BAND-MAIKO is a sub-unit of BAND-MAID that first appeared as an April Fool's Day prank on April 1, 2018. The prank had a good reception from the fans, and since April 1, 2019 they are back as a real unit, releasing their first mini album. The concept behind it is summed up as "Maiko x Hard Rock." For their songs, they brought out traditional Japanese instruments to create a festive and elegant Kyoto-inspired sense of style. The members wear maiko (apprentice geisha) outfits, and their lyrics are based on the Kyoto dialect.