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

IrisKAOЯI

PARADOXX 'Iris' Official Music Video

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.

Still BurningMOE

BRIDEAR – Still Burning [Official music video]

Centered on power metal while incorporating metalcore and progressive elements, BRIDEAR has crafted a unique sound—bolstered in 2022 by the addition of MOE as their new guitarist.

Her exceptional guitar technique has breathed new life into the band.

Supported by ESP Guitars, she captivates with a performance style that is both delicate and dynamic—a talent not to be missed.

Together with AYUMI in a twin-guitar lineup, they paint a vast soundscape, and BRIDEAR’s live shows have earned high praise overseas.

Highly recommended for music fans drawn to the fusion of fiery metal and grand, sweeping melodies.

Day’s eyeMaiko

PARADOXX – Day’s eye［Official Music Video］

Maiko has been drawing attention as a technical player who skillfully wields a 35-fret guitar.

As the guitarist for the all-girl metal band PARADOXX, formed in February 2021, she delivers a powerful twin-guitar sound.

She began playing guitar in elementary school after a teacher introduced her to BOØWY, and she developed a performance style heavily influenced by Gino Roth and John Sykes.

Since their debut single in June 2021, the band has steadily gained fans with their melodic hard rock sound.

Maiko’s commanding playing captivates music lovers who are passionate about hard rock and heavy metal.

We AreToki

Aldious / We Are (Full Version) [HD]

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.

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.