Some genres of music are broad, like pop or country.
Others are a bit more narrow, like kawaii metal.
Created in Japan when Babymetal was formed, kawaii metal (also known as J-pop metal or kawaiicore) mixes heavy metal (usually thrash-like) and the sugary pop style of Japan's idol scene.
While other bands have since formed, Babymetal remains at the front of the genre.
The band is fronted by the trio of Suzuka Nakamoto, Moa Kikuchi, and Momoko Okazaki with a full metal band behind them. Nakamoto and Kikuchi have been part of the band since the beginning.
The unique blend has garnered Babymetal worldwide fame, in 2019 they were the first Asian group to top Billboard's Rock Album chart.
They've also won international music awards, been named Women of the Year by Vogue Japan (2015), played the famed Wembley Stadium in London, garnered praise from the likes of Rob Zombie, and released a song with Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine.
And now the inventors of the genre are coming to Vancouver.
Opening for Babymetal are the Ukranian heavy metal band Jinjer (who were given permission by the Ukranian government to act as cultural ambassadors for the country after Russia's invasion) and Bloodywood, a metal band from New Delhi, India.
Babymetal
When: July 14, 2025, show at 7 p.m.
Where: Doug Mitchel Thunderbird Sports Centre at UBC (6066 Thunderbird Blvd)
Cost: Tickets range from $61.50 to $590
