Popular Female Vocal Bands [2025]

Popular Female Vocal Bands [2025]

Last updated:2025/8/28

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.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

When you think of female-fronted bands, which ones come to mind?

In today’s Japanese rock scene, there are countless female-vocal bands thriving—like SHISHAMO, Ryokuoushoku Shakai, Hump Back, and Polkadot Stingray.

The explosive energy of male vocals is undeniably cool, but the unique brilliance and swagger that only female vocals can bring are wonderful, too.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of popular female-vocal bands all at once.

We’re also highlighting up-and-coming artists that deserve special attention right now, so enjoy discovering something new alongside your favorite bands!

Popular Female Vocal Bands [2025] (1–10)

UnchainedLOVEBITES

LOVEBITES / Unchained [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

UnchainedLOVEBITES

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.

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Because the sun will rise againGreen Yellow Society

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Because the Sun Will Rise Again' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hi wa Mata Noboru Kara

Because the sun will rise again — Ryokuoushoku Shakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai is a band known for its piercingly powerful female vocals.

I’m captivated by the contrast between vocalist Haruko Nagaya’s striking beauty and the strength of her voice.

Their assured, skillful performance is delicate yet forceful, further elevating the vocals.

Some of their songs have already been used as TV drama theme songs, and expectations are high for their future activities.

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upsetHump Back

Hump Back – “Upset” Music Video

Upset Hump Back

Hump Back, a band from Osaka, is drawing attention as a new-generation girls’ rock band.

But they’re not the kind of “cute” band you might imagine when you hear the term girls’ band—their hallmark is a solid, emotional sound with songs that make your excitement surge just by listening.

The secret to that exhilaration lies not only in the sound, vocals, and various phrases throughout, but above all, in lyrics that evoke a deeply moving sense of nostalgia.

They’re a top recommendation—a female-vocal band I especially want people of their generation to hear.

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Time capsuleAo

Ao – Time Capsule [Official MV]

Time Capsule Ao

Ao is a three-piece band delivering an emotional rock sound.

Formed in April 2024, they made their debut in September of the same year.

Their debut track received high praise from many listeners, rapidly boosting the band’s popularity.

On their eight-city national tour, they performed co-headlining shows, drawing attention from fans and music industry professionals alike.

The band is defined by Zarame’s warm yet powerful vocals, Momo’s bass that underpins the groove, and Maki’s dynamic drumming.

Ao’s vision is to connect people through music.

With moving lyrics and fast-paced melodies, they’re highly recommended for anyone seeking music that truly resonates.

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AlchemillaLegal Lily

Legal Lily – “Alchemilla” Music Video

Alchemilla Regal Lily

Regal Lily is a three-piece all-girl rock band formed in Tokyo.

Guitarist-vocalist Honoka Takahashi captivates many fans with a voice that, beneath its girlish innocence, reveals fleeting fragility.

The fresh, invigorating rock sound that highlights her lovable vocals is simply irresistible.

It carries a touch of nostalgia, yet each song shows a different face, offering fresh discoveries.

With this music, you can stay in your adolescence forever.

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Smoke of LoveChatmonchy

Chatmonchy “Koi no Kemuri” Music Video

Love Smoke Chatmonchy

When it comes to the quintessential girls’ rock bands that thrived in the 2000s and 2010s, it’s unquestionably them! Among those of that generation, I’m sure many listened to their songs all the time in their school days, and quite a few even covered them repeatedly with their own bands.

The cool edge in vocalist-guitarist Eriko Hashimoto’s adorable voice hasn’t changed since back then, and I believe they still have many fans today.

No matter when you listen, their music instantly brings your youth rushing back—one of those bands with a mysterious power to do just that.

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You can keep it vague.Hitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – It's Okay to Be Ambiguous (Official Music Video)

Ambiguity is fine, yo, Hitsujibungaku

Hitsujibungaku is a three-piece band consisting of guitarist-vocalist Moeka Shiozuka, bassist Yurika, and drummer Hiroa Fukuda.

Their band sound is crystal-clear yet solid at the core—rich and immersive, making you want to keep listening.

Shiozuka’s pop, dreamy vocals suit the band’s sound perfectly, and each word of the lyrics gently finds its way into your heart.

Immerse yourself in their world.

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