One of the cultures Japan is proud to share with the world! Recommended visual kei bands
Said to have originated from X JAPAN’s BLUE BLOOD album tagline, “PSYCHEDELIC VIOLENCE CRIME OF VISUAL SHOCK,” visual kei has now become a hallmark of Japanese culture.
As it’s defined not as a specific sound, but as a way of building a worldview and aesthetic through visual expression—makeup, fashion, and more—the musical styles vary widely from band to band.
This time, we’ll introduce visual kei bands spanning a wide range of eras.
Whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fan, we’ve got recommendations you’ll want to check out!
- A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.
- [Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
- [2026] A roundup of popular Japanese hard rock bands, including those famous overseas
- A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei
- Reunion wanted: the legendary band that disbanded to much regret
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Today's Recommended J-POP: A Collection of Japanese Hit Songs You’ll Want to Listen to Today
- High School Students’ Favorite Band Songs Ranking [2026]
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- Masterpieces and Popular Songs of X JAPAN
- X Japan Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks.
One of Japan’s most world-renowned cultures! Recommended Visual Kei bands (71–80)
BODY TO BODYSOFT BALLET
Formed in 1986.
Made their major debut in 1989.
They are characterized by a strong rock-influenced vocal style over electronically mechanical sounds such as future pop, hard house, acid house, and electronica/techno.
They have been on hiatus since 2003.
Snow, Moon, and FlowersSadie
This was the first Sadie song I ever heard, and I really fell in love with it.
It feels like a song that asks something of myself.
Sadie is on hiatus right now, and I don’t know many of their songs yet, but I want to learn more about the band until they resume activities, and someday I’d love to go to a live show.
To all members of the newspaper and mass mediaVIDOLL
Formed in 2002.
A band whose concept was “occult romance,” characterized by a bass-heavy sound and lyrics that frequently employed social satire.
After their major debut in 2009, they also released many pop, up-tempo tracks.
They disbanded in 2011 to much regret.
MOONLIGHT xxxxdoppel
They’re a very stylish visual kei band with sophisticated guitar chord work and song arrangements—even their heavier tracks are full of chic elements.
Their high-quality compositions paired with a vocalist of exceptional singing ability have earned them support that transcends genres.
Last scenesioux
It starts with a mysterious intro that’s in 4/4 yet somehow sounds like an odd meter, but as soon as the vocals come in it suddenly turns catchy.
They’re also an intriguing band visually, with a music video shot in a cave-like location overseas that has a mystical atmosphere.
GOKUMIshibirebashiru
They’re a visual-kei band with comedic elements, and the music video for this song is made like a karaoke video, further amplifying the bubble-era vibe.
The members’ profiles also contain outrageous tidbits, adding a comedic touch—overall, they’re a fun band.
Mass of hatredriberio
This band has the performance skills to effortlessly play even high-speed songs.
While their music makes extensive use of shouts and death vocals, the melodies are catchy, making them a band that even people who aren’t into visual kei might end up liking.