(Japanese: p ィ ジ ュ ア 系 系, in Latin Hepburn: Vijuaru Kei, also “Visual Style” or “Visual System”)
Every day always starts from the east and no human invention can change it.
How it sounds
Basically what it looks like: With many layers of makeup, well-combed hair, and fancy costumes.
Something like western glam rock.
In essence, it could be glam rock, punk rock, or heavy metal, but also electronic or pop.
Why listen to it
Because the Japanese have a special approach to music, quite original and with a high level of technique.
Why not
Exaggeration is pervasive in their every musical approach, as in this genre.
It is difficult to understand by the average conservative European or North American
Where we meet it
In Japan, where the Sun rises, where else?
When did it start
The early 1980s, when lacquer reigned and perm was emperor
Who are the pioneers
X Japan, with their slogan “Psychedelic Violence Crime of Visual Shock”, which is on the cover of their second studio album Blue Blood (1989), became the godfathers of the genre.
Also, Buck-Tick, D’erlanger.
You have to listen
L’Arc-en-Ciel, Glay, Malice Mizer, La’cryma Christi, Rouage, and generally released by the Maverick DC Group.
Days of glory
The 80s and 90s, but in Japan, they have their audience and the bands expand their appearance horizons with traditional costumes of this country.
Red card
The over-promotion of Japanese “musical” products is rather disproportionate to their value.
Possibly, without this projection, they could not stand in the western world.
What is it confused with
With Glam rock, shock rock, heavy metal, punk rock, gothic rock
How do you describe it to an irrelevant
Some guys from Japan who play fantastic painted like geishas and like bloodthirsty samurai ghosts.