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 (41–50)
Gate of Severed FriendshipSendai Kamotsu
A six-member comic band formed by Japanese delivery workers, commonly known as “Senga.” In reality, however, they are the visual kei rock band Nightmare.
They’re known for highly comical and extreme live performances, to the point that they were banned from Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall.
Despite being a completely different direction from Nightmare, they’ve been warmly welcomed by fans.
One of the cultures Japan proudly shares with the world! Recommended Visual Kei bands (51–60)
Airaku False Heartyusai
They’re a freshly formed band that just started activities in 2017.
With artist photos and song arrangements rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics, they’re incredibly stylish.
Their standout trait this year is a lineup of catchy, easy-to-get-into tracks that blend rock and Japanese elements with a touch of visual kei.
utakataKagrra
They incorporated traditional Japanese instruments and had a neo-Japanesque musical style.
By using lyrics without katakana or English, frequently employing phrases that evoke a sense of “wa” (Japanese aesthetic), and not only featuring traditional instruments but also crafting a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, they established a style of Japanese-influenced rock akin to Wagakki Band and Kiryu.
They disbanded in 2011.
ADAMDIEALO
They are a visual kei band characterized by a melancholic high-tone vocal.
With musicianship and arrangements reminiscent of metal bands and a catchy, melodious singing voice that’s pleasing to the ear, they’re the kind of band that even people who don’t usually listen to visual kei might end up liking.
O-EdoKabukirokkusu
Kabuki Rocks brought a fresh breeze to Japan’s music scene with a sound that fuses traditional kabuki and modern rock.
In 1989, they made their major-label debut after appearing on the TBS music program “Miyake Yūji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku.” Centered around Ichiban Ujigami—known for his white makeup and flamboyant costumes—the band has created original songs that incorporate Edo-period language and traditional Japanese scales.
As pioneers of the visual-kei movement, they have maintained a devoted fan base, and their musical style has had a significant influence on subsequent artists.
Why not revisit that one-of-a-kind sound—born from the meeting of Japan’s traditional culture and rock—along with your fond memories?
BondS ~Kizuna~Antikku-Kohiten-
The song I most want to recommend by An Cafe is this one.
It says that even though we sometimes hit a wall, we want to keep walking together with our friends.
An Cafe is a band I’ve been listening to since I first got into visual kei.
Back then, listening to this song helped me stay positive.
meteorAYABIE
AYABIE is a band formed by former members of “Ayabie,” and I first listened to this song with some hesitation.
I still remember feeling relieved by its very dreamlike music video and its beautiful, easy-to-listen-to sound.
It’s the kind of song I’d like to listen to with someone special while looking up at the summer night sky.