Recommended Japanese bands for women in their 20s

Before foundationFirst Love is Never Returned

First Love is Never Returned “Before the Foundation” (Official Music Video)

The five-piece band First Love is Never Returned, hailing from Hokkaido, is bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene.

Blending pop, R&B, and indie rock into an all-encompassing pop sound, they’re winning over fans’ hearts.

After officially kicking off in 2023, they have released several tracks including “POP OUT!” Their rising profile includes opening the RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL.

Lead vocalist Kazuki Ishida’s “love-struck voice” captivates a wide range of listeners.

In 2024, they were selected for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2024,” heightening expectations as next-generation artists.

They’re a recommended band for festival and music event lovers, as well as anyone looking to discover new music.

UkifuneGO!GO!7188

GO!GO!7188 – Ukifune / Ukifune – Ukifune (Official PV)

This is a three-piece rock band formed by classmates Yuu and Akko from Kagoshima.

They specialize in surf rock and garage rock infused with traditional Japanese flavors, and made their major debut in 2000.

Skillfully weaving in elements of nostalgic Shōwa-era pop while adding a punk rock edge, they captivated many fans with their distinctive sound.

Their fiery live performances—driven by Yuu’s striking vocals and guitar, Akko’s bass, and Turkey’s drums—left audiences in awe.

Even after disbanding in February 2012, the members each continued their musical pursuits.

If you discovered rock in your youth, this band will surely resonate with you.

UnchainedLOVEBITES

LOVEBITES / Unchained [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A five-piece all-female band shining in the world of traditional heavy metal.

Formed in 2016 and making their major debut in 2017, LOVEBITES captivates with dazzling twin-guitar harmonies and a powerful rhythm section.

Many of their songs feature English lyrics, and their music production is geared toward international activity.

In 2018, they won “Best New Band” at the UK music magazine Metal Hammer’s Golden Gods Awards.

That same year, they performed at Germany’s Wacken Open Air, enthralling an audience of around ten thousand.

While rooted in power metal and speed metal, they fuse in elements of classical and jazz to craft a distinctive style that continues to attract metal fans worldwide.

They are highly recommended for listeners seeking a heavy sound and exceptional musicianship.

fryagainMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「FLY AGAIN」 (Official Video)

I discovered MAN WITH A MISSION through this song.

It’s a track they often play live, and during the chorus the crowd raises both arms in unison, dancing and singing along—a danceable fan favorite.

It’s a stylish, cool song where EDM and rock fit together perfectly.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

Formed in 2013 and making their major-label debut in 2015, Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is known for a sound that fuses diverse genres such as J-pop and alternative rock.

Starting with the album “Variety,” they have released an original album every year.

They have provided theme songs for films, TV dramas, and anime, earning strong support—especially among younger listeners—for songs that depict youthful scenes and inner conflicts.

In 2023, they won four categories at the MTV VMAJ and received an Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Motoki Omori writes and composes all of their songs, and together as a tight-knit trio they create tracks with catchy melodies and profound messages.

They are a highly recommended band for those who want to experience the power of music through live-house performances.

Clap your handsNICO Touches the Walls

NICO Touches the Walls - “Clap Your Hands”

Many fans say this might be the purest song in the band’s history.

Not everything goes smoothly, but the message of keeping your head up and moving forward comes through loud and clear.

The members floating in the music video look like they’re having so much fun—and they’re adorable.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

Omoinotake is a three-piece band from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, known for their distinctive sound strongly influenced by Black music such as soul, R&B, and hip-hop.

Featuring Reo Fujii’s soaring vocals and piano, Tomoaki Fukushima on bass, and Hironoshin Tomita on drums, they’ve drawn attention as a rare guitar-less band.

They made their major-label debut in November 2021 with their first EP, “EVERBLUE,” on Sony Music Labels, and in 2024 provided the theme song for the drama “Eye Love You,” starring Fumi Nikaido.

Even before their major debut, they showcased their abilities with street performances in Shibuya starting in 2017, drawing crowds of over 500 people at their peak.

Expressing Black music through a uniquely band-oriented approach, their sound is recommended not only for traditional rock fans but also for listeners who love R&B and soul.