quickly captivated the audience with their approachability and showmanship. The band’s polished, high-energy performance saw mag. shedding his initial restraint, feeding off the growing enthusiasm, while KEIICHI’s precise, hard-hitting drumming provided a powerful foundation.

By the end of the set, Wagatame had turned curiosity into excitement, gaining a fresh wave of fans. Their engaging stage presence and seamless fusion of musical influences made a lasting impression, while also marking a significant step toward reaching broader international audiences.

Support drummer KEIICHI.Chaotic Harmony

Wagatame’s set was a vibrant mix of past hits and new tracks from GAGA (我我-ガガ-), Mike’s latest mini-album, released in July 2024. Featuring guest composers Shiina Mio (UNiTE.) and Kanna (DOG inThePWO), GAGA showcases a blend of Japanese pop, shimmering digital city pop, and raw punk bursts. This diversity fueled the performance, echoing the dynamic energy of the album.

The night began with classics such as Like rainbows (虹のように) from Wagatame’s debut album GA and brand new sea from the 2023 single JIMON TATOU NIPPON (自問他答NIPPON). The dazzling guitar solo in brand new sea gave mag. a chance to shine, displaying both technical skill and emotional depth.

Support guitarist “mag.”.Chaotic Harmony

JIMON TATOU NIPPON showcased Wagatame’s versatility, transitioning from an airy, buzzing intro to an electronic, string-driven anthem. KEIICHI’s thunderous drumming amplified the intensity, raising the energy with each beat, while Mike led a call-and-response that had the crowd pumping their fists in unison.

The standout moment of the set came with KASHINDAI SSR (過身大SSR), where Mike and the audience synchronized a dance that electrified the atmosphere. The moment was a perfect fusion of music and movement, exemplifying Wagatame’s genre-blending artistry and magnetic stage presence.

Mike leads the crowd in a synchronized dance.Chaotic Harmony

Throughout the performance, Mike and mag. moved around the stage, ensuring that every corner of the audience felt included. KEIICHI, often smiling and engaging with the crowd from behind his drum kit, made the experience feel personal and interactive. By the end of the Saturday concert, KEIICHI tossed his drumsticks into the crowd, while mag. sent guitar picks flying, maintaining the high energy and connection with fans.

Wagatame’s two concerts that weekend, each with a unique setlist but the same dynamic energy, kept the audience on an emotional high. The diverse track selection reflected the essence of Wagatame’s sound, with each song shining in its own unique way—like rainbows.

Overall, Wagatame proved to be a standout addition to Nekocon’s lineup. While visual kei may be a niche genre for some, Mike’s melodic and vibrant music shares similarities with the dynamic, storytelling sound of anime openings. This made the band highly approachable for Nekocon’s diverse fanbase, whether they were already familiar with Wagatame or not.

Beyond their music, Mike’s infectious energy and playful charisma were key to the band’s success. At one point, he introduced a humorous skit to the crowd: “You’ve heard of Superman and Ironman, but what about… Hangerman?”.

The crowd looked puzzled as mag. feigned coldness, shivering as he rubbed his arms. This prompted Mike to dramatically pull out an orange tie-dye Wagatame band shirt and deliver it as a “superhero rescue”. The crowd erupted in laughter as Mike struck a heroic pose, declaring, “Hangerman!”.

Mike’s playful antics didn’t end there. In the dealer hall, Wagatame merchandise featuring clothing hangers was on display. When we asked why Mike was drawn to clothing hangers, he smirked and replied, “Destiny”.

Mike of Wagatame as his alter ego, “Hangerman”.Chaotic Harmony

Wagatame’s debut at Nekocon was a resounding success, with two high-energy performances that kept fans engaged throughout the weekend. Offstage, the band interacted with fans through autograph sessions, a lively Q&A, and an exclusive VIP event hosted by Chaotic Harmony.

What began as a relatively unknown act quickly blossomed into a standout presence at the convention. Wagatame established itself as an act with a unique vision, forging deep connections with fans and laying the groundwork for future success.

Keep an eye on Wagatame—on March 20, the artist will release a new digital single, Fukyou no hana (不香の花), available on all major platforms. Plus, stay tuned for our exclusive interview with Mike, mag., and KEIICHI coming soon!