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!
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90s girl bands. Popular Japanese bands (21–30)
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.
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.”
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!
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.
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.
Shikakete MotionTWIGGY
TWIGGY burst out of the campus scene in the late ’80s with upbeat, irresistible charm! Formed in 1986 by students from the Kansai region, they were a girls’ rock band that drew attention with a sound blending J-pop and rock.
In March 1990, they made their major debut with the single “Shi-Ka-Ke-Te Motion” and the album “Love Somebody.” Their follow-up tracks also reached mainstream audiences: “Uwasa no BAD GIRL” was used in a car accessories store commercial, and “Pole Position” featured in a job listings magazine ad, while “Prom,” which closed out a TV program, was also popular.
Energetic performances, catchy melodies, and lyrics reflecting a female perspective were their trademarks.
Although they disbanded around 1991, they left a vivid impression on the early ’90s music scene.
If you want to rediscover their brilliance from that era, be sure to check them out!
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.
