Girls’ rock: female vocal bands that were active in the 2000s
The 2000s saw a surge of female singer-songwriters and a string of hits from idol groups.
At the same time, large-scale rock festivals were born and youth punk became hugely popular, making it a period when rock bands drew a lot of attention on the domestic music scene.
Among them, many bands featured female lead vocalists who captured the hearts of listeners at the time.
In this article, we’ll introduce bands with female vocalists that formed around the year 2000 and were active throughout the 2000s.
We’ve picked a wide range of acts, from all-female bands to groups with only the vocalist being female, regardless of genre.
If any band catches your eye, be sure to take your time listening to their songs!
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Girls’ rock: Female vocal bands that were active in the 2000s (11–20)
White BeachHY
A mixture band whose name comes from the initials of the local area Higashi-Yakaeina in central Yonashiro, Uruma City, Okinawa, where the members are from.
By switching between male and female twin vocals depending on the song, they have continuously created tracks that keep listeners engaged since their debut.
The powerful yet heartrending voice of Izumi Nakasone, heard in timeless classics like “366 Days,” is an indispensable element of HY.
They’re a heartwarming band whose deep hometown pride is also evident in the fact that they continue to be based in Okinawa.
SAKURAikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari added color to the music scene of the 2000s.
With Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, translucent vocals and the members’ tight, well-synchronized performances, they’re an impressive pop-rock band.
They made their major debut in 2006 with “SAKURA,” and went on to release a string of hits such as “Arigatou” and “YELL.” They have an illustrious track record, including appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Known for approachable melodies and lyrics that resonate with the heart, they’re supported by listeners across generations.
Many of their songs capture memories of youth and everyday joys, making them perfect for anyone seeking a nostalgic mood.
summer festivalWhiteberry
A five-member girls’ band with all members hailing from Kitami City, Hokkaido.
Their cover of JITTERIN’JINN’s 1990 smash hit “Natsumatsuri” became a major success and the band’s signature song.
Despite their short activity span from 1999 to 2004, they achieved notable results such as performing on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and are known as a leading example of a girls’ band.
After the band disbanded, vocalist Yuki Maeda continued as a solo singer-songwriter and remains a female artist with much anticipated success.
Beyond the Tearssutereoponī
STEREOPONY is a three-member girls’ rock band from Okinawa, formed in 2007.
Since their major debut in November 2008, they have attracted attention with a distinctive sound rooted in pop rock.
They released hit songs such as “Hitohira no Hanabira” and “Namida no Mukou,” achieving groundbreaking success as a girls’ band born in the Heisei era.
They have performed both in Japan and abroad, including appearances at festivals in the United States.
Each member’s unique hobbies and talents are also part of their appeal.
This band is recommended for those who want to experience rock during their youth or are looking for energizing music.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
A four-member girls’ band that was initially promoted as a new genre “Bandol,” neither a band nor an idol group.
When they first formed, they had no instrumental skills and merely held instruments as part of their performance, but starting with their massively successful third single, “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~,” they began playing their instruments in earnest and made a striking leap into a highly skilled girls’ band.
Although a series of issues, including member retirements, led to an announcement in 2013 that they would cease activities, they are still remembered as a legendary band that influenced many girls’ bands.
A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly
Formed in 2004, they made their major-label debut in 2007 with the single “Hello Hello.” They are known for their distinctive sound rooted in Western music from the 1960s and 1970s, and for Shiho Ochi’s powerful, soulful vocals.
In 2010, they won Best Rock Video at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan and also provided the theme song for the FIFA World Cup that year.
In 2009, they received high acclaim both in Japan and abroad, including performing alongside Big Brother and the Holding Company on the Heroes of Woodstock Tour.
They’re a perfect artist for fans of Western rock.
Girls’ rock: female vocal bands active in the 2000s (21–30)
Stand by methe brilliant green
Formed in 1995, the Japanese rock band the brilliant green is known for its distinctive musicality.
They debuted in 1997 with “Bye Bye Mr.
Mug,” and the following year scored multiple hits, including “There will be love there -Ai no Aru Basho-,” which reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
The band is characterized by Tomoko Kawase’s wistful yet romantic vocals and the thick, heavy sound crafted by Shunsaku Okuda.
By February 2008, they had released 17 singles and 5 albums, with total sales exceeding 5.4 million copies—an impressive achievement.
They’re a great recommendation for listeners drawn to romantic lyrics and unforgettable melodies.