[2026] Breakout Inevitable! Japanese Bands to Watch Now
In recent years, the spread of new music sparked by social media has accelerated, and more artists are breaking out rapidly thanks to internet popularity, making trends in the music scene shift faster than ever.
New-generation bands that go beyond conventional norms are steadily making their mark.
The songs these bands weave with their unique sensibilities vividly capture the spirit of the times and are sure to lead Japan’s band scene going forward.
That’s exactly why now is the time to get to know these Japanese bands on the verge of a breakthrough—here are our top picks you shouldn’t miss!
Playlist
| [2026] Breakout Inevitable! Japanese Bands to Watch Now | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | CheckmateCLAN QUEEN |  play_arrow | CLAN QUEEN, where music and visuals converge |
| 2east | salad bowlAooo |  play_arrow | Aooo is a musical collective of distinctive members. |
| 3north_east | Alstroemeriakomsume |  play_arrow | Kobe-born girls' rock band komsume |
| 4south_east | accent colorBialystocks |  play_arrow | A duo band that fuses visuals and music |
| 5south_east | transparentLaura day romance |  play_arrow | A band with the scent of J-pop and UK alternative |
| 6east | backlightBILLY BOO |  play_arrow | Black music from Sendai, a unique sound |
| 7north_east | Millennium PlanTRACK15 |  play_arrow | Next-generation rock band TRACK15 is on the rise. |
| 8north_east | I’m sweet on you(BABY I LOVE YOU)Cody Rī (Ri) |  play_arrow | Male-female twin vocals, the laid-back Cody Lee |
| 9south_east | The 1muque |  play_arrow | Muque, an innovative band from Fukuoka and a standout talent |
| 10east | Unbalance Blendretororiron |  play_arrow | Music college graduates' band draws attention with unique sound |
| 11south_east | traditionCHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN |  play_arrow | A unique band gaining attention with tropical music |
| 12east | Tears in the red wine…Burandē Senki |  play_arrow | A rock band from Osaka, rapidly rising with their unique sound |
| 13east | SPICAFaulieu. |  play_arrow | The four-piece band Faulieu., with rock elements, is rapidly rising in popularity. |
| 14east | jellyfishchakura |  play_arrow | The appeal of Chakra, a girls’ band from Hachioji |
| 15east | Orihime and BABY feat. Shio Leilaneguse. |  play_arrow | A rock band from Nagoya rising amid the COVID-19 pandemic |
| 16east | sentimentalyutori |  play_arrow | Yutori launches full-scale activities in response to the buzz |
| 17east | Change the worldPenthouse |  play_arrow | City music of nostalgia and novelty |
| 18east | Proposal linesmeiyo densetsu |  play_arrow | A musically rich honorary legend, popular for its captivating songs. |
| 19east | Leaving it unknownUNFAIR RULE |  play_arrow | The achievements and growth of UNFAIR RULE |
| 20east | New DimensionShin-Tōkyō |  play_arrow | A guitarless college band, an up-and-coming new act |
| 21east | ExposureSlololis |  play_arrow | The distinctive musical style of the band slololis |
| 22east | meltdownNarco-lepsy |  play_arrow | Narco-lepsy with its gentle, captivating sound |
| 23east | Akakuragetozambu |  play_arrow | A danceable pop band with a pleasant sound |
| 24east | Mademoiselleyonawo |  play_arrow | A neo-soul band from Fukuoka makes its debut |
| 25east | Red MindBlack Boboi |  play_arrow | Black Boboi is an innovative collective of female artists. |
| 26east | dog-likeDALLJUB STEP CLUB |  play_arrow | A unique band popular among synth enthusiasts |
| 27east | What’s Gonna Be?FIVE NEW OLD |  play_arrow | FIVE NEW OLD is a four-member band with a Western music style. |
| 28east | LucyHome |  play_arrow | Indie rock band HOME from Okinawa |
| 29east | Ainori Reunionpachae |  play_arrow | The captivating music of pachae, a three-piece band from Osaka |
| 30east | Hamu Hamu GXmarutakee |  play_arrow | A female guitar-rock band from Kyoto, full of youthful energy. |
| 31east | HALF LIFECOALTAR OF THE DEEPERS |  play_arrow | The appeal of HALF LIFE active in Japan |
| 32east | No GoodbyeCRCK/LCKS |  play_arrow | Distinctive musicality and overwhelming vocal expression |
| 33east | KFukai Nana |  play_arrow | Captivating sounds of indie rock |
| 34east | BuzzHOPI |  play_arrow | Innovative music with electro and guitar |
| 35east | daffodilTAWINGS |  play_arrow | A band from Tokyo with a unique musical style |
| 36east | When She SleepsThe World Will Tear Us Apart |  play_arrow | An R&B chillwave band from Kyoto |
| 37east | It makes me want to crypolly |  play_arrow | The appeal of the uniquely voiced band Polly |
| 38east | dambenadongurizu |  play_arrow | Music brimming with the charm of Dongurizu |
| 39east | I’m here.Shamukyattsu |  play_arrow | Shinmyou Cats' simple, floating-feel music |
| 40east | SomewhereCharlotte is Mine |  play_arrow | The heartwarming rock band Charlotte is Mine |
| 41east | Come TogetherOvall |  play_arrow | A talented band that fuses a variety of genres |
| 42east | Law of AttractionShe Her Her Hers |  play_arrow | A Tokyo band that incorporates city pop |
| 43east | lost and foundmillennium parade |  play_arrow | millennial parade is a collection of sonically focused, complex tracks |