[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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Got me goodSuzuki Emiko
Emiko Suzuki, who’s gaining attention as a new-generation gospel singer, is also a must-check.
She began performing at a young age as a member of a family gospel group.
At seven, she tried her hand at writing and composing her first song, and continued vocal training thereafter.
At sixteen, she won a national gospel competition.
Since then, she has steadily built her career with appearances on music programs and a major-label debut.
Her dynamic yet delicate vocals will captivate not only gospel fans but anyone who listens.
funny storyEishu
Eishu, a singer-songwriter who began uploading self-accompanied performance videos in 2019, has been gaining attention.
Many of you may have seen those surreal videos where Eishu delivers a wonderfully skilled vocal-and-guitar performance while a friend sits behind him doing nothing.
Now that Eishu has officially launched his music career, he’s drawing even more attention with his overwhelming vocal ability and heartrending voice.
He’s also active beyond his own songs, providing music to acts like Hey! Say! JUMP, and it’s impossible to take your eyes off what he’ll do next.
Grapefruit MoonTOMOO
Centered on piano-and-vocal performances, singer-songwriter TOMOO expands a richly emotional musical world.
While rooted in pop and ballads, her distinctive style transcends those boundaries.
She made her major debut in 2019 and drew attention with songs like “Present” and “Awai ni.” She also garnered buzz for crafting the ending theme of the drama “Zenryōiki Ijō Kaiketsushitsu.” Her live shows are highly acclaimed, with the June 2022 performance at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA still fresh in many minds.
At first listen her music may seem subdued, but the undulating rhythms born from her piano playing and her soulful vocals blend to create a one-of-a-kind groove.
Highly recommended for those who want to surrender themselves to the music and feel a gentle, satisfying sway.
weeping cherry (blossom)ANNA
She released “Hitori no Sekai” in 2017 as the theme song for the drama Crossroad: Koe naki ni kiki katachi naki ni miyo, and at the time she drew attention as an active high school student.
Her self-posted TikTok videos of her singing while playing guitar also became a hot topic for the striking contrast between her speaking voice at the start and her singing voice.
Her beautiful tone and strong vocal ability are truly noteworthy.
The studio recordings are, of course, great, but by all means, listen to her live performances or self-accompanied videos to hear her vocals in a more “live” setting!
Sentimental KissShio Reira
Reira Ushio is a rising singer-songwriter known for her distinctive worldbuilding and clear, crystalline vocals.
Drawing on her literary training at university, she’s gaining attention for meticulous word choice and rich musicality.
She debuted with a digital single in September 2021 and has continued to release melodic tracks.
In August 2023, she achieved her long-awaited major debut with Sony Music Labels.
A song used as BGM on an ABEMA dating show reached No.
1 on Spotify’s Viral Chart.
In August 2024, she released her first EP on CD, and in the fall she captivated fans nationwide with a Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka tour and an acoustic tour.
A true all-rounder who handles everything from writing and composing to arranging and producing, she actively engages with fans on social media.
Her lyrics vividly capture the delicate emotions of youth, and her ear-catching melodies are sure to resonate with listeners.
D♡VE QUEENSARM
SARM, an Osaka-born artist who can sing a wide range of styles rooted in jazz and blues.
Her fashion, fused with her music, has earned recognition overseas, and her live shows in Taiwan, Thailand, and Australia were a big success! Her track “BONBON GIRL” was even selected as a NEXT Break Song by J-WAVE, so she may be on the verge of a major breakthrough.
“D♡VE QUEEN,” which is gaining views on her video channel, uses “D♡VE” as a playful coined word that combines “dove” and “love,” showing off her mischievous side.
Once you hear it, you’ll surely be drawn in by her famed “diamond voice.”
[2026] Music lovers, take note! Rising New Artists to Watch (91–100)
PolaroidShin-Tōkyō
Shin Tokyo is a band that brings out the unique allure of each instrument’s tone, crafting a stylish and cool sound.
Formed in 2021, they released their debut single “Cynical City” the same year.
In 2022, they launched their own company, Shin Tokyo LLC, handling not only their music but all aspects of management themselves.
Within just a year of forming, they performed at SUMMER SONIC and held a headlining tour.
Their music is captivating—perfect for deep, focused listening or as background music woven into everyday life.
