[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)
Let’s keep smilingkawanishi natsuki
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.
[2026] Music Lovers, Take Note! Emerging Artists to Watch (121–130)
Inner LightsThe Songbards
Formed in Kobe in March 2017, The Songbards consist entirely of members born in 1994.
Just three months after forming, they released The Songbards First E.P.
in July 2017, which sold out in five months, and they also won “RO JACK 2017” held in August.
They released their first nationally distributed record, Cages in the Room, in January 2018, followed by their first full-length album, CHOOSE LIFE, in November 2019.
They are one of the most promising up-and-coming bands drawing attention right now.
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.
Your Dreamland4s4ki
4s4ki is a female singer-songwriter from Saitama Prefecture who deftly navigates a wide range of genres, including alternative rock and electronica.
She began teaching herself DTM at 17 and launched full-scale activities in 2019 by founding SAD15mg.
In 2021, she made her major-label debut with Victor Entertainment and has since attracted attention both in Japan and abroad.
She earned high acclaim overseas as well, ranking on Pitchfork’s “The 100 Best Songs of 2022,” and continues to expand her activities across borders.
She has showcased her talents across diverse fields, including a collaboration with the anime Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion and the collaborative EP 44th Dimension with American EDM producer YULTRON.
Her distinctive sound and candid, resonant lyrics captivate listeners, winning over both Western music fans and anime 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!”
Purple SkyNOA
NOA is a singer-songwriter who was the first Japanese trainee at YG Entertainment, the South Korean talent agency home to BIGBANG and BLACKPINK.
After spending six years in Korea, he returned to Japan and made his CD debut in 2020 with “LIGHTS UP.” In 2021, he made his major-label debut with “Let Go,” a collaboration with Jeon Woong of the Korean idol group AB6IX.
In 2022, he appeared in the drama “Kimi no Hana ni Naru” and became a member of the in-show boy group 8LOOM, releasing songs as well.
As a trilingual artist, he delivers cool tracks that blend the appeal of Japanese, Korean, and Western music—you won’t be able to take your eyes off him!
