Vocabulary: Visual Kei

Visual Kei, meaning "Visual Style", is characterized by elaborate hair, makeup, outfits, and most often is coupled with androgynous presentation and cross dressing.

Malice Mizer

Visual Kei was a movement started by Japanese musicians - including bands such as X Japan, Dead End, and Color - in the 1980's, inspired by western Glam Rock, Gothic Rock, Metal, and Punk music and fashion. Visual Kei performers put a lot of emphasis on shocking the audience with their bizarre and elaborate clothing and other visuals.


Luna Sea



 

The term Visual Kei is thought to originate from X JAPAN's slogan; "PSYCHEDELIC VIOLENCE CRIME OF VISUAL SHOCK".

 

X JAPAN

A few popular modern Visual Kei bands are Dir En Grey, Gackt, Luna Sea, and Malice Mizer.


Creep it real!