[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, don’t miss this! Emerging artists to watch (111–120)
Only a single voicerokudenashi
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.
Summer IllusionOmoinotake
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, 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.
Baby youyuka
Yuka, a singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture, gained popularity mainly on TikTok with her 2022 release “Partner.” Even before “Partner,” she had been attracting attention on social media and YouTube with cover videos and her original song “Birthday Song.” She has been holding solo tours since 2017, and in 2019 she finally released her first nationally distributed mini-album, “Kimi no Supplement.” She’s an artist loved for her pop and cute vocals and melodies that make you want to sing along out loud and start dancing to the beat.
In Love with the Mirrorraisan
Reisan is a rising band attracting attention on the music scene.
Formed in December 2021, they’ve captivated many listeners with a unique sound that fuses rock and pop around a hip-hop core.
Their hallmark is CLR’s expressive vocals—interweaving rap and singing—paired with a powerful, full-bodied sound from the skilled members.
Their February 2024 EP, “PEAK TIME,” further broadened their musical range.
The nationwide one-man tour “NICE BUDDY” held in 2025 saw every show sell out on the same day tickets went on sale.
They’ve also been active beyond music, including a collaboration with Kasugai Confectionery’s “Mochira,” earning high praise from the media.
They’re a recommended band for listeners seeking new possibilities in music.
GREENAPPLE4na
4na is a singer-songwriter who broke through thanks to her online presence on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
She began by posting “tried singing” cover videos and later started releasing her own original tracks.
Her work spans a wide range of styles—from rock songs with sharp, punchy guitar sounds to tracks featuring mellow, synth-driven atmospheres.
Her vocal work is diverse as well, with some songs showcasing rap, so be sure to check out a variety of her tracks.
With you, on Earth8
Hachi, a next-generation singer based in Nara Prefecture.
In 2023, he released his song “Kimi to Chikyū de” on his TikTok account, and it went massively viral.
The track later received a music video as well.
One of his appeals is his relatable lyrics: they portray down-to-earth romance and carry a warm message.
Another characteristic is that he posts a lot of short videos.
Starting from those is a great way to get into his work.
