Lolita Kisama – What is Visual Kei

Visual Kei (VK) ,  literally meaning “visual style”, can be defined as a unique, individual sense of attitude & fashion style in combination with Japanese Rock music (Jrock). The “kei“, which referes to the visual aspect of Jrock bands, can be translated into “type“, “style“, “descent“ or “origin“.

Visual Kei is a Japanese Movement that started in the late 1980’s, gaining special popularity during the “Japanese Band Boom” (1988 - 1998). 

Founder of this movement is said to be the Jrock band “X Japan”, which disbanded itself in 1997. This closure thus set the new-beginning of the modern VK-szene by a next generation consisting of bands such as “Luna Sea” and “Malice Mizer”.

Visual Kei bands with gothic influence, generally having such of a reputation,  peaked in the 1990’s.  However, this movement has not been known of the Western World until the 21st century, when this unusual kind of music and fashion style reached out to European countries via internet and MP3.
The main important aspect, that differs Visual Kei bands from others, is the high emphasis that the members put in the look, and there is no specific norms, views, guidelines, or even laws to  observe, but to be willing to experiment with their image. This then again, leaves various options to the individual bands in choosing their styles from glamorous, dark, goth punk or even manga / anime etc. , as their own “identification label”.   Main characteristics of Visual Kei bands are such as: individualism, flamboyant looks, crossdressing and androgyny or distinctively femininism in the looks. The attire / outfits / costumes are therefore stereotypically: large, elaborately decorated, eccentric, dramatic and colorful.  Visual Kei is also characterized by elaborate and striking make-up combinated with face tattoos and colored contact lenses. The hair is often extremely styled in dramatic shapes, dyed in various colors or wigs, that are easier to manage, are used.

Even though male Visual Kei musicians tend to look distinctively feminin, they are generally not homosecxual or bisexucal, but rather looking for individualism.

Visual Kei has been influenced and shows similarities to earlier fashion eras and historical, cultural influences. For instance, stage performances, the dramatization of the music in particular, clearly demonstrate references and homages to the traditional Japanese  Kabuki theatre, which is known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate make-up worn by its mostly male performers, who represent the art of singing and dancing in forms of bizzare, but entertaining stage performances. Again, as for the amazingly feminine looks does Japan’s long standing tradition of cross-dressing in entertainment, play an important role. Ever since ancient times, a male in touch with his feminine side is viewed as a healthy, balanced individual.

However, important to mention is that the look does not necessarily reflect the music style of the Visual Kei bands. Visual Kei spans a wide range of music genres. Since there are almost no limits set, the musicians combine all styles to produce music unique to the different bands, making it difficult to classify the music. Mainly, the music tends to lean more to metal and goth rock, however it can be anything: (light) rock,  pop, gothic, alternative, (heavy) metal, industrial, punk, techno, electronica, new wave or soft ballades can be found, as well. The song lyrics are mostly in Japanese – English, French,German or other languages are also used.  They normally reveal the author’s feelings and experiences and tell about love, aspirations, dreams, reviews of the society, fears of the future, death, emotions in general and all sorts of pain.

Typically, as a band starts its career it may begin as an indie band, heavily visual oriented, but slowly phases out the more visual elements that got them noticed, after becoming more popular and signing under a big name label such as….

Supporters of Visual Kei – fans are mostly female, that are generally very tolerant and peaceful, despising prejudices which claim that “dark” means “evil” & “violent”. Fans who copy the style of VK musicians are called “Visuals” or “Visus”.

Visual Kei has many subgenres:
- Eroguro

Angura Kei

 Oshare Kei / Kawaii Kei

Ero Guro