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
Girls' Bands of the 1980s: Trailblazing Music and Distinctive Charms (11–20)
With the Sun in TowVELVET PΛW
VELVET PΛW was a Japanese all-female progressive rock band active from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s.
Their sound was influenced by AOR bands such as TOTO and JOURNEY, and they were a distinctive girls’ band known for their unique musicality that incorporated elements of progressive rock and hard rock from both Japan and abroad.
With high-level musicianship and progressive song structures, they stood apart from other all-female bands.
Although they went on hiatus in 1995, their technical prowess and musicality continue to be recognized today.
Dance!!Reg-Wink
Formed in Kyoto in 1987, the authentic girl rock band Reg-Wink captivated fans of the time with their powerful sound.
After winning the Grand Prix at the CBS/Sony-sponsored Ladies’ Rock Competition, they made their major debut in 1989 with the album “REG-WINK.” With Mayumi Fujii’s commanding, husky vocals and a gritty, hard-hitting band sound, they steadily built their track record, including providing a theme song for Recruit’s job listings magazine commercials.
Their bluesy rock sound—often described as a direct heir to Humble Pie—earned high praise for focusing on musicality rather than emphasizing that all members were women.
With their forceful playing and fiery live performances, their music is a perfect fit for rock fans who value the real thing.
dendrocacagliaSarasvati
Sarasvati is a three-piece girls’ band that has become a legend in the underground music scene of the 1980s.
Formed in 1985, they pursued an especially experimental and avant-garde sound within genres like post-punk and new wave.
Though they never had a major hit, the two releases they put out on indie labels at the time are now rare records that are hard to find.
They had no connection to commercial success, but their musicality was utterly unique.
Their sound—complex song structures woven from odd time signatures and dissonance, layered with the timbre of sticks—was truly “dislocated dance music.” It’s a world you’ll want to experience if ordinary music doesn’t satisfy you and you’re seeking something intellectually thrilling and stimulating.
You may well find yourself completely entranced by its profound allure.
S’esebettreVelle Witch
Velle Witch is an exceptionally unconventional heavy metal band that emerged on the music scene in the late 1980s.
Their sound is occult and unsettling, heavy like a horror film, and it sets listeners’ hearts on edge.
Though they never worked with a major label, their self-produced demo “Blood: Lady” still lives on among fans.
Many people find themselves irresistibly drawn to its sinister, mysterious allure.
Having left the scene shrouded in secrecy, their music may captivate you with its unique world the moment you hear it.
Island lifesaboten
The band Saboten, active in the 1980s, drew attention with experimental ventures that went beyond the boundaries of post-punk.
Their 1984 album Awake stood out with exceptional presence among girl bands of the time.
The fact that it was produced by Eiichi Tsutaki of Totsuzen Danball is also a point that anyone interested in the scene back then shouldn’t overlook.
They’ve continued to release new work at their own unhurried pace, so be sure to check them out!
PACHINKOsekiri
With their sludgy sound and extreme lyrics, once you open the door, you just get pulled in deeper and deeper.
Sekiri is a punk band formed in Kyoto in 1983.
They radiate a dangerous vibe, like they’re treading right on the edge of something broken in a no wave sort of way.
It’s also well known that Sonic Youth’s guitarist Thurston Moore is a fan.
When people hear “girls’ band,” they tend to imagine something sparkly enough for TV dramas or anime, but if you try to approach Sekiri that way, this band will bite back—hard.
If you’re into noise rock, no wave, or new wave, give them a listen.
Girls' Bands of the 1980s: Trailblazing Music and Unique Charms (21–30)
P.S. I LOVE YOUPINK SAPPHIRE
Their major debut single “P.S.
I LOVE YOU” was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kimochi ii Koi Shitai!” and became a big hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon chart.
The lineup of beautiful members and their hard rock–style sound were hot topics at the time.
They went on to release eight singles and eight albums, scoring several smash hits.