[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, Take Note! Emerging Artists to Watch (121–130)
Wonderlandkyururin tte shite mite
Formed in January 2021, “Kyururin tte Shitemite” is an influencer-style idol group.
From the start, they drew exceptional attention, with a combined total of over 300,000 Twitter followers across all members, and they pursue a “cute realism” aimed at the social media generation.
While rooted in J-POP, their charm lies in catchy melodies and pop lyrics.
Three members are Miss iD award recipients, and the group brings together talented performers with diverse backgrounds, including models, TikTokers, and former idols.
As of February 2025, their YouTube channel boasts 110,000 subscribers, captivating many fans with adorable dance performances and fashionable outfits.
Highly recommended for those seeking new idol culture through social media.
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.
Suzunari Memoriesthe molars’
Let me introduce the molars, the band everyone’s calling “hot.” They’re a three-piece punk band from Hiroshima Prefecture.
Their first mini-album, Night Dwellers, features many tracks that stir the listener’s heart and has been generating a lot of buzz.
The molars are also known for the sheer intensity of their live performances—once you see them, you’ll be blown away by their power.
If you’re interested, check out their songs and then head to a show.
Parting Flowersurii
Surii is active across a wide range of fields.
His name became widely known in 2018, when the first song he released as a Vocaloid producer became a big hit.
Since then, he has led the Vocaloid scene and created many tracks.
In 2021, he debuted as a singer-songwriter by self-covering his own Vocaloid songs.
The way he performs his own music—surpassing even the Vocaloid versions—is truly breathtaking.
He has also expanded his activities, such as by providing songs to Ado.
[2026] Music Lovers, Don’t Miss This! Emerging Artists to Watch (131–140)
DropHANA
HANA, formed through the girls’ group audition “No No Girls,” drew attention for its groundbreaking selection process with no restrictions on appearance, age, or weight.
Chosen from over 7,000 applications from Japan and abroad, the seven members each bring distinctive appeal and present a musical style that blends multiple genres while rooted in pop.
Although they only released their pre-debut track in January 2025, under the guidance of producer Chanmina, they already demonstrate strong performance skills in both vocals and dance.
Pre-debut events are scheduled for March in Osaka and Saitama, and expectations for their future success are high.
They’re the perfect group for those seeking expressive performances and a new idol image that prioritizes diversity.
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.
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.
