[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.
- Nothing but iconic hits that defined an era! 2000s classics popular on TikTok
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- 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
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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)
Drowning sorrowgirugamesh
This is a song by the visual kei band girugamesh, known for their loud guitar sound.
It was released in 2004 as the single “Prototype Disc.” It’s a fast-paced rock number that sings about a couple’s feelings passing each other by.
[Neo Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by 2000s V-Kei bands (51–60)
kind wordsHERO
HERO is a band formed in 2004 that announced a hiatus in 2017.
Their fans are called “Heroines.” Their debut song is “Yasashii Kotoba,” released in 2008.
The track entered at No.
5 on the Oricon Indies Chart.
The vocalist’s voice has a cute quality, and their singing style gives an idol-like impression.
Love Reverie GameDoremi-dan
A classic song that likens romance to a “game,” portraying the fleeting course of a fragile love.
Within its up-tempo sound lie heartrending lyrics and an emotionally rich melody line that resonate deeply with listeners.
In 2005, Doremi-dan released the track as a venue-limited single for their Tokyo–Nagoya–Osaka one-man live series “Rokusho Gekijo.” Buoyed by overwhelming fan support, a rearranged version was later included on the 2010 album Kowaso Circus.
It’s the perfect song for soothing the pain of heartbreak or finding the courage to step into a new love.
The lyrics deftly capture complex emotions, offering an immersive experience akin to reading a story.
An Invitation from a Mysterious WorldKra
Since their formation, Kra has been a two-piece rock band with a concept rooted in fancy and fairytale charm, showcasing a wide expressive range from pop tunes to darker worlds.
Their 11th single, “Invitation from a Mysterious World,” boosts your energy with its high-speed shuffle beat and stylish ensemble.
The lyrics, fantastical yet shadowed, perfectly evoke the concept they aim to express.
It’s an uptempo track where you’ll want to pay attention not only to the cool vocals but also to each member’s musicianship.
circuitJinkaku Rajio
This song, with its melancholic lyrics and wistful acoustic sound that grips the heart, is a track by the visual kei band Jinsei Radio, formed in 2001.
It was released as a single in 2002.
The gentle vocals are truly captivating.
red butterflySadie
This is a song by Sadie, a visual kei rock band from Osaka.
It’s included on the single “The Desire Beneath the Black Robe, and the Lilies of a Hundred Scenes Seen at the End of Agony,” released in 2005.
Its energetic death vocals and sound captured the hearts of many fans.
The revenant ChoirVersailles
With its symphonic sound that makes you feel as if you’re listening to music from overseas, this song is by the five-member visual kei band Versailles.
It was released in 2007 as their indie debut single.
Their awareness of 18th-century French culture is evident from the music video, costumes, and even the band’s name.