[Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
Visual kei, which reached its golden age in the 1990s and produced hits that ranked high on the Oricon charts, is now embraced overseas as a culture that transcends a Japanese music genre—so much so that the term “Visual kei” appears on Wikipedia.
Within the 30-plus-year history of V-kei, this article spotlights popular songs by the so-called “Neo-Visual Kei” bands of the 2000s.
We’ve compiled a selection of classics—hugely influential on today’s Visual kei bands—focusing on releases from the 2000s, spanning both major-label and indie acts.
Whether those years were your youth or you’ve only recently gotten into V-kei, enjoy!
- Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
- A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.
- A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- A melancholic “yami” song that was a hit in the 2000s. A bittersweet track.
- Nothing but iconic hits that defined an era! 2000s classics popular on TikTok
- Nostalgic even though it’s recent? Iconic 2010s songs that went viral on TikTok
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- [Heisei Songs] Classic hits from the Heisei era that are popular on Instagram Reels
- Popular Heisei-era songs you can use on Instagram Stories
- Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
- Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Included! A J-POP Hit Song Special
[Neo-Visual Kei] A Collection of Popular Songs by 2000s Visual Kei Bands (61–70)
Spring Radiant FlowerBORN
A message song by BORN that magnificently overlays the beauty of cherry blossoms with the human inner world, portraying a heart where hope and anxiety intersect.
The fusion of intense rock sound and lyrical melody is superb, and the lyrics, contrasting fragility with strength, deeply shake the listener’s heart.
Released as a single in April 2009, it enjoys strong popularity among fans as one of the band’s signature works and is also included on the best album “Independence BLACK.” With its melodious sound and fresh sensibility, this piece is recommended both as a song to hear in spring and as an encouraging anthem that gives courage when standing at life’s crossroads.
FINAL CALLD’espairsRay
This D’espairsRay track vividly portrays the anguish of lost love through heavy industrial sound and lyrics interwoven with English.
Carried by a dark, emotional melody, the song lays bare an unfulfilled love’s obsession and loneliness.
With Toshiyuki Kishi of abingdon boys school as producer, it’s a striking piece that blends weighty guitar riffs with synthesizers.
Released in September 2009 and spotlighted as a 10th-anniversary single, it was later included on the album MONSTERS.
It encapsulates the allure of D’espairsRay, who were active internationally, and is highly recommended for music fans drawn to dark, energetic songs.
somedayWaive
A masterpiece that delicately depicts hopes and anxieties about the future and the transience of life was delivered in April 2003 by Waive, a band from Osaka.
The lyrics carefully unravel the shifting emotions and growth of young people, resonating deeply with listeners, while the emotional melodies and powerful band sound blend beautifully.
The track appeared as the B-side to the single “Haruiro” and was later included on the April 2004 album “INDIES 2.” With a track record of being broadcast on NHK, it has long remained a staple at the band’s live shows.
As a song that gently encourages those standing at a crossroads in love or in life, it continues to offer an unfading sense of inspiration in any era.
Fantastic Dreamer ~Sleeping Beauty~Iroku i.
Irokui.
has released a masterpiece that deftly fuses a fairy-tale charm with horror, balancing a fantastical worldview and a catchy melodic line in exquisite harmony.
Told from the perspective of a “Sleeping Beauty” who refuses to awaken and chooses to remain sealed within her dreams, the song interprets the turmoil of a heart swaying between ideals and reality in a uniquely personal way.
Released in November 2009, the track reached No.
1 on the Oricon Indies Singles chart.
The band also held a solo tour across Japan, “Fantastic Long Low Vision,” earning high acclaim in the indie scene.
This song is recommended for those who want to empathize with emotions caught between sweet dreams and cruel reality, and for Visual Kei fans who crave melodious sounds that capture the heart and never let go.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced a wide range of visual kei bands that were active in the 2000s—from those that epitomized the mid-2000s neo-visual kei boom to bands that had been active since the ’90s.
Some of them have already disbanded, but if any caught your interest, be sure to check out their other songs too!