[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)
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.
poplarTHE KIDDIE
This is a masterpiece that beautifully blends a poignant scene beginning with the onset of rain and a heartfelt sense of gratitude toward those who support us.
Its uniquely poetic lyrics meld with a melodious pop-rock sound to create a song that resonates deeply.
It fully showcases the appeal of soft visual kei, embodying the very essence of THE KIDDIE.
Released in December 2009, it was followed by a special live show at Harajuku Astro Hall on January 23 the next year, exclusively for purchasers of the band’s three consecutive monthly releases.
It was selected as the December ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Shiodome Event Department” and reached No.
48 on the Oricon chart.
This heartwarming track is one to listen to when standing at a crossroads in life or when you want to deepen your feelings for someone special.
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!