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

Don’t die!kocchi no kento

Don't die! / MV by Kocchino Kento

Kento Sugo, who performs under the name Kocchi no Kento, has been attracting a lot of attention since his 2023 release “Shinuna!” went viral on social media.

He possesses outstanding vocal ability—he even won the national a cappella competition two years in a row while in college.

Leveraging that skill, he delivers performances featuring wide melodic leaps and emotionally charged singing.

By the way, his older brother is actor Masaki Suda, and he’s even created a birthday song for him.

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yamamoto

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Only a single voicerokudenashi

Rokudenashi “Just One Voice” / Rokudenashi – One Voice [Official Music Video]

Rokudenashi is a music unit fronted by vocalist Ninjin, a singer who’s gained attention on social media platforms like TikTok.

Producers active in the Vocaloid scene—such as Hifumi and MIMI—craft their songs.

The track “Tada Koe Hitotsu,” themed around “youth,” showcases her clear, translucent voice.

Music units that pair Vocaloid producers with singers are driving many trends, so trend-watchers shouldn’t miss this! They’re an artist whose charm lies in works that feel fresh yet somehow wistful, capturing the hearts of teenagers.

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mutō

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I want to be lovedYumcha

Yumcha “Aisaretai” [Lyric Video]

Yumcha is a singer-songwriter who focuses on the theme of love and has gained popularity mainly on social media.

A talented artist who writes, composes, and produces her own music, she has won strong support—especially among younger listeners—with lyrics that tickle the heart and easygoing melodies.

Her 2023 release on major music streaming platforms drew attention across the industry, ranking 30th in Japan on Spotify’s Daily Viral Songs chart.

Thanks to viral traction on TikTok and Instagram, she quickly became a hot topic, with a stream of choreography and cover videos boosting her recognition through social media.

Her songs, which positively portray a wide range of emotions related to love, are sure to offer comfort to those experiencing unrequited feelings or struggling with romance.

Let’s keep smilingkawanishi natsuki

Kawanishi Natsuki – Let’s Keep Smiling (Official Music Video)

Natsuki Kawanishi is a singer-songwriter from Nara Prefecture.

Videos of her busking performances have been uploaded online, including on YouTube, so some of you may have seen her there.

She captivates listeners with a resonant voice that makes full use of her rich lower and mid ranges, and her growing number of fans are being drawn in by that voice.

In July 2023, she joined ASOBISYSTEM, and even greater success is expected from her going forward.

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Hane Keisuke

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Summer IllusionOmoinotake

Omoinotake / Summer Illusion [Official Music Video]

Omoinotake is a three-piece band from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, taking flight onto the global stage.

With the unique lineup of keyboards, bass, and drums, their sound is strongly influenced by Black music.

They made their major-label debut in November 2021 with the album EVERBLUE on Sony Music Labels.

Their street performance in Shibuya drew over 500 people, and they’ve gained major attention with their songs featured as TV drama themes.

They are close with members of Official HIGE DANDism, and all three were born in 1992, making them a same-year classmates band.

Their appeal lies in clear falsetto vocals and arrangements brimming with an easy, infectious groove, as they continue to pursue a fresh, genre-defying musicality.

They’re a perfect fit not only for R&B fans but also for any music lover seeking something new.

medicineLeina

Leina「medicine」MV

Leina, a 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Machida, Tokyo, is attracting attention.

Raised on Western music from an early age and influenced by Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish, she made her debut at 14.

In 2022, her victory on TV Asahi’s “Music Champ 2022” brought her nationwide recognition, and her digital singles have continued to go viral on social media.

She self-produces all her songs, artwork, and videos, and her distinctive musical style portrays human fragility and ephemerality through addictive melodies.

Her album “Ai no Ubugoe, Ai no Nakigoe,” released in September 2024, skillfully expresses the delicate emotions humans possess.

She’s recommended for listeners who resonate with the world-building that blends Western pop sensibilities with Japanese lyrics, and for those drawn to authentic, true-to-life emotions expressed through music.

Pull UpLitty

Litty – Pull Up (Prod. Lion Melo)

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.