[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)
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.
See you againMOL.
Formed in Kyoto, the four-piece band mol-74 has been drawing attention with a delicate sound reminiscent of Nordic post-rock.
They offer songs featuring a translucent falsetto and lyrics that capture everyday emotions, expanding their musical palette from rock to dream pop.
Their self-titled album “mol-74,” which marked their major-label debut in April 2019, showcases the band’s appeal in full.
They later released the album “Kioku no Sumika,” further establishing a world uniquely their own.
They produced the ending theme for the TV Tokyo anime BORUTO, and in September 2024 received YouTube Creator Awards’ Silver Play Button.
In November 2023, they embarked on their third tour of China, earning high acclaim overseas as well—Shanghai sold out immediately.
With their delicate sensibilities and melodic songwriting that strikes a chord, mol-74 is a band poised for even greater success.
traditionCHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN
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!
ObsessedAyumu Imazu
Ayumu Imazu shines with a musical style that blends dance performance with roots in R&B and pop.
Starting dance at the age of six and having studied abroad in New York, he is a globally minded talent.
He made his major debut in August 2021 under Warner Music Japan’s label etichetta, drawing attention with his bilingual vocals in Japanese and English.
A true multi-talent, he handles everything from songwriting and composition to choreography himself, and he received the Planning Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards.
His dance challenges have spread across Asian countries on social media, and he continues to rise as a leading artist of Gen Z.
He’s highly recommended for those interested in the fusion of dance music and R&B, and for listeners seeking a global sound.
Call (Blur)UNICODE
UNICODE is a K-pop girl group made up entirely of Japanese members, bridging the music scenes of Korea and Japan.
They debuted in April 2024 on the Korean music show “SHOW CHAMPION,” drawing attention with a distinctive sound that fuses polished K-pop beats with Japanese city pop.
At Next Generation Live Arena 2024, held at PIA Arena MM in Yokohama, they performed alongside artists including SHINee’s Taemin.
The five bilingual members deliver uniquely individual performances, earning them 10th place in June’s rookie group brand reputation rankings.
They are a highly skilled group recommended not only for K-pop fans but also for music lovers seeking new musical possibilities.
Afraid?? feat. nothing,nowhere. (Prod. Saint Patrick)(sic)boy
Rapper (sic)boy is often described as a fusion of rock and hip-hop.
You’ll understand what that means as soon as you listen to a few of his tracks.
While firmly hip-hop, they’re packed with rock elements throughout.
He himself is a fan of loud rock and alternative rock, and above all, a huge fan of Hyde.
I think it’s more accurate to introduce him not as rock with rap added, but as hip-hop infused with rock.
He’s recommended even for listeners who usually only listen to rock bands.
