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 the cultures Japan proudly shares with the world! Recommended Visual Kei Bands (21–30)
Song of DelusionDIMLIM
This is a visual kei band that’s bound to break through, with outstandingly powerful vocals and exceptional instrumental performance skills.
Their songs prominently feature beautifully airy whispers and fierce shouts that you wouldn’t think came from a man, and the guitarist’s high level of playing is especially noteworthy.
highbrow; stylish; fashionable; trendyBabyKingdom
They’re a visual kei band whose popularity is soaring thanks to anime-like costumes and strikingly handsome looks.
As the title suggests, their songs and visuals are styled with a touch of high-collar elegance, layered with lyrics that reflect modern sensibilities, letting you enjoy a hybrid sound that really amps you up.
One of Japan’s proudest cultural exports! Recommended Visual Kei bands (31–40)
RAINBOWPENICILLIN
Their sixth single, “Romance,” released in 1998, became a major hit, making this visual-kei band widely known among a broad range of listeners.
They are one of the bands that defined the visual-kei scene of the 1990s, and each member is also active both domestically and internationally through solo projects.
Influencing many visual-kei bands, they remain a venerable act that continues to perform energetically today.
Re:BornA9
Known for songs spanning various genres without being confined to visual-kei conventions.
While many bands lean toward darker themes, A9 features numerous bright, catchy, and melodious tracks.
Formed in 2004 as “アリス九號” (Alice Nine).
They continued their activities while changing their name to “Alice Nine” in 2009 and then to “A9” in 2015.
A Song for You Who Are Hurtingthe Raid.
Although many visual kei bands have strong metal elements, this visual kei band is characterized by having many sparkling, danceable songs.
Their music, which feels like it sets the everyday lives of contemporary people directly to lyrics, resonates deeply, and this particular track is especially striking for its poignant strings in the chorus.
Flame’s Lightjin
They’re a band formed in the Kansai region in 2012.
Known for catchy, impactful lyrics and cool tracks, they also drew attention for the members’ exceptionally good looks.
Although the band has ended its activities, every released song is excellent.
Bikkuri Kokkuri -Surprised Kokkuri-Meruveru
They’re a visual kei band known for performing songs that are unexpectedly different from what you’d imagine based on their colorful, fairy-tale-like looks and costumes.
Although the video is shot in a traditional Japanese room, their vibrant Western-style outfits somehow fit perfectly, creating a uniquely strange and addictive appeal.