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!
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- [1980s] Debut Songs and Classics by Japanese All-Girl Bands
- Japanese girl bands: recommended popular bands
- [Debuted in the 2000s] Youthful Sounds Heard in Girl Band Debut Songs
- Recommended Japanese bands with female vocals
- [2026] Feel-Good Vibes! Energetic Songs by Recommended Japanese All-Girl Bands
- Debut song by a 90s Western girls' band
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- A special feature on 1980s girl bands: trailblazing music and distinctive charm
- Hits that resonate across generations! Popular 1990s songs on TikTok
90s girl bands. Popular Japanese bands (21–30)
Invincible VenusGO-BANG’S
The girls’ band GO-BANG’S from Hokkaido is known for vocalist Kaori Moriwaka’s energetic, smile-filled performances and bright melodies.
Following “Aini kite I NEED YOU!” they also scored a hit with “Muteki no Venus.”
Swim Mahi-Mahisekiri
A girls’ band that made a powerful impact from their very name and was active on the indie scene from 1983 to 1995.
Known for shocking, controversy-sparking lyrics and a distinctive alternative sound that incorporated not only rock but also folk and world music elements, they not only made waves at the time but are also recognized for their huge influence on later girls’ bands.
Although formed by middle schoolers with no prior experience playing instruments, they became a legendary rock band hailed in the J-pop scene as a pioneering presence among girls’ punk bands.
SundayJITTERIN’JINN
A co-ed rock band known for hit songs like “Present” and “Natsumatsuri,” they gained popularity with an upbeat sound reminiscent of rockabilly.
Their distinctive lyrics and compositions set them apart from the mainstream J-pop style of the 1980s and 1990s, and they still enjoy a devoted fan base today.
The fact that Whiteberry’s 2000 cover of “Natsumatsuri” became a massive hit also speaks to the high quality and widespread appeal of their music.
Since 2019, past music videos have been available on their official YouTube channel, so if you’re discovering them now, this is a band you should definitely check out.
Flame of the AngelsSHOW-YA
The legendary band SHOW-YA was such a monumental presence that it’s no exaggeration to say they pioneered the popularity of girls’ bands.
“Flame of the Angels” is also the only single featuring Stephanie, who joined as a new member.
With the Sun in TowVELVET PΛW
VELVET PΛW was a girls’ progressive rock band active from 1981 to 1995.
Armed with exceptional performance technique and vocal ability far beyond what their cute looks might suggest, they made a strong impact.
With a five-member lineup including keyboards, their richly textured, expressive sound never gets old.
Even though it’s progressive rock, many of their songs are catchy and easy to listen to, so you’re sure to find a favorite track!
JulianPRINCESS PRINCESS
PRINCESS PRINCESS is a band that holds a lot of personal memories for me.
The first time I saw them live was before they broke big, when a friend invited me to a show at a live house in Kyoto.
I remember being instantly drawn in by their vocals, performance, and songs, and buying a CD at the merch booth.
After that, they skyrocketed in popularity! I remember how they grew from the band I first saw at a small venue to one that could pack out a solo outdoor show by summer not long after.
In that wave, the band boom of the ’90s took off, and at amateur band events and school festivals back then, there were tons of PRINCESS PRINCESS cover and copy bands.
Compared to bands today, I feel like one of the charms of bands active from the late ’80s to the ’90s was that they weren’t “overproduced.” They’re definitely one of the bands I can confidently recommend as a prime example of girls’ rock!
COLDSWEATTHE NEWS
THE NEWS is a rock band known for its energetic, no-nonsense sound.
Formed in 1985, they gained attention after appearing on the music program “Miyake Yūji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku.” Stylish women delivering gritty rock ’n’ roll—their looks and musicality combined to win over many fans.
This is exactly what “cool women” means.
Another hallmark is their many socially conscious songs.
They’ve released numerous timeless classics that still electrify listeners today.
