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 (31–40)
whisperBUCK-TICK
This work is BUCK-TICK’s 13th single, released in March 1998, known as a cut from the album Sexy Stream Liner.
The lyrics, written by Atsushi Sakurai, depict a one-sided, sensual relationship in which the narrator venerates the other like a dream and likens himself to a slave surrendering to desire.
Sakurai’s mysterious vocals intertwine with the industrial sound, further accentuating the song’s alluring, shadowy charm.
Give it a listen on a night when you want to immerse yourself deeply in the decadent world that distills BUCK-TICK’s experimental spirit.
supercarCASCADE
This is CASCADE’s fourth single, released in November 1997, where pounding programmed beats fuse with high-energy guitars.
It features a sparkling sound that overturns the visual kei image, drawing on technopop and new wave influences.
Sung by TAMA with a crystal-clear high tone, the lyrics depict a love story set in a city aglow with winter illuminations.
The bittersweet mix of yearning and exhilaration—wishing to fly off with someone you love to a future planet—makes your heart ache in the best way.
It was also used in a Himalaya TV commercial, enhancing the cheerful mood of the season.
It’s lovely to sink into the bittersweet memories of that time while listening to the classic album “80*60=98,” which includes this track.
Put it on during a winter night drive and your spirits are sure to soar.
ivory treeLa’cryma Christi
This is La’cryma Christi’s major-label debut single, marked by its flowing twin-guitar lines and melodies that evoke the feeling of traveling through a distant, foreign land.
Within a delicately beautiful world, as if carved from ivory, it seems to sing of tenderness toward things that fade away.
Many listeners likely felt their hearts burn at the story spun by TAKA’s clear, high-toned vocals.
Released in May 1997, the song was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “Susume! Denpa Shonen.” Its sound balances progressive development with pop sensibilities, making it perfect for nights when you want to immerse yourself in a story.
Why not surrender yourself to this meticulously constructed sonic world?
DejavuLUNA SEA
A rock number whose razor-sharp guitars and driving rhythm seize the listener in an instant.
This track appears on LUNA SEA’s major-label debut album “IMAGE,” released in May 1992.
Its thrilling world was born from lyrics by RYUICHI and composition by SUGIZO, and when fused with the band’s signature dark, sensual atmosphere, it amplifies a sense of urgent tension.
Trapped in an endless loop of déjà vu, you feel a growing anxiety as your sense of self slips away.
It tightens your chest like wandering a maze with no exit, seeing the same scenery over and over.
This song, which also lent its title to their one-night-only reunion concert in December 2007, truly stands at the core of the band.
It’s a must-listen when you want to experience their sharp-edged early allure.
IN MY DREAM (WITH SHIVER)LUNA SEA
You’re instantly captivated by the guitar’s strumming, which shines with a certain cold light.
It’s an irresistible track with a dreamy, bittersweet world—like wandering through a beautiful feverish nightmare.
The song feels like a story of a soul trembling in loneliness, seeking salvation in the moonlight.
RYUICHI’s soaring vocals, as if reaching the heavens, gently set the listener’s emotions free.
Released in July 1993 as their second single and cut from the classic album EDEN, it became a symbol of the band’s breakthrough, charting at No.
9 on Oricon.
It might be a hidden gem that stays close and seeps deep into your heart when you’re holding unspoken feelings inside.
Hit Songs and Masterpieces That Opened the Door to 1990s Visual Kei (41–50)
MOONLUNA SEA
LUNA SEA has produced numerous hit songs.
This is the ethereal track included on their major-label debut album, IMAGE.
Released in May 1992, it’s truly a hidden gem known to those in the know.
SUGIZO’s delay-drenched arpeggios and the three-beat rhythm paint a scene like moonlight shimmering on the night sea.
The lyrics, depicting a poignant prayer to an unreachable presence—like trying to gather light spilling from your palm—pierce straight to the heart.
The expansive arrangement, enhanced by the sound of violin, deepens the world of the song even further.
It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night, immersing yourself fully in its sonic universe.
WISHLUNA SEA
A number whose hope-filled sound reverberating at the end of their live shows sinks deep into the heart.
It stands apart from their darker image, marked by a strikingly pop and catchy melody that bursts through.
The worldview infused with wishes for the future truly makes it an anthem that connects the band and their fans.
Released in May 1992 and certified Platinum, this track closes out the classic album IMAGE, and is a hidden gem perfect for those who want to experience LUNA SEA’s multifaceted appeal or need a boost of positive energy.