1. Oshare Kei
Oshare Kei, meaning “stylish style,” is a vibrant and playful substyle of Visual Kei that focuses on bright colors and quirky fashion choices. Unlike the darker aesthetics often associated with Visual Kei, Oshare Kei leans towards cheerful, pop-inspired elements. Outfits often feature bold color combinations, whimsical patterns, and an array of accessories like hair clips, bracelets, and oversized glasses. This style is known for its upbeat, energetic vibe, with music that typically accompanies the fashion being more light-hearted and fun, often incorporating pop-punk influences. Oshare Kei appeals to those who want to express individuality and creativity while maintaining a cute, stylish appearance. It represents a more approachable and fun side of Visual Kei, without the darker, more gothic themes.
2. Angura Kei
Angura Kei, short for “underground style,” is one of the darker and more experimental substyles within the Visual Kei movement. This style draws inspiration from Japan’s post-war avant-garde theater and underground culture, blending eerie and traditional Japanese elements with modern, alternative fashion. Outfits often incorporate dark colors, traditional patterns like kimonos, and haunting makeup styles that create a sense of mystery and rebellion. Musically, Angura Kei bands often push boundaries with experimental sounds, merging rock, punk, and more unconventional genres. This substyle represents a deeper, more introspective side of Visual Kei, perfect for those who want to explore fashion that challenges norms and evokes a sense of the unknown.
3. Tanbi Kei
Tanbi Kei, meaning “aesthetic style,” is a substyle of Visual Kei that emphasizes beauty, elegance, and romanticism. This style is heavily influenced by Western historical fashion, particularly from the Victorian and Rococo periods, blending intricate lace, ruffles, and ornate accessories to create an ethereal, aristocratic look. Tanbi Kei is often characterized by soft, flowing garments in rich fabrics like velvet and silk, with a strong focus on creating a visually stunning appearance. Makeup in this style is delicate and refined, with pale complexions and detailed eye makeup adding to the dreamlike atmosphere. The music that accompanies Tanbi Kei reflecting the romantic and dramatic essence of the fashion.
4. Kote Kei
Kote Kei is one of the most iconic and foundational substyles of Visual Kei, defined by its dark, gothic aesthetic and heavy use of dramatic makeup. Originating in the early stages of Visual Kei, Kote Kei embraces a theatrical, almost otherworldly look, with black being the dominant color, often paired with deep reds and purples. Outfits typically include leather, lace, and layers, with elaborate hairstyles and bold, striking makeup that features pale faces and intense eye designs. Musically, Kote Kei leans toward heavier rock and metal, with aggressive performances that complement the powerful visual identity. This substyle is known for its intensity and dramatic flair, appealing to those who love dark, gothic themes while making a strong visual impact.
5. Iryou Kei
Iryou Kei, also known as "medical style," is a substyle of Visual Kei that draws inspiration from medical and hospital themes. This eerie and unsettling fashion often incorporates elements like bandages, medical uniforms, and other items related to a clinical setting. The use of white, red, and black is common, symbolizing sterility, blood, and darkness. Accessories might include syringes, surgical masks, or stethoscopes, adding to the disturbing yet fascinating aesthetic. Iryou Kei reflects a fascination with injury and recovery, using these themes to challenge societal taboos around health and the body. Musically, this substyle often accompanies avant-garde and experimental sounds that align with the unsettling visual themes. Iryou Kei is perfect for those who enjoy pushing the boundaries.
6. Eroguro Kei
Eroguro Kei, short for "erotic grotesque style," is a substyle of Visual Kei that merges elements of sensuality with dark, often disturbing imagery. Drawing from the Japanese art movement known as Ero Guro Nansensu (erotic grotesque nonsense), this fashion combines beauty with horror, exploring themes of deformity, abnormality, and the taboo. Outfits often feature fetish-inspired clothing, like leather and lace, mixed with gothic and punk influences. The use of disturbing makeup, such as exaggerated facial features or smeared lipstick, adds to the shock factor. Eroguro Kei challenges traditional notions of beauty by embracing the grotesque, and musically, it is often accompanied by aggressive, experimental sounds.
7. Nagoya Kei
Nagoya Kei is a substyle of Visual Kei that originated in the Nagoya region of Japan. Known for its stripped-down, raw approach to both fashion and music, this style is less about visual theatrics and more focused on the emotional and musical intensity. Unlike other Visual Kei substyles that emphasize elaborate outfits and heavy makeup, Nagoya Kei tends to favor a more minimalist and dark aesthetic, often incorporating simple, monochromatic clothing with subtle gothic or punk influences. Musically, Nagoya Kei bands are characterized by a heavier, grittier sound, blending elements of rock, punk, and metal, often with emotional, intense lyrics.
