Visual Kei

Visual kei (ヴィジュアル系 vijuaru kei, literally “visual style” or “visual system”) is a movement among Japanese musicians,that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant 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 Japanese rock, with its own particular sound, related to glam rock, punk rock and heavy metal.However other sources state that visual kei’s unique clothing, 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.