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

Meteor RocketAntikku-Kohiten-

An Cafe - Ryuusei Rocket

This song was used as the opening theme for the TV drama “Fūma no Kojirō.” It’s a bright, poppy band track without the darkness often associated with visual kei.

I believe even those who aren’t fond of visual kei will have their perception positively changed if they give it a listen.

Rusty NailX JAPAN

X Japan Rusty Nail from “The Last Live” HD

The arrangement, where a dreamy synthesizer phrase rings out from the intro and layers with a fast-paced rock sound, really amps up the excitement, doesn’t it? The one-of-a-kind fusion of intense metal and beautiful melody showcases YOSHIKI’s brilliant compositional sensibility.

This work vividly evokes the image of a protagonist who, while bearing unhealed wounds and loneliness that pierce deep into the heart, continues to struggle desperately.

The song was released in July 1994 as the band’s 10th single and was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Kimi ga Mienai.” Despite unfavorable conditions for its first-week tally, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart and was later included on the acclaimed album “DAHLIA.” It’s a classical yet beautiful rock number you’ll want to listen to when you want to lift your spirits.

SinkPlastic Tree

Plastic Tree – Sink (subbed) PV

Plastic Tree, known affectionately as Puraturi, have been active since their formation in 1993 and have maintained a devoted following well into the 2020s.

While they undeniably emerged from the so-called visual kei scene, they established a unique position with a distinctive individuality and presence, thanks to vocalist Ryutaro Arimura’s introspective, literary worldview and a sound deeply influenced from early on by shoegaze, new wave, and alternative rock—setting them apart from other bands.

Their 1999 classic “Sink” is quintessentially them: centered on a band ensemble that skillfully employs dynamics between quiet and loud, it beautifully fuses thick, layered guitar tones and a melodious bass line with fragile vocals and lyrics.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

boykuroyume

Shonen

Kiyoharu’s vocals overflow with charisma, while Hitoki’s bass asserts its presence with occasionally technical phrases.

The two-piece band Kuroyume showcased a uniqueness that no other band could replicate, regardless of its lineup.

Emerging from the so-called “Nagoya-kei” scene—known for dark lyrics and intense songs—they gradually shifted toward a punk rock direction, and having a large male fanbase became one of their hallmarks.

Their masterpiece Shonen, which could be called the pinnacle of Kuroyume-style punk rock, became the band’s best-selling single and continues to be performed as part of Kiyoharu’s solo repertoire.

AquaBlu-BiLLioN

Aqua – Blu-BiLLioN PV [FULL]

It’s a bittersweet, fleeting song that expresses the feelings of a fish who has fallen in love with its owner.

It’s said to be inspired by The Little Mermaid.

In a good way, this band’s songs don’t feel like typical visual kei, and I find this track appealing because it isn’t too intense—its melody and vocals are beautiful, and the overall tone is lovely.

The Mountain Where You Bloomcali≠gari

cali≠gari / The Mountain Where You Bloom

From the 1990s, when “black-clad, dark aesthetics” were the norm for visual kei, cali≠gari stood out with flashy white costumes and songs tinged with kayōkyoku flavor.

Among their long career, the track that best embodies their unique sensibility is probably Kimi ga Saku Yama.

If you listen to just the music, it has an oddly bright, pop feel and lyrics that evoke a picnic—but did you notice what condition the “you” in the lyrics has been left in, up there in the mountains…?

Melty LoveSHAZNA

SHAZNA — Melty Love PV [HD 1080p]

Even if you weren’t particularly interested in the visual kei genre, if you belong to a certain generation, there’s a band that surely stuck in your memory: SHAZNA.

They were once hailed as one of the “Big Four of Visual Kei,” and thanks in part to vocalist IZAM’s unique persona resonating with mainstream audiences, their popularity was so great it was dubbed the “SHAZNA Phenomenon.” In their earliest days they sometimes wore black and performed a more traditional visual kei style, but SHAZNA is widely associated with bright, light, poppy songs.

The track that perfectly embodies that image is their major-label debut and signature song, “Melty Love.” It was already a fan favorite from their indie era, and it’s fair to call it a classic that clearly showcases what makes them great.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem