A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.

Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!

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!

Masterpieces of Visual Kei: Classic, popular songs representing V-kei rock (81–90)

carnationJanne Da Arc

carnation

carnationJanne Da Arc

An acoustic ballad in which Yasu’s gentle vocals and warmly supportive guitar tones seep into the heart.

This track is included on the self-produced album ARCADIA, released in July 2004, which reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The lyrics, in which Yasu frankly expresses gratitude to his mother—feelings that are hard to say out loud—are truly moving.

Portraying a universal kind of love that reminds us of a parent’s warmth and kindness, especially felt when living apart, this song may help you speak from the heart when you want to convey appreciation to someone important.

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Nephthys feat. CazquiREVIVAL OF THE ERA

REVIVAL OF THE ERA – Nephthys feat. Cazqui (Official Music Video)

Nephthys feat. CazquiREVIVAL OF THE ERA

REVIVAL OF THE ERA, a rising visual kei rock band that has created a new genre called symphonic metalcore.

Visual kei bands are often said to have lower instrumental or vocal skill compared to other genres, but these guys are different.

They’re a band known for exceptionally tight performance and refined musicality, and “Nephthys feat.

Cazqui” is a masterpiece packed with their charms.

Be sure to check it out.

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Coronauchuu sentai NOIZ

UCHUSENTAI:NOIZ “Corona” PV (Full Ver.)

Coronauchuu sentai NOIZ

A band with the concept of a five-member group that came from space to protect peace on Earth.

Their musical style is all-encompassing, ranging from orthodox rock to mixture and picolimo.

The guitarist YAMATO, who joined partway through, is a GIT Masters award winner and effortlessly pulls off high-speed tapping in their songs.

It’s a fast-paced track overflowing with a positive vibe.

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I cut the pathbaroque

(HD) baroque – Gakidou [PV]

I cut the pathbaroque

Formed in 2001, BAROQUE was a band that supported the scene as the originator of the “osare-kei” style—introducing elements like lighter makeup, casual clothing, and a mixture-influenced sound—at a time when the darker, gothic-leaning visual kei rock was already on the decline.

If you listen to their major-label debut single Waga Batsu Michi, I think you’ll get a sense of how unique they were within the visual kei scene back then.

Their contribution to the current visual kei landscape—which encompasses a wide range of musical genres—is by no means insignificant.

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On the morning when the maddened cicadas cried outLAB.THE BASEMENT

LAB. THE BASEMENT "On the Morning When the Mad Cicada Screamed"

On the morning when the maddened cicadas cried outLAB.THE BASEMENT

A band led by Sakurai Ao, who plays guitar in cali≠gari, taking on vocals himself.

This song overflows with a bittersweet, somewhat 80s-style nostalgic atmosphere—so much so that it feels melancholic.

The music video, like a short film featuring celebrities drawn from Sakurai’s network—including his bandmates and Onan-chan—might just move you to tears.

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In conclusion

We’ve selected popular songs that strongly showcase each band’s unique traits, focusing on groups that represent the Visual Kei rock scene.

Listening again, you can hear hallmark elements of Visual Kei—such as the vocal style and melodies—while also noticing how each band asserts its own distinct character.

Newer bands are emerging one after another, so be sure to discover your favorites!