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!
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- [Debuted in the 2000s] Youthful Sounds Heard in Girl Band Debut Songs
- Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
- Debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 2000s
- Popular Girls' Band Rankings [2026]
- Popular female vocal band [2026]
- 2000s: A Collection of Hit Karaoke Classics
- All big hits! A roundup of classic J‑Pop songs that were popular in 2000
- Recommended Japanese bands with female vocals
- Girls' band youth songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- From cute to cool: iconic and recommended songs from uniquely individual girl bands
- Cute songs by girls’ bands [popular and classic tracks]
- Nothing but iconic hits that defined an era! 2000s classics popular on TikTok
Girls’ rock: Female vocal bands that were active in the 2000s (31–40)
Mushroom EnthusiastKino Kohoteru
A music collective centered around Marianne Shinonome that incorporates a wide range of styles, including ’60s rock ’n’ roll, punk, new wave, prog, and Latin rock.
With a concept of “extreme yet pop, highly addictive mass music,” their charm lies in a sound brimming with pop sensibility that doesn’t flaunt its intricate musicality.
Their unique visuals—like mushroom cuts and mini-skirts—are also a delight.
It’s a richly colorful sound that grabs your ears from the first listen, and one to keep an eye on going forward.
Venus RocketEipuriruzu
Aprils is an electronic pop band formed within the light music club at the University of Tsukuba.
Founded in 2002, they are known for a sound that is catchy yet incorporates experimental elements.
Their signature track, “Venus Rocket,” released in 2003, captured the hearts of many listeners.
Aprils’ songs have also been used in TV programs and anime, allowing them to thrive across a wide range of media.
Their sound, rich in synthesizers and programming, is poppy yet brimming with humor—a style that’s especially appealing.
They’re a band I highly recommend to anyone seeking fresh music.
UnchainedLOVEBITES
A five-piece all-female band shining in the world of traditional heavy metal.
Formed in 2016 and making their major debut in 2017, LOVEBITES captivates with dazzling twin-guitar harmonies and a powerful rhythm section.
Many of their songs feature English lyrics, and their music production is geared toward international activity.
In 2018, they won “Best New Band” at the UK music magazine Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods Awards.
That same year, they performed at Germany’s Wacken Open Air, enthralling an audience of around ten thousand.
While rooted in power metal and speed metal, they fuse in elements of classical and jazz to craft a distinctive style that continues to attract metal fans worldwide.
They are highly recommended for listeners seeking a heavy sound and exceptional musicianship.
The Kouga Ninja ScrollsOnmyoza
Let me introduce the powerful appeal of Onmyo-za, a female-vocal heavy metal band formed in 1999.
With the concept of “Yokai Heavy Metal,” they create songs themed around Japanese traditional culture and yokai (spirits/monsters).
They made their major-label debut with King Records in 2001 and have been highly active ever since.
In June 2005, they embarked on their first European tour.
Their visuals—such as traditional Japanese attire and long black hair—are distinctive, and their live performances are well-regarded.
Their sound, influenced by bands like Judas Priest and Destruction, has also been featured in numerous anime tie-ins.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the fusion of Japanese tradition and metal.
Kiss me right nowLINDBERG
The pop rock band LINDBERG, which made its major debut in 1989, took the nation by storm with former idol Maki Watase’s clear, soaring vocals and the band’s exhilarating sound.
With performances that are simple yet powerful and irresistibly catchy melodies, they continue to captivate many fans.
In 1997, they drew widespread attention with the big news of Maki Watase’s marriage to guitarist Tatsuya Hirakawa, and in 2015, Maki Watase received the 8th Best Mother Award in the music category.
From the albums LINDBERG I to LINDBERG XV, the band was highly prolific during their peak, releasing more than three works in a single year.
Highly recommended for those who want to etch the memorable songs of their youth into their hearts once again.
Girls’ Rock: Female Vocal Bands Active in the 2000s (41–50)
Let Me Be With YouRound Table feat. Nino
This is a music group formed in 1997 by Katsutoshi Kitagawa and Rieko Ito.
They are known for their work centered on soft rock and pop.
In 2002, they welcomed vocalist Nino, and their collaboration with her distinctive vocal style was highly praised.
Songs used as anime theme tracks captured the hearts of many listeners.
Their unique sound, incorporating elements of electronica and acoustic music, is particularly appealing.
Albums such as “APRIL” and “Nino” fully showcase the breadth and originality of their music.
Their live performances are also popular and supported by many fans.
They’re an artist recommended for those who enjoy gentle tones and pleasant melodies.
You in this townI-RabBits
I-RabBits is a four-piece rock band formed in 2004, centered on pianist-vocalist Takeshita and bassist Ino.
They take the relatively uncommon form of a piano rock band.
Based mainly in Yokohama and Tokyo, at the time they energetically performed weekly street shows and toured live houses nationwide.
Their orthodox rock sound is layered with beautiful piano melodies, creating a unique sonic character.
The interplay with vocalist Takeshita’s beautiful singing voice resonates deeply in the heart.
