[2026] A must-see for music lovers! Up-and-coming artists to watch
An era where new artists are emerging one after another at incredible speed.
It’s no longer uncommon for artists to gain traction through social media and then catch fire on streaming services!
In this article, we’ll spotlight rising musicians—primarily up-and-coming singer-songwriters and rock bands who are trending right now.
We’ll feature not only brand-new debuts, but also artists whose hard-earned efforts are finally blossoming and whose popularity is rapidly skyrocketing.
Be sure to find a favorite creator and give them a listen!
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[2026] Must-See for Music Lovers! Emerging Artists to Watch (71–80)
bright futureMom
Mom is active as a singer-songwriter and trackmaker.
He drew attention when his song “Akarui Mirai” was featured in an Apple Mac commercial.
While his music is rooted in hip-hop, you can also sense a subtle rock influence—apparently because he has long listened not only to hip-hop and other Black music, but also to songs by overseas rock bands.
With a youthful sensibility that weaves his own background into his output in exquisite balance, he’s an artist to watch going forward.
I knowammo
A three-piece band from Higashi-Osaka formed in 2018.
The name “ammo” is pronounced “Amo.” The members are Yusei Okamoto on vocals and guitar, Soma Kawahara on bass, and Taiga Nishioka on drums.
Their store-exclusive single “Neta Buri no Kimi e” sold out immediately, and riding that momentum they quickly began nationwide distribution—proof of their talent recognized by the music industry.
Their sound also stands out for the way it lets you savor even the spaces between notes, a hallmark of three-piece bands.
First, I’d love for you to listen to their live staples and signature tracks “Korekkiri” and “Frontline.”
sentimentalyutori
“Shortcut feat.
Yui Yaguchi,” posted in 2020, went viral.
The group behind the song is the rock band yutori.
They originally planned to release just one track and then disband.
However, the response was so overwhelming that they decided to continue as a full-fledged band.
A hallmark of their music is how they capture the delicate emotions of youth and heartbreakingly poignant love stories in their songs.
They’re very active with live shows and festival appearances, so be sure to experience their world in person if you can.
[2026] Music Lovers, Take Note! Emerging New Artists (81–90)
stoppage timeNoda Megumi
Singer-songwriter Emi Noda has been active in music since her student days, consistently achieving excellent results in various auditions.
In addition to her own work as a vocalist, she energetically contributes songs to other artists as well.
Her greatest appeal is undoubtedly her outstanding vocal ability that grabs your attention from the first listen.
More and more listeners are being captivated by her mature, atmospheric voice.
You can fully appreciate her charm not only in her original songs but also in the cover videos uploaded to her YouTube channel, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out.
CANDYICEx
ICEx is a music unit born from EBiDAN, an artist collective made up of actors and talents from Stardust Promotion.
With the concept of “loving all kinds of love,” the unit name is pronounced “Ice.” When the group was formed in 2023, all members were teenagers, making it a young and emerging unit.
Their sharp dance moves and fresh vocals are a big part of their appeal.
EBiDAN has produced many popular groups, including Chotokkyu (Super Express), so ICEx is definitely a group you won’t want to take your eyes off.
HEROSHACHI
In recent years, as hip-hop has been regaining major popularity in Japan’s music scene, one artist I’d like to highlight is the rising female rapper SHACHI.
She originally wasn’t a rapper, but her love for Western music and an invitation from her collaborator SAME led her to start performing as SHACHI.
It’s also said that her vocal cords are uniquely shaped from birth, keeping her voice in a constant mixed-voice state.
Thanks to that, her singing voice is incredibly beautiful, with a soothing resonance.
If you’re looking for a female rapper with a distinctive edge, give her tracks a listen.
on the wayGusokumuzu
Gusokumuzu, a city-folk band based in Kichijoji, Tokyo, has captured the hearts of many music fans with a band sound that colors youth.
Consisting of Eizo Tanaka, Yuki Kato, Yusuke Horibe, and Yushi Nakajima, they have steadily honed their craft since forming in 2014, winning the CD Shop Award with their first album in 2022 and making their major-label debut on December 17, 2023.
Their music carries a refreshing new breeze while evoking a pleasant sense of nostalgia, characterized by melodies that resonate across generations and delicate lyrics.
You won’t want to take your eyes off their ongoing success.