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Revision as of 07:43, 8 September 2007 editPhgao (talk | contribs)12,095 edits previous article had references← Previous edit Revision as of 07:49, 8 September 2007 edit undo219.90.146.98 (talk) Undid revision 156441566 by Phgao (talk) Two links are important to the article, removed Zoku, explained Kei correctly.Next edit →
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], an example of visual kei during the 1990s.]] ], an example of visual kei during the 1990s.]]
{{nihongo|'''Visual kei'''|ヴィジュアル系|vijuaru kei|lit. "visual System"}} refers to a type of rock music, originating from Japan. {{nihongo|'''Visual kei'''|ヴィジュアル系|vijuaru kei|lit. "visual System"}} refers to a type of rock music, originating from Japan.
The Visual Kei sound, is often a mix between ] music, ], and ].
{{cite web
It is often characterised by the use of feminine ] worn by men, unusual hair styles and elaborate ]s.
| title = International Music Feed feature "J Rock"
| work = imf.com
| url = http://www.imf.com/link_player.html?video_id=2283
| accessdate = 2007-07-31
}}
</ref><ref name="amg_dir_en_grey">
{{cite web
| last = Monger
| first = James Christopher
| title = All Music Guide biography of Dir en grey
| work = allmusic.com
| url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:w9ftxql0ldde~T1
| accessdate = 2007-07-31
}}
</ref> that is characterized by the use of eccentric, sometimes flamboyant looks. This usually involves striking ], unusual hair styles and elaborate ]s, often, but not always, coupled with ] aesthetics.<ref name="nytimes_matsumoto">
{{cite web
| last = Strauss
| first = Neil
| title = "The Pop Life: End of a Life, End of an Era"
| work = nytimes.com
| date = ]
| url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D00EFD7103DF93BA25755C0A96E958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all
| accessdate = 2007-07-31
}}
</ref><ref name="grammy_kabuki">
{{cite web
| last = Reesman
| first = Brian
| title = "Kabuki Rock "
| work = grammy.com
| date = ]
| url = http://www.grammylive.com/Latin/News/Default.aspx?newsID=2278
| accessdate = 2007-08-07
}}
</ref>


Bands credited with starting Visual Kei, include ], ]. and ].
These looks have enjoyed popularity among ] underground projects, as well as artists achieving ] success, with influences from Western phenomena, such as ], ] and ].<ref name="grammy_kabuki" /><ref name="blistering_deg">{{cite web
While most artists remain underground, some Visual Kei bands have achieved ] success in Japan, and throughout Asia.
| last = Mascia
Notable bands that achieved this success include, ], ], ], and ].
| first = Mike
However their mainstream popularity was achieved after changing from the stereotyped Visual Kei appearance, to a more commercially accepted appearance.
| title = Dir en grey feature interview
| work = blistering.com
| url = http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/12842/tempidx/5/menuid/3
| accessdate = 2007-08-07
}}
</ref> The music performed encompasses a large variety of ], i.e. ], ] and ].<ref name="jmf_jrock" /><ref name="grammy_kabuki"/> Magazines published regularly in Japan with visual kei coverage are ''Arena 37°C'', ''Fool's Mate'' and '']''. Noted bands who at least at some point sported a visual kei theme include ],<ref name="amg_dir_en_grey" /> ]<ref name="ymusic_luna_sea">
{{cite web
| title = Luna Sea at Yahoo Music
| work = music.yahoo.co.jp
| url = http://music.yahoo.co.jp/shop/p/12/14750
| language = Japanese
| accessdate = 2007-08-21
}}
</ref> and ].<ref name="ymusic_malice_mizer">
{{cite web
| title = Malice Mizer at Yahoo Music
| work = music.yahoo.co.jp
| url = http://music.yahoo.co.jp/shop/p/12/15645/
| language = Japanese
| accessdate = 2007-08-21
}}
</ref>


In 1992, ] 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 reach worldwide.
Popularity and awareness of such groups outside of Japan is sparse, but has seen an increase in recent years. While the successful ] launched an attempt to enter the international market as early as 1992,<ref name="billboard_x_92>
{{Citation
| last = Duffy
| first = Thom
| title = Home and Abroad: Warner Marks X from Japan for Int'l Success
| newspaper = Billboard
| pages = p. 46
| date = ]
}}
</ref> it would still take another decade until live concerts and regular domestic releases by visual kei themed bands in Europe and North America came to pass.


==See also== ==See also==

Revision as of 07:49, 8 September 2007

File:Malice Mizer - Au Revoir 01.jpg
Malice Mizer, an example of visual kei during the 1990s.

Visual kei (ヴィジュアル系, vijuaru kei, lit. "visual System") refers to a type of rock music, originating from Japan. The Visual Kei sound, is often a mix between pop music, Hard Rock, and heavy metal. It is often characterised by the use of feminine make-up worn by men, unusual hair styles and elaborate costumes.

Bands credited with starting Visual Kei, include X Japan, D'erlanger. and Dead End. While most artists remain underground, some Visual Kei bands have achieved mainstream success in Japan, and throughout Asia. Notable bands that achieved this success include, X Japan, Glay, Luna Sea, and L'Arc~en~Ciel. However their mainstream popularity was achieved after changing from the stereotyped Visual Kei appearance, to a more commercially accepted appearance.

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 reach worldwide.

See also

References

Japanese subcultures
Subcultures
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