Visual Kei DJ Event Launches on Twitch with DIR EN GREY, BugLug
For years, Visual Kei fans outside Japan have watched from the sidelines as club DJ events celebrating the genre thrived domestically—mixing deep cuts from legendary acts with contemporary underground gems. Now, a groundbreaking online initiative is changing that landscape entirely.
VKDJ vol.1: Visual Rock Streaming Party launches on Twitch this June 27th, marking the first legitimately cleared Visual Kei DJ broadcast of its kind. The event is helmed by virtual singer-songwriter and Visual Kei advocate Shisen (詩泉), whose vision finally cracks a problem that’s plagued online Visual Kei curation: copyright and master rights clearance.
What makes this possible is Twitch’s DJ program—launched two years ago—which now partners with over 100 music entities. For this inaugural stream, that includes powerhouse labels like Happinet Music (home to [cali≠gari], BabyKingdom, and others), FIREWALL DIV. (DIR EN GREY, Merry), plus EMI Records and Universal Music LLC. Every track broadcast receives full clearance, and revenue flows directly back to rights holders and bands.
The two-hour debut set will showcase 30+ bands spanning from the 1990s to today’s most vital acts. The lineup includes DIR EN GREY, BugLug, Laputa, Versailles, CHAQLA., and Kizu—a cross-section representing Visual Kei’s depth and diversity. Because of licensing restrictions, the stream won’t be archived, making live participation essential.
Shisen’s vision extends beyond playlist curation. In her statement, she emphasizes creating “a first meeting point” for global Visual Kei listeners to discover new acts and ultimately attend live shows. It’s framed as a continuation of the scene’s legacy—honoring the artistry bands pour into their music while igniting passion in the next generation of fans worldwide.
The broadcast airs June 27th from 10:00 PM to midnight JST. Access is free and open—no Twitch account required. Visit the official streaming page at twitch.tv/c1xen and tune in live. For more on Shisen’s work and future VKDJ events, follow her on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.