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)
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.
I don’t mind getting wet in the rain.Masako-san
Here is Masa-ko, one of the girl bands that appeared on “Yuji Miyake’s Ikasu Band Heaven,” a show that sparked a major boom.
Known as a legendary band, Masa-ko was formed in 1986 as a sister vocal unit consisting of Mayutan and her older sister Sabrina, and became a six-member girl band in 1989.
The sisters had a quirky persona, and the band’s leader was a stuffed animal.
It was an unusual lineup that even included a Taishogoto (Japanese harp).
Although their activities ended due to the older sister’s passing, Mayutan is still active today as a commercial narrator, illustrator, and voice actor.
Spiral Danceindo neko
Indo Neko, who debuted in 1986 and were active until 1991, were a band that pursued a singular musical vision centered on a new wave/post-punk sound.
With albums like Mercurius and Lemnos no Tsuchi, they left a new imprint on Japan’s band scene.
Their music, imbued with a shadowy sense of danger, powerfully captivates listeners.
Their distinctive allure—clearly set apart from other girl bands—still shines vividly today.
Their recordings are available on streaming services, so if you’d like to explore the Japanese music scene of the ’80s, be sure to check them out.
BELIEVE IN LOVELINDBERG
LINDBERG is a band formed by Maki Watase, Tatsuya Hirakawa, Tomohisa Kawazoe, and Masanori “cherry” Koyanagi, representing the music scene of the ’80s.
In particular, the innocent, free-spirited songs delivered through vocalist Maki Watase’s husky voice have energized listeners.
Their signature song is “Ima sugu Kiss Me,” a straightforward love song that’s so direct it’ll make you grin.
This track especially showcases the charm of her vocals! They’re a group you can’t leave out when talking about rock bands of the ’80s!
GET A CHANCENORMA JEAN
A band named after Marilyn Monroe’s real name, Norma Jean.
They started in 1986 and were mainly active in the early 1990s.
They appeared on Ikaten (Miyake Yūji’s “Ikasu Band Tengoku”) and became Ikaten King with “NO PAINS NO GAINS.” In 1990, when the band boom was surging, they made their major-label debut with the single “GET A CHANCE!!,” which reached No.
9 on the Oricon chart.
The band went on hiatus in 1994 but reunited for one day in 2006.
Dynamite MARI’s vocals, the rhythmic, explosive vibe, and their uplifting songs are really energizing!
Feature on 1980s girl bands: Trailblazing music and distinctive appeal (41–50)
Liar MoonMizutama Shōbōdan
Mizutama Shōbōdan was a hidden gem of a band that thrived in the 1980s with a sound fusing punk and new wave.
Their 1985 performance at the Moers Festival, in particular, was celebrated for its improvisation and drew fervent acclaim from the underground scene.
The twin vocals of Tengo and Kamura were so outstanding that they upended expectations of what a women’s band could be at the time, and they arguably influenced many bands that followed.
Tengo went on to pursue a wide-ranging career, including a solo debut in New York.
If you get the chance to pick up their work, be sure to experience their uniquely compelling appeal.
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!
