Feature on skilled female guitarists from popular bands
Japanese female guitarists, captivating audiences with delicate yet bold techniques, are making a strong mark on the music scene.
From tricot’s shape-shifting odd meters to Polkadot Stingray’s cool cutting rhythms and BAND-MAID’s thunderous hard rock, a host of bands are dazzling with a wide range of musical styles.
As master guitarists, each shines with a unique personality, etching a new chapter in the rock scene’s history.
Alongside audio samples, we present the allure of these powerhouse female guitarists.
Feature on Skilled Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (1–10)
Transparent GirlTabuchi Hisako
It’s the legendary rock band NUMBER GIRL’s massive hit killer tune.
Believe it or not, NUMBER GIRL’s guitarist is a woman—a petite woman playing a glittering, searing guitar sound—and that’s a true story.
Protect YouKANAMI
KANAMI, a guitarist from Kanagawa Prefecture who plays in the hard rock band BAND-MAID—known for their striking maid-costumed performances.
She has studied piano for over 20 years since childhood and draws inspiration from a wide range of genres, including Latin music, funk, and classical.
Within the band, she also handles songwriting, creating passionate and melodic pieces.
She excels at guitar techniques such as sweep picking, tapping, and fast picking.
On stage, she masterfully wields her Paul Reed Smith to deliver a heavy yet beautiful metal sound.
We The Unitedmiyako
Miyako is the guitarist for the heavy metal band LOVEBITES.
She has gained worldwide popularity, performing at major metal festivals such as WACKEN OPEN AIR in Germany.
She primarily uses DEAN signature-model guitars, which are often used in heavy metal, and is known for her striking looks and passionate playing.
While she excels as a guitarist, she also studied piano from a young age, and in 2023 she held a solo piano recital, showcasing a wide range of musical activities.
Sword Of JudgementSakura
As the leader and guitarist of the heavy metal band HAGANE, renowned for captivating audiences with a core-driven tone, Sakura commands an overwhelming presence.
The band made its debut in 2020 with the first mini-album “EpisodeØ,” and drew nationwide attention in 2022 with the album “Code ; 9021.” Influenced by her father to pick up the guitar and inspired by bands like Helloween and X JAPAN, her playing style masterfully fuses rapid-fire shredding with melodious phrasing.
On the Phoenix Journey tour starting in May 2024, HAGANE—now in a renewed lineup—elevates its musicality even further, unfolding an original sound that incorporates symphonic elements.
Sakura is the perfect artist for music fans drawn to powerful yet delicate performances and a fantastical sonic world.
FanfareMAMI
MAMI, the guitarist of SCANDAL—a Japanese girls’ rock band known for providing theme songs for numerous anime, films, and TV dramas—has been delivering music that blends rock and pop since forming the band in 2006 with fellow students from the same music school.
In 2014, she gained international recognition as a guitarist with the release of her signature model from Fender.
While she often performs passionate rock numbers at live shows, she is also an artist with a wide range of musical activities, including hosting solo acoustic performances.
Limit LoversIgaraishi Miki
Miki Igarashi, known as the guitarist of SHOW-YA, is an indispensable figure in the history of Japanese all-female rock bands.
Making their major debut in 1985 with Toshiba EMI, SHOW-YA drew attention as a full-fledged hard rock band composed entirely of women—rare at the time.
Igarashi’s heavy guitar riffs and outstanding solo work have continued to influence countless musicians.
Although the band went on hiatus in 1998, they reunited in 2005.
Since then, they have remained highly active, appearing at rock festivals in Japan and abroad, with their presence showing no signs of fading.
Igarashi’s playing style, which combines power and delicacy, enjoys overwhelming support from hard rock and heavy metal fans, making her a musician highly recommended for all music lovers captivated by the guitar.
DiamondsNakayama Kanako
Kanako Nakayama, guitarist of PRINCESS PRINCESS—the legendary band that has led Japan’s girls’ band scene—made her major-label debut in 1986 with the mini-album “Kiss de Hanzai.” In 1989, they became the first all-female band to perform at Nippon Budokan, leaving a major mark on the music world.
Influenced by Joan Jett, Nakayama combines powerful guitar playing with strong songwriting talent.
After PRINCESS PRINCESS disbanded, she pursued solo work, including the album “HOWLING,” and performs with the rock band VooDoo Hawaiians.
In November 2024, she successfully held a 60th-birthday commemorative live show, proving her rock spirit remains as fierce as ever.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the essence of powerful female rock.