Roundup of popular female guitarists: introducing guitar players from Japan and around the world.

summer festivalInatsuki Aya

summer festival

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.

P.S. I LOVE YOUSuzuki Takako

[Official] PINK SAPPHIRE “P.S. I LOVE YOU” (Music Video) Pink Sapphire / P.S. I Love You (1st single)

Takako Suzuki, the guitarist of PINK SAPPHIRE who kept delivering brilliant guitar sounds.

Since their major debut in July 1990, her solid, hard rock–based guitar work became the cornerstone of the band’s musical identity.

Achieving the remarkable feat of four consecutive Top 10 hits, including a tie-in with a Fuji TV drama, the band drew attention as pioneers among female rock groups.

In 1992, they also won the Grand Prix at the Japan Junior Chamber’s “Song to Cheer the Earth.” Suzuki went on to pursue diverse musical activities, including tour support for MAX and Hiroko Anzai, and performing with Yoshio Nomura’s FUNK ROCKET.

With powerful yet delicate guitar playing, she broadened the possibilities for female guitarists and left a significant mark on the rock scene as a trailblazer.

I’m sadSuzuki Yoko

ZELDA: An All-Time Masterpiece, 1996

Yoko Suzuki, who was an early member of the all-female rock band ZELDA formed in 1979, helped forge the group’s distinctive sound by blending punk, new wave, funk, and other genres.

In 1982, they made their major-label debut on Nippon Phonogram with the album “ZELDA” and the single “Mirage Lover.” Her innovative guitar playing underpinned the band’s experimental sound.

ZELDA’s uniqueness as an all-women band and their musicality were highly acclaimed, influencing many who followed.

They’re a perfect fit for music fans seeking fresh, genre-defying arrangements and energetic performances.

Metaphor feat. FeryquitousIchika Nito

Ichika Nito – Metaphor feat. Feryquitous (Official Music Video)

Ichika Nito is a guitarist with a large social media following who is attracting worldwide attention.

He started piano in childhood and picked up the guitar at 15.

With wide-ranging tastes from metalcore to R&B, he has honed his skills self-taught.

His YouTube channel boasts over two million subscribers, and he ranked eighth as one of the “best guitarists right now” in the UK music magazine Total Guitar.

With his unique sensibility, exceptional technique, and one-of-a-kind tone, he has earned high praise from world-renowned guitarists such as John Petrucci and Pete Townshend.

He also performs live actively overseas.

Well-versed in anime and video game music, his captivating performances that draw on that knowledge point to new possibilities for guitar music.

She was a DoormanAna Popović

Ana Popovic – She was a Doorman

Simply stepping onto the stage, she radiates an overflowing aura, and among today’s female blues guitarists, Ana Popovic reigns at the top.

Born in 1976 in Belgrade, in the former Yugoslavia, she released her first album, “Hometown,” in 1999, was named Best New Artist at the Blues Music Awards in 2003, and made her U.S.

debut in 2007, where she continues to thrive.

It’s Too LateCarole King

Carole King – It’s Too Late (Sub. en Español)

Carole King, known as an American singer-songwriter, created numerous hit songs in the 1960s in partnership with Gerry Goffin and later achieved great success as a solo artist.

In particular, her 1971 album Tapestry became a massive hit, holding the record for the most weeks at No.

1 by a female artist for over 20 years.

She has left a brilliant legacy, including four Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

With a warm voice and lyrics that resonate deeply, she has captured the hearts of many listeners, especially women.

Carole King’s music, with its timeless appeal, is deeply etched into the history of pop music.

Infancy Of A DisasterDonita Sparks

Donita Sparks Infancy Of A Disaster HQ

In 1985, Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner formed the all-female rock band L7, with Sparks handling guitar and vocals.

Her sound hides a delicate sensibility within its raw power, and her guitar technique is top-tier.

She is currently 54 and still active.