Fans of Dolly, the ethereal, artcore visual kei band that defined a dreamy corner of Japan’s 2000s rock scene, have reason to celebrate. The beloved group has come together to celebrate their 20th anniversary, marking the milestone with live and streaming concerts, digital releases, and a YouTube channel dedicated to preserving their legacy.
Formed in 2005, Dolly captivated audiences with their whimsical melodies, fairytale-like songwriting, and stylish yet gothic visual aesthetic. They were named after the sheep Dolly, the first mammal to ever be cloned. The band frequently appeared in magazines such as Cure and collaborated with iconic fashion brands like Black Peace Now, carving out a distinctive place in the visual kei landscape.
After going on hiatus in 2012, Dolly occasionally resurfaced for one-off live performances, and the group officially disbanded in 2022. It’s still uncertain whether Dolly’s revival will continue beyond their anniversary celebrations, but one thing is certain: their 20th anniversary return has been a joyful surprise for fans old and new.
To kick off their anniversary year, Dolly announced a series of concept concerts in the Tokyo area. The first of these shows, Awakening Kiss will be available for international streaming via Twitcast, allowing overseas fans to join in the celebration. Streaming started on October 22 and is available to watch until November 5, 2025, at 23:59 (JST). Streaming tickets cost 4,000 JPY, or about $27 USD.
At the venues, attendees can also purchase a special limited-edition CD featuring a newly recorded version of Orange (オレンジ). This single was originally released in 2008 as part of the single Closet Letter.
Flyer for Dolly’s commemorative 20th anniversary concerts.
Alongside their live activities, Dolly is embracing the digital era to ensure their music reaches both longtime listeners and new audiences. Throughout 2025, the band has been steadily reissuing their back catalogue on major streaming platforms such as Spotify. Even rare releases, such as their first singles Strawberry On the Scalp and Pumpkin carriage parade are now available to enjoy worldwide.
On October 22, Dolly launched an official YouTube channel with the goal of uploading their past music videos and live footage. As a special treat, Dolly commemorated the channel’s debut by releasing a full 90-minute concert video from May 2022, one of their final performances before disbanding. This one is free to watch, so enjoy it while you can!
With this blend of nostalgia and renewal, Dolly’s 20th anniversary looks to honor the past while reintroducing their fantastical world to a new generation of fans.