[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)
PAPER MOONA-ko
Singer-songwriter Ako from Hyogo Prefecture is gaining attention for her distinctive musicality and creative expression.
Her signature sound fuses a wide range of genres, including pop, electronic, and jazz.
She began her full-fledged music career in 2020 and has built a unique world in collaboration with the creative team “londog.” Her major-label debut, released in February 2024 via Pony Canyon/IRORI Records, achieved the remarkable feat of being selected for power play on 36 AM/FM stations nationwide.
She’s steadily climbing as a next-generation artist, with her music also chosen as the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24.
Having picked up the guitar at age 11 and steadily honed her craft, she has created a musical world that enjoys strong support from music fans who favor highly artistic expression.
Diveziproom
Ziproom is a hip-hop collective based in Kobe.
The duo of Arich and Shimon has been drawing attention with a distinctive sound that deftly blends hip-hop, electro, and dance music.
They made their debut in January 2024 with the EP “unzip,” achieving the remarkable feat of entering Spotify’s Viral Top 50 charts in five countries, including Japan.
For mastering, they enlisted Stuart Hawkes—who has worked with global stars like Ed Sheeran and Charli XCX—earning acclaim for their polished sonic production.
In October 2024, they held release parties in Tokyo and Osaka, both of which sold out.
They were also selected by Spotify as next-generation artists to watch in 2025, steadily raising their profile in the scene.
With strong support from around the world, particularly on social media, their music is a must-listen that brings a fresh breeze to contemporary pop.
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.
Double Double FIGHT!CANDY TUNE
The idol group CANDY TUNE, rapidly rising in popularity mainly on social media, is making waves in the music scene.
Formed in February 2023 from ASOBISYSTEM’s project KAWAII LAB., they began activities as a seven-member group and made their debut with the digital album “CANDY TUNE,” showcasing a wide musical range from classic idol pop to electropop.
With active updates on social media and catchy songs, they’ve shown remarkable growth—pulling off a successful one-man show at Zepp Shinjuku just eight months after their debut.
Their strengths lie in each member’s individual charm, well-balanced performances, and close connection with fans, making them a recommended group not only for idol enthusiasts but also for pop music fans.
proof of existenceKID PHENOMENON
KID PHENOMENON debuted on August 23, 2023, drawing attention with their youthful energy and dynamic dance performances.
Their November 29 release that same year, “Proof of Existence,” also became a hot topic.
Their stages, showcasing both strong vocals and dance, feel like a breath of fresh air.
Each member’s unique qualities shine, and the seven-member harmony is a must-hear! With an average age in their teens, there’s plenty to look forward to from them in the future.
HunterLIL LEAGUE
LIL LEAGUE from EXILE TRIBE is a dance and vocal unit born from the LDH-run audition “iCON Z ~Dreams For Children~.” After debuting in 2023, they quickly drew attention, including serving as the opening act for EXILE’s live shows.
I recommend starting by watching their MVs in order from their debut track to enjoy their vocals and razor-sharp dance moves.
And don’t miss their first flagship TV show, “LIL LEAGUE no VICTORiEAGUE!”
