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.
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.
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.
ThingsSoftball
In the 90s girls’ band scene, SOFTBALL shone with striking brilliance.
Formed in 1998 in Funabashi, Chiba, they began as a trio of active high school students.
Their sound was rooted in fast-paced punk rock, distinguished by catchy melodies fused with social messages.
They made their indie debut in March 1999 with the mini-album “Kurage,” and went major in July 2001 with the single “JUST TRY IT.” Their album “Lamp,” released in January 2002, reached No.
20 on the Oricon chart and sold over 40,000 copies.
The fact that their album “Tenku” was released across the U.S.
by Asian Man Records attests to their talent.
If you’re looking for solid, hard-hitting girls’ punk, you should definitely give them a listen.
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.
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.
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.