Visual Kei is a flamboyant and theatrical fashion style that originated in Japan's rock music scene, characterized by elaborate costumes, heavy makeup, and androgynous aesthetics.
Visual Kei emerged in the 1980s with Japanese rock bands like X Japan and Buck-Tick. It gained popularity throughout the 1990s and 2000s, influencing not only music but also fashion and popular culture. The style has evolved over time, spawning sub-genres like Oshare Kei and Angura Kei, while maintaining its core aesthetic of visual impact and gender ambiguity.