[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 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] Popular Songs by 2000s Visual Kei Bands (31–40)
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.
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.
songbaroque
It’s a song that gives a push to people striving toward their dreams.
It’s included on “Sukebe Boy,” the single released in 2002 by the visual kei band baroque.
Their musical style, unconstrained by the label of “visual kei,” captured listeners’ hearts.
Heisei BubbleDauto
D=OUT is a band that began activities in 2006.
Their concept is “patriotic entertainers.” They actively perform live shows around the world and are said to be especially popular in Taiwan.
Their debut song, Heisei Bubble, was released in 2007 in a limited run of 1,000 copies.
Their worldview, which fuses a sense of ‘Wa’ (traditional Japanese aesthetics) with a visual kei sound, is fascinating.
Darkness in the rain, a decayed world.DEATHGAZE
This is a song by DEATHGAZE, a visual kei metal band from Aichi Prefecture.
The storm-like, intense metal sound is really cool.
It’s included on the single “294036224052,” released in 2004.
[Neo Visual Kei] A Collection of Popular Songs by 2000s Visual Kei Bands (41–50)
Pixy falsePhantasmagoria
This is a Phantasmagoria track where the ethereal tone and beautiful vocals are a perfect match.
It’s included on the 2004 single “Moonlight Revival.” The contrast between the intro phrases and the four-on-the-floor sound in the chorus keeps the song engaging throughout.
bangyaru syndromeJinkaku Rajio
A quintessential number of the 2000s that shines a light on fervent fan culture has arrived from Jinkaku Radio.
Marked by a light, poppy melody and vocals that are both powerful and delicate, this work portrays the heated atmosphere of live venues and cheers overflowing with pure feeling—an iconic song of the visual kei scene.
Gaining support as a hidden gem thanks to its distinctive approach, it was released as a limited-edition CD at a one-man show in November 2006.
Though it was venue-only and hard to obtain, its rarity makes it all the more alluring to fans.
The lyrics, depicting the earnest dedication of lining up at the merch booth and waiting through wind and rain, and the devoted love for the artist, will resonate with anyone who holds a straightforward passion for music.