Well I don't know a lot about it. Still researching ^^
But I do think we need this thread..
(I mean there are so many Bou lovers around here.. )
A few definitions of Visual Kei:From WikipediaVisual Kei refers to a movement among Japanese musicians, 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, and with strong emphasis on its unique style of dress; and some 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.
From I don't know where"Visual kei" is a term referencing the habit some (mostly male) bands of dressing in colorful clothes (including feather boas or fur coats), dying their hair all sorts of unnatural colors, or wearing make-up (specifically lipstick). "Visual bands" are those bands that practice "visual kei." (Simple, ne?) The result is often an androgenous look that certainly grabs attention, and that is the point of visual kei. As you may have noticed, all Asian folk have black (or very dark brown) hair and black eyes. The purpose of visual kei is to make the band "stand out from the crowd," which putting on a dress and dying your hair green often does.
The movement started back in the late 80's and was proliferated by bands like X Japan (who sang the theme song to the X/1999 movie, btw), and since then has taken on a life of its own. Visual kei is fairly common, but it comes in varying degrees. You have bands like Malice Mizer who practically redefine the term everytime they perform, or you have groups like Glay or L'Arc~en~Ciel who only maintain minor visual elements and can really no longer be defined as visual bands (although both Glay and L'Arc have members who sometimes revert back to their old ways). Then there are groups such as The Pillows or Siam Shade who seemed to have shyed away from the precepts of visual kei altogether. The way it usually goes is a band may start off heavily visual, and when they become more popular and sign under a big name label, they tend to phase out the more visual elements that got them noticed.
From the The Visual Kei and General J-Rock Loft guild
Visual Kei: Literally, "Visual Style". Term used to describe bands who focus on image/costumes, such as Malice Mizer.
(A different Visual Kei guild where you could gather information would be
hereHow to Be a Japanese or Visual Kei Style Goth GirlDefinition from the Urban Dictionary razz ___________________________________________
So here we can talk about visual kei, share photos/pictures/ music, all kind of stuff.
Express yourself!
(If I'll have the time I'll try to upload some photos.. but for now on, this is all I did..)
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