[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! Up-and-coming new artists (51–60)
duri-dadeChilli Beans.
Chilli Beans.
is a three-piece female band formed in 2019.
Even their band name—taking “Chilli” from Red Hot Chili Peppers and adding “Beans” to evoke the image of fledgling musicians with bright potential—feels charming and appealing.
All three members trained at the music school Voice and have solid skills: MOTO, whose vocals are both languid and girlish; Lily, the guitarist-vocalist with a striking range of ideas; and Maika, the bassist-vocalist who can also pull off slap bass.
All three write songs, crafting pop music rooted in the diverse musical backgrounds typical of today’s youth—where linear time and other conventions don’t necessarily apply.
Their sound has been catching the ears of sharp-eared music fans, and they’re widely seen as on the verge of a breakthrough.
Their 2021 co-write with Vaundy, a popular artist who also attended Voice, “lemonade,” became a viral hit and has surpassed 1.8 million views on YouTube.
In March 2022 they released their latest EP to date, Daydream, showcasing superb pop sensibilities that resonate with both city pop and Western acts like The 1975.
Keep an eye on Chilli Beans.!
My Mr.RightDoul
Doul is a rising young artist who was selected for Spotify’s RADAR: Early Noise 2021 and was introduced as a recommended artist by MAN WITH A MISSION on the TV program MUSIC BLOOD.
She works as a solo artist, showcasing her versatility by self-producing not only her music but also visuals and more.
While her songs carry the vibe of hip-hop tunes you’d find on Western hit charts, she also delivers a solid rock sound—an impressive breadth and refined songwriting that truly stand out.
We can look forward to even greater success from her in the future!
hellsong. (let it in)CVLTE
Hokkaido’s Sapporo-born band CVLTE is unstoppable! By the way, it’s pronounced “cult.” They say they tweaked the French word “culte” to name it CVLTE.
The four-piece unit consists of vocalist aviel kaei, guitarist Takuya, bassist fuji, and drummer HAL.
If you had to define their sound, it would be alternative rock.
Just give them a listen—they’re seriously cool!
FLOOR IS MINE (feat. BIM)Skaai
Rapper Skaai, who is drawing attention and gaining support especially among younger generations, has a rather unconventional background.
He was born in the United States to a Korean mother, later moved to Japan, and studied in the Faculty of Law at Kyushu University.
His rap style makes use of his background by blending English, Korean, and Japanese.
He first began attracting attention as a rapper thanks to an audition show, where you can also get a sense of his passionate personality.
[2026] Music lovers, don’t miss this! Up-and-coming new artists (61–70)
Tokyo cruisin’tonun
Tonun is a singer-songwriter from Hiroshima who not only writes and composes his own music, but also handles mixing and mastering himself.
He specializes in crafting groovy tracks influenced by Black music and R&B.
Many of his songs carry a moody, mature vibe, making them a great match for everyday background music.
It’s also recommended to kick back and chill to his sweet, gentle vocals.
How about giving his cool yet passionate love songs—reminiscent of neo-soul—a listen?
A world without youto shiki
Toshiki is a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture who is active on social media and through street performances.
While rooted in J-pop, he stands out with a distinctive voice and vocal style, making him an artist to watch.
A song he posted on social media in 2022 resonated especially with teens, reaching No.
1 on Spotify’s Viral Chart and No.
2 on LINE MUSIC’s real-time ranking.
It also sparked a huge response on social platforms, with over 4,000 related videos created.
On June 22, 2024, he held his solo concert “YOAKE,” captivating many fans.
With lyrics that vividly portray everyday emotions and experiences and melodies that strike a chord, he’s a recommended artist for anyone who wants to feel the subtleties of love and youth.
flower hat jellyfishKujira Yoru no Machi
Gaining popularity as a band that creates fantasy, Kujira Yoru no Machi was formed by high school classmates and has won numerous music contests, competitions, and auditions.
In 2019, they performed at SUMMER SONIC 2019.
After their major-label debut was set for spring 2023, they released the pre-debut singles “Odorou Inochi Aru Kagiri” and “Hanagasa Kurage.” True to their motto of creating fantasy, their songs overflow with an original, storybook-like worldview that irresistibly draws listeners in.
