Misplaced Pages

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 219.90.146.98 (talk) at 07:35, 8 September 2007. 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, 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

• Gothic Lolita
• Zoku
• List of visual kei artists

References

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

• v
• t
• e

• Japanese pop culture
• Japan stubs