[2026] Breakout Inevitable! Japanese Bands to Watch Now

I’m sweet on you(BABY I LOVE YOU)Cody Rī (Ri)

Cody・Lee (Li) – I’m Sweet on You (BABY I LOVE YOU) (Music Video)

CodyLee is a band with male-and-female twin vocals.

Their nicely laid-back singing is addictive, and the distinctive lyrics match the relaxed vibe.

The instruments have a strong garage feel, making them a band I’d recommend to anyone who loves the sound of live instruments.

Their CDs are already available in shops, so be sure to check them out.

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Itō Yūta

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The 1muque

muque – The 1 (Official Music Video) [TV Anime 'ONE PIECE' Ending Theme Song]

Formed in May 2022 as a four-piece band from Fukuoka, muque creates an innovative sound that transcends genre boundaries.

Fusing a band sound with electronic approaches and incorporating diverse elements such as drum’n’bass and hip-hop, they captivate listeners with a uniquely crafted sonic world.

They made their major debut in November 2023 on A.S.A.B, part of Avex, and their long-awaited album “Dungeon,” released in October 2024, was selected for Tower Records’ “Tawarecommend,” earning high acclaim across the music scene.

They provided an insert song for the 2024 drama “Subarashiki Kana, Sensei!” and in April 2025 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 featured in Rolling Stone Japan’s “Future 25.” Highly recommended for music fans seeking refined production and a lyrical, emotive world of words.

Unbalance Blendretororiron

RETORORIRON – Unbalance Blend (Official Music Video)

Attention is now focused on the sophisticated soundscapes woven by this four-piece outfit of conservatory graduates.

Retro Riron is a highly skilled pop band formed in Tokyo in June 2020, with all members being classmates from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.

Drawing on diverse musical backgrounds—from jazz and classical to pop—their music establishes a unique, genre-transcending world of its own.

From 2023 to 2025, they released three EPs in rapid succession, cracked Spotify’s Viral 50, and achieved the remarkable feat of selling out their solo tour across Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.

In 2024, they were introduced as a notable newcomer on the TV program “Buzz Rhythm 02,” and in April 2025 they made their major-label debut with Polydor Records.

Their music, pop at its core yet defined by delicate performance and meticulous sound design, is recommended for all listeners seeking high-quality music.

traditionCHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN

CHO CO PA – tradition

CHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN is a name you won’t forget once you hear it.

Their charm lies in a sound they call “four-and-a-half-mat Tropicalia,” built on electronica and blending folk music with electronic elements.

After ramping up activities in 2021, they drew attention via social media.

In 2024, their song Watatsumi was featured in a JR East commercial, and Tradition was used in a Glico Pocky ad.

They were also selected for Spotify’s RADAR: Early Noise 2024 and have been in high demand at major festivals, including Fuji Rock.

It’s also intriguing that member Yuta is the grandson of Haruomi Hosono.

If you’re seeking a genreless, fresh musical experience, definitely give them a listen!

Tears in the red wine…Burandē Senki

Brandy War Chronicles – Tears in the Red Wine (Official Music Video)

Formed in Osaka in 2022, Brandy Senki spans a wide musical range from alternative rock to emo.

They’ve drawn attention with a distinctive sound that fuses powerful guitar riffs, delicate melodic lines, and the catchy sensibilities of Japanese pop.

Their popularity has surged on social media, with YouTube views surpassing one million in a single month.

In March 2023, they won the Grand Prix at the emerging-band showcase “Teenage White Paper 2023,” and in August of the same year, they released their first EP, “Humanity’s Demise Wonderland,” nationwide.

They’ve continued to climb steadily, including an appearance at COUNTDOWN JAPAN and a planned major-label debut in 2025.

While their music reflects the influence of ’90s rock, their modern interpretation captivates not only alternative rock fans but a wide range of listeners.

SPICAFaulieu.

Faulieu.『SPICA』-Live Music Video

Faulieu.

is a four-piece girls’ band from Tokyo.

Centered on rock, their sound impressively weaves in elements of pop, emo, and punk.

In less than a year since forming, they’ve garnered attention, and in July 2024 they’re launching a tour in support of their album.

Thanks to the high quality of their live performances and the distinctiveness of their songs, their reputation in the music scene is rapidly rising.

Their lyrics, which express raw, straightforward emotions, are another highlight.

Rock fans, be sure to check them out.

jellyfishchakura

Chakura – Jellyfish (Official Music Video)

Chakura is a girls’ band from Hachioji.

Each member has a distinctive tagline, and since their formation in June 2022 they’ve been a rising act to watch.

Riding on straightforward guitar rock, their music captures the unique sparkle of youthful girlhood, reminiscent of bands like Chatmonchy and yonige.

Their November release that same year, “Kurage” (Jellyfish), became a buzzworthy track with over 400,000 streams.

The catchy lyrics, comparing a love-tossed heart to a jellyfish, leave a strong impression.

The aggressive yet artistic music they weave delivers pure, heartfelt emotion.

Be sure to experience their vivid, true-to-the-moment sound that feels like a direct embodiment of how they feel right now.