A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.
Visual kei rock, ignited by X JAPAN and exploding into a massive boom in the ’90s.
Though it went through a lull, today it has become a firmly established, internationally recognized genre, known abroad simply as “Visual Kei.” Encompassing everything from metal and gothic rock to classical and punk within the “visual kei” package, it enabled a wide range of expression—truly a uniquely Japanese musical genre.
This time, we’ll introduce a selection of iconic songs from visual kei bands that symbolize its history!
- A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei
- [Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Masterpieces and popular songs by DIR EN GREY
- [BUCK-TICK Masterpieces] Popular Songs by the Legendary Band with an Overwhelming Presence
- Masterpieces and Popular Songs of X JAPAN
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- Famous and popular songs by MUCC
- Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- The Aesthetics of Darkness: An Introduction to Gothic Rock — Notable Bands
Masterpieces of Visual Kei. Classic, popular songs representing V-Kei rock (61–70)
bangyaru syndromeJinkaku Rajio
It’s a song themed around the cringey behavior of bangyaru—women who chase after visual kei bands.
While the lyrics have a somewhat satirical tone, the cute, slightly whimsical melody will make you want to move your body naturally as you listen.
ENDLESS RAINX JAPAN
In contrast to their intense metal sound, X JAPAN’s grand ballads are a huge part of their appeal.
This song, which begins with YOSHIKI’s classically influenced, beautiful piano melody, is one that truly symbolizes the band.
Like unending rain falling on the heart, it seems to portray the feelings of carrying never-ending sorrow and unhealed wounds while still searching for the light.
HIDE’s wistful guitar solo further accentuates the poignancy.
Released as a single from the classic album BLUE BLOOD in December 1989, it also served as the theme song for the film Zipang.
The sight of fans breaking into a massive singalong at live shows is moving, and this is a ballad that keeps you company on nights when you want to quietly sink into your thoughts alone.
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.
I’LL KILL YOUX JAPAN
This is the track that heralds the dawn of a legend in Japan’s rock scene and symbolizes the origins of X JAPAN.
Released in June 1985 as the band’s first official recording, it came out independently in a limited run of just 1,000 copies.
Beneath the barrage of aggressive lyrics riding on a ferocious speed metal sound lies a famous anecdote: a depth of anguish so profound it borders on wanting to erase oneself—something that seems to reveal YOSHIKI’s inner world.
Toshl’s vocals, verging on a primal scream, embody that uncontrollable early impulse and are nothing short of overwhelming.
The song was later re-recorded for the classic album Vanishing Vision.
It’s the perfect track for experiencing where their legend began—the dangerous allure and raw eruption of emotion.
Gunshots on the MoonDaizyStripper
It’s a song that’s also popular among fans.
I myself went through a phase of listening to this band, and this is my favorite track.
While the band generally had a bright, gentle image, this song has a certain shadow to it, and I find its delicately fragile atmosphere captivating in a good way.
marbleUNiTE.
This song was created with the idea that each member of the band has their own personal color, and those colors blend together.
Based on the concept of an unending band, they thought deeply about what it means for something not to end, and crafted this track from that perspective.
V.SBugLug
This is an indie band consisting of five members: vocalist Issei, stage-right guitarist Kazuki, stage-left guitarist Yuu, bassist Tsubame, and drummer Masaumi.
Despite being an indie band, they enjoy great popularity, and above all, the words and music created by Issei captivate listeners and won’t let go.
In May 2016, vocalist Issei was involved in an accident, putting the band in a precarious position where a hiatus or even disbandment seemed likely.
However, the members chose to “continue their activities while waiting for the vocalist to return.” The song’s theme is continuing to fight oneself, and indeed, it’s a sound only a band currently in the midst of that struggle could create.