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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 eccentric, sometimes flamboyant looks. This usually involves striking make-up, unusual hair styles and elaborate costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics.

These looks have enjoyed popularity among independent underground projects, as well as artists achieving mainstream success, with influences from visuals-conscious Western phenomena such as glam rock. The music performed encompasses a large variety of genres, i.e. pop, heavy metal and electronica. Magazines published regularly in Japan with visual kei coverage are Arena 37°C, Fool's Mate and Shoxx. Noted bands who at least at some point sported a visual kei theme include Dir en grey, Malice Mizer and X Japan.

Popularity and awareness of such groups outside of Japan is sparse, but has seen an increase in recent years. While the successful X Japan launched an attempt to enter the international market as early as 1992, 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

• Gothic Lolita
• Zoku
• List of visual kei bands

References

1. ^ "International Music Feed feature "J Rock"". imf.com. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
2. ^ Strauss, Neil (1998-06-18). ""The Pop Life: End of a Life, End of an Era"". nytimes.com. Retrieved 2007-07-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
3. ^ Reesman, Brian (2006-11-30). ""Kabuki Rock "". grammy.com. Retrieved 2007-08-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
4. ^ Mascia, Mike. "Dir en grey feature interview". blistering.com. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
5. Monger, James Christopher. "All Music Guide biography of Dir en grey". allmusic.com. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
6. Duffy, Thom (1992-09-05), "Home and Abroad: Warner Marks X from Japan for Int'l Success", Billboard, pp. p. 46 {{citation}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)

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