[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 singers and groups defining the era (51–60)
whale calfTele
Tele is a singer-songwriter drawing attention for his one-of-a-kind style.
Word of mouth spread mainly through social media, and he successfully held his first solo concert in 2022.
In 2023, he attracted even more fans with the release of “Kujira no Ko” (Child of the Whale).
It’s a message song for those who are struggling or in difficult circumstances, with lyrics that don’t push you forward but gently embrace you instead.
Many of his works carry kind, compassionate messages, so be sure to check them out.
LIGHTNINGMAZZEL
MAZZEL is a group formed by the eight finalists from the audition program MISSION×2, which scouted a new boy group.
They belong to BMSG, led by SKY-HI, and are expanding their global reach with high-quality performances as their strength.
Their overall excellence—visuals, dance, and consistently strong vocals—has drawn attention, and further growth is highly anticipated.
Another appealing point is that, through the audition program, fans could get to know what kind of people the members are, making them feel more approachable.
Song of DawnRin Oto
In February 2020, rapper Rinne released “snow jam,” which became his signature track.
The song was used in many users’ videos on TikTok and garnered major buzz.
It then appeared on viral charts across subscription services and led to an explosive breakthrough.
He continued actively releasing music afterward and has become an indispensable figure in discussions of today’s music scene.
His calm, gentle vocals and laid-back songs are easy on the ears and have captured the hearts of many young listeners.
FlowerFuji Kaze
Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze hails from Okayama Prefecture.
Since his student days, he has been uploading piano-and-vocal performance videos to YouTube, where his exceptional playing and singing drew attention even back then.
Since his debut, he has leveraged his refined songwriting sense and expressive power to release a variety of tracks.
Combined with his relaxed, approachable personality, he quickly became a breakout artist with massive popularity.
From songs with irresistibly catchy melodies that make you want to hum along, to tracks distinguished by lyrics that resonate deeply, he offers a wide range—so be sure to explore his music.
[2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A roundup of singers and groups defining the era (61–70)
fake face dance musicOnda Masanori
A singer-songwriter who is active mainly on social media and whose vocals are often described as innate.
On Abema’s show “Utakatsu! ~Utauma Junior and Senior High School Student Support Project~ Season 2,” they received high praise from the judges, and their talent is steadily gaining recognition.
Given that they are a student and active on social media, it’s no surprise they’re drawing attention and empathy especially from teenagers of the same generation.
With gripping lyrics and a captivating voice, they’re a musician who’s all but guaranteed to grow even more popular going forward.
Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento
Kento Sugo, who performs under the name KENT, drew attention after his 2023 track “Shinuna!” went viral on social media, and his 2024 release “Hai Yorokonde” became a major hit both in Japan and abroad.
He possesses exceptional vocal ability—so much so that he won a national a cappella competition two years in a row while in college.
Leveraging that skill, he delivers performances with wide melodic shifts and emotionally charged singing.
Incidentally, his older brother is actor Masaki Suda, and he has even created a birthday song for him.
NIGHT DANCERimase
Imase is a young singer-songwriter from Gifu Prefecture who made his major-label debut after only about a year of making music.
The breakthrough came via TikTok.
He had been posting on TikTok in his signature style: singing and playing while using a piece of equipment called a drum pad.
One of those posts went viral, which led to his major debut.
Since then, he has continued to work actively, creating songs for commercials such as JT and Pocari Sweat.
