[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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- 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.
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- 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)
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.
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.
[Neo Visual Kei] Popular Songs by 2000s Visual Kei Bands (31–40)
Sunset and Childheidi.
This is a track by heidi., a visual kei band formed in 2006, with an addictive mix of a suspicious-sounding guitar riff and a bustling rhythm.
It was released the same year as the single “Sunset and Children/Maria.” The song expresses the anxiety and impatience felt in childhood.
Time machineArisu Kyū Gō.
A song by the visual kei rock band Alice Nine, formed in 2004.
Included on their debut single “Namae wa, Mada Nahi,” it’s a track that leaves an impression with its airy guitar sound riding on a driving drum beat and a bass line that plays the root notes on the high frets.
Another highlight is how the B section and chorus switch to a half-time feel, creating a contrast with the brisk A section that makes the chorus stand out.
Blending both floating and fast-paced sensations, it’s a must-check track for fans of visual kei bands.
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.
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.
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.