What is visual kei?
Visual Kei (ヴィジュアル系 - which translates to 'visual style') is a visual music genre that originated in Japan in the 80s. Visual Kei is categorised by the use of makeup, elaborate stage costumes and often dramatic, and even colourful hairstyles. A quick google image search will easily show you the distinctive style, though every band is different and it is all about the artist's own interpretation and ideas.
"But visual kei is more like a spirit, it's not a music style or, you know… I think it is a freedom about describing myself, a freedom to express myself, that's what I believe visual kei is."
- YOSHIKI (Interview with JaME World)
Visual Kei is about creativity and freedom from any boundaries. Some Visual Kei artists, such as ChiKuru Malice, opt to create a story from their stage persona.
This musical genre has many visual subgenres of it's own. But do not worry, it's a long list and a lot of bands cross over between these genres. You can read up on them in detail right here, here, and here, however we have also compiled a very compact 'dictionary' of terms below.
Tanbi Kei
Kote Kei
Sofubi
Oshare Kei
Chikuru Malice beongs to this subgenre. In short, Tanbi Kei takes inspiration from historical European fashion. Other well known examples of this genre are from artists such as Versailles Philharmonic Quintet.
Kote Kei can be argued to be the original Visual Kei subgenre. Bands like Luna Sea sported this style. It is recognisable with big colourful hairstyles and elaborate costumes (often in black.) This genre has known to change a little over time, though it is typically seen as the younger days of Visual Kei.
This translates to 'fashionable style'. Oshare Kei is the more colourful, softer look. An Cafe are the most well known for this look. The music associated with this is often upbeat.
Sofubi is basically 'soft kei'. These bands were often once related to a much more dramatic style, but then tone themselves down after becoming popular. Their music often matches their 'toned down' look too.
Iryou Kei
Nagoya Kei
Nagoya Kei is a regional influenced subgenre (like Osaka Kei). It is harder for foreigners to understand the complete differences with these types of subgenres however simply put, Nagoya Kei often is darker and draws inspiration from American/British Alternative Rock.
'Iryou' translates to medical. There are quite a few Visual Kei bands which have adopted lab coats and a medical look to their stage personas. These all fit into the Iryou Kei subgenre.
