[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)
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!
[2026] Music Lovers, Take Note! Emerging Artists to Watch (121–130)
SCREAMWENDY
WENDY is a rock band formed by four members who met at a youth center in Setagaya Ward.
After starting their activities in 2020, word of mouth spread online and they quickly became a hot topic.
In 2022, they held their first one-man show and released their debut album, “Don’t waste my YOUTH,” keeping the momentum going.
They also drew attention for releasing a track produced with Mark Whitmore.
Since their lyrics are in English, they’re a great recommendation for fans of Western music.
300 yenotonari ni ginga keikaku
A band formed by four people who met at a music school, Otonari Niginga Keikaku.
They formed in February 2023 and soon released their first EP.
Since then, they have been actively working based in Nagoya.
Their songs tend to give a happy impression, which may be one reason they’re supported by many people.
Otonari Niginga Keikaku also runs various social media accounts, so it might be a good idea to check out whichever ones interest you.
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.
Selfish girlfriendAkiyama Ritsuki
Ritsuki Akiyama is a singer-songwriter from Saitama Prefecture, known for a down-to-earth vocal style and innocent musicality.
She won the Grand Prix at the 2017 rock festival event “Mikakunin Festival,” which put her in the spotlight.
Since then, she has performed live energetically and has been releasing music videos and live footage on YouTube since 2021.
She was also named in a Spotify initiative highlighting artists poised to break through in 2022, making her a talent to watch in the coming years!
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.
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.