Japanese girl bands: recommended popular bands

VoyageANGEL’in Heavy Syrup

Angel’in Heavy Syrup – Voyage

Formed in Osaka in 1990, ANGEL’in Heavy Syrup shine with a singular light in Japan’s psychedelic/progressive rock scene.

Backed by Alchemy Records, run by the renowned JOJO Hiroshige, they made their debut on the scene in 1991 with the album Angel’in Heavy Syrup I.

Their musical style distills influences from 1970s Krautrock—especially Amon Düül II—into a one-of-a-kind sound where luscious weightlessness intertwines with heavy riffs.

Their highly acclaimed masterpiece, Angel’in Heavy Syrup III, can be seen as the culmination of that sonic world.

They’ve earned international recognition as well, undertaking a U.S.

tour with GONG, and even scoring the impressive feat of placing 15th on IGN’s list of the “Greatest Progressive Rock Albums of All Time.” In recent years, their early works have been reissued, fueling a renewed reassessment.

If you want to immerse yourself in a profound ocean of sound, this is the perfect band for you!

BreakoutSupersnazz

Supersnazz – Breakout [Official Video, includes VT Countdown + CD Audio Upgrade]

Supersnazz, who began performing in Tokyo in 1990, initially went by the name “The Longhairs,” but soon changed it and burst onto Japan’s girls’ garage punk/power pop scene.

Their sound, strongly influenced by 1960s garage rock and rock ’n’ roll, combines an energetic punch with irresistible catchiness that instantly captivates listeners.

In 1993, they gained worldwide recognition with their album “Supersnazz” released on the renowned American indie label SUB POP, solidifying their status as a leading act in Japan’s garage scene.

They toured actively both at home and abroad, and their successful 1995 European tour—covering 38 shows across 11 countries—clearly showcased their prowess to the world.

Albums like “The Devil Youth Blues” and “Diode City” also enjoy strong support from fans.

For those who love garage punk or power pop and want to feel the excitement of that era, this band is a perfect fit!

A certain girlMama Guitar

Mama Guitar – A certain girl –

Mama Guitar is a girls’ band with a pop, 60s-style sound.

Formed in the late 1990s, they’ve remained true to their style and continue to perform around the world—a cute, poppy band.

Their third album was released on the label run by Shintaro Sakamoto, formerly of Yura Yura Teikoku, and he also played bass on it.

Maple CanadaThe Wisely Brothers

The Wisely Brothers / Maple Canada [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

The Wisely Brothers are a band with a wonderfully pleasant sound, blending Japanese lyrics with an indie rock feel from Western music for a fresh listening experience.

The story of how they formed in their first year of high school—three members lined up in alphabetical order—is also delightfully quirky.

Their laid-back sound is irresistibly charming, making them a rock band I can recommend even to those who are tired of Japanese rock.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Interrupted breathpotari

Potali “Broken Breath” MV (released February 6, 2019)

Potari is a girls’ band from Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture.

In 2012, they won “TANK! the AUDITION,” which rapidly boosted their profile, and they were highly active thereafter.

The song in the video is “Togireta Kokyū” (“Broken Breath”), included on their third album, “Potari no 3,” released in 2019.

It’s a fast-paced rock number with irresistibly straight-shooting vocals—a really exhilarating track.

However, the band disbanded after releasing “Potari no 3.”

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Araki Jakkan

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A Single PetalSTEREOPONY

STEREOPONY - "Hitohira no Hanabira" - A Petal [720p][HD]

Formed in 2007 in Okinawa Prefecture, the three-piece girls’ rock band STEREOPONY made their major debut in 2008 after winning the Grand Prix at the Young People’s Music Festival.

The members—AIMI, NOHANA, and SHIHO—drew attention for their pop-rock sound, blending catchy melodies with powerful performances.

They produced numerous anime theme songs, with the opening themes for Mobile Suit Gundam 00 and Darker than Black garnering especially strong responses.

In 2009, they performed at SXSW in the United States, gaining international recognition.

With their energetic performances and melodious tracks, they have captivated not only rock fans but a wide range of music listeners.

N.E.O.CHAI

CHAI – N.E.O. – Official Music Video (subtitled)

Formed in Nagoya, Aichi in 2012, the four-piece girl band CHAI delivers a unique sound that blends a wide range of genres, including alternative rock and hip-hop.

Their 2015 EP “Hottaraka Series” drew significant attention from the outset, landing in the Top 50 on Spotify’s overseas charts.

In 2018, they released music through prestigious indie labels in the U.S.

and U.K., signed with Sub Pop, and further solidified their international reputation.

They have also earned numerous accolades, including recognition at the 10th CD Shop Awards in 2018 and taking the top spot on Buzz Rhythm 02’s “This Is Going to Buzz 2018.” With “NEO Kawaii” as their guiding concept, their music is packed with fresh, message-driven works beneath a pop surface—highly recommended for fans of Western music as well.