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.
- Roundup of popular female guitarists: introducing guitar players from Japan and around the world.
- Japanese shred guitarist
- Cute songs by girls’ bands [popular and classic tracks]
- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
- The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar.
- Classic Japanese rock songs recommended for women
- A guitarist who masters the SG model—a guitar with a distinctive look and sound.
- [Feels Great to Listen To!] Popular Songs by Female Artists with Captivating High Notes
- [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: Accomplished Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (31–40)
Eyes of DoubtAYUMI
AYUMI, who showcases her exceptional guitar playing in BRIDEAR, a cool five-piece metal band from Fukuoka.
She joined the band in 2019 and captivates listeners with her meticulous solo work and the dazzling harmonies of twin lead guitars.
Since her arrival, the band has established a unique sound that builds on power metal while incorporating modern elements.
Their 2021 European tour drew enthusiastic responses across the continent, and the album “Bloody Bride” received high praise from media both in Japan and abroad.
Influenced by a wide range of music, from Nothing’s Carved In Stone to MUSE, her playing shines with expressive versatility—from heavy, hard-hitting riffs to delicate arpeggios.
IrisKAOЯI
I am the leader of PARADOXX, a band that makes a striking impression in Tokyo’s girls’ metal scene.
I started playing guitar at the age of nine, and after my activities with GEL, I formed PARADOXX in February 2021 as a new project to embody my own vision.
In June of the same year, we released our first single and have been performing actively since our debut show at Meguro LIVE STATION.
With the exquisite harmony of twin guitars and technical playing, we paint a world of melodic heavy metal.
I’m also known as a motorcycle enthusiast and have appeared in motorcycle magazines, showcasing a wide range of appeal.
Our music, which combines power and delicacy, is sure to capture the hearts of listeners who seek a heavy sound paired with refined melodies.
We AreToki
With the addition of Toky, a genius guitarist from Higashi-Osaka in Osaka Prefecture, the musicality of the all-female metal band ALDIOUS blossomed dramatically.
Since joining in January 2009, her energetic guitar work and exceptional musicianship have brought a fresh breeze to the power metal scene.
She began playing guitar at 15 and is known as an avid ESP Guitars user, having participated in the company’s 40th anniversary event among other vigorous activities.
Their album Deep Exceed topped the indie charts, and the 2013 album District Zero reached No.
7 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart, marking steady growth.
While she excels at heavy guitar riffs, she can also deliver gentle, ballad-like tones; her playing is recommended for all music fans who are captivated by powerful sounds.
Excuse me, I’ll be leaving first.Matsuri
Hanabie., formed around Matsuri from Tokyo, has been gaining attention for their unique sound that fuses diverse musical styles on a metalcore foundation.
Their songs combine intensity with delicacy and have earned passionate support from fans in Japan and abroad.
Leader Matsuri is a versatile talent who handles everything from songwriting and composition to arrangement, steering the band’s direction while serving as vocalist and guitarist.
Highly recommended for music fans interested in hard rock and metalcore.
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.
Feature: Talented Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (41–50)
Invincible VenusMoriwaka Kaori
In the late 1980s, GO-BANG’S brought a fresh breeze to the punk rock scene.
Kaori Moriwaka, who led the band as the guitarist and vocalist, has captivated audiences with her delicate guitar work and powerful vocals.
They made their major-label debut with Pony Canyon in 1988 and, as pioneers among all-female bands, released a string of hit songs.
Their trademarks are candid, true-to-life lyrics laced with humor and catchy melodies.
Moriwaka’s guitar, which continually conveyed the joy and allure of rock ’n’ roll, radiates a distinctive color—powerful yet imbued with gentleness.
She’s an artist highly recommended for those who love rock infused with passionate spirit.
summer festivalInatsuki Aya
Aya Inazuki served as the guitarist for Whiteberry, a band formed in 1994 in Kitami, Hokkaido.
She began playing guitar in first grade, and in third grade the band was formed after a flyer posted at her mother’s shop sparked the idea.
They initially performed under the name Strawberry Kids.
Making their major-label debut in 1999, her powerful sound—played on a Fernandes guitar—brought vivid color to the band’s poppy, energetic songs.
Whiteberry performed at the 2000 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and contributed theme songs to anime and TV dramas, gaining exposure across a wide range of media.
The band captivated many fans until disbanding in 2004 when members moved on to further education.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy bright, energetic female-vocal rock.