RAG Musicartist
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Recommended Japanese bands with female vocals

Bands with female vocalists are wonderful—not just for their singing, but also for the expressiveness they bring to the music, lyrics, and every aspect of their performance, in ways only women can.

For that reason, I think many people are looking for recommendations of bands with female vocalists.

In this article, I’ll introduce some great bands with female singers! I’ve picked a wide range—from cool, hard-rocking bands that can hold their own against any male act, to groups known for their beauty and elegance.

Let’s dive right in!

Recommended Japanese female-vocal bands (’81–’90)

LorraineKAREN

“Lorraine” / KAREN
LorraineKAREN

Formed by members of the rock bands ART-SCHOOL and downy, the group featured the female singer Achico on vocals.

Their music centered on pop rock and post-rock.

Achico’s clear yet subtly distinctive voice was a major draw.

They developed a refined pop sound but disbanded in 2010.

spellLAMA

Formed by a stellar lineup—Miki Furukawa and Kouji Nakamura from former SUPERCAR, Hisako Tabuchi from NUMBER GIRL, and Kensuke Ushio, who has worked extensively on music for anime.

They create pop music that fuses band sounds with electronic music.

Miki Furukawa’s vocals are seriously addictive.

JulianPRINCESS PRINCESS

Jurian (Julian) / Super Loose Socks (Princess Princess Cover)
JulianPRINCESS PRINCESS

Formed in 1983, PRINCESS PRINCESS—a five-member all-female band selected from over 1,400 applicants—brought a fresh breeze to the J-pop scene.

Known for their powerful performances and catchy melodies, they made their re-debut in 1986 under the prestigious CBS/Sony label.

In 1989, they became the first all-female band to successfully perform at the Nippon Budokan, and their hit song released that same year won the 22nd Japan Cable Radio Awards.

They also achieved a stadium concert at Seibu Stadium.

With each member’s distinctive musicianship and Kaori Kishitani’s soaring vocals in perfect harmony, their music is etched deeply in the heart as a cherished page of youth.

Enjoy a collection of timeless songs that rekindle nostalgic memories while delivering a fresh sense of wonder.

R·I·O·TRAISE A SUILEN

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.

Samaland in the eveningUlulU

UlulU is a Tokyo-based three-piece girl band that delivers emotionally rich alternative rock with striking vibrancy.

Centered on Kayo Otaki’s warm, sincere vocals and a straight-from-the-garage guitar sound, the band’s uniquely woven sonic world is their key appeal.

They debuted in 2016 with a self-produced EP, and in May 2022 released their album “UlulU,” captivating fans nationwide on tour.

Otaki, who grew up with classical music and switched to rock out of a spirit of rebellion, brings a distinctive background to the group.

With lyrics and melodies that carefully depict everyday scenes and feelings, their music resonates deeply with many listeners—perfect for fans who value honest, down-to-earth emotion.

I want to be your lover.Chōkyūmei

“I Want to Be Your Lover” Music Video / Cho Kyumei
I want to be your lover.Chōkyūmei

A band name with such a curious ring to it makes you want to say it out loud a few times as soon as you see it, doesn’t it? Formed around 2020, Chōkyūmei is a four-piece centered on Rei—an alumna of the Showbi College of Music—who handles vocals as well as guitar and violin.

As of 2023, they’re one of the most talked-about young bands, widely seen as a sure bet for the next big breakthrough.

Many people likely discovered them through tie-ins such as March Bride, the theme song for the 2022 TV drama Ase to Sekken based on a popular manga, or Light Up Your Heart!, the ending theme for the drama Hey, Handsome Guys, Eat! that aired the same year.

Their supple band ensemble—underpinned by the high-level skills of every member—Rei’s expressive, ear-catching vocals and melodies, and the songs born from their lyrics are highly pop while brimming with rich ideas in the details, capturing the real lives of young people living in the 2020s.

If you’re into piano-driven pop, they’re definitely worth a listen.

Recommended Japanese female-vocal bands (91–100)

COLD HEATdetroit7

detroit7/COLD HEAT 【PV】
COLD HEATdetroit7

An alternative rock band formed in 2001 by vocalist Tomomi Nabana.

They have opened for and co-headlined with many overseas artists, and in 2008 they embarked on the Japan Nite US Tour 2008, performing in seven cities across the United States.

In Japan, they have actively appeared at various festivals such as SUMMER SONIC and RISING SUN ROCK FES.

Drawing on their extensive experience performing abroad, the band is known for its Western-influenced sound and soulful vocals.