2026: Next Break to Watch. Japanese Artists to Check Out Early
When you listen to music, do you actively look for new tracks?
Even in today’s age of streaming, where you can play anything instantly, many of us still end up looping our favorite artists’ songs.
So in this article, for those who are thinking, “I want to discover artists I’ve never heard of before!”, we’ll introduce next-break artists who are all but guaranteed to surge in popularity.
We’ve picked out a wide range—from acts already starting to break through to singers gaining buzz among music fans—so be sure to check out their music now while you’re ahead of the curve!
[2026] Next Big Break: Japanese Artists to Watch Early (1–10)
catnapLeina
A 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Machida, Tokyo.
Having grown up with Western music and shaped her own sound under the influence of artists like Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish, Leina made her debut at 14 and won a TV Asahi music audition show in 2022.
Her songs—featuring lyrics that delicately portray human emotions and irresistibly catchy melodies—have gone viral on social media, earning overwhelming support especially among young listeners.
Gifted with the ability to self-produce everything from songwriting to artwork and video projects, she released her long-awaited album “Ai no Ubugoe, Ai no Nakigoe” in September 2024.
While incorporating a Western pop sensibility, her music also highlights the beauty of the Japanese language.
Woven from a delicate sensitivity and down-to-earth words, her sound stands out as a new generation of pop music that captivates many music fans.
Bunny GirlAKASAKI
AKASAKI, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Aichi Prefecture, is taking the music scene by storm as a young prodigy.
She began her music career at 16 and, within just a year, mastered DAW production and immersed herself in composing.
Since her debut in April 2024, her songs have gone viral one after another on social media.
A lyric video she posted on TikTok surpassed 4 million views in just two weeks, showcasing her phenomenal popularity.
With refined vocals, addictive melodies, and lyrics that resonate with listeners of her generation, she was selected as the Monthly Artist for October 2024 in Buzz Tracker, a joint artist support program by TikTok and Spotify.
She was also the only artist chosen for Shibuya Trend Research’s “High School Student Trends Top 10,” further highlighting the high regard for her talent.
A must-listen emerging artist for those who love candid, down-to-earth lyrics and catchy melodies.
agitationretororiron
Retro Riron is a four-member pop band formed in June 2020.
The members, who met at a music university, each bring diverse musical backgrounds and create genre-defying songs.
They proved their talent by winning the opening act audition for ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2022.
Centered around Suzune, the group features uniquely individual members: miri, Kazuaki Iinuma, and Taiki.
Their distinctive sound is rooted in pop while incorporating elements of jazz, classical, and rock.
If you’re looking for a fresh musical experience, they’re a must-listen!
nevermindmuque
muque, a new-generation sound maker from Fukuoka.
Formed in May 2022, the four-piece creates flexible songs by bringing together a wide range of musicality from pop and R&B to rock.
Asakura’s emotionally rich vocals and guitar, Lenon’s groovy bass, takachi’s meticulous drums, and Kenichi’s distinctive guitar blend beautifully to forge a unique sound.
They quickly drew attention among music industry professionals right after forming, and in 2024 they were selected to provide an insert song for the drama “Subarashiki Kana, Sensei!”—steadily proving their talent.
Their music, which fuses global musical elements with a distinctly Japanese sensibility, is sure to be a perfect find for listeners seeking something new.
Indomitable FlowerjioOji
Hailing from Tottori Prefecture, singer-songwriter jioOji is drawing attention as a rising star who blends skill with uncompromising artistry.
Rooted in pop and rock while weaving in R&B and folk elements, his distinctive sound moves listeners to the core.
His debut track, released on YouTube in 2022 and written for a friend, achieved the remarkable feat of entering Spotify’s Viral Top 50.
In September 2023, he released his first EP, “475,” co-arranged with members of WONK, showcasing his impressive abilities.
In 2024, he was selected for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2024” and performed at SUMMER SONIC 2024, steadily building his career.
Drawing creative inspiration from growing up with a father who is a fisherman and remaining based in his hometown of Tottori, he demonstrates a sincere commitment to his craft.
With a resonant voice and profound expressive power, his songs are a perfect discovery for listeners seeking fresh talent.
Send To Youluv
Formed in June 2023 as a next-generation future-soul band out of Kansai, luv is a five-piece whose roots lie in Black music such as jazz and hip-hop, drawing on the neo-soul and acid jazz of the late ’90s and early 2000s.
In March 2024, they released their first CD album, “Garage,” and tracks from it became streaming hits, landing on multiple Spotify playlists.
They also won the top prize in the 15-second song contest hosted by the music distribution service “sprayer.” Despite all members being born in 2003, their exceptional musicianship and taste, along with a refined sound and live performance, have earned them attention at home and abroad—selling out shows in Taiwan as well.
Highly recommended for fans of Black music, including neo-soul, jazz, and funk.
Heisei Romance of the NightFirst Love is Never Returned
The five-piece band First Love is Never Returned, based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, has been rapidly gaining attention lately.
Frontman Kazuki’s distinctive vocals—shaped by his time studying in New York—are a major draw, and their sound, which effortlessly crosses genre boundaries from R&B and pop to indie rock, is turning heads.
Since forming in 2018, the band has weathered numerous challenges, including member departures during the pandemic, before relaunching at the end of 2022.
Bursting back onto the scene with their first mini-album, “POP OUT!,” in February 2023, they have asserted their presence with a flurry of subsequent releases.
In 2024, they were selected for Spotify’s emerging artist program “RADAR: Early Noise 2024,” and in August 2023, they also earned a slot at the RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2023.
From city pop to full-on band sounds, their diverse musicality and compelling live performances make them a perfect fit for listeners seeking a fresh musical experience.