A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei
The visual kei rock scene is buzzing with many up-and-coming bands, but there’s no doubt its peak boom was in the 1990s.
It’s true that X (X JAPAN) laid the groundwork, LUNA SEA presented one vision of completion, and many subsequent bands followed.
At the same time, distinctive acts also thrived—such as BUCK-TICK, rooted in gothic rock, and the uniquely evolved “Nagoya-kei.”
Let’s take a look at some classic songs from 1990s visual kei rock!
We’ve also included early masterpieces from bands that are still popular today.
- A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- [Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- [BUCK-TICK Masterpieces] Popular Songs by the Legendary Band with an Overwhelming Presence
- 1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- The Aesthetics of Darkness: An Introduction to Gothic Rock — Notable Bands
- [1998 Japanese Hit Songs] A roundup of timeless classics that still live on in people’s memories!
- Representative bands of the Nagoya-kei scene in 90s Visual Kei
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Masterpieces and popular songs by DIR EN GREY
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
Hit Songs and Masterpieces That Opened the Door to 1990s Visual Kei (21–30)
HALLELUYAHGARGOYLE
Among visual kei bands, this group is particularly heavy in its musical style.
Musically, they fall into the thrash metal category.
They made their major debut with Nippon Columbia in 1993, released three original albums, returned to the indie scene in 1996, and continue to be highly active today.
rainbowL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
What an incredibly sweet, dreamlike song.
Hyde’s voice can be both gentle and powerful, with remarkable range.
The guitar solo is distinctive too.
I remember being surprised by how romantic the atmosphere felt when I first heard this track.
Those long, resonant notes that feel so good to listen to are truly captivating.
With lyrics and a melody that sound like a tender whisper of love, I’m sure many fans felt their hearts flutter.
Their powerful live performances are truly compelling, so they’re definitely a band you should hear in person!
Hit Songs and Masterpieces That Opened the Door to 1990s Visual Kei (31–40)
WHITE SHAMANSOFT BALLET
SOFT BALLET.
The members are Ryoichi Endo, Maki Fujii, and Ken Morioka (who died of heart failure on June 3, 2016).
On September 25, 1989, they released their first single, “BODY TO BODY,” and their first album, “EARTH BORN.” Fujii has denied that SOFT BALLET has disbanded, and the group is, formally, still on hiatus.
Lunar worldBUCK-TICK
This BUCK-TICK classic captivates listeners with the floating, otherworldly timbre of the theremin.
The lyrics, said to have been inspired by Atsushi Sakurai’s hospitalization experience, evoke a sensation of drifting between dream and reality.
Released as a single in May 1998, the song also served as the opening theme for the anime Night Walker: Mayonaka no Tantei.
It’s a perfect listen for a quiet, solitary night, when you want to reflect on your inner self under the moonlight.
Melty loveSHAZNA
This was SHAZNA’s major-label debut single, released in 1997.
With its catchy, pop melody and the striking visual presence of vocalist IZAM, it became a hot topic, peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart and selling 880,000 copies—a major hit.
Alongside MALICE MIZER, FANATIC◇CRISIS, and La’cryma Christi, they were dubbed one of the “Big Four of Visual Kei.” Musically, the band is distinctive, featuring pop-leaning songs strongly influenced by 1980s hits and cross-dressing and makeup that appear to pay homage to Boy George of Culture Club.
TONIGHTLUNA SEA
It’s a rock tune that condenses an explosive impulse, racing straight through from the intro.
In just about three minutes, it packs in LUNA SEA’s razor-sharp groove to the brim.
Based on an original piece by bassist J, the band elevated it into a hard, aggressive sound.
There’s an anecdote that RYUICHI deliberately rasped his voice for the recording, which perfectly syncs with the raw emotion the track carries.
Released as a single in May 2000, it’s a crucial song that leads into the album “LUNACY,” and as the image song for WOWOW EURO2000 (the UEFA European Championship), it amped up the tournament’s excitement.
It’s brimming with instant, driving energy that gives you a push when you want to break through something.
ANUBISLUNA SEA
This is a dark and mysterious track included on the album EDEN, released in April 1993.
Inspired by ancient Egyptian deities, it offers an irresistible gothic worldview.
The edgy guitar sound and a bassline that crawls along the ground create a unique tension, drawing the listener into its narrative.
Through themes of salvation and judgment, the song seems to portray senses sharpening in the stillness of the night.
The acclaimed album EDEN, which includes this track, reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
If you want to experience the profound allure of LUNA SEA, be sure to give it a listen.