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.
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- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
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- Classic Japanese rock songs recommended for women
- A guitarist who masters the SG model—a guitar with a distinctive look and sound.
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- [For Beginners] Recommended Songs for Female Vocal Bands: Great for Choosing Your Setlist! [2026]
- Guitarists who use PRS
- [2026] A roundup of Japanese female music groups: from idols to vocal groups
- From cute to cool: iconic and recommended songs from uniquely individual girl bands
- A special feature on girls' band tracks and female-vocal study songs that help you focus
Feature: Skilled Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (21–30)
Raitei (Thunderbolt)hazuki
Hazuki commands a seven-string guitar as if it were an extension of her own body, unleashing a thunderous metal sound.
She launched her full-fledged career in 2019 as the guitarist of NEMOPHILA, showcasing a wide range of styles from heavy metal to nu metal and metalcore.
Their December 2021 album “REVIVE” hit No.
1 on the iTunes rock chart and No.
5 on the Oricon weekly ranking.
In February 2024, they successfully headlined at the Nippon Budokan, continuing their rapid ascent.
A graduate of MI Japan Nagoya, she studied under Mikio Fujioka—renowned guitarist of BABYMETAL’s Kami Band—and her exceptional technique and delicate expressiveness captivate fans of hard rock and metal alike.
Beyond this speedmiyamoto natsuko
There is a guitarist who is greatly influenced by Hisako Tabuchi of NUMBER GIRL.
The appeal of their songs can be described as catchy yet edgy tracks that fuse guitar rock with pop songs.
Feature: Accomplished Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (31–40)
SPICE!ASAKA
ASAKA, the guitarist active in the girls’ rock band TRiDENT.
Until 2020, she performed under the name Girls Rock Band Kakumei, but upon restarting after a hiatus, the band changed its name.
Though she has a cute look, once she steps on stage she transforms into an artist who delivers passionate guitar playing and vocals.
She brings a thick, Les Paul-driven tone that shapes the band’s hard rock sound.
With powerful singing and outstanding guitar skills, she captivates audiences with her performance and radiates a commanding presence.
The Last RevengeYU-KI
D_Drive is an instrumental hard rock band formed by members connected to a music vocational school.
Yuki handles the twin-guitar duties in the band, known for passionate and highly technical performances.
She specializes in rapid picking and sweep picking, and it’s striking how flawlessly she plays songs that incorporate rock and metal elements.
She also works as an instructor in guitar instructional DVDs, providing clear explanations of techniques such as tapping and harmonics.
A virtuosic player with a multifaceted career, she was even selected as an image character for a Sony smartphone commercial.
Coelacanth Dancekiila
This song is built on rhythms and melodies typical of recent Japanese rock, yet it stands out thanks to a unique vocal style reminiscent of Makoto Kawamoto.
The line at the end of the chorus, “Coelacanth, dance♪,” gives it a highly addictive quality that makes you want to hum along.
drop lidMion Ota
This is a two-piece guitar unit formed by Honai Ikoka, the drummer of Gesu no Kiwami Otome.
Despite being just two members, their hallmark is a rich, full sound, and their highly flexible songs—possible precisely because they’re a duo—have captivated countless fans.
Also noteworthy is Honai Ikoka’s powerful, hard-hitting drumming, a side not seen in Gesu no Kiwami Otome.
We’ll meet again…Ataka Miharu
Miharu Ataka has captivated audiences with her delicate guitar playing and diverse songwriting.
She made her solo debut in 1990 and formed KIX-S the following year.
As a duo with vocalist Tsukasa Hamaguchi, they were active across a wide range of genres from hard rock to pop.
Their fusion of powerful, technical performances with catchy melodies has held music fans spellbound.
She now runs a music school, dedicating herself to nurturing the next generation.
For those who want to experience the essence of guitar rock and crave passionate melodies, she is the perfect artist.