There are several amazing all girl bands from Japan – SCANDAL, Band-Maid, Hitsuji Bungaku, and BABY METAL just to name a few.
But – I can only name one band who delivers the high school band sound similar to those depicted in anime, like Hokago Tea Time (K-on!) or Kessoku Band (Bocchi).
Shishamo’s style of girl powered, doesn’t-take-itself-too-seriously youth rock has earned them legend status in the music scene, but they won’t be around for much longer.
They announced their retirement last week. Their final show will be on June 14, 2026.
Let’s take a look at Shishamo’s legacy and celebrate their final year as a band.
Who is SHISHAMO?
The band is called Shishamo, and their name is just as playful as the previously mentioned anime bands. It means “Willow Leaf Fish“, a type of small smelt fish from Hokkaido. Shishamo is a popular bar food, and they kind of taste like french fries with some extra umami.
Vocalist Miyazaki Asako said she picked the name because she “found the name cute and the kanji (柳葉魚) interesting”.
Their lineup consists of Miyazaki Asako on guitar and singer/main songwriter, Misaki Yoshikawa as drums and the band’s leader, and Aya Matsuoka on bass.
Shishamo’s origin story is a classic. They met at their high school’s light music club, hit it off, and formed a band.
Originally, the girls planned to quit when they turned 20, but as Shishamo played music fests and naturally gained traction, they knew it was too early to quit.
The story has many parallels to another famous band, RADWIMPS. Both bands hit it big playing high school festivals and had to make the tough decision to continue music or get a “real job”. Their choice was influenced by their loving fans, ready to support them as high school ended and college began.
Shishamo was a force that couldn’t be stopped. Their fate was to continue making carefree rock. Now, the three piece band has been making music together since high school.
SHISHAMO’s Signature Sound
Shishamo went big with the 2013 hit Boku ni Kanojo ga Dekitanda, “I made a girlfriend”. The song is written from a very excited boy’s point of view about how he badly wants to show off his new girlfriend!
I remember always ordering Shishamo (the fish) after this song came out. I couldn’t get it out of my head!
Their next hit song was Kimi to Natsu Fest, “You and I at the Summer Music Festival” in 2014. It’s a staple song for Japanese youth and their romances during music fest season.
Shishamo continued playing music fests and to release music, setting an example that girls didn’t have to be overly serious or intentionally cute with their band sound. Having fun, being genuine, and making catchy tunes was enough!
Recently, Shishamo had another peak in popularity after performing the opening song to the anime Flower and Asura in January 2025.
The Final Show
Shishamo announced they will disband after one final show on June 14th in Kawasaki, the same city where their high school is located.
The shows are up on their schedule. If you want a chance to attend, see here how to apply to concerts in Japan.
Be sure to check Shishamo’s homepage for updates on how to get tickets to their last tour.
I saw them perform at Met Rock this summer. They had some of the best energy out of a long lineup of bands.
It’s a shame Shishamo won’t be playing anymore, but their youth anthems will forever be the soundtrack for music fest romances and bygone summers.
If you are interested in checking out another band with a similar sound, I wrote about SUPER SOCIAL SANDAL, an up-and-coming girl fronted band from Tokyo.
Until next time! ❤
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