The rise of girl bands that stirred up a fresh breeze in Japan’s music scene of the 1980s.
Not only did they make great strides in the mainstream, but the indie scene also saw a host of distinctive bands captivate many fans.
With dazzling stage performances and solid musicianship, these women won over countless people.
In this article, we’ll introduce the foundational tracks of the girl bands that thrived in the ’80s.
Be sure to read to the end and follow the musical journey brimming with passion and talent!
- A special feature on 1980s girl bands: trailblazing music and distinctive charm
- Melancholic songs by girls' bands. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- You’re sure to find your next favorite! A master selection of Japanese all-girl bands
- Debut songs by female artists from the 1980s
- [2026] Feel-Good Vibes! Energetic Songs by Recommended Japanese All-Girl Bands
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- Debut song of a Japanese band from the 80s
- A roundup of debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 1970s
- [Debuted in the 2000s] Youthful Sounds Heard in Girl Band Debut Songs
- Recommended Japanese bands with female vocals
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- [1970s] Classic and hit songs of Japanese rock that blazed through the dawn era
- Looking back at the gem-like debut songs of female singers who debuted in 1990
[1980s] Debut Songs and Classics by Japanese All-Girl Bands (1–10)
More freelyTHE NEWS

THE NEWS is a three-piece rock band that gained attention on the late-night show “Yūji Miyake’s Ikasu Band Heaven,” known for their political messaging and razor-edged sound.
Exemplified by “Motto Jiyū ni” (“More Freely”), their groundbreaking approach—overturning the conventional image of ‘girl bands’—and the powerful emotions embedded in their lyrics deliver a shock that transcends eras.
faceKonsento Pikksu

The debut song by this five-member gal band, formed by classmates from the Kunitachi College of Music High School, is a brutally candid, hard-hitting message tune! With blunt, punchy lyrics and a raspy vocal that you wouldn’t expect from a Popcon alum, it’s unforgettable after just one listen!
You & Me Tonightrorubakku

Rollback is a five-member girls’ band that plays orthodox pop, perhaps thanks to their roots in the prestigious contest “PopCon.” “You & Me Tonight” is a feel-good debut track that blends the members’ freshness with their earnestness!
Serves-You-Right Hotheaded GirlGO-BANG’S

Formed by classmates in Sapporo, this is a girls’ band centered around the powerful, high-energy vocalist Ms.
Moriwaka, who embodies what people back then would call a “genki mark” personality.
As you can hear, they’re brimming with unbridled, chaotic charm.
They went on to score more hits and stand as one of the most memorable representative girls’ bands.
Black eyesNav Katze

Nav Katze is a three-piece girls’ group formed in 1984, a pioneering presence among new wave–style bands.
Their track Kuroi Hitomi (Black Eyes), marked by its steady, understated refrain and lyrical poetry, draws listeners into a deeply immersive world.
4:35CORNETS

This is a song by CORNETS, formed in 1986, brimming with a fantastical, fresh charm.
The track is characterized by a delicate, lyrical worldview—like watching a short film.
Set in the quiet before dawn, it portrays pure feelings for someone dear, the kind that tighten your chest with their bittersweetness.
Junko Okuma’s crystal-clear vocals pair exquisitely with the sound.
It’s perfect for a night when you want to sit quietly and reflect alone—the gentle world it creates will soothe your heart.
Included on their first EP, released in 1988.
Titus GroanVelle Witch

This track sonically captures the decadent worldview portrayed in British Gothic novels.
Included on the self-produced demo tape “Blood Noblewoman,” released in November 1988, it spans over nine minutes and is suffused with a creeping sense of unease.
Over a rhythm carved by a weighty bass and powerful drums, Yukie Furutani’s vocals—marked by a distinctive vibrato—resound, further enhancing its mysterious allure.
The sound, imbued with a ritualistic solemnity, draws listeners deep into the heart of the story.


