Recommended Japanese bands with female vocals

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

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 (31–40)

Absolute relationshipRed Park

Akaiko-en – Absolute Relationship (MV Full Ver.) [Theme Song for Fuji TV Saturday Drama “Lost Days”]

Absolute Relationship Red Park

Akaikoen is a highly skilled all-female band formed by senior and junior members of a high school light music club.

They initially drew attention with their distinctive live performances, including wearing all-white outfits, and made their major debut in 2012.

Although they continued to work energetically, due in part to the sudden passing of a member, they unfortunately disbanded in 2021.

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DOUNARUNO?SpecialThanks

SpecialThanks / DOUNARUNO!?【MV】

DOUNARUNO?SpecialThanks

SpecialThanks is a mixed-gender band led by female vocalist Misaki.

Their guitar-driven sound is distinctive, and Misaki’s punkish vocals and English-lyric melodies ride on top, making them very easy to listen to.

In addition to English lyrics, they also have Japanese lyrics—not just words tailored to the melody or style, but ones that express the beauty of the Japanese language in a relatable way.

They’re a band you won’t want to take your eyes off in the future!

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Myth BustingHello Sleepwalkers

Myth Collapse / Hello Sleepwalkers

Myth Collapse Hello Sleepwalkers

Formed in 2008, Hello Sleepwalkers is a five-piece band from Okinawa.

With distinctive male–female twin vocals and triple guitars, they deliver a hybrid rock sound driven by boundless curiosity.

They made their major-label debut in 2012, and a song released in 2014 became a smash hit.

Since then, they’ve continued to put out music energetically.

In 2016, they released the album “Planless Perfection,” co-produced with Colin Brittain, and successfully performed at Akasaka BLITZ.

Although they went on hiatus in 2018, they restarted activities in 2021.

Led by Shuntaro, the band showcases each member’s individuality and charm.

A must-listen for rock fans.

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Soldier GirlsFERN PLANET

FERN PLANET [Soldier Girls] (Official Music Video)

Soldier Girls FERN PLANET

FERN PLANET was formed in 2017 by SERINA on guitar and vocals and Meiko Yamaguchi on bass and backing vocals.

Haruki Mizuguchi joined once but later left, and the band continued as a duo.

The tight, low register of SERINA’s voice and the beauty of her high tones make for an addictive harmony.

Their rock ’n’ roll sound and poised presence are seriously cool, too.

Although they went on hiatus in December 2019, it seems they’ll continue their musical activities, so here’s hoping they make a comeback.

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There will be love there -A Place with Love-the brilliant green

"There will be love there" the brilliant green - Intermediate Piano Sheet Music Video arranged by Shinichiro Sato

There will be love there -A place with love- the brilliant green

This is a band for which Tomoko Kawase—also known for her solo work under the name Tommy february6—writes lyrics and handles vocals.

They’ve collaborated with a variety of media and provided many songs, so there’s a good chance you’ve heard at least one of their tracks.

The video features a song from 1999, but even now it’s a refreshing listen, with lyrics crafted by Tomoko Kawase and a vocal delivery that conveys a touch of languid charm.

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Recommended Japanese female-vocal bands (41–50)

UkifuneGO!GO!7188

Ukifune

Ukifune GO!GO!7188

GO!GO!7188 rose to popularity as a three-piece band and even held a successful concert at the Nippon Budokan in 2004.

In 2006, their participation in America’s “SXSW Japan Nite” brought them international attention.

Although they sadly disbanded in 2012, their songs that blend rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular music) are still loved today.

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surround (as a verb); surround sound (when referring to audio/AV context)Clammbon

Clammbon “Surround” (Official Music Video)

Surround Clammbon

A three-piece band celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Their singular musicality—impossible to sum up in a single word—embraces a wide range of genres, from pop to jazz.

They have long enjoyed immense support from devoted music fans and are a one-of-a-kind band with many admirers within the music industry as well.

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