Lovely hit song

A 90s girls' band. A popular Japanese band.

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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)

YUKIWhiteberry

Whiteberry YUKI

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!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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Boosternoodles

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.

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Magical Mystery BoyPICKLES

Magical Mystery Boy

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.

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Vanish Your BeingYELLOW MACHINEGUN

YELLOW MACHINEGUN – “Vanish Your Being”

Vanish Your BeingYELLOW MACHINEGUN

A three-piece girls’ band that made their major-label debut in 1996 and gained popularity with a heavyweight sound you’d never guess from their looks.

Their aggressive tracks and piercing death growls make you realize how limiting it is to define musicality by gender—you can almost forget they’re a girls’ band just from the sound alone.

Their tight, technical performances are especially irresistible for hardcore fans.

With a consistent musical identity that electrifies audiences, they stand as one of the few genuine hardcore bands in Japan’s girls’ rock scene.

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Hoshino Takashi

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winnersG・GRIP

Winners / G·GRIP (Remaster 2020) from “Future GPX Cyber Formula BGM ROUND I” [Official]

winnersG・GRIP

G・GRIP, who rose to prominence after appearing on Ikaten, is a four-member group formed in 1988 whose name derives from the beauty of actress Greta Garbo.

Spanning genres from J-pop and rock to anime songs, they were highly praised for their vocal ability—each member could sing lead—and their skillful choral work.

They debuted in 1990 with the single “Hoshikuzu-tachi no HEAVEN / Tsubasa,” and released the album “DREAM HORIZON” the same year.

Their 1991 songs “I’ll Come” and “Winners,” which served as theme songs for the TV anime Future GPX Cyber Formula, understandably earned fervent support from anime fans.

In episode 17 of the same anime, a character is portrayed as a fan of the group and their music is featured—an interesting example of media tie-in.

If you want to discover the appeal of early ’90s girl bands, they’re a must-check act!

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