Recommended Japanese bands for women in their 40s

If Taff Ya ShimshimMAHALIK HALILI

Mahalik Halili – If Taf Ya Shamsim

Included on the 1990 album “A Good Start.” A two-person rock band formed in 1989.

It’s a pleasant track featuring a light, poppy melody carried by an upbeat, driving rhythm and digital, synth-pop-like sounds, topped with clear, translucent vocals that are easy on the ears.

Ah-SoThe 5.6.7.8’s

5,6,7,8s – Ah-So

Included on the 1991 album “CAN’T HELP IT!”.

A three-piece rock band formed in 1986.

The main melody features an up-tempo, driving rhythm and a guitar sound with strong rockabilly shades reminiscent of Presley, giving it a cool vibe similar to an American garage rock band.

R·I·O·TRAISE A SUILEN

R·I·O·T

RAISE A SUILEN, an unconventional girls’ band born from the multimedia project BanG Dream!, has been drawing attention with a unique musical style that fuses electronic and aggressive sounds.

Formed in January 2018 under the name THE THIRD (temporary), they adopted their current name in July of the same year.

Initially active as a backing band, they gradually began pursuing their own activities.

In 2019, they successfully held a solo concert at the Nippon Budokan, followed by a nationwide tour and overseas performances.

Each of the five members boasts exceptional musicianship, and their appeal lies in a free-spirited sound that transcends genres such as EDM, rock, and pop.

They have also worked on numerous tie-ins with anime and games, captivating many fans through a 2.5D style that blends the real and anime worlds.

They are the perfect band for music fans seeking powerful live performances and a distinctive artistic vision.

PLAYER 1Nagay Haruko

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'PLAYER 1' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – PLAYER 1

Haruko Nagaya, the vocalist of Ryokuoushoku Shakai, commands a strong presence with her crystal-clear singing voice.

Formed during her time at Chukyo University, the band has gained popularity for songs that skillfully fuse pop and rock, paired with her distinctive vocals that blend poignancy and power.

Since their major debut in 2018, they have provided theme songs for numerous TV dramas and anime, and have produced smash hits with over 300 million streams.

In 2020, they won Best Rock Video at the MTV VMAJ, and in 2023 they received an Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

As a music creator who also writes and composes, Nagaya has a gift for vividly expressing the emotions of teens and people in their twenties, resonating with many listeners.

She’s a highly recommended artist for music fans seeking a pure, translucent voice and lyrics that truly move the heart.

SpoonCibo Matto

Cibo Matto-Spoon

Formed in New York, Cibo Matto has been drawing international attention since 1994 as a unique and unconventional duo.

Their allure lies in inventive sound-making that boldly weaves elements like jazz and Brazilian music into a refined trip-hop and hip-hop foundation.

With their debut album Viva! La Woman, they garnered buzz—helped by a cutting-edge music video directed by Michel Gondry—and sold over 74,000 copies in the U.S.

In 2014, they made a comeback with the album Hotel Valentine, and their experimental, forward-thinking musical style remained intact, continuing to captivate an ever-growing audience.

They’re the perfect artist for anyone seeking fresh, boundary-crossing musical experiences.