[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)
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.
I can’t sayiri
iri is a singer-songwriter with roots in R&B, hip-hop, and Black music.
She’s a singer known for her strikingly soulful low register and vocal style.
Her cool voice pairs perfectly with sleek, urban tracks, and she’s now in high demand at festivals and in the media.
A full-on breakthrough is surely just around the corner!
Pebbles of DreamsAkiyama Kiiro
Akiyama Kiro, an internet-born artist from Tochigi Prefecture.
Some of you may have been blown away by his song “Monologue,” the theme for the drama Ten no Himitsu (10 Secrets).
His powerful vocals and messages that resonate in the heart are captivating.
His straightforward, vividly captured lyrics also grab you by the gut.
One of Akiyama Kiro’s strengths is how he can make negative emotions feel meaningful.
He’s a true craftsman of an artist who not only creates the music but also produces his own videos and illustrations.
[2026] Recommended breakthrough artists: A roundup of singers and groups defining the era (11–20)
The 1muque
Formed in May 2022 as a four-piece band from Fukuoka, muque crafts an innovative sound that transcends genre boundaries.
By fusing a band-centric approach with electronic music elements, they create a distinctive sonic world that incorporates drum’n’bass, hip-hop, and more.
They made their major debut in November 2023 on A.S.A.B, part of the Avex group, and have been highly acclaimed in the music scene—for instance, their long-awaited album “Dungeon,” released in October 2024, was selected for Tower Records’ “Tawarecommen.” They provided insert songs for an ABC TV/TV Asahi network drama in 2024, and in April 2025 they created the theme song commemorating the 55th anniversary of a Fukuoka FM station.
They were nominated for the Rising Star Award at MTV VMAJ 2023 and were chosen for Rolling Stone Japan’s “Future 25.” A highly recommended band for music fans seeking refined production and a lyrical, emotive songwriting universe.
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.
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!
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!