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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Girls’ bands of the 1990s. Popular Japanese bands (31–40)
Mirage On The Iceaphasia
Aphasia is a female band that stands out in Japan’s hard rock scene.
Formed in Tokyo in 1994, they have pursued a unique sound centered on melodious guitars and powerful yet expressive vocals.
Their knack for skillfully weaving pop elements into hard-hitting songs is particularly noteworthy.
Their independently produced debut release, Mirage on the Ice, which came out in 1999, created a major buzz in the scene at the time.
Praised in music magazines, their appearance on the 1998 compilation Women’s Power First also attested to their abilities.
Their sound, which distills influences from many HR/HM bands into something uniquely their own, will resonate not only with those seeking strong, driving rock, but also with listeners who cherish beautiful melodies.
Easy goingHollywood Star Way
In the Japanese music scene of the early 1990s, Hollywood Star Way stood out as a distinctive all-female rock band.
Formed in Kobe in 1987, they built their sound on glam rock and hard rock, drawing attention with a flamboyant style often referred to as “oke-sho-kei” (makeup-style).
They made their major-label debut in 1991, releasing several singles and albums while performing live with great energy.
Their musicality and striking visuals brought a fresh jolt to the rock scene of the time.
Their fiery shows at venues like CHICKEN GEORGE in Kobe are still spoken of as legendary among fans.
Although they ceased activities in 1996, their individuality remains vivid.
If you’re interested in unique girl bands from the ’90s, be sure to check them out!
JealousyHyper Hindu Squatters
Hyper Hindu Squatters, a standout in Japan’s underground hardcore scene of the ’90s, were an all-girls hardcore punk band.
They began in the mid-1990s, unleashing a blisteringly fast sound that fused slash core and USHC, paired with piercing, high-pitched shouted vocals reminiscent of early Melt-Banana—leaving a powerful impact.
While they never received major awards, their self-released 7-inch EP “Hyper Hindu Squatters” from 1997—featuring tracks like “Blue”—is considered a definitive work packed with raw, early energy.
Thanks to numerous appearances on compilation records, they gained recognition overseas as well, earning the reputation of being “a hidden gem of Japan.” If you want to feel the heat of the scene back then, or you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind girls’ band, this is a group you definitely should check out!
MummifyMummy the Peepshow
In Japan’s indie scene of the ’90s, Mummy the Peepshow stood out as a girls’ band that blasted energetic garage punk while radiating an irresistibly pop charm.
Formed in Osaka in 1994, their sound fused glittering melodies and catchy riffs atop a base of garage and noise punk—an aesthetic that was distinctly their own.
Their debut album, Mummy Builion, was released in 1998 on the BENTEN label, and subsequent records like This is Egg Speaking… and the classic Electric Rollergirl made a powerful impact on the scene at the time.
In 2000 they performed at SXSW in the United States, drawing international attention, and their influence spread even further when one of their songs was featured in the Xbox game Far Cry Instincts.
Maki Mummy, the guitarist and vocalist, was the band’s powerful core presence.
If you’re curious about the cute yet punky sound of ’90s girl bands, definitely give them a listen!
Double FistThug Murder
Formed in Tokyo in November 1999 at the tail end of the ’90s, Thug Murder was a three-piece all-female street punk band that etched a vivid memory into the punk scene both in Japan and abroad despite their lightning-fast activity period of just two years.
Rooted in street punk and Oi!, their sound drew listeners with its unadorned directness and defiant energy.
After releasing their self-titled EP “Thug Murder” in 1999, they broke into the U.S.
in 2001 with the album “13th Round” on Dropkick Murphys’ label.
The record earned strong support from American punk fans and media alike.
The fact that they grabbed overseas attention in such a short time after forming—and even toured with Dropkick Murphys—speaks to their prowess.
Their English lyrics delivered with a distinctly Japanese accent were also embraced as a one-of-a-kind hallmark.
If you’re looking for punk rock brimming with raw first-impulse energy or a tough, cool all-girl band, Thug Murder is a must-listen.
90s girl bands. Popular Japanese bands (41–50)
The Revenge Of Kero KeroeX-Girl
eX-Girl, who claim to hail from Planet Kerokero and enjoy a cult following thanks to their unparalleled musical style and performances, are a truly unique act.
Formed in 1997 under the production of Hoppy Kamiyama, they developed an experimental sound that fused psychedelia, noise, and prog.
Despite having almost no prior musical experience, they released their debut album “Heppoco Pou” in 1998, performed at SXSW the following year in 1999, and drew attention with the album “Kero! Kero! Kero!”.
Their handmade, eccentric costumes and intense live shows even earned praise from overseas artists.
If you’re looking for distinctive bands from the ’90s, this is a world you should definitely explore.
sweet strawberry toastesrevnoc
Esrevnoc—its uniquely memorable name is “Converse” spelled backwards—is a Japanese girl band formed in 1995.
Rooted in J-pop, they deftly wove in elements of pop rock, electronica, funk, soul, and jazz to create a kaleidoscopically shimmering sound.
In 1998, they made their major-label debut with the single “s.s.t.” Their catchy appeal won many listeners’ hearts, with songs beloved as TV show themes and tracks featured in sporting goods commercials.
Their first album, eb -esrevnoc better-, released in 1999, brilliantly encapsulates their playful spirit and wide-ranging musicality.
Although their 2001 hiatus was regrettable, their distinctive world still shines today.
For anyone seeking genre-defying, free-spirited music, this is a band well worth recommending.