I'm resurrecting this thread because of an interesting discussion on Batsu. Some of you might have already read it. It's called "Do you think there can be a VK scene outside of Japan?" The link is here if you want to read it.
http://batsu.org/viewtopic.php?t=10767&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
It's interesting that the OP used the term "VK scene" instead of "jrock", which indicates that he or she was thinking about the visual aspect more than the music - so in my "summary" (if I may grace it with the name ><) I've kept more to that aspect.
On reading that, I wondered what people here think.
Here are some of the points people put forward.
For the VK scene possibility in other countries:
-- There have already been similar bands who do visual, such as Alice Cooper, Kiss, New York Dolls and others, so the concept of costumes and performance isn't totally new.
-- The VK scene in Japan isn't actually as big as people tend to think it is, neither.
-- There can be fans of a particular type of music and/or style anywhere!
-- It's a very marketable type of fashion.
-- Music-wise, there are bound to be rock bands outside of Japan that get influenced by jrock, music is like that...
-- ... and if bands are good and play well, chances are, people will like them. If on top of that, they can put on a
good visual show, that will add to the attraction.
-- VK might take off more easily in smaller countries like the UK, as opposed to the US, because the "scene" operates under similar conditions to Japan (higher population density etc.).
-- It's a natural consequence that fans will dress up like their fave bands, so if jrock becomes more popular, the VK scene will too.
-- People want to see "strange and new" things.
Against the VK scene possibility in other countries:
-- Other countries are bigger and have larger populations - this makes touring, especially for smaller bands, more difficult and expensive.
-- There is a prejudice against non-Asian people "doing VK".
-- There is a different media set-up outside of Japan. For example, major radio stations don't really play indies music.
-- There is a different venue set-up.
-- There is no pre-existing set-up (e.g. in Japan there are labels that sign VK bands already).
-- There are different views on masculinity. Also, Japanese people have a smaller bone structure and find it easier to look "feminine", which is a part of the VK "look".
-- VK would be labelled "gay".
-- The West is too "grimy and realistic".
-- VK style elsewhere would just be a "cheesy knockoff".
Do you agree and/or disagree with some of the points? (Not my points btw - various issues raised by debators on Batsu, you can see who they are if you visit the site, and I apologise if I've inadvertently quoted anyone who doesn't want to be quoted or feels their views have been misrepresented. ><)
Have you things to add?
Your thoughts...?