Misplaced Pages

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 219.90.146.98 (talk) at 08:12, 8 September 2007 (Only two references had anything to do with Visual Kei itself, those references have been kept, and updated with correct information about the meaning of "Visual Kei", and its translation!). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Visual kei 『ヴィジュアル系』which means "Visual System" in Japanese, refers to a subculture 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

• Gothic Lolita
• List of visual kei artists

This Japan-related article is a stub. You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it.

• v
• t
• e

1. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D00EFD7103DF93BA25755C0A96E958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all
2. http://www.grammylive.com/Latin/News/Default.aspx?newsID=2278

• Japanese pop culture
• Japan stubs