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 feature on 1980s girl bands: Trailblazing music and distinctive appeal (31–40)
THE BUN BENLamipass
Amid the fever of the band boom, many of you were probably blown away in front of your TVs.
Lamipass, who burst onto the scene like a comet on Ikaten in 1989, were a trio that etched such a vivid memory.
Their outlandish performance—singing punk while brandishing a toy shamisen—was impossible to look away from.
The comical song they performed, “THE BUN BEN,” had a strangely addictive quality that stuck in your head after a single listen.
The way they so breezily overturned conventions was downright exhilarating.
They may well have laughed off the fixed notion of what a “girls’ band should be,” with an easy, carefree grin.
Maiden’s PrayerPermanent Wave
The four-piece that appeared on Ikaten in 1989 and left a vivid impression—that was Permanent Wave.
The song they performed, Otome no Inori (A Maiden’s Prayer), unfortunately didn’t make it to the end.
Even so, wasn’t the appeal of their fresh, youthful rock sound condensed into that fleeting moment? Their band name, “Permanent Wave,” seems to convey a single-minded desire to leave their mark on the music scene.
Now, with no official recordings available, we can’t fully grasp what they were like.
Perhaps that’s exactly why they possess a dreamlike allure that endlessly stirs our imaginations—making us wonder, “What kind of music did they play?”
Esperpā pī bū
Paapiibuu is a four-piece group that appeared on the popular 1989 show “Ikaten,” creating a buzz with their youthful performances.
All the members were 19 years old, and many of you may remember them playing in one-piece dresses.
With a distinctive stage presence—like the vocalist singing while wearing a cape—they thrilled the audience by delivering a full performance of their comical signature song, “Esper.” Their recordings brim with a handmade indie charm, and their unexpectedly broad musical range spans from punk to jazz.
It’s easy to get drawn into their unique world, where playful spirit coexists with a genuinely polished sound.
Absurd RefrainAvocado Egg
Many of you probably felt your hearts race at the sight of the distinctive bands bursting out of the legendary show Ikaten.
Avocado Egg is a skilled all-girl band whose unforgettable name alone became a talking point.
Their performance of “Irrational Refrain” is nothing short of exhilarating, with a poppy, razor-sharp sound.
It feels as if their playing perfectly speaks for that everyday “Why does it have to be like this?!” frustration.
Just listening to the bright, bouncy melodies and down-to-earth lyrics will blow away the gloom and lift your spirits.
They’ll give you the energy to power through tomorrow.
PopcornSilk-B♪
Silk-B♪, a girls’ band that appeared on Ikaten in 1989.
The song they performed on the show, Popcorn, is a stylish and breezy pop rock track with a hint of jazzy flair.
Their vibrant harmonies—many members taking turns on vocals—and the skilled performance enhanced by flute were proven by their flawless completion on the program.
Hearing that heart-lifting sound, like popcorn popping, wraps you in the heat and sparkle of the band boom of the time.
Haven’t you ever found a favorite band by chance at a live house and cheered them on with all your heart? They’re a charming band that brings back those sweet and slightly bittersweet memories.
Feature on 1980s girl bands: Trailblazing music and distinctive appeal (41–50)
Black people and meamaririsu
Amaryllis is a band formed in Kyoto.
They’re characterized by a rush of punk energy, a chillingly cult-like worldview, and a laid-back vibe that intertwines just right.
Their style has been called to play across all kinds of genres and with a wide range of bands, making them truly protean and boundlessly active.
The shouts of their leader, Alice Sailor—who also performed as an underground idol—leave a powerful impression.
These days, it seems they open a café once a month.
Their artistic pursuits are still going strong, and it’s incredible.
Boy BoyOXZ
When it comes to three-piece girl bands, Shonen Knife often comes to mind, but there was another trio active around the same time.
Formed in 1981, OXZ was a post-punk band based in Osaka and Kyoto.
In stark contrast to Shonen Knife, they were defined by an underground sensibility and a downer worldview.
It’s true that their primitive playing could be technically rough, but their dark sound—akin to the positive-punk of the era—and lyrics steeped in a unique poetic mood are genuinely compelling and cool.
I especially want Western music fans to know that a girl band like them existed in the 1980s.
In February 2020, the venerable US indie label Captured Tracks released Along Ago: 1981–1989, compiling eight years of their work!
