Laputa

major - disbanded (1993 - 2004)

Formed in Nagoya in the early 1990s, visual band Laputa is often credited as one of the bands who created the original nagoya kei style. Laputa takes its name, chosen by vocalist Aki, from the flying island mentioned in the novel Gulliver’s Travels (and later in Miyazaki Hayao's acclaimed anime "Castle in the Sky.")

In terms of musical direction, Laputa ranged from punk styles in their earlier work to the fast paced guitar riffs and soft rock sound of their later years. Also offering aki’s slightly nasal vocals, Laputa has become one of the quintessential groups to listen to for those who favour the “old school visual kei era."