A 90s girls' band. A popular Japanese band.
In the 2020s, all-female bands are thriving in Japan across pop, rock, and metal scenes.
Back in the 1980s, during the band boom, groups that dominated the mainstream—like Princess Princess and SHOW-YA—also emerged.
So what kinds of girls’ bands appeared and flourished in the 1990s? While there weren’t as many as there are today, there were a great many distinctive bands.
In this article, we’ll focus on the history of 1990s girls’ bands, including those formed in the late ’80s and those still active today!
Girls' bands of the 90s. Popular Japanese bands (1–10)
P.S. I LOVE YOUPINK SAPPHIRE
PINK SAPPHIRE is a four-member girls’ band that quickly became popular after appearing on “Yuji Miyake’s Ikasu Band Heaven.” Thanks in part to AYAKO TSUKADA’s husky singing voice—something you wouldn’t expect from their cute looks—they established themselves as a bona fide rock band.
Magical Mystery BoyPICKLES
From the late 1980s to the early 1990s, PICKLES shone brightly in the world of anime songs.
This five-member group crafted an irresistibly genre-blending sound: rooted in pop, yet seasoned with touches of classical, jazz, and even Latin flavors.
In December 1989, they released a single featuring the lively opening and ending themes for the beloved NHK General TV anime Parasol Henbee, leaving a lasting impression on many anime fans.
Members like drummer Hisako Nemoto even took on songwriting duties, reflecting the group’s strong creative drive.
Though their time together was brief, their inventive music is sure to resonate not only with those who remember that era, but also with younger listeners in search of fresh sounds.
Buried in teddy bearsROSY
In the early ’90s, one group that stood out with a unique presence was the all-female band ROSY.
While rooted in rock, their hallmark was a diverse musical style that also embraced pop and funk.
Their energetic sound and catchy melodies captivated many fans.
They made a bold debut in March 1990 with the single “Girls Kiss,” and that November, “Planning Panic Show Depending on the Mood That Day” was featured as an insert song on a skiing information program, drawing attention.
Although no awards have been confirmed, “Buried in a Teddy Bear,” written and composed by Masamune Kusano of Spitz and released in November 1995, became a hot topic.
They also provided theme songs for a golf program and a high school baseball news program, proving their solid capabilities.
If you’re exploring distinctive girl bands from the ’90s, ROSY’s music might offer a fresh discovery.
After the dreaming days are overBetty Blue
A quintessential Japanese girl band that captivated many fans in a very short period of time.
Formed around Mika Kaneko, who had been active as a solo artist, the group ended its activities after about two years.
With their sexy appearance and her clear, translucent voice, they became a legendary presence that enchanted countless people.
Thank youSUPER JUNKY MONKEY
Super Junky Monkey is a legendary band that sparked a revolution in Japan’s loud rock scene with powerful live performances that drew on the essence of contemporary Western music from the 1990s, backed by exceptional musicianship and a charismatic vocalist.
Even in their indie days they were highly regarded overseas, and after going major they continued to achieve remarkable milestones as a Japanese all-female quartet, including appearing on the cover of the hugely influential American music magazine Billboard.
Sadly, in 1999 their original vocalist MUTSUMI passed away in an unexpected accident, forcing the band to go on hiatus.
However, they reunited for a one-night-only performance in 2009 and have continued intermittent activity since.
Their work has had a profound influence on subsequent bands, so if you weren’t aware of Super Junky Monkey before, this is a great chance to check them out.
Boosternoodles
The three-piece band noodles from Yokohama features vocalist YOKO’s voice, which blends rock edge with charm, further highlighted by drummer AYUMI and bassist IKUNO.
Their song “Booster” was chosen as the theme song for 8.1, which was adapted into a film.
YUKIWhiteberry
They’re a coming-of-age girls’ band who shot to fame when their 2000 release Natsu Matsuri became a smash hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
Of course, Natsu Matsuri is a cover of that classic by JITTERIN’JINN! Although they formed in Hokkaido in 1994, it took them a long time to break through—truly a hard-working, persevering band.
Vocalist Maeda’s cute voice, Inazuki’s guitar that ties the songs together, and Kawamura’s gentle, girls-band-style drumming—all add up to plenty of charm.
Their cover of Unicorn’s Jitensha Dorobou is another highly recommended track!