Visual kei (ヴィジュアル系, vijuaru kei, lit. “visual style”) refers to a movement among Japanese musicians that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that Visual Kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of J-rock (a term referring to Japanese rock in general), with its own particular sound, related to glam-rock, punk and metal. However other sources state that Visual Kei’s unique clothing, make-up, fashions, and participation in the related sub-culture is equally as important as the sound of the music itself in the use of the term.

History

Visual Kei emerged in the late 1980’s (however, evidence of presence in even the early 70’s should be noted,) pioneered by bands such as X Japan, D’erlanger, Buck-Tick, and Color.

The word called Visual Kei was created with “PSYCHEDELIC VIOLENCE CRIME OF VISUAL SHOCK” that was a slogan of X Japan.

Color vocalist “Dynamite Tommy” formed his record company Free-Will in 1986, which has been a major contributor in spreading modern Visual Kei outside Japan.

In 1992, X Japan launched an attempt to enter the European and American markets, but it would take another 8 years until popularity and awareness of Visual Kei bands would extend worldwide.

In the mid 1990s, Visual Kei received an increase in popularity throughout Japan, and album sales from Visual Kei bands started to reach record numbers. The most notable bands to achieve success during this period included, X Japan, Glay, and Luna Sea, however a drastic change in their appearance accompanied their success.

During the same period, bands such as Kuroyume, Malice Mizer, and Penicillin, gained mainstream awareness, although they were not as commercially successful.

By 1999, mainstream popularity in Visual Kei was declining, X Japan had disbanded, and the death of lead guitarist Hideto Matsumoto in 1998 had denied fans a possible reunion. It was not long before Luna Sea decided to disband in the year 2000.

In 2007 the genre has been revitalized, as Luna Sea performed a one-off performance, and X Japan reunited for a new single and a world tour. With these developments, Visual Kei bands enjoyed a boost in public awareness, described by the media as “Neo-Visual Kei”.

Popularity

Visual Kei has enjoyed popularity among independent underground projects, as well as artists achieving mainstream success, with influences from Western phenomena, such as glam, goth and cyberpunk. The music performed encompasses a large variety of genres, i.e. pop, punk, heavy metal and electronica. Magazines published regularly in Japan with Visual Kei coverage are Arena 37°C, “Cure”, Fool’s Mate and Shoxx. Noted bands who at least at some point sported a Visual Kei theme include Dir en grey, Luna Sea and Malice Mizer.

Popularity and awareness of such groups outside of Japan has seen an increase in recent year

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There’s so many Visual kei band in Indonesia. Some of them are cool, but I’ve saw some of Visual kei band whose vocalist cut his arm with razor when he singing. So odd >.<

release date: December, 10 2009

Tracklist:

01. 君が好き

02. Family feat.KEN THE 390,SHUN&COMA-CHI

03. One Last Kiss ~Acoustic Version~

04. 君が好き (Instrumental)

Another great single from Shimizu Shota. His voice is so great. I think he have a different kind of voice with the other Japanese male singer. Try to listen this^^

Tracklist:

01. アナタの唄

02. 心に たいよう

03. ピクニック

Kariyushi58 is a Japanese rock band from Okinawa, Japan. “Kariyushi” is an Okinawan term that has a very auspicious meaning, and is itself a symbol of Okinawa. Okinawa’s main highway is National Route 58, and just as that road crosses the sea and connects with Kyushu, the band wants their music to cross the sea and resound in Japan.

I think their music have an relaxing atmosphere with the vocalist’s soft voice. There are some of reggae influence in it and melody lines  pierce the heart. I think this is Kariyushi58’s greatest charms. Great single^^

release date: December 2, 2009

Tracklist:

01. 君にサヨナラを
02. 声に出して歌いたい日本文学
03. HONKY JILL~69(あいなめ)のブルース~

This is a new single from Keisuke Kuwata. Maybe many people don’t really know about him, because he’s a old singer in Japan. But he is really famous in Japan. The popular song from him is ” 明日 晴れるかなあ。。。” (Ashita Hareru ka na…/ Will be Sunny Tomorrow?). Kimi ni Sayonara wo is a great song, it’s slow and the lyric is very good. Try to listen this^^.