2026: Next Break to Watch. Japanese Artists to Check Out Early

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

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 to Watch: Japanese Artists You Should Check Out Early (81–90)

300 yenotonari ni ginga keikaku

Neighboring Galaxy Project '300 Yen' Official Music Video (Home Video)

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.

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Future IslandMori Calliope

[MV] Future Island / Mori Calliope (Official Theme Song for One Piece Volume 106)

Future IslandMori Calliope

Mori Calliope is a rapper and Virtual YouTuber affiliated with hololive.

She is also a member of “Myth,” a unit within hololive English that is primarily active in the English-speaking world, and she is often credited as “Mori Calliope” as an artist. She began her activities in 2020, made her major debut in 2022, and drew significant attention in 2023 with the release of “Future Island.” Her smooth, powerful English pronunciation—befitting an artist active in the English-speaking scene—is particularly striking.

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Your Dreamland4s4ki

4s4ki – Your Dreamland (Official Music Video)

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.

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A world without youto shiki

Toshiki “A World Without You” Official Music Video

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.

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0 to 10Bleecker Chrome

0 to 10

0 to 10Bleecker Chrome

Bleecker Chrome is a hip-hop duo made up of Xin and KENYA, also selected for Spotify’s RADAR: Early Noise 2022.

They released their first EP, “Born Again,” in 2019 and then went on hiatus.

In 2022, they resumed activities and released their first album, “SEVEN THIRTY ONE.” Having spent their middle school years training in New York, they exude a refined style and a wide-ranging sensibility beyond their age.

For fans, this comeback has been long-awaited.

If you haven’t listened yet, take this opportunity to dive into the world of Bleecker Chrome.

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DropHANA

HANA / Drop -Music Video-

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.

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[2026] Next Break Artists to Watch. Japanese Acts You’ll Want to Check Out Early (91–100)

CANDYICEx

ICEx – CANDY (Official Music Video)

CANDYICEx

ICEx is a musical unit born from EBiDAN, an artist collective composed of actors and talents from Stardust Promotion.

With the concept of “loving all forms of love,” the unit name is pronounced “Ice.” When the group was formed in 2023, all members were teenagers, making it a young and up-and-coming unit.

Their sharp dance moves and fresh vocals are a major draw.

EBiDAN has produced many popular units, including Cho Tokkyu (BULLET TRAIN), so ICEx is definitely one to keep an eye on.

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