Visual Kei Band in Japan

What is Visual Kei??

Visual kei (ヴィジュアル系 vijuaru kei, lit. "visual style") refers to a movement among Japanese Musician, 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. 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 and 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 1980s, pioneered by bands such as X Japan, D'erlanger, Buck-Tick, and Color.

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, when 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, and L'Arc-en-Ciel went on a hiatus the same year.

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, Fool's Mate andShoxx. 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 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. *credits goes to Wikipedia.org*

My Own Review and Perspective

Early 1980's in Japan there is so many band with Glam Rock or Hair Metal style. There is a lot of name such as Boowy, 44Magnum, AION, Die in Cries, Dead End, Saver Tiger (hide X-Japan was in this band too), Kinniku Shojo Tai, Derlanger, X, etc.

But why X became the legend in Visual Kei movement??

Here is the explanation. Because hide once was a beautician and Yoshiki is the first crossdresser who dared to show it to public. After that, other bands followed X movement in crossdress and dye their hair not just in yellow or blonde colour, but also pink, red like hide did and also painting their face.

Band with Visual Kei:

1980's-late 1980's: X, Kinniku Shojo Tai, Derlanger, Tokyo Yankees, Saver Tiger, Color, Derlanger, etc

1990's-late 1990's: Anti Feminism, La'Sadie, Eliphas Levi, Mirage, Syndrome, Pennicilin, Baiser, Lareine, L'arc en Ciel, Rentrer en Soi, Blood.

2000-present: Alice Nine, the Gazette, ayabie, NoGod, Naitomea, Bergerac, SuG, Vidoll, Daizystripper.