[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!
- Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
- A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.
- A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei
- 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 roundup of popular songs by 2000s V-Kei bands (51–60)
Twilight Starmegamaso
Against a pale pink pre-dawn sky, Megamasso’s poignant yet powerful rock number paints boundless dreams and hope.
Its delicate lyrics and driving sound create an exquisite harmony, beautifully expressing the hope grasped from among countless dreams.
Released in May 2010, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Major Season 6 and reached No.
36 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It came out in three formats: Limited Edition A (CD+DVD), Limited Edition B (CD), and Standard Edition (CD), with lavish bonuses including collaboration trading cards with the anime.
This is a song that stands by those waiting for daybreak and gives the courage to chase dreams.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you feel lonely or when you’re ready to take a new step forward.
Creepy CrawlyThe Studs
Powerfully expressing the anxieties and inner conflicts that lurk deep within, this track by The Studs is a driving, up-tempo number where melancholic guitars intertwine with a pulsating rhythm.
Portraying a protagonist who confronts unknown fears and the difficulty of living, the lyrics convey a strong will to overcome, capturing the hearts of Visual Kei fans in the 2000s.
Released in October 2008 as the first of three consecutive weekly singles and later included on the album “alansmithee,” the song also features a music video on the limited first-press DVD.
It remains beloved as a lyrical, dramatic piece that resonates with all who strive to face forward and live on, even when reality threatens to crush them.
The Moon of MockerySel’m
It sings about feeling anxiety and fear that keep you from taking the first step, acknowledging personal weakness yet still wanting to move forward.
It’s a song by Sel’m, a visual kei band formed in 2004.
The powerful drums create a strong sense of unity in the performance.
It is a track included on the single “Anthology,” released in 2006.
Children’s SongAwoi
This song, which expresses children’s anxiety and a sense of helplessness, is by the five-member visual kei rock band Awoi.
It’s included on the single “Kokoro,” released in 2005.
You can feel a powerful burst of early energy in this track.
[Neo-Visual Kei] A Collection of Popular Songs by 2000s Visual Kei Bands (61–70)
AtriaNoGoD
A song has been born that weaves together precious moments we often overlook in everyday life, themed around a grand message inspired by astronomical terminology.
Fusing powerful guitar riffs with emotive vocals, this work captivates with a stirring, expansive rock sound.
While rooted in heavy metal, it remains melodic and accessible.
Released on May 9, 2007 as NoGoD’s fifth single, it gained popularity through the band’s energetic live performances.
From its advance sale at the one-man live “Shibuya Nishi no Jin” held at Shibuya O-WEST on April 28 of the same year, it became a track that captured fans’ hearts and wouldn’t let go.
It’s a recommended song for those moments when, even amid the busyness of daily life, you want to pause, look around, and think about someone important.
GO!YA!NUMBER ~Nuchigusui~Shiriaru⇔NUMBER
Serial⇔NUMBER is the band that enlivened the visual kei scene with a cheerful sound blending Okinawan culture and rock.
Their inventive approach—combining the Okinawan dialect term nuchigusui (“medicine for life”) with Okinawa’s local specialty goya (bitter melon)—yields energetic, exhilarating melodies that leave a strong impression.
Packed with playfulness, their songs deliver uplifting messages that invigorate both heart and body.
Released in August 2007, this track stands out even among works like the albums Human Drama and Ryukai WahLD for its distinct personality.
While incorporating traditional instruments such as the sanshin and taiko, it skillfully harmonizes them with the catchy aesthetics characteristic of visual kei.
It’s the perfect song for getting fired up with friends at a live house or shaking off a gloomy mood.
Bright and forward-looking, this gem distills the vitality of Okinawa and the heat of rock into one standout track.
poplarTHE KIDDIE
This is a masterpiece that beautifully blends a poignant scene beginning with the onset of rain and a heartfelt sense of gratitude toward those who support us.
Its uniquely poetic lyrics meld with a melodious pop-rock sound to create a song that resonates deeply.
It fully showcases the appeal of soft visual kei, embodying the very essence of THE KIDDIE.
Released in December 2009, it was followed by a special live show at Harajuku Astro Hall on January 23 the next year, exclusively for purchasers of the band’s three consecutive monthly releases.
It was selected as the December ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Shiodome Event Department” and reached No.
48 on the Oricon chart.
This heartwarming track is one to listen to when standing at a crossroads in life or when you want to deepen your feelings for someone special.