Oshare Kei (おしゃれ系) - is a lighter form of Visual Kei. Oshare Kei bands are characterised by colorful outfits (then THE KIDDIE wears black suits and confuses you).
It is speculated that Oshare Kei branched out of darker and more gothic VIsual Kei at the start of the current millenium. Both genres can be differentiated by their key aspects, the most important being the visuals used to tell the bands apart. Oshare Kei is a total opposite o Visual Kei. So if the former is dark and gothic, Oshare Kei is bright and more positive.
One of the first bands considered Oshare kei is Baroque, who started it's activities in 2001. Today's image of the genre is set by pioneer badns such as Kra, An Cafe or THE KIDDIE, representing the classic cute style (as long as vocalist doesn't start to scream) without it being the extreme.
Oshare Kei term can be used to describe any band with it's visual aspects being the opposite of Visual Kei. Oshare artists usually focus on the cute, bright and colorful imagery, though many bands aren't afraid to reach out to some darker themes. A good example of such case would be lyrics to THE KIDDIE's "S.M.D." - boy gets sold off by his father to an escort agency, from which he runs away, then kills his parent. Oshare Kei artists' style can be compared to today's Harajuku fashion brimming with colors and childish enthusiasm.
From the musical side, even though the number of pop artists rising, most of Oshare Kei bands are a mix of hard rock and punk, similar to Visual Kei. The trend is characterisd by optimistiv and poppy rock music, but there are also some dance, techno or jazz influences.
Recommended bands and songs (systematically updated):
Order - fast/dark song, ballad, song breaking the general rule
THE KIDDIE - "I sing for you", "Love", "Utsukushiki Redrum"
D=OUT - "One", "SM", "ShangriLa"
UNiTE. - "Marble", "Yakusoku -pf arrange-", "Rev"
Kra - "Buriki no hata", "Heart Balance", "Kizuna"
Kameleo - "Obakamono", "5/5", "Devil-kun"
Sources: JaME. and own experiences.
