[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 (1–10)
Diveziproom
Ziproom is a hip-hop collective based in Kobe.
The duo of Arich and Shimon has been drawing attention with a distinctive sound that deftly blends hip-hop, electro, and dance music.
They made their debut in January 2024 with the EP “unzip,” achieving the remarkable feat of entering Spotify’s Viral Top 50 charts in five countries, including Japan.
For mastering, they enlisted Stuart Hawkes—who has worked with global stars like Ed Sheeran and Charli XCX—earning acclaim for their polished sonic production.
In October 2024, they held release parties in Tokyo and Osaka, both of which sold out.
They were also selected by Spotify as next-generation artists to watch in 2025, steadily raising their profile in the scene.
With strong support from around the world, particularly on social media, their music is a must-listen that brings a fresh breeze to contemporary pop.
LOOPSIRUP
SIRUP is a cool singer with stylish beats and a distinctive rap-singing delivery.
Early in 2019, he was featured in a Honda VEZEL commercial, rapidly gaining mainstream recognition.
His sweet yet cool melodies and versatile, high-level choral work are truly impressive!
Fashion OperationNekura Tōkī
Nekraitokie is a five-member co-ed rock band that includes members from Contemporary na Seikatsu.
Many of you may have heard vocalist Mossa singing alongside KANA-BOON’s Maguro Taniguchi on the popular YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE in 2020.
If you’re into Vocaloid, the name might ring a bell when you hear that the guitarist Asahi is also active as a Vocaloid producer under the name Ishifuro.
Their appeal lies in their pop, catchy songs paired with Mossa’s crisp, cute vocals.
With a driving sense of speed and synths featured in their exhilarating rock sound, they’re poised to gain even more popularity!
[2026] Recommended breakthrough artists: A roundup of singers and groups defining the era (11–20)
I want to be lovedYumcha
Yumcha is a singer-songwriter who focuses on the theme of love and has gained popularity mainly on social media.
A talented artist who writes, composes, and produces her own music, she has won strong support—especially among younger listeners—with lyrics that tickle the heart and easygoing melodies.
Her 2023 release on major music streaming platforms drew attention across the industry, ranking 30th in Japan on Spotify’s Daily Viral Songs chart.
Thanks to viral traction on TikTok and Instagram, she quickly became a hot topic, with a stream of choreography and cover videos boosting her recognition through social media.
Her songs, which positively portray a wide range of emotions related to love, are sure to offer comfort to those experiencing unrequited feelings or struggling with romance.
love hangover7co
7co is a duo gaining attention for their distinctive sound that blends roots in R&B and hip-hop with refined pop elements.
Launched in 2022 by producer RYUJA and singer-songwriter Nanako Ashida, they’ve racked up numerous viral hits across streaming platforms.
7co has earned high praise both within and beyond the industry, being selected as an artist to watch on Spotify and Apple Music.
They’ve also sparked buzz with ventures beyond music, including a collaboration on a new product with the confectionery brand Aoyama Decarbo and creating songs originating from the fiction platform monogatary.com.
They’re a recommended listen for fans of pop music infused with R&B and hip-hop, and for anyone seeking fresh, innovative sounds.
ContrastTOMOO
TOMOO is an artist who creates music that gently touches listeners’ hearts with simple piano tones and an emotionally rich voice.
She began her career in the early 2010s and made her major debut in 2019.
While taking on a wide range of genres from pop to ballads, her dedication to a stripped-down, singer-songwriter style is also striking.
Many of her signature songs have been used as drama theme songs, and in 2022 she successfully held her solo concert “Estuary” at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA.
Her strong will, standing on stage after overcoming health issues, moved many fans.
Her songs, often themed around nature and the passage of time, are gentle yet deeply resonant.
She’s an artist especially recommended for those who want to reflect on their inner selves through music.
Bunny GirlAKASAKI
AKASAKI is a singer-songwriter born in 2006.
She started her career at 16, and her debut single “Hikikomori” went viral on TikTok with 7 million views and 300,000 likes.
Her 2024 release “Bunny Girl” became an even bigger hit and created a buzz.
She’s also highly supported by her peers, being selected for Shibuya Trend Research’s “Top 10 High School Trends.” Her distinctive production style makes creative use of DAWs, with lyrics that grab listeners’ hearts and refreshing melodies.
As a new-generation artist, we can’t wait to see what she does next!