A special feature on 1980s girl bands: trailblazing music and distinctive charm
As their name suggests, all-female “girls’ bands” now include many acts that have become popular worldwide, and here in Japan a wide variety of bands—from major-label to indie—are thriving.
In the history of Japanese pop and rock, girl bands that debuted from the late 1970s to the early 1980s paved the way; by the mid-80s, at the height of the band boom, some even dominated the hit charts, sparking a full-on girls’ band craze.
This time, we’re spotlighting essential 80s bands you can’t leave out when talking about the history of Japanese girls’ bands—from household names to hidden gems known only to die-hard fans!
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- [1980s] Debut Songs and Classics by Japanese All-Girl Bands
- [80s Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by girl bands
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Recommended Japanese bands with female vocals
- Nostalgic yet fresh!? Classic masterpieces of Japanese rock from the 1970s and 1980s
- A 90s girls' band. A popular Japanese band.
- [2026] Feel-Good Vibes! Energetic Songs by Recommended Japanese All-Girl Bands
- Melancholic songs by girls' bands. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- The debut song of a Japanese rock band from the 1980s
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- Classic girl band songs that get the crowd going at karaoke
- From cute to cool: iconic and recommended songs from uniquely individual girl bands
A special feature on 1980s girl bands: trailblazing music and distinctive appeal (1–10)
The island of constant laughtermesukarin doraivu
With a cheerful, psychedelic sound and a soulful voice, this is Mescaline Drive, led by Yoko Utsumi, who was once called the Japanese Janis Joplin.
Formed in 1984 and disbanded in 1993, they released three original albums.
After breaking up in ’93, they merged with Newest Model—another closely connected, same-generation band that had also announced their breakup—and continued as Soul Flower Union.
They were one of the quintessential Japanese mixture rock bands of the ’80s!
Echo of the EmeraldSABOTEN
This is a post-punk band that began with a uniquely art-school idea: performing Erik Satie’s compositions as a band.
With their independently produced first album, “Saboten,” released in 1982, they made their singular presence felt in the scene.
They never had a major-label hit, but their experimental, lo-fi sound and command of irregular time signatures drew comparisons to cutting-edge overseas bands.
Their sharp, edgy performances—delivered by members with the appearance of ordinary girls—were sometimes mocked as a “crummy band.” Yet that precarious sense of balance may have been precisely their unique charm.
If you ever feel that ordinary music leaves you a bit unsatisfied, why not step into this one-of-a-kind, artful sonic world?
Holy! Holy!Bárbara
Although they’re largely unknown to the general public, the 1980s—when indie culture blossomed—saw some remarkable girl bands thriving in the underground scene.
Bárbara, produced by Momoyo of the legendary band LIZARD, was one of them.
The members’ gothic dresses were eye-catching, but the few recordings they left behind are even more impactful.
Their freaky new wave sound, clearly distinct from straight-ahead punk, is truly unique: a restless, slightly unstable piano rampages through tracks that distill jazz, prog, and cabaret music, while a ritualistic, frenzied vocal conjures an utterly singular world.
If you like British post-punk bands such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, definitely check them out if you ever come across their records at a secondhand shop!
Girls' Bands of the 1980s: Trailblazing Music and Distinctive Charms (11–20)
banana3F=C
With Susumu Hirasawa participating as an engineer and sound advisor, 3F=C—who drew attention with their 1984 release “To・Ma・Do・I”—stand out as a particularly distinctive presence among girl bands.
Their music uniquely fuses new wave and post-punk, interweaving acoustic elements to create a sound that is both fresh and richly layered.
The tight-knit performances by Sumiko and Noriko, members of Kya→, make them a must-check for anyone looking to delve deeper into the lesser-known 1980s girls’ band scene.
evening calmNav Katze
Debuting in 1984, Nerve Katze were a defining presence in the dawn of Japanese girls’ bands.
Their first release on the SWITCH label was produced by Moonriders’ Toru Okada, drawing attention for its innovative worldview and distinctive sonic style.
In particular, Miwako Yamaguchi’s vocals were refined yet full of emotion, leaving a lasting impression and continuing to captivate listeners.
Leading the movement of the time, their songs are still loved by many fans today, shining with a timeless allure.
The band’s emotional melodic lines and irresistibly groovy rhythms will take you right back to the girls’ band boom of the ’80s.
If you come across their records on the shelf, be sure to pick one up.
Frustrated Snow Whiteōto shojo dan
Vomiting Virgin Brigade was a girls’ band that stood out strikingly in the 1980s underground scene.
Songs with irresistibly double-take-inducing titles—like “The Frustrated Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”—left a strong impression.
But contrary to their pop appearance, their sound was fiercely aggressive hardcore punk! Many listeners were likely gripped by the intense screams unleashed by the vocalist.
The backstory—that the members originally started as devoted fans—adds to their uniqueness, and their parting words at the time of disbandment, “We’re going back to being fans,” felt quintessentially them in their clean, no-nonsense honesty.
RAP OUT!RAP
Like Bárbara, there’s RAP—a girls’ band that debuted under the production of Momoyo from LIZARD and was formed in 1984.
They released their work on Dogma Records, an imprint under CITY ROCKER RECORDS, the label of DOLL, the legendary music magazine indispensable to the history of Japanese punk rock.
Resisting the “glamorous-looking girls’ band” label, they embodied a true DIY spirit—publishing their own free paper and more—making them pioneers among girls’ bands.
They shared stages with many major acts across hardcore, metal, and punk—Gastunk, the legendary X JAPAN, LIP CREAM, GAUZE, and of course LIZARD.
Within their uniquely interpreted new wave to post-punk sound, they sang lyrics from a distinctly female perspective, inspiring many followers.
Sadly, it seems their recordings still haven’t been released on CD, so if you find a used vinyl, grab it right away!