Moa Biography - Birth to 2015
Moa Kikuchi born on July 4 of 1999 on the Aichi Prefecture located in the Cubu Region in Japan.
Her name can be translated as "The Most Loved", and considering her thinking, her actions and how people, BABYMETAL fans, Fukei-Sans, love her the translation fits perfectly.
In her first years, worked as model and commercial actress. Moa signed with the talent agency Amusic Inc. at the age of 8 when she won the Semi-Gran Prix in the Ciao Girl Audition of 2007 held by Amuse. The audition had more than 10.000 children participating in the big event.
Kikuchi started to learn guitar on Aichi the same year while she was traveling monthly to Osaka to take dancing and singing lessons on Amuse school.
On May of 2010 she was part of Ciao Girls Event along with several Sakura Gakuin girls as: Suzuka Nakamoto, Yui Mizuno, Marina Horiuchi, etc.
Before Moa joined Sakura Gakuin she auditioned to join the Idol group with her great friend Yui Mizuno singing and dancing the Karen Girl's (of Suzuka Nakamoto) "Over The Future".
Later on August 2 with 11 years old she joined Sakura Gakuin along with her future bandmates on BABYMETAL Yui Mizuno and Suzuka Nakamoto. And only 5 days later on August 7 she debuted live with Sakura Gakuin at the Shinagawa Stellar Ball for the Tokyo Idol Festival 2010.
The first group of Moa on Sakura Gakuin was the "Baton Club" with Twinklestars along with the members Ayami Muto, Iida Raura, Horiuchi Marina, Sugisaki Nene, Sato Hinata, Yui Mizuno, later joined to the "Heavy Music" sub-unit BABYMETAL with Suzuka Nakamoto as leader and Yui Mizuno. In the middle of 2010, and only on rehearsals was founded the "Heavy Music" group as Sub-Unit of Sakura Gakuin "BABYMETAL" produced by "Kobametal" and based (according to some rumors) on an idea of Suzuka to have a group with different music, for that reason the group was created with a mix of genres between J-Pop and Heavy Metal.
The group was formed by Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-Metal, Moa Kikuchi as Moametal and Yui Mizuno as Yuimetal. They debuted live with BABYMETAL at the Sakura Gakuin Festival 2010 at the Yokohama Red Brick with their debut song "Doki Doki Morning" on November 28.
On Twinklestars, the Sakura Gakuin sub-unit they, released their first Single "Dear Mr. Socrates" on November 28 of 2010.
By the end of the year, "Yume Ni Mukatte" was the debut Single of Sakura Gakuin released on December 8 of 2010 with "Hello! IVY" and "School Days" as 2nd and 3rd track. First pressings of the single comes with a random photo card of one member or a group card. The single reached #35 on the Oricon weekly charts, where it stayed for two weeks.
On January 26 of 2011 was released the DVD of "Dear Mr. Socrates" with the music video (PV in Japan). The song "Dear Mr. Socrates" was included in the debut album of Sakura Gakuin Message released on April 27 of the same year with Doki Doki Morning as song 9 in the track list.
Sakura Gakuin released their first Album called "Message" on April 27 of 2011 with Doki Doki Morning as song 9 in the track list. The album reached #54 on the Oricon weekly charts, where it stayed for one week. The album was originally scheduled to be released on March 23, but it was postponed until April 27 due earthquake and tsunami happened in Japan that year.
“Message” was released in four editions: Limited Edition "Sa", Limited Edition "Ku", Limited Edition "Ra", and a Regular Edition. The limited editions contain a bonus DVD and the regular edition contains a bonus track.
On July 6 the Sakura Gakuin sub-unit Twinklestars released their second single called "Please! Please! Please" in a regular CD and CD/DVD editions with 2 different versions. The version CD/DVD A tracklist has the song "Please! Please! Please and "Tenshi To Akuma" plus the instrumental version of both songs, meanwhile the DVD had the "Please! Please! Please!" music video in dance version and a Twinklestars Baton Lesson. The version CD/DVD B had the same tracklist for the CD and "Please! Please! Please!" music video and the making of of the music video. The title track was used as ending theme song for the TV show Piramekino, also the Single reached #67 on Oricon charts, and charted for one week.
On July 23, in the Sakura Gakuin 2011 Nendo New Departure Concert for the transfer ceremony of Hana Taguchi and Rinon Isono, Moa started to be part of the sub-unit group Mini Pattisier along with Hana Taguchi and Yui Mizuno, taking the place of the members Raura Iida, Marina Horiuchi and Nene Sugisaki.
On October 24 of 2011 was released the first Single ever of BABYMETAL "Doki Doki Morning" with a music video directed by Shimon Tanaka.
For 2012 and thanks to the great success the Sakura Gakuin's sub-group released on March 7 their second Single "BABYMETAL x Kiba Of Akiba" premiering their second tune called "Iine" and their third song a cover of Kiba Of Akiba called "Kimi To Anime Ga Mitai".
Sakura Gakuin released on March 21 their second album called "Friends" with "Iine Vega Mix" as part of the album, song number 9 on the track list. As Mini Patissier Moa was part of Yokubari Fiyu track 6 of the album. The album reached #56 on the Oricon weekly charts, where it stayed for two weeks. It was released in four editions: Limited Edition "Sa", Limited Edition "Ku", Limited Edition "Ra", and a Regular Edition. The limited editions contain a bonus DVD.
On March 24, Moa was part of the Sub-Unit Sleepiece for the Sakura Gakuin 2011 Nendo Houkago Anthology at the Nihonbashi Mitsuhi Hall where the members of Sakura Gakuin did the famous "Shuffle".
On March 25 with the graduation of the Sakura Gakuin current President Ayami Muto the Twinklestars unit became inactive. For that reason, Moa keep playing for Mini Pattisier and BABYMETAL only.
By June 4 of 2012 BABYMETAL released their third Single called "Head Bangya!!" with another new song called "Uki Uki Midnight".
On June 27 the "Sakura Gakuin First Live & Documentary 2010 to 2011, Smile" was released. Was the first DVD released by Sakura Gakuin. Featuring their first live major concert performed on March 25 of 2012 at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall and the graduation ceremony for Ayami Muto, Ayaka Miyoshi and Matsui Airi along with a documentary. The DVD also comes with a special postcard featuring the graduated members. The DVD reached #53 on Oricon charts, and charted for 1 week.
On August 19, BABYMETAL played for the first time in the Summer Sonic Festival as Side Show.
On October 6 BABYMETAL started the live shows series to be recorded and released as DVD and Bluray called "Live Legend I, D, Z". The first and sold out show took place at Shibuya O-East. This shows had the participation for the first time of the Kami Band, the live band of BABYMETAL. Also in this Show Moa andYui debuted with “Black BABYMETAL” a sub-unit inside BABYMETAL, they played the song Onedari Daisakusen.
On November 10, Moa as Moametal played with BABYMETAL their first overseas show. The event took place in Singapore as part of the Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2012 at Singapore EXPO.
The second show of "Legend I, D, Z" series took place at Akasaka Blitz on December 20 to celebrate the "Su-Metal Seitansai" called "Legend D". This was the first Seitansai celebrated for Suzuka on BABYMETAL. In this show BABYMETAL played the song "Over The Future" a cover of Karen Girl's, the same song Moa and Yui used on the Sakura Gakuin audition.
2013 arrived with a major release for BABYMETAL, on January 9, "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" was the first major Single for the band, with also a CD/DVD version, the Single had a new song by the band called "Catch Me If You Can" and also had the first studio collaboration, the limited edition song "Ijime, Dame, Zettai Nemesis Version" with guitarist Chistopher Amott from Arch Enemy.
"Legend Z" the last show of the "Legend I, D, Z" series took place at Zepp Tokyo on February 1.
On February 27 was released "Sakura Gakuin Sun! Matome" There were 3 DVDs included and they feature edited versions of the first thirteen episodes of the TV series Sakura Gakuin SUN!, with special footage not aired on TV. Also included is a 20-page photo booklet. First press sets included a sticker.
Sakura Gakuin released their third album called "My Generation" with the BABYMETAL song "Head Bangya", song number 3 of the track list. The album was released on March 13. With Mini Patissier Moa did the song number 4 of the album called: “Miracle Pattyful Hamburguer”. The album reached #39 on the Oricon weekly charts, where it stayed for two weeks and was released in four versions, three limited CD+DVD editions, Sa (さ), Ku (く), Ra (ら) and a regular CD only edition.
By May, BABYMETAL did their first Tour ever called: "Babymetal Death Match Tour 'May Revolution'" considered as a "Training Tour" by the band. Were the first full shows with Kami Band.
On June 30 happened the first “Seitansai” for Moametal and Yuimetal. The event took place at the NHK Hall in Tokyo. The sold out show had the first solo performance of Moa, she sang “Love Machine” a Morning Musume cover.
"The Road To Graduation Final, Sakura Gakuin 2012 Nendo Sotssugyo" was released on July 3. The Road to Graduation Final “Sakura Gakuin 2012 Nendo Sotsugyo” is the second LIVE DVD released by Sakura Gakuin which features their annual live major concert performed on March 31 of 2013 at Tokyo International Forum Hall C and the graduation ceremony for Suzuka Nakamoto and Mariri Sugimoto. The DVD ranked 31st for 1 week on Oricon Chart.
On July 7, Moa started with BABYMETAL their first "Summer Tour" called "Summer Fes Tour 2013" playing in several festivals in Japan and playing in Indonesia for the AFAID 2013. Also they played again at the Summer Sonic Festival, this time with Kami Band.
On October 9 was released the lead Single of the next Sakura Gakuin album to be released on 2014. “Gambare” with great participation of Moa ranked 6th in Oricon Weekly Chart.
On October 20 BABYMETAL played in the Loud Park Festival 2013 for the first time also with Kami Band.
In the next month BABYMETAL played for second time in Singapore at the Suntec Singapore for the Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2013 on November 9 and also "Legend I, D, Z" DVD and Bluray and "Legend I, D, Z Limited Edition" was released on November 20.
On December 8 of 2013 for the Sakura Gakuin 3rd Anniversary LIVE concert at the Tokyo Amuse Musical Theater, Moa did a special performance with Marina Horiuchi called "M&M" and also did another performance with the sub-unit "Sleepiece" with Hinata Sato and Yui Mizuno for another Sakura Gakuin "Shuffle".
A week after "Legend 1997" (the second Su-Metal Seitansai) BABYMETAL played their third show in Singapore, their first solo Show with a full set at the Scape The Ground Theatre.
2014, on February 2 Moametal with BABYMETAL played their first Show in Taipei along with the Taiwanese band Chthonic playing together the song Megitsune..
On February 12 Sakura Gakuin released the Sakura Gakuin Festival 2013 Live Edition DVD with 2 Mini Patissier live songs, “Yokubari Fiyu” and “Acha! Cha! Kare”. Tracks 5 and 6 of the DVD. Sakura Gakuin Festival 2013 Live Edition features the 2013 Sakura Gakuin Festival which was held on November 2 of 2013 at Shinagawa Stellar Ball. The DVD was placed 27th in Oricon's Weekly Chart for a week.
In the same month on February 25 was released the most popular music video by the band to date "Gimme Chocolate" to support the album release a day after.
On February 26 BABYMETAL released their debut album. The self-titled album with 13 tracks was released under Toy's Factory label in Japan. The CD/DVD edition comes with special footage including the Summer Sonic 2013 Show in Tokyo, the music videos and the music videos with Moametal, Su-Metal and Yuimetal comments. The BABYMETAL Limited Edition for BAW members premiered with two songs with different versions. “Akatsuki Unfinished Version ” with piano and the vocals by Suzuka Nakamoto, while the other song was "444" a very similar version of “Yon No Uta” but with a fun addition by Su-Metal. The Album reached the #1 in the Metal chart on iTunes US and European countries like Germany and United Kingdom, also reached #1 in Taiwan, Japan and Singapore. The album also reached Top Charts on Amazon, Billoard and several times in Oricon and Tower Records in Japan.
On March 1 and March 2, BABYMETAL played the "Budokan 2 Days, Legend Doomsday" shows at the Nippon Budokan. The sold out shows started and officialized the Kami Band era, since then BABYMETAL ceased playing shows with Babybones. Both shows were recorded to be released on January 7 of 2015. Those shows were marked for Moa Kikuchi and her bandmates as the youngest band members to play live at the Nippon Budokan. In this show also was released live another new song sang only by Moa and Yui called “Yon No Uta”.
This same month was released on March 12 the fourth album of Sakura Gakuin called “Kizuna”. The new Sakura Gakuin album has the song "Shanari Hannari Dorayaki Hime" track number 5 of the album by Mini Patissier. “Kizuna” released in four versions, three limited CD+DVD editions, Sa (さ), Ku (く), Ra (ら) and a regular CD only edition.
Also Marina Horiuchi, Raura Iida, Nene Sugisaki and Hinata Sato all graduated on March 30, on the "Sakura Gakuin 2013 Nendo Sotsugyo" held at Shibuya Public Hall which had the live performance of Mini Patissier with Moa. In this event Moa Kikuchi was elected the fourth Student Council President of 2014 for Sakura Gakuin.
At the end of May, Moa and BABYMETAL flew to New York for the first time for configure some details of the band for future shows and releases.
On June 23 and 24 BABYMETAL played their first "Apocrypha" shows, both shows at Tsutasya O-East the Apocrypha II on June 24 had the debut of Yuya Maeta on the drums for Kami Band. Meanwhile Apocrypha I on June 23 had Hideki Aoyama on the drums. The shows served as presentation of the new Kami Band member and also as warm up shows for the European leg.
On July of 2014, BABYMETAL landed in Europe for their first shows in the continent, playing in France, Germany and England. In Germany, at the Live Music Hall ofKoln, was held the Legend M to celebrate the second Moametal “Seitansai” where Moa sang the second part of Head Bangya. In England on July 5 BABYMETAL played at the glorious Sonisphere Festival in front of 50.000 metalheads.
The DVD Sakura Gakuin "The Road To Graduation 2013, Kizuna" was released on July 23. It features two graduation concerts performed on March 28 of 2014 at SHIBUYA-AX and March 30 of 2014 at Shibuya Public Hall for Marina, Raura, Nene, and Hinata.
On July 27 BABYMETAL played for the first time in the United States, in Los Angeles, California. After that Moa and BABYMETAL played as support band for the Pop diva Lady Gaga in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Stateline, Utah and Colorado.
On August 16 and 17 BABYMETAL played for third time in a row in the Summer Sonic Festival in Tokyo and Osaka.
On August 18, Twitter Music Japan announced the most mentioned artists during Summer Sonic 2014. BABYMETAL was ranked #3 behind Summer Sonic Tokyo and CNBLUE.
BySeptember BABYMETAL finished the World Tour with 2 sold out shows at the Makuhari Messe in Tokyo, Japan. At the encore of the first show they announced the "Legend 2015, New Year Kitsune Festival" show at the Saitama Super Arena to be held on January 10.
On September 27 of 2014 was announced that Twinklestars the first sub-unit of Sakura Gakuin will be active again with the new line-up with Moa Kikuchi, Yui Mizuno, Yunano Notsu, Sara Kurashima and Aiko Yamaide.
On October 22 was released the lead Single of the next Sakura Gakuin Album. The DVD Single called "Haato No Hoshi", has the main participation of Moa in the song and also as leader of the group in the music video. The DVD Single reached #4 on the Oricon weekly charts, where it stayed for three weeks.
On October 28 in Japan and October 29 in online Stores the "Live Legend 1999/1997 Apocalypse" DVD/Bluray was released officially.
By the end of October, BABYMETAL announced "THE ONE", the new name of the Members Project. The One means a mix between the 7 members band (Girls + Kami Band) plus the fans, because the fans are "the chosen one".
On November 4, Moa returned with BABYMETAL to United States to play for the first time in New York. On November 8 returned to England for the closing show of the "Back To The US/UK Tour 2014" where “Metal Resistance 2” ended with a new song called “Road Of Resistance”, a studio collaboration with Sam Totman and Herman Li from the band Dragonforce. In this show, Moa Kikuchi as Moametal reached 100 live performances.
On November 10, BABYMETAL announced officialy the “Live At Budokan” DVD, Bluray and Limited Edition Package “Budo-Can” for Fan Club members. The very anticipated 2 nights Shows at Budokan was officially announced to be released for January 7 of 2015, 3 days before of the “Legend 2015” at the Saitama Super Arena.
December of 2014 was probably for BABYMETAL one of the best months of their history and also for Moa. The band was highlighted around the world because of their debut album, the live acts quality and the high level of sales in Japan. They were highlighed on Best Sellers lists on Tower Records, HMV, CDJapan, Oricon, Billboard and Billboard Japan. As Best Band, Best Album and Best Live act on Metal Sucks, AMP Japan, Complete Music Update and Gigwise.
On December 7 Sakura Gakuin did their last performance of the 2014 having interesting surprises for their Fukei-Sans. The event took place at Kaat in Yokohama with sold out tickets. In this event Sakura Gakuin performed once again Shuffle United where Moa along with Yui, Rinon and Aiki did "Yosouijou No Smash" of the Tennis Club "Pastel Wind". Also this show has the performance of Aiko and Megumi doing "Onedari Daisakusen" usually performed by Moa and Yui as Black Babymetal on BABYMETAL.
On December 20 at Toyosu PIT in Tokyo was the third Su-Metal Seitansai this time part of the Fan Club shows "Apocrypha-S". The sold out show had the premiere of a new song and the great surprise of the night having Suzuka in the stage during the performance of "Onedari Daisakusen" along with Moa and Yui. This was the first time of Onedari Daisakusen played with the 3 girls in the stage. In addition BABYMETAL performed a new song called "Awadama Fever".
December 21 was one of the best tv apprearances for BABYMETAL and Moa, with a special TV show held by Music Japan on NHK. The 40 minutes TV special showed the activities of BABYMETAL in London for the "Back To The US/UK Tour 2014".
December 26 of 2014 was probably the greatest day for Moa Kikuchi and BABYMETAL to date, when the band
performed live on Music Station of TV Asahi. BABYMETAL performed the song "Ijime, Dame, Zettai", at the moment of their performance approximately a 15% of the
Japanese population was watching the event, and that means, millions of people. Excluding those outside Japan watching the event through livestreams.
On the last day of 2014, Sakura Gakuin announced "The Road To Graduation 2014 Final" to take place at the NHK Hall on March 29. The same place were BABYMETAL held the first Seitansai show for Moametal and Yuimetal.
On the first day of 2015, January 1 BABYMETAL won the "Best Band" and "Best Album" awards on The Arcade Awards 2014 from Ireland.
On January 7, BABYMETAL released their third Live DVD and their first Live CD. Their first Live CD "Live At Budokan Red Night" was mixed by the Grammy winner Ted Jensen. Live At Budokan features the 2 Days performances at Nippon Budokan "Red Night" and "Black Night" shows. In the same day of the release, Live At Budokan reached the #1 on several iTunes Stores around the world, Austria, Canada, Germany, Philippines, United Kingdom and United States. In Japan Live At Budokan reached #1 on Bluray charts, #2 on CD charts and #3 on DVD charts.
With Live At Budokan Red Night Live CD, the new BABYMETAL song in collaboration with DragonForce "Road Of Resistance" was the track number 14 as Bonus Track. With this release media from around the world shared information about the collaboration with DragonForce. Several sites, radio programs and TV programs from Japan talked about Road Of Resistance but most important from different countries in the world like, Indonesia, Philippines, France, Italy, England, Ireland, Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, and Australia. Also popular music sites and magazines like Hit The Floor, Ultimate Guitar, Metal Sucks, Rock Sound, Kerrang, Loudwire, Revolver Magazine, and more.
On January 10, BABYMETAL played their biggest show until then at Saitama Super Arena in front of 20.000 fans playing all their official songs plus their new songs "Road Of Resistance" and "Awadama Fever". This show had a grat repercussion by several media sites around the world featuring reports by FUSE TV and Metal Hammer who were present in the venue. At Saitama Super Arena, BABYMETAL announced their second World Tour to take place on May and June of 2015.
On January 12, Ikuo Minewaki the Tower Records President declared himself as a great admirer and fan of Moa Kikuchi on an extendend interview with Entamenext. (Read here)
On January 14, BABYMETAL became in the youngest female artist to top Oricon Bluray Ranking thanks to their third Live release, Live At Budokan. Also on January 14, BABYMETAL debut album was certified as GOLD Record by the RIAJ (Recording Industry Association Of Japan).
For January 15, BABYMETAL for the first time ever reached with 2 different releases the Top 10 of the Billboard World Albums chart. Live At Budokan Red Night Live CD reached #3, while the self-titled album reached #7
.
Moa with Sakura Gakuin on January 19 did her first appearance on the online program #LoGiRL which features important artists from Japan with a weekly online show.
On January 20, BABYMETAL announced their biggest "Mosh'sh Pit" at the Makuhari Messe Even Hall to take place on June 21 after their World Tour. In the same week, on January 23 BABYMETAL was featured on MTV Japan on the "MTV Virtual Rock Festival", getting exposure on the screen along with My Chemical, Rob Zombie, Dir En Grey, Tool, Ozzy Osbourne Slipknot and Marilyn Manson.
BABYMETAL won the NEO Award for Best Musical Act of 2014 on the british NEO Magazine on January 28.
January 31, BABYMETAL announced the release of "Road Of Resistance" Digital Single. The same day also, BABYMETAL added to their Spotify account Live At Budokan Red Night Live CD for free listen.
February started with great news, BABYMETAL announced their collaboration with CAPCOM for the game "Cross x Beats" which includes the song "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" as part of the game. The same day on February 2 announced their show at the METROCK Festival 2015, including a video message by the girls.
For February 3, BABYMETAL was announced as the winner of the "Best New Act Of 2014" on the 4th Annual Loudwire Music Awards.
On February 9 BABYMETAL announced the very expected "BABYMETAL World Tour 2015". The band announced shows in Mexico at Circo Volador, United States at the recognized House Of Bluse in Chicago and at the Crew Stadium for Rock On The Range, Canada at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Germany at DER RING – Grüne Hölle Rock and ROCKAVARIA Festivals and Austria at ROCK IN VIENNA Festival, all the shows to take place in May and June of 2015.
On February 14 the music site from Japan "Heavy Metal Japan" did a list of the 10 Best Metal Live Performance in the last 10 yars and BABYMETAL at Loud Park was featured in the spot number 3. According to the site, after the Loud Park performance on October 20 of 2013, the band was taken seriously as a metal band in Japan.
On February 15, Moa Kikuchi performed her last "Happy Valentine" show with Sakura Gakuin. A 2 rounds event featuring the new Sakura Gakuin songs "Heart No Hoshi" and "Aogeba Toutoshi".
On February 25, BABYMETAL announced a second list of shows of their BABYMETAL World Tour 2015, including on France at La Laiterie in Strasbourg, Switzerland at X-TRA in Zurich and Italy at Estragon in Bologna.
On February 27 BABYMETAL did a huge announcement, the band announced via Website and Email to The One members the "BABYMETAL World Tour 2014 Apocalypse" for THE ONE Members only, "BABYMETAL Live In London" with several editions and the re-release of the BABYMETAL album as 12-inch Vinyl Edition.
On March 4, Moa with Sakura Gakuin released their new DVD Single "Aogeba Toutoshi from Sakura Gakuin 2014". The graduation song includes 2 different DVD versions. Type A with "Aogeba Toutoshi" Music Video and "Aogeba Toutoshi" The Song + Music video Making. While Type B content is "Aogeba Toutoshi" Music Video and "Aogeba Toutoshi" Music Video Making. The DVD single reached 2th position on Oricon Weekly Chart and stayed 4th for two weeks.
The same day, March 4, were announced the winners for Metal Storm Awards 2014 held by Metal Storm Net (Details). BABYMETAL won the category "The Biggest Surprise" Award reaching 26 votes over a total of 425 votes. BABYMETAL overpassed bands like: "Benemoth", "Arch Enemy" or "DragonForce". Also was highlighted in the category "The Best Debut Album" reaching the position #11.
BABYMETAL was announced as the winner of the Grand Prize of the 7th CD Shop Awards on March 9. BABYMETAL is at the moment the youngest artist or band to receive the award. Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-metal was in the ceremony representing BABYMETAL. (More details)
By March 12, was announced the Sakura Gakuin "Mini Patissier" x Tower Records Cafe collaboration. Promoting the new Sakura Gakuin album to be released in March 25 "Kimi Ni Todoke". The Moa Kikuchi's Sakura Gakuin sub-unit "Minipati" released a special menu for Tower Records Cafe called "Sparkling Cook Minipati Sakura Chiffon, Mochi Berry Cheerful Bright Servings with Bubbly Sakura Yogurth".
On March 14 Sakura Gakuin held their last open classes event on Nendo 2014, "Archaeology Of The Song". This open class consist on singing a cappela a selected song for each member and talk about the reasons why the song was selected. Student Council President Moa Kikuchi performed "Miraie" from Kikoro. (Details)
On March 15, the Japanese company Wowow broadcasted the BABYMETAL performance at Saitama Super Arena for "Legend 2015, New Year Kitsune Festival" to celebrate the BABYMETAL return to the "Land Of The Rising Sun". As part of the broadcast BABYMETAL was interviewed, the girls shared their thoughts about the BABYMETAL World Tour 2014.
On March 18 Sakura Gakuin announced through Overture Magazine their collaboration for "The Road To Graduation Final 2014" with New Era, a special cap designed by Moa Kikuchi and the rest of the Sakura Gakuin girls and a special bag was included in the package.
The same day, March 18, was published the Sakura Gakuin Graduation Interview on HOTWAVE with Moa Kikuchi and others "SG" members.
BABYMETAL announced on March 19 two new shows for The One Fan Club members to take place at Tsutaya O-East on April 23 called "The Black Mass" "Metalheads Only" for male THE ONE members only. And on April 24 "The Red Mass" "Megitsune Only" for women THE ONE members and one guest only.
On March 23, happened the last Sakura Gakuin program on #LoGiRL before the Graduation Event for Moa Kikuchi but also for Yui and the other two Third Graders Hana and Yunano. A very special program featuring all the Sakura Gakuin students and Mori-Sensei full of fun moments, but also full of emotions.
Moa with Sakura Gakuin released their 5th Studio Album on March 25. "Kimi Ni Todoke". The Album was released in four different versions, the Standard CD, “Sa”, “Ku” and “Ra” editions. "Sa" CD/DVD with "Heart No Hoshi" Music Video and Sakura Gakuin Nendo Test 2014, "Ku" CD/DVD with "Animarhythm" Music Video and "What Happened This Year?" footage and "Ra" CD/Bluray version with "Heart No Hoshi" Dance Video, "Animalrhythm" Music Video and "Aogeba Toutoshi" Alternative Video. Moa Kikuchi participated on 10 of the 12 songs of the album including her last song with the Sakura Gakuin's sub-unit "Mini Patissier" called: "Hirari Kirakira Yamiyami Museum" "Kimi Ni Todoke" debuted #18 on the Oricon Album Chart.
On March 26, was announced by an official press release and published in several Music Sites like Metal Injection that earMUSIC label partners with eOne Distribution in the U.S. earMUSIC's roster features names such as Chickenfoot, Deep Purple, Status Quo, Foreigner, Nazareth, Christoher Cross, Europe, BABYMETAL and many more. (More details)
On March 27 and March 28, Moa Kikuchi along with the others Sakura Gakuin Third Graders were interviewed by media sites like Oricon, Natalie, and HMV Online to talk about the graduation events and their stay on Sakura Gakuin.
On March 29, after a long year of activities Sakura Gakuin Nendo 2014 ended and with this a new generation of members graduated, this time the BABYMETAL members Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno, along with Hana Taguchi and Yunano Notsu. The Sakura Gakuin "The Road To Graduation 2014 Final" took place at NHK Hall in Tokyo. In the Graduation Ceremony were present all the Sakura Gakuin graduates: Airi Matsui, Ayaka Miyoshi and Ayami Muto from Nendo 2011, Suzuka Nakamoto and Mariri Sugimoto from Nendo 2012, Marina Horiuchi, Iida Raura, Hinata Sato and Nene Sugisaki from Nendo 2013. Since then, Moa Kikuchi is no longer Sakura Gakuin members. (Report)
On March 30 happened the first Sakura Gakuin program on LoGiRL without the presence of the Nendo 2014 third graders. The current members,
Rinon, Shirai, Ooga, Sara, Megumi and Aiko dedicated messages to third graders including Moa Kikuchi.
On April 4, the 5th Sakura Gakuin's studio Album "Kimi Ni Todoke" reached the position number #18 in the Oricon Style Album Chart. The last album with Moa Kikuchi as "SG" member.
A day later, Moa Kikuchi the Student Council President wrote her last diary, about the Graduation Ceremony held on March 29, also made mention to Sakura Gakuin Senpais and also asked Fukei-Sans support for the next 2015 Nendo (Read here).
The same day, on April 5, took place the Graduation Photobook 2014 launch event at the Shosen Book Tower including the Sakura Gakuin Student Council President, Moa Kikuchi, Yui Mizuno, Hana Taguchi and Yunano Notsu. The event took place at the 9th Floor of the Shosen Book Tower held in 4 parts system meet with autograph signings. Yunano Notsu at 12:00, Hana Taguchi at 13:30, Yui Mizuno at 15:30 and Moa Kikuchi at 17:30 Japanese Time.
On April 9 was officially announced by BABYMETAL the release of the debut album in North America and Europe throughRAL/Sony Music in North America and earMusic in Europe. BABYMETAL's CD feature two bonus tracks to be available digitally on May 12, and physically on June 16. In Europe BABYMETAL's Album to be released via earMusic in Germany, Sweden, Finland and Spain on May 29, in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland, Poland, Switzerland, Norway and Denmark on June 1, and in Italy on June 2. Bonus Tracks include "Road of Resistance" (feat. Herman Li & Sam Totman of Dragonforce) and "Gimme Chocolate" (Live at O2 Academy Brixton, London). The CD/DVD available for Europe includes the BABYMETAL music videos releasted to date.
The same day, BABYMETAL announced the World Tour 2014 Apocalypse Bluray Limited Edition bundle via email to THE ONE
members. The bundle contains 2 discs with the BABYMETAL performances in London at The
Forum and Brixton Academyalong with a summary with the best of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2014 in France, Germany,
England (Sonisphere) United States, Canada and the Makuhari Messe shows in Japan. Also a4 CD Live bundle with
the BABYMETAL shows in London at The Forum on July 7 and Brixton
Academy on November 8. In addition a World Tour 2014 Photobook and a "Logo Tattoo Sticker" everything inside of a hard cover art
case.
By April 19 BABYMETAL was announced to play at Reading Festival and Leeds Festival onAugust 29 at Reading Festival
and on August 30 at Leeds Festival in the Main Stage.
On April 22, Yuyoyuppe one of the producers of theBABYMETAL album announced his debut album, called "KAWA-EDM" including the BABYMETAL song "Head Bangya".
On April 23 Moa Kikuchi as Moametal with BABYMETAL performed live at Tsutaya O-East for "Apocrypha, The Black Mass, Metalhead Only". Their first show only for male fans. Sold out show.
On April 24 Moa Kikuchi as Moametal with BABYMETAL performed live at Tsutaya O-East for "Apocrypha, The Red Mass, Megitsune Only". Their first show only for female fans. Sold out show.
Throughout the month of April, Moa Kikuchi with BABYMETAL released video messages to promote the “BABYMETAL World Tour 2015” shows. Videos released for Mexico, United States (Chicago and Rock On The Range), Canada, Germany (Rock Im Revier and Rockavaria), France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria (Rock In Vienna).
Starting May of 2015, BABYMETAL was "May 2015 Release Of The Month" on Loudwire winning the poll by a wide margin.
Also in May, BABYMETAL's Youtube Channel reached 75.000.000 views.
On May 8, BABYMETAL premiered "Gimme Chocolate" live at Britxon Academy in London on Billboard, exclusive audio to promote the release of the BABYMETAL Album in North America. In the same day was announced the BABYMETAL x Dragonforce live collaboration in the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards to take place a month after, on June 15.
On May 9, started officially a new BABYMETAL World Tour. The kick off was in Mexico, at the Circo Volador in front of almost 4000 fans (biggest overseas BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 show). This was the BABYMETAL's live debut in Mexico.
During May 10 and May 11 Su-Metal and BABYMETAL traveled to New York City to do a press conference with several music sites and music magazines. The press conference was hosted by Red Associated Labels.
May 12, second BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 show at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Canada. This was the first BABYMETAL show in Toronto and the second show in Canada.
On May 13, BABYMETAL Digital Album in North America debuted number 5 on Amazon's Hard Rock and Metal Albums chart.
For May 14 BABYMETAL played for first time in Chicago at House Of Blues. Sold out show.
The last show of the North American leg of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 took place in Columbus, Ohio in United States in the Rock On The Range Festival at Ernie Ball Stage. BABYMETAL performed under rain. In this event Moa with BABYMETAL met the "Metal God" Rob Halford from "Judas Priest" and other artists.
On May 18 and thanks once again to the votes of their fans, BABYMETAL was "The Album Of The Week" on Revolver Magazine.
On May 19 was published by Rolling Stone a exclusive interview with BABYMETAL girls (Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal) about school, life, World Tours and Metallica. (Read here)
On May 20 was officially released the new Live DVD/Bluray "Live In London, BABYMETAL World Tour 2014" in both versions, DVD/Bluray and Limited Edition for Fan Club "THE ONE" members. "Live In London" debuted number 1 on Oricon Bluray Chart and number 1 on Tower Records DVD Chart.
Moametal with BABYMETAL returned to Japan after almost 3 weeks in North America to play for second time at the Tokyo Metropolitan Rock Festival "METROCK" in The Windmill Stage. This show featured one of the biggest Wall Of Death during a BABYMETAL live performance.
On May 29 the BABYMETAL self-titled debut album was released in United Kingdom. Also, the same date, BABYMETAL performed for very first time in a Festival in Germany at Rockavaria Festival 2015 in Munich.
A day after, on May 30 BABYMETAL performed in Gelsenkirchen, Germany at Rock Im Revier Festival, BABYMETAL performed once again under rain. In the backstage BABYMETAL met Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit and other several artists from rock and metal scene.
On May 31 was released officially the new BABYMETAL Single, "Gimme Chocolate" as Digital Single for United Kingdom on iTunes Music Store featuring new art.
Starting June, BABYMETAL performed their second show in France at La Laiterie.
On June 3 traveled to Switzerland to play for first time in the country. The show took place at X-TRA in Zurich.
On June 4 BABYMETAL was interviewed by one of the biggest newspapers in Italy and Europe "Repubblica" to talk about their music style, what they have learned from Metallica, Anthrax and Slayer. (Read here)
By June 5 Moa as Moametal with BABYMETAL performed for first time in Italy. The show took place at Estragon Club in Bologne as opening act of NipPop, an event about Japanese Culture.
On June 7 Sakura Gakuin announced the official release of Sakura Gakuin Nendo 2014 Graduation Event live video in DVD/Bluray and Limited
Editions. Graduation Event were Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno graduated from Sakura Gakuin.
The last show of the European leg of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 took place in Vienna, Austria at Rock In Vienna Festival.
On June 11 BABYMETAL was guest and also won one Award on the "Relentless Kerrang Awards 2015" in London at the London’s iconic Troxy. In this event BABYMETAL won an unexpected Award: "The Spirit Of Independence Award", during the speech, BABYMETAL girls thanked to the Metal Gods and Fox God and also did a greeting video for BBC Radio 1 followers.
The next day on June 12, BABYMETAL was the guest artist to play with Dragonforce on the Maverick Stage at the Download Festival 2015 in England. BABYMETAL x Dragonforce performed "Gimme Chocolate", they took photos with several artists like: Young Guns, Five Finger Death Punch, The One Hundred, Dragonforce and many more. (Read more here)
On June 13, Billboard Japan did a special report about BABYMETAL announcing and confirming that BABYMETAL's "The Spirit Of Independence Award" in the Kerrang Awards 2015 in England was the first Japanese artist to receive a Kerrang Award.
On June 15, BABYMETAL won their second international Award on the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards 2015, the "Breakthrough Award" against bands like Halestorm, The Amity Affliction, Bury Tomorrow and In This Moment. Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal did a brief speech during the Award Ceremony and performed with Dragonforce "Road Of Resistance" and "Gimme Chocolate". Also the girls took photos with several artists like: Brian May from Queen, Dragonforce, Scott Ian from Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, Billy Morrison and many more. (Read more here)
BABYMETAL on June 17 released the debut album in a vinyl edition in physical stores in Japan but also hosted the "Laser Turntable Listening Party" event at HMV Shibuya including a special laminate for the winners of the tickets buying the new item.
On June 21 BABYMETAL performed the last show of the first part of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015. They performed at the Makuhari Messe Exhibition Hall Nº1 to Nº3 in front of 25.000 fans. At this moment was their biggest show. The Kami Band formation for this show was Hideki Aoyama as God Of Drums, BOH as God Of Bass and Takayoshi Ohmura and Mikio Fujioka as Gods Of Guitars.In this show BABYMETAL performed 17 songs, debuted a new song and Kami Band's song "Mischiefs Of The Metal Gods" reached 20 live performances.
Also BABYMETAL after the incredible World Tour show at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo, Japan announced ten additional tour dates only in Japan. The World Tour dates in Japan
were set to take place during September, October and December of 2015.
The same day, BABYMETAL announced via email to THE ONE Fan Club members new Limited Edition Bluray "BABYMETAL LEGEND 2015, New Year Kitsune Festival" to be released on August 14.
On June 25 BABYMETAL's album reached the position number 1 on Billboard World Albums Chart and in the previous two weeks was also highlighted on Billboard World Albums Chart as "Greatest Gainer".
On June 27 was published a special report about Makuhari Messe Show on June 21 plus interview with BABYMETAL girls by one of the most popular Japanese Youtubers called "Hikakin". (Read more here)
July started with the release of "The Road To Graduation 2014 'Kimi Ni Todoke'" on July 7 in DVD, Bluray and Limited Edition called "Memorial". This was the last Sakura Gakuin release including BABYMETAL members. The release includes 19 songs tracklist with songs like "Mezase Superlady 2014 Nendo", "Aogeba Toutoshi", "Sleepwonder", "Heart No Hoshi" "My Graduation Toss", "Kimi Ni Todoke", "Yume Ni Todoke", "See You" and many more, with also the full Graduation Ceremony Nendo 2014 where Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno along with Hana Taguchi and Yunano Notsu. Bluray “Memorial Edition” includesan extra 24 pages booklet with photos. Sakura Gakuin's last release with Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno debuted number 2 on Oricon Bluray Chart in the first week of sales. With this concluded a very successful Nendo 2014 for Sakura Gakuin and BABYMETAL girls era on Sakura Gakuin.
On July 9 and after some rumors finally Ozzfest Japan 2015 updated the Site with the new bands added to the lineup and BABYMETAL was finally confirmed along with the brother band from Amuse One Ok Rock. BABYMETAL was announced to play at Makuhari Messe on November 22, sharing stage with Ozzy Osbourne.
BABYMETAL was in the studios of Team Rock Radio in United Kingdom during the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Europe. On July 11 was published the radio program featuring Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal introducing their favorite Hard Rock, Metal and Pop tunes and also talking about Slayer, Lady Gaga, Dragonforce and Slipknot. (Read more here)
On July 19 was published on the British channel Sky TV an exclusive interview with BABYMETAL at Download Festival about the performance with Dragonforce on Scuzz TV. (Read here)
On July 21 was published the very expected Metal Hammer Magazine, Issue 273 with BABYMETAL on the Front Page. The issue features BABYMETAL on the Front Cover but also an incredible 72 hours report while the band was in United Kingdom for Download Festival and Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. The report goes through the meetings with Dragonforce, backstage at Download, rehearsals before Golden Gods performance including interviews with Kobametal, Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal. In addition this issue includes a Kitsune-Mask (FOX GOD Mask) and an online Edition available on iTunes Store for iOS Devices and Google Play for Android Devices. The online Edition includes a special interview with the girls in Japan. (Scans here).
The same day on Youtube was released a promotional ad of Chromecast featuring "Gimme Chocolate!!".
On July 23 was the release day of the new CAPCOM's game "Crossbeats REV.". The game includes music of several Japanese acts featuring BABYMETAL's first Major Single "Ijime Dame Zettai" and "Road Of Resistance" in the tracklist.
By July 25 was published another Scuzz TV exclusive on Sky TV from United Kingdom. Scuzz TV broadcasted the full Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards 2015 ceremony featuring BABYMETAL in several parts including a special interview with Herman Li from Dragonforce, the Breakthrough Award Speech and the Pro Shots of Gimme Chocolate and Road Of Resistance. (Read more here)
The first "Apocrypha - Only The FOX GOD Knows" show took place at Tsutaya O-East on July 28. "Apocrypha - Only The FOX GOD Knows" second show was on July 29. Both sold out shows were for THE ONE members only. For those shows, fans that attended got access to a secret poll to select their favorite song to be played in both shows.
July 31, Tsutaya Staff Awards announced the winners of the 1st Half Of The Year 2015. BABYMETAL won the "Tsutaya Staff Award" for 1st Half Of The Year 2015 in the Idol Department. The sticker featuring the Award appeared in Stores over the "Live At Budokan - Red Night" CD jacket/cover.
The month of August was very active for Moa and BABYMETAL but since August 14 in Spain when was released a new issue of the Newspaper "El Mundo" including a report about BABYMETAL making mention of Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal, their music, album Kami Band members Takayoshi Ohmura and Mikio Fujioka, Key Kobayashi (Kobametal), Live At Budokan and also Sakura Gakuin. "El Mundo" is the second biggest Newspaper in Spain. (Read more here)
On August 15, Moa as Moametal with BABYMETAL played for 4th consecutive time at Summer Sonic Tokyo, and for 2nd consecutive time at Mountain Stage at the Makuhari Messe.
On August 16 was announced by Tsutaya Rental Corner "Introducing BABYMETAL". A CD/DVD for rental on Tsutaya Store with a summary of the BABYMETAL Album and Live DVD's featuring "Live At Budokan" and "Live In London". (Read more here)
The same day, BABYMETAL performed in the Day 2 of Summer Sonic, this time in Osaka at Maishima, Mountain Stage. Same Kami Band formation as Summer Sonic Tokyo. In the backstage BABYMETAL met several artists featuring: Echosmith, Marmozets, All Time Low, Marilyn Manson or Ariana Grande.
Two days later, Twitter Music Japan announced that BABYMETAL was the most mentioned artist on Twitter during Summer Sonic Festival 2015. In 2014 during Summer Sonic Festival 2014 BABYMETAL reached the Top 3. (Read more here)
On August 19 BABYMETAL appeared on Japanese National TV on TBS "NEWS 23" and then on August 23 appeared on TBS "The News Bird". Here the girls mentioned the inpiration coming from Kerry King of Slayer and Moa Kikuchi mentioned her interest on Limp Bizkit specially in the song "My Generation", in addition the report showed how international Heavy Metal music increased the level of sales thanks to the exposure of BABYMETAL meeting international Metal acts.. (Read more here)
On August 20 BABYMETAL performed at Tsutaya O-East for THE ONE members. "Apocrypha - The Red Mass II", was the second BABYMETAL show only for women, "Megitsune Only".
On August 21 took place "Apocrypha, The Black Mass II" for THE ONE members at Studio Coast. Was also the second show only for men, "Metalhead Only".
On August 24 BABYMETAL was featured on the GQ Japan Magazine Women Special 2015. The October's issue with the famous actor Colin Firth in the
front page highlights the most most important women in Japan in the Year 2015.
On August 25 BABYMETAL THE ONE announced the release of "Legend 2015, New Year Fox Festival" Live CD Limited Edition for THE ONE members to be released on October 21.
During the last week of August, a massive report for Hispanic countries was released by Agencia EFE from Spain which reached Central Americal and South America: "BABYMETAL: Japanese scoolgirls sweeping between darkness and testosterone". (Read more here)
On August 26 and before the start of the last part of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 overseas, was released a new issue of Kerrang! Magazine where BABYMETAL announced the first headline show of the 2016 to take place in United Kingdom at SSE Arena Wembley on April 2. (Read more here)
The same day, Moa started the last part of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Europe. BABYMETAL performed at Batschkapp in Frankfurt, Germany.
On August 27 BABYMETAL played at Huxleys in Berlin, Germany. With this show reached 4 shows in Germany in 2015.
On August 29 BABYMETAL and Moametal hit the stage for first time at Reading Festival in England as part of the World Tour 2015, BABYMETAL was the opening act in the Main Stage in front of approximately 10.000 to 15.000 people in the audience, another great record for an opening act at Reading Festival according to UK media. Moa with BABYMETAL was interviewed in the backstage of Reading Festival at Richfield Avenue by several UK media in the backstage like NME, Kerrang!, Ticketmaster UK and SubTV, on SubTV was officially their first full interview in english! The girls needed a little help from Norah (their translator) but they were able to answer the questions in english.
In addition on August 29, BBC Newsbeat wrote a report from Reading Festival about BABYMETAL and "The anti-bullying message" (Read more here)
On August 30 BABYMETAL performed the last show of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 outside Japan, was at Bramham Park for Leeds Festival 2015, once again BABYMETAL was the opening act performing in front of approximately 5000 people in the audience. In the backstage BABYMETAL met artists like Royal Blood, Bring Me The Horizon, and Moa along with the girls and Kami Band watched Metallica closing the Festival.
After the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 ended outside Japan some important music sites started to publish interviews with BABYMETAL at the backstage of Reading Festival and Leeds Festival on August 29 and Augusto 30.
On September 1 BABYMETAL appeared on NME talking in English and Japanese about their wishes to teach Metallica their dance moves. (Read more here)
On September 3, Moametal and BABYMETAL were featured on Gigwise, this time interviewed at Reading Festival. (Read more here)
On September 5 BABYMETAL was featured once again in the GQ Japan Women Special 2015 highlighting the most successful women in Japan in the Year 2015. BABYMETAL gave a brief comments of what they think about it. (Read more here)
Then on September 8 BABYMETAL was officially nominated for "Best Japanese Act" on MTV European Music Awards 2015 to take place this year in Milan, Italy on October 25.
The same day, BABYMETAL's Youtube Channel lead by "Gimme Chocolate!!" Music Video, "Megitsune" and the new addition "Road Of Resistance" reached 100.000.000 views on Youtube. (Read more here)
On September 13, was published the HOTWAVE interview with Sakura Gakuin to promote the new Single "Mathematica" and the upcoming live at Tsutaya O-East on September 27. This was the first HOTWAVE interview with Sakura Gakuin after all BABYMETAL members are graduated from the school.
On September 16 Moa as Moametal with BABYMETAL started the World Tour 2015 in Japan at Zepp Namba in Osaka, on this show BABYMETAL opened with Iine after 3 years, last time was in the Sakura Gakuin Transfer Students Welcoming Ceremony 2012 at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse on 2012.05.06. Also Kami Band played a new instrumental.
On September 17 BABYMETAL played the second show at Zepp Namba in Osaka as part of the World Tour in Japan.
On September 20 BABYMETAL was guest during Skrillex's set at Ultra Japan Festival 2015 at Tokyo Odaiba Ultra Park in Japan. BABYMETAL performed the 1st Verse and Chorus of Gimme Chocolate. Su-Metal interacted in english with Sonny in the stage.
On September 21 BABYMETAL played the Round 3 of the World Tour 2015 in Japan at Zepp Sapporo in Hokkaido. Was the first BABYMETAL performance in Hokkaido.
On September 22 BABYMETAL's most popular song "Gimme Chocolate" was added to Rock Band 4 DLC for the game along with other 11 artists. (Read more here)
On September 26, was published an exclusive interview of Ichioshi Morning with BABYMETAL while they were in Hokkaido as part of the Zepp Concerts Tour in Zepp Sapporo. (Read more here)
October for Moa started with World Tour 2015 activity. On October 2 BABYMETAL visited Fukuoka to perform at Zepp Fukuoka.
On October 5 "Tiin Magazine" from Mexico published an exclusive interview with the girls at Circo Volador. (Read here)
On October 6 started to appear a series of interviews with BABYMETAL to promote their World Tour 2015 in Japan. The first appearance was in Asadesu KBC from Fukuoka. (Read more here)
During October 7 and October 8 Moa as Moametal with BABYMETAL played at Zepp Nagoya in Aichi, homeland of Moa Kikuchi as part of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Japan.
On October 14 was published the interview with BABYMETAL on "Ohayo Asahi Desu" where Moa and the girls taught the interviewed how to dance Head Bangya. (Read more here)
On October 15 WOWOW released an exclusive interview with BABYMETAL to promote the exclusive broadcast of "Kyodai Tenkaichi Metaru Budokai". (Read more here)
The Zepp Concert series of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Japan finished for Moametal on October 15 and October 16 at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo.
On October 20 was published another interview to promote the Japan Tour, this time on WorlDodesuka. (Read more here)
On October 21 was released "New Heritage Of Real Heavy Metal", he album includes tracks from bands like Pantera, Rainbow, Megadeth, Iron Maiden and BABYMETAL featuring the song sang by Suzuka Nakamoto "Akumu No Rondo". (Read more here)
The same day Funko announced the collaboration with BABYMETAL to release the figures of Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal of "Pop! Rocks" series in December. (Read more here)
On October 22 was released another interview to promote the Zepp Concerts Tour in Japan, this time on BOMBER-E. (Read more here)
On October 27 the Music Site from United States Loudwire announced that BABYMETAL was nominated in 3 categories of the "5th Annual Loudwire Music Awards". BABYMETAL was nominated in the categories "Best Metal Song of 2015", "Best Live Act of 2015" and "More Devoted Fans of 2015".
On October 30 BABYMETAL re-released "Live In London" DVD/Bluray and "Live At Budokan" CD/DVD, DVD and Bluray in Europe through their label in Europe earMusic.
November for BABYMETAL started with great news coming from United Kingdom. On November 2 was released that BABYMETAL Live In London & Live At Budokan debuted #9 & #14 in Official Charts UK.
On November 9 MTV Japan announced the winners of the MTV VMA Japan 2015, BABYMETAL was the winner of "Best Metal Artist 2015" category. (Read more here)
Konami announced a new update for its arcade music game "Jubeat" on November 12 featuring 10 new songs added to the playlist, BABYMETAL's song "Megitsune" was part of the new update of the video game.
On November 19 BABYMETAL won the "Discovery Of The Year Award" in the GQ Japan "Men Of The Year 2015" event. Moa as Moametal and the girls featuring changes in the outfit attended to the ceremony in Tokyo. (Read more here)
Google announced on November 20 the distribution of BABYMETAL's music on Google Play Music for streaming and downloads.
On November 22 Moametal with BABYMETAL played for the first time at Ozzfest Japan 2015, the Festival lead by Ozzy Osbourne landed in Japan on November 21 and November 22 at Makuhari Messe. BABYMETAL played on November 22 in the Stage A after Hatebreed and before Jane's Addiction.
BABYMETAL was once again featured on GQ Japan Magazine, after winning the "Discovery Of The Year Award 2015" in the "Men Of The Year 2015" the new issue of January 2016 released on November 24. (Read more here)
On November 26 BABYMETAL was selected along with other important women of 2015 in Japan as "Women Of The Year 2015" by the worldwide famous VOGUE Japan Magazine! Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal attended to the ceremony in Tokyo to receive the award. (Read more here)
The same day, BABYMETAL announced THE ONE 2016 featuring a new exclusive item, the Hood Towel. (Read more here)
On November 28 was released VOGUE Japan Magazine January 2016 including exclusive content with "Women Of The Year 2015" winnners including BABYMETAL. Was the first appearance in the Magazine for BABYMETAL. (More details here)
December of 2015 started with BABYMETAL winning three Honors in the 5th Annual Loudwire Music Awards. BABYMETAL was the winner of "Best Metal Song", "Best Live Act" and "Most Devote Fans".
On December 2 took place the Sakura Gakuin 5th Anniversary Museum opening ceremony with Students Council President Rinon Isono with the third graders Ooga Saki and Shirai Saki represented Sakura Gakuin. This 5th Anniversary Museum displayed Sakura Gakuin items during the 5 years of the group featuring BABYMETAL "Doki Doki Morning" outfit. (Read more here)
On December 4 Amazon Japan released the Best Sellers results for 2015, BABYMETAL Digital Album reached the spot number 3 while the Analog Album reached the spot number 5.
On December 9 Billboard released the Year End 2015 rankings for World Albums Chart and World Album Artists Chart featuring BABYMETAL ranked #5 in both Charts.
On December 12 took place the first BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Japan "The Final Chapter Of Trilogy" show where BABYMETAL debuted a new outfit, played 2 new songs and featured a stage honoring Iron Maiden.
On December 13 took place the Day 2 at Yokohama Arema "The Final Chapter Of Trilogy" closing the World Tour 2015. At the end of the show BABYMETAL announced the release of its second album, Tokyo Dome performance, World Tour 2016, and FOX DAY to take place on April 1 of 2016. (Read more here)
On December 14 BABYMETAL announced the first dates of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2016 in United States to take place in May featuring 2 Festivals and 5 headline shows. (Read more here)
On December 25 BABYMETAL performed once again on Music Station of TV Asahi. After their 2 consecutive performances in 2014 the band returned to Music Station Super Live 2015 this time to play "Gimme Chocolate".
On December 28 BABYMETAL played its last show of the Year 2015 at Countdown Japan 15/16 at the Earth Stage of the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. BABYMETAL played for second time in the Festival (Read more here)
On December 29 Tokyo Girls Update announced the final results of the "Music Video Awards 2015" where Sakura Gakuin Nendo 2014 Music Video "Aogeba Toutoshi" featuring Moa Kikuchi as Students Council President and Yui Mizuno finished in 2nd Place with 2871 votes.
This way ends the most successful year of the group, 2015.
Biography will continue in the new section "2016 - 2017" in this LINK.
Biography wrote by: Maik Gianino. Special thanks to: Fadil Haryudi and Raditya Akas.
Sources: Karen Girl's Amuse, Zettai Karen Children, Amuse, Sakura Gakuin, BABYMETAL's Wikipedia, BABYMETAL., Youtube Videos (linked above), Shuki Maeta, Personal notes by the autor, and BABYMETAL Newswire.
