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 (41–50)
Japanese MotherFuckertoukyou yankii-su
Among visual-kei bands, this group had an especially strong hard rock sound.
They were notable for having many male fans.
They also had close ties with X JAPAN—even to the extent that the vocalist, UMEMURA, served as vice president of the label founded by Yoshiki.
However, UMEMURA passed away in 2007.
EveLaputa
This is a song that conjures up a fleeting yet beautiful scene from the last night before a breakup.
Over a fantastical sound woven by intricate guitar work, Aki’s high-toned vocals resound with aching poignancy.
It lyrically depicts the brief sparkle and pain within a relationship that’s coming to an end, drawing you into its dramatic world.
Released in May 1997 as Laputa’s second single, it was used as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.
Peaking at No.
33 on the Oricon charts, the track raised the band’s profile and was later included on the mini-album “E—Emadara—Madara.” It’s a perfect masterpiece for sinking into alone on a sentimental night, or for immersing yourself in the uniquely decadent aesthetic of ’90s visual kei.
AineAION
AION is a band that made its major debut with BMG Victor in October 1991.
At the time of their debut, the members were NOV, IZUMI, DEAN, and S.A.B.
In October 2003, they released the album “SISTER,” and a three-day event titled “20th Anniversary Oninen Raimu” was held at La Mama.
Swapping PartyLADIES ROOM
They were one of the bands that supported the early visual-kei boom alongside X JAPAN.
Their songs were often straightforward, catchy, and melodic.
Their sexy lyrics and incidents of female fans undressing during concerts drew attention.
They disbanded in 1996, but have since reunited.
LOVELESSLUNA SEA
Opening the acclaimed masterpiece “MOTHER,” released in October 1994, this track heralds the beginning of a grand narrative.
Its crystalline guitar sound instantly draws the listener into its world.
While the song grapples with the piercing theme of the absence of love, it seems to coexist with a resonance akin to a prayer seeking salvation.
Though not released as a single, it has opened numerous significant live shows and can be said to embody the spirit of the band.
It’s a piece I hope you’ll listen to on a night when you want to quietly reflect on your heart.
Forever LoveX JAPAN
It’s the ultimate ballad that epitomizes the band’s extraordinarily dramatic history.
The magnificent orchestration and the piano melodies performed by YOSHIKI intertwine with Toshi’s poignant yet powerful high-tone vocals to superbly convey the grand theme of eternal love that endures even after losing the one you love.
Released in July 1996, this song was also included on that year’s masterpiece album, Dahlia.
Chosen as the theme song for the theatrical animated film X, based on CLAMP’s work, and later featured in a commercial starring Junichiro Koizumi, it became a classic widely known beyond the band’s fanbase.
On nights when you’re thinking of someone dear, listening while immersing yourself in its expansive world will move you to tears with its profoundly emotional resonance.
THE LAST SONGX JAPAN
An epic symphonic ballad over 11 minutes long that epitomizes the band’s overwhelmingly dramatic history.
Crafted by YOSHIKI, the piece weaves delicate piano melodies with weighty orchestration, while Toshl’s vocals—like a cry from the soul—strike straight to the heart.
The lyrics, shifting between English and Japanese, seem to portray the unbearable pain and regret at the moment of parting, along with the protagonist’s self-questioning.
Although it was released in March 1998 as the band’s final single following their breakup, it was performed as the opening song at their reunion concert in March 2008—an element that deepens the song’s narrative quality.
It’s the perfect track for nights when you want to be swept away by the band’s harrowing journey and the maelstrom of emotions poured into it.