[2026] A must-see for music lovers! Up-and-coming artists to watch

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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!

[2026] Music lovers, take note! Rising New Artists to Watch (91–100)

SSMEPK shampoo

【MV】SSME/PK shampoo

SSMEPK shampoo

PK shampoo is a rock band active since 2018, formed around Yamato Punks and Kentaro Nishioka, who were members of Trashnoise.

Their hallmark is raw, emotionally charged vocals riding on noisy guitar sounds, with songs that radiate passion.

They began appearing at major rock festivals around 2022, and by 2023 they were in high demand at festivals across the country.

They’re truly one of the bands you can’t take your eyes off.

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STARSw.o.d.

w.o.d. – STARS [LIVE VIDEO] Opening Theme of the TV Anime 'BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Separation'

STARSw.o.d.

The band w.o.d., riding a wave of momentum after scoring a hit with STARS as the opening theme for the popular anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Separation, is one to watch.

w.o.d.

stands for “webring odd duckling,” meaning a duck that can’t swim—they supposedly picked cool-sounding words from a dictionary and force-arranged them into a name.

The members are three musicians from Kobe: vocalist/guitarist Takuya Saito, bassist Mackay, and drummer Motoyoshi Nakajima.

If you love unadulterated, high-precision grunge rock, they’re a must-check.

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Taki no namida pin ku

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[2026] Music Lovers, Take Note! Emerging Artists to Watch (101–110)

Summer breeze, you and I in lovekatakoto

Broken Japanese 'Summer Breeze, You and I in Love' Music Video

Summer breeze, you and I in lovekatakoto

Katakanato is a rock band formed by three members born in 2000.

They began activities in 2016 when the members were in junior high school and have achieved excellent results in numerous band contests, including Music Revolution and the Mikakunin Festival.

With refreshing vocals, melodic lines, and strong musicianship in every part, there’s plenty to see and hear.

Please take your time to savor their fresh yet sophisticated appeal.

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Summer BloomRyukku to soine gohan

Cuddling Rucksack and Mealtime / Summer Bloom [Music Video]

Summer BloomRyukku to soine gohan

Commonly known by the nickname “Ryuxo,” Rucksack to Soiné Gohan is a three-piece rock band.

Despite a name that might suggest a laid-back, fluffy vibe, they deliver solid, edgy, straight-ahead guitar rock.

Their popularity is immense, especially among young people, and they’re drawing attention on TikTok as well as on YouTube and various music streaming services.

Their appeal lies in passionate tracks that not only resonate with teen listeners but also rekindle the youthful spirit in adults.

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Jettin’THE JET BOY BANGERZ

THE JET BOY BANGERZ – Jettin’ (Music Video)

Jettin'THE JET BOY BANGERZ

THE JET BOY BANGERZ made a dazzling debut on August 23, 2023 with their first single “Jettin’,” and are a rising star formed under LDH JAPAN.

Boasting impressive backgrounds, the group consists of ten highly skilled members, including performers from LDH’s renowned dance league and vocal groups.

The diverse musicality each member brings has already captivated a wide range of listeners.

With a fresh sound aimed at Gen Z and performances that feel like watching a live show, they’re absolutely not to be missed!

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CARRY LOOSECARRY LOOSE

CARRY LOOSE「CARRY LOOSE」Music Video

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!

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This is fine.KALMA

KALMA – This Is Fine As It Is (Music Video)

This is fine.KALMA

Formed in Hokkaido in 2016, the band initially started as a cover band, but by 2018—two years later—they had grown enough to perform at JOIN ALIVE, a local outdoor festival.

Their sound carries a certain nostalgia, and their raw, full-throttle vocals grip you deep down and won’t let go.

They’re especially recommended if you’re looking for a band that captures the spirit of youth.

And as a three-piece band, that aspect alone might appeal to band enthusiasts.

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