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Show-Ya

From Alfawiki
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Show-Ya, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025
Show-Ya
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1981
Headquarters
Tokyo
,
Japan
ProductsHeavy metal music, live performances, music albums
is an all-female heavy metal ensemble from Japan, established in 1981. After disbanding in 1998, the original members reunited in 2005 to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Their sound transitioned from pop rock origins to a heavier metal style, marked by acclaimed releases such as Outerlimits (1989) and Hard Way (1990). Additionally, Show-Ya organizes the annual all-female rock event Naon no Yaon, which began in 1987.

1981–1998: Origins, achievements, and dissolution

Show-Ya originated in 1981 when Keiko Terada and Miki Nakamura formed the band to compete in Yamaha's East West Grand Prix. Initially named , they adopted the name Show-Ya after an izakaya chain where they convened, intending to highlight their energetic live shows. Their victory in the contest led to a recording contract with Toshiba EMI. In 1983, guitarist Miki Igarashi replaced Mitsuko Numata, completing the lineup alongside drummer Miki Tsunoda and bassist Satomi Senba.

Their first album, Masquerade Show, was produced in Japan and mixed at Abbey Road Studios in London. The track "Suteki Ni Dancing (Coke Is It)" received promotion through TV and radio advertisements by The Coca-Cola Company. The group performed at notable London venues including Dingwalls and The Marquee. Their follow-up album, Queendom, also underwent mixing at Abbey Road.

Growing media exposure prompted a more strategic business approach. Under the guidance of Yasushi Akimoto—known for managing idol group Onyanko Club—their fourth album Trade Last expanded their fan base through the “Date Line” nationwide tour, with performances recorded for VHS distribution.

In 1987, acclaimed producer Andy Johns, recognized for work with Led Zeppelin and Rolling Stones, mixed their albums Immigration and Glamour in Los Angeles. Inspired by California’s glam metal scene, Show-Ya’s musical direction adapted accordingly. Live recordings from these tours were compiled into their debut live album, Turn Over.

That same year, Show-Ya inaugurated the first Naon no Yaon festival, which annually featured female artists and bands at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall until 1991.

Their initial American appearance took place in 1988 at the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood. They established themselves alongside peers such as Vixen and Lita Ford.

The 1989 release Outerlimits climbed to No.3 on Japanese charts, selling over 600,000 copies and earning double Platinum certification. The single "Genkai Lovers" was utilized in a campaign for Shell. Their sold-out tours included performances at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan as well as international venues in London, Moscow, Los Angeles, and Mexico City.

In 1990, their eighth studio project Hard Way, produced by Beau Hill, was recorded in Los Angeles. Featured on the cover of the Los Angeles Times, Show-Ya was compared with prominent Japanese metal groups like Vow Wow and Loudness. Despite strong domestic success, their commercial breakthrough in the US remained limited.

Lead vocalist Terada exited the band in 1991 due to creative disagreements to embark on a solo career. Steffanie Borges joined as her replacement; her fluency in English supported efforts to penetrate the US market. That year, Show-Ya performed landmark concerts at North Korea’s Mansudae Art Theatre, extensively covered by Japanese media. They also contributed theme music for the 1992 wrestling event Super Warriors held at Tokyo Dome.

By late 1992, management shifted focus exclusively to Terada, leading to Show-Ya’s contract termination with Master Works Co., while EMI Japan ended their association following the release of "Flame of the Angels" featuring Borges. The band persisted with recording and touring activities in Los Angeles, releasing Touch the Sun (1995) under Creedence label. Borges departed in 1996; Yoshino assumed vocal duties thereafter. After issuing the EP This My Way (1998), Show-Ya officially disbanded later that year. Members then pursued individual paths; guitarist Igarashi briefly reunited with Terada in All Japan's Women Pro Band alongside members from Princess Princess.

2005–present: Reunion

After a seven-year hiatus, Show-Ya officially reassembled with original vocalist Keiko Terada in 2005. Terada had initially suggested a reunion following the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake; however, the group declined at that time, although they maintained communication. To commemorate their 20th anniversary since debut, Show-Ya performed at Tokyo's NHK Hall on October 23, an event that was recorded and later issued on DVD. EMI Japan re-released the band’s earlier albums as remastered CDs and compiled a comprehensive anthology featuring remixed tracks. The Show-Ya Live 2006 DVD was subsequently released in 2007. In 2008, they brought back the Naon no Yaon festival after a 17-year break, showcasing 61 artists and drawing an audience of 3,000.

In March 2012, the band unveiled Genuine Diamond, their tenth studio album and first new release in 17 years. Starting in 2013, Naon no Yaon became an annual event once again, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall. For their 30th year milestone in 2015, Show-Ya launched the album Progress and embarked on a club tour. Their eleventh studio project, Aurora, followed in 2017.

The year 2021 saw Show-Ya introduce Showdown, their inaugural global release featuring English-language lyrics and a collaboration with German vocalist Dorothee Pesch. To celebrate their 35th anniversary since debut, the band held a special concert at Line Cube Shibuya on August 29.

Members

  • Keiko Terada – lead vocals, tambourine (1981–1991, 2005–present)
  • Miki "Sun-go" Igarashi – guitar, backing vocals (1984–1998, 2005–present)
  • Miki "Captain" Nakamura – keyboards, backing vocals (1981–1998, 2005–present)
  • Satomi Senba – bass guitar, backing vocals (1982–1998, 2005–present)
  • Miki "Mittan" Tsunoda – drums, backing vocals (1982–1998, 2005–present)

Former members

  • Mitsuko Numata – guitar (1981–1984)
  • Steffanie Borges – vocals (1991–1996)
  • Yoshino – vocals (1996–1998)

Studio albums

EPs

Cover albums

  • Glamorous Show (2014)
  • Glamorous Show II (2015)

Live albums

Soundtracks

  • Burai Prototype (1989)

Compilation albums

Singles

  • "Suteki ni Dancing (Coke Is It)" / "Au Revoir (Last Scene)" (1985/08/31)
  • "Shidokenaku Emotion" / "You Can Dance" (1986/02/01)
  • "One Way Heart" / "Love Sick" (1986/08/22)
  • "Sono Ato de Koroshitai" / "Yoru ga Kuru Made Nemuretai" (1987/01/22)
  • "Mizu no Naka no Toubousha" / "Fermata" (1987/05/25) – Theme song for the TV Asahi drama series Metropolis 25
  • "Kodoku no Meiro (Labyrinth)" / "Uso da to Itte yo, Moon Light" (1987/10/26)
  • "Aisazu ni Irarenai - Still Be Hangin' On" / "Get Down" (1988/06/25) – Also available with an English version of "Still Be Hangin' On"
  • "3 Dome no Christmas" / "Go" (1988)
  • "Genkai Lovers" / "What Do You Say?" (1989/02/01) – Featured in a Shell advertising campaign
  • "Watashi wa Arashi" / "Ai no Frustration" (1989/06/07)
  • "Sakebi" / "Ubaitore" (1990/03/07)
  • "Gambling" / "Naze" (1990/09/05)
  • "Flame of the Angels" / "Don't Say Goodbye" (1992/01/29)
  • "V.S. Myself" (2013/07/24)

Additional Works

  • "Tribute to Seikima-II -Akuma to no Keiyakusho-" featuring the track "Rouningyou no Yakata" (2010/09/15)

Video Releases

  • Date Line (1987)
  • Rollin World (1989)
  • 1990 Budokan - Reach for the World (1990)
  • Distance on Their Way (1991)
  • Hard Way Tour 1991 (1991)
  • 20th Anniversary Live (2005)
  • Show-Ya Live 2006 (2007)
  • Hardest Rock (2013)
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