[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] 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.
Shake itYahagi Moeka
Moeka Yahagi captivates with an irresistibly cute voice and pure charm.
After gaining experience as a former member of AKB48 Team K, she finally made her solo debut in 2020.
In 2023, the year she turned 20, she attracted even more attention.
Music fans won’t want to miss seeing how she’s grown.
Her songs shine brightly and warmly like the sun, illuminating listeners’ hearts and powerfully conveying her potential as a young singer-songwriter.
If you’re in the same generation, be sure to keep an eye on her!
Duckykankan
The mysterious singer Kankan is also an artist to watch.
Their gender hasn’t been officially disclosed, but photos they once posted have led people to believe they are male.
In 2018, their first cover song video went viral, instantly boosting their popularity.
They then took on an ambitious “30 days of consecutive uploads” challenge, gaining many subscribers.
The momentum didn’t stop—just three months after their first post, they reached 10,000 subscribers.
Since then, they’ve been consistently releasing hit songs.
CARRY LOOSECARRY LOOSE
CARRY LOOSE is a four-member idol group.
It consists of Pan Luna Leafy and YUiNA EMPiRE, who were members of the popular idol group BiS; Uruu Ru, who was in WAgg; and Yumeka Nowkana? (a former member of Idol Renaissance) who was selected through an audition.
Since many of the members already had idol experience, they’re a rare group capable of delivering high-level performances despite their relatively short time since formation.
Be sure to check them out!
Pull UpLitty
Female rapper Litty is rapidly skyrocketing in popularity on social media.
While rooted in hip-hop, her fresh sound blends elements of pop and R&B, capturing the hearts of a younger generation.
Her debut release in September 2024 achieved a remarkable milestone, racking up over 160,000 streams in just a few weeks.
Sophisticated soundmaker Lion Melo, along with powerhouse producers Young zetton, MIKADO, and JAKEN, joined the project, brilliantly bringing her artistic vision to life.
With lyrics laced with words emblematic of modern digital life and a catchy flow, she resonates deeply with listeners.
Her style—where club music meets street culture—is perfect for music fans with a refined, urban sensibility.
Last live showBurandē Senki
Formed in Osaka in 2022, Brandy Senki showcases a wide musical range from alternative rock to emo.
Their distinctive sound fuses powerful guitar riffs, delicate melodic lines, and the catchy appeal of Japanese kayōkyoku, drawing attention across the indie scene.
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, “Jinrui Metsubō Wonderland,” nationwide.
Entering 2024, they continued to step up, including an appearance at COUNTDOWN JAPAN 23/24.
While evoking the influence of ’90s rock, their music—expressed through a modern lens—captivates not only alternative rock fans but a wide spectrum of music listeners.
Unbalance Blendretororiron
A sophisticated soundscape woven by a quartet of music-university graduates is drawing serious attention right now.
Retro Riron is a skilled pop band formed in Tokyo in June 2020, with all members being classmates from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.
Each member brings a different musical background—jazz, classical, pop—resulting in a genre-defying sound that establishes a unique musical world.
From 2023 to 2025, they released three EPs in quick succession.
One track entered Spotify’s Viral Top 50, and their one-man tour across Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka sold out in every city.
In 2024, they were featured as a promising newcomer on “Buzz Rhythm 02,” and in April 2025 they made their major-label debut with Polydor Records.
While firmly pop, their delicate performances and meticulous sound design make their music a must for any listener seeking high-quality sound.