[2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
These days, more and more artists are breaking out all at once thanks to popularity on the internet, and trends in the music scene are changing at a dizzying pace! From dance-vocal groups to artists who don’t show their faces, there’s a wide variety of styles.
It’s no longer unusual for songs by artists you’ve never listened to before to quickly become nationwide hits through YouTube and social media.
In this article, we’ll introduce a whole lineup of artists who are gaining popularity right now! We’re highlighting artists who are already breaking through, as well as those poised for the next big break.
Read this and you’ll get a complete picture of what’s happening in the Japanese music scene today!
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[2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups (91–100)
Make up your mind!Sabasusutā
Sabasistar is a rising three-piece girls’ band formed in March 2022.
Just five months after forming, they performed at SUMMER SONIC and have since appeared at major festivals and circuit events across Japan.
Their own tours began selling out within a year, rapidly gaining popularity and attention at an exceptional pace.
Their appeal lies in straightforward rock sounds that evoke a touch of nostalgia and lyrics built on an authentic, down-to-earth vocal style.
They’re a band to watch in the coming days.
Scent of you&TEAM
&TEAM is also known for the fact that their debut song became a sudden smash hit.
They are a multinational boy group who debuted through the audition program “&AUDITION – The Howling -.” Many of you may have watched that show.
While their vocal skills are excellent, I’d also like you to pay attention to their sharp dance performances.
And if you’re interested, check out the TV programs the members appear on—you’ll get a better sense of their personalities.
[2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A roundup of singers and groups defining the era (101–110)
You’re unfair, you know.riria.
Riria., a female singer-songwriter who performs without showing her face, began posting self-accompanied singing videos on social media around autumn 2019 and drew attention for her emotional vocals.
She released her first original song in May 2020, reaching No.
1 on the LINE MUSIC charts, and made her major-label debut that November.
Known for her acoustic guitar, singer-songwriter style, she often writes songs themed around love and heartbreak.
In 2022, she also voiced the heroine in an animated film, expanding her activities.
Her YouTube channel has over 426,000 subscribers and her TikTok following exceeds one million, demonstrating her strong influence on social media.
With relatable lyrics and expressive performances, Riria.’s music is especially popular among younger listeners and is recommended for anyone struggling with matters of the heart.
ObsessedAyumu Imazu
Ayumu Imazu is a rising artist who gained attention in 2024 with “Obsessed.” While grounded in J-POP, his music reflects a wide range of influences, and songs like “RUN FOR YOU” and “ATARI,” in addition to “Obsessed,” are beloved by many fans.
In February 2024, he was selected as Buzz Tracker’s Monthly Artist, a testament to how highly his talent is regarded within the industry.
His songs are characterized by heartfelt melodies and relatable lyrics, making them recommended for listeners across generations.
Nothing I do goes well.meiyo
Singer-songwriter meiyo, whose 2021 release “Naniyatte mo Umaku Ikanai” went viral.
Candid lyrics sung over sounds reminiscent of Vocaloid tracks.
By laying bare the dark emotions everyone secretly harbors, he captured listeners’ hearts.
In particular, the signature song “Naniyatte mo Umaku Ikanai” resonated with many and was even nominated for TikTok’s 2021 Buzzword Awards.
An artist whose uniquely sharp perspective and distinctive worldview are sure to draw you in.
Who is he?zaki no suke.
Haretadoki, which was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Rationally Impossible: Detective Ryoko Kamizuru’s Investigation,” became a big hit.
The artist who made a name for himself with this track is Zakinousuke.
His frequent appearances on music shows and in magazines speak to the strong public response.
He started playing in a band in middle school and was already writing lyrics and composing songs early on.
He was also a finalist in an audition hosted by THE FIRST TAKE.
Listening to the song, you can see why he has such an impressive background.
Not the EndYasuda Rei
After working with the music unit Genki Rockets, Rei Yasuda made her solo debut in 2013 and is known for signature songs like “Best of my Love” and “Mirror.” More recently, her track “Not the End” was featured as an insert song in the drama “Love You as the World Ends,” so many people may be hearing her voice every week.
Born in the United States, she is fluent in English, and even her vocal tone has a rich depth reminiscent of overseas singers, which is incredibly appealing.
She’s a singer whose voice conveys a strong sense of groove, so be sure to explore her talent across a variety of songs!
