[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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- [Heisei Songs] Classic hits from the Heisei era that are popular on Instagram Reels
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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 Collection of Popular Songs by 2000s Visual Kei Bands (41–50)
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.
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.
RecallDELUHI
This is a song by the visual kei heavy metal band DELUHI.
It’s included on their debut mini-album “Surveillance,” released in 2008.
They’re known for their heavy, metal-style rhythms, guitar sound, and death growls.
They were active in the late 2000s.
FLASHBACK FLAGuchuu sentai NOIZ
This track weaves a sense of exhilarating momentum with a bittersweet melody in a dramatic interplay.
UchuSentai NOIZ’s distinctive sound design—deftly fusing alternative elements with electronica—can be said to have pioneered a new frontier in 2000s visual kei.
The lyrics, which portray a strong resolve to move toward the future without being bound by past glory or ego, along with the doubts and inner conflicts along the way, resonate deeply with many listeners.
Released in March 2009 as part of the album “GREAT ROCK’N’ ROLL HEROES,” the song later received a newly recorded version on the limited “space” edition of the single “Parallel Mind” in August 2013.
It’s a track that can surely become a source of strength when you’re losing sight of yourself or struggling with an important relationship.
Yokohama Love Storysharurotto
A masterpiece where a wistful melody resonates with the atmosphere of Yokohama.
While expressing the feelings of someone in love in a straightforward way, the urbane, sophisticated lyrics sink deeply into the listener’s heart.
Symbolizing Charlotte’s musical identity, this work blends an accessibility that transcends the bounds of visual kei with the richly emotive performance only a band can deliver.
Since its release in April 2003, it was reissued in September 2006 as their major-label debut single, securing an unshakable place as one of the band’s signature songs.
It is also included on the album “Sharu de Nashi Blues,” where it shines as a culmination of Charlotte’s sound.
This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to connect with the joys and sorrows of love, and for those seeking music that resonates in the heart alongside the scenery of a port town.
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.
Mirrorsdeadman
The visual-kei band deadman, whose dark worldbuilding gripped fans’ hearts.
“Mirrors” is included on their debut single “subliminal effect,” released in 2001.
It’s a track that showcases vocalist Mako’s lyrical flair.