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
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.
Piranha Boykya→
Cah→ was a flagship girls’ band of the 80s indie punk scene.
Formed in 1983, the lineup changed over time, but originally they were a four-piece: Junko on vocals, Mako on guitar, Eri on bass, and Ume on drums.
Influenced, it seems, by ZELDA—the pioneers of girls’ bands—their straightforward punk sound naturally gets your body moving.
Their signature track “Piranha BOY” is also charming for its catchy, familiar cuteness!
In conclusion
Whether they were bands that produced timeless classics in J-pop history or groups that kept working in the underground scene, it’s no exaggeration to say that the position of girls’ bands in today’s Japanese music landscape was established thanks to the efforts and achievements of the women introduced in this piece.
Especially for the more minor bands, many of you may not have even known their names.
Let this article be a starting point for you to delve into the history of girls’ bands.