[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!
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- A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.
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- 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 Compilation of Popular Songs by 2000s Visual Kei Bands (21–30)
Eloakagerou
A song by the visual kei band Kagerou, which garnered widespread support during their active years from 1999 to 2007 for their broad musicality.
It opens the 2000 single “biological slicer,” and although it’s a short instrumental track of less than two minutes, it evokes the album’s theme and atmosphere.
With anxiety-stirring sound effects and a beautiful melody carried by koto tones that linger in the ear, it could be said to create a powerful sense of world-building.
the whirlLynch.
A song by lynch., a five-member visual kei band formed in Nagoya in 2004.
It appears on their third indie album, THE BURIED, released in 2007.
This loud number showcases the band’s sound rooted in metal and hardcore.
From its weighty intro to the airy first verse and a chorus that pairs catchy melodies with a heavy band sound, it delivers authentic loud rock that can’t be confined to the label of visual kei alone.
[Neo Visual Kei] Popular Songs by 2000s Visual Kei Bands (31–40)
23-ward geometric can.Shoujo-RoriiTa-23-ku
Shōjo-Lolita-23ku is a band formed in 2004.
Their name combines “Lolita,” one of the symbols of visual kei, with “Tokyo’s 23 wards = the city,” to express being at the very heart of visual kei.
Their debut was a three-track single, “23ku Kigaku Kan,” released in 2005 on an indie label.
The video features one of the included tracks, “Kakusan CHO-CO.”
Divine SongPhantasmagoria
Phantasmagoria is a rock band whose music draws on styles like alternative rock and metalcore, leaving a powerful impression on fans despite a brief six-year run.
Their 9th maxi single, “Kamiuta,” creates a hook through its sweeping, grand atmosphere and aggressive rock ensemble.
The recurring phrases generate an addictive quality that, while decadent, makes you want to hum along.
It’s an eccentric number that evokes the lineage of old-school visual kei.
Cyclone12012
This song features strummed guitars and an upbeat vibe that make it really cool.
It’s a track by the five-member visual kei rock band 12012.
It was released in 2007 as their major-label debut single and served as the ending theme for the anime Romeo × Juliet.
BIRTHD
This is a song by D, a visual kei rock band formed in 2003.
It was released in 2008 as their major debut single.
The lyrical choices are strikingly beautiful, characteristic of visual kei.
Violinist Neko Saito appears as a guest.
FREEDOMJanne Da Arc
This song, which the band tackled with their first self-produced approach since their indie days, leans into a liberating American rock vibe.
The crisp guitar sound and yasu’s soaring high-tone voice weave a melody that can only be described as breathtaking.
It conveys the protagonist’s cry to break free from tedious routines and constraints and to spread their wings as their heart desires.
Released in March 2004, the track became the band’s first to break into the Oricon Weekly Top 5, peaking at No.
4, and it’s also included on the classic album ARCADIA.
When you’re ready to shake off the status quo—or when you’re on a drive with the wind in your face—this song is guaranteed to blow away the pent-up haze.