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 Break to Watch: Japanese Artists You’ll Want to Check Out Early (11–20)

I’m about to cry.The Otals

[MV] I’m About to Cry / The Otals

I’m about to cry.The Otals

The masked neo-shoegaze duo The Otals captivate with a uniquely crafted world of their own.

Influenced heavily by 2000s indie pop and paired with artwork reminiscent of American cartoons, they proudly proclaim themselves “the world’s most accessible shoegaze.” Debuting in March 2021 with the free EP The Night Swallows, they’re defined by sweet melodies and Pet Sounds–style choral arrangements.

The male–female harmonies of June FAXxxxxx and Marina Timer strike a perfect balance between shoegaze’s signature textures and pop-friendly immediacy.

Since their first live show in August 2024, they’ve steadily grown their fanbase, and their upcoming one-man show at Shindaita FEVER in February 2025 has already sold out.

Highly recommended not only for fans of shoegaze and indie pop, but also for anyone seeking a fresh musical discovery.

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Ainori Reunionpachae

pachae / Ainori Reunion [MUSIC VIDEO]

Ainori Reunionpachae

Pachae is a three-piece band formed in Osaka in 2020.

They weave a unique sonic world that fuses a wide range of genres, including city pop, guitar rock, and Vocaloid-inspired elements.

The band was formed when Daisuke Otoyama began doing solo performances at a nearby park, and in the same year they won the runner-up prize at the Murffin Discs Audition 2020.

In September 2021, they made their full-fledged debut with their first EP, GIM.

Sanae’s beautiful keys, honed since she began studying piano at the age of three; Bamba’s guitar, fueled by a love of metal influenced by his father; and Otoyama’s worldview, shaped by a year living in London, blend perfectly to deliver catchy melodies.

In 2024, they secured an anime tie-in and are slated to perform at major festivals, drawing attention as a force opening up new possibilities in pop music.

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Last live showBurandē Senki

Brandy War Chronicles – Last Live (Official Music Video)

Last live showBurandē Senki

Brandy Senki is a young rock band formed in Osaka in August 2022.

Blending elements of alternative rock, punk rock, and emo, they craft a unique sound where raw yet delicate instrumentation meets melodies with a kayōkyoku (Japanese pop) sensibility.

Just four months after forming, they released their digital single “Musica” in December 2022, and its music video surpassed one million views within a month.

In 2023, they won the grand prize at “Teenage White Paper 2023” and went on to perform at “COUNTDOWN JAPAN 23/24.” Centered around guitarist-vocalist Renzuki, the three-member group values unity on stage and continues to captivate audiences with energetic performances.

Influenced by ’90s alternative rock and emo yet expressed through a modern lens, their music is a perfect fit for listeners seeking fresh discoveries.

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Diveziproom

ziproom – Dive (Official Video)

Diveziproom

ziproom is a Kobe-based hip-hop duo collective shaking up the music scene with a distinctive sound that fuses hip-hop, electro, experimental music, and more.

They made their debut with the EP “unzip” in January 2024, and quickly won over early adopters with a rapid succession of releases.

Their digital single released in August of the same year achieved a remarkable feat by charting in Spotify’s Viral Top 50 in five countries, including Japan, drawing worldwide attention.

They are also proactive about collaborating with renowned overseas engineers such as Stuart Hawkes, continually pursuing a globally minded sound rooted in Kobe.

Highly recommended not only for fans of alternative hip-hop, but also for anyone seeking fresh musical discoveries.

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To You at DawnTOMOO

TOMOO – To You at Dawn [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

To You at DawnTOMOO

Singer-songwriter TOMOO, who was also selected for Spotify’s playlist showcasing the next breakout artists, “RADAR: Early Noise.” Her music is characterized by a band sound in which she sings while playing the piano, and her rich, resonant lower-mid register over piano rock is particularly captivating.

A skilled artist with a track record that includes starting piano at age six and composing songs since middle school.

Beyond her musicality, the profound worldview of her lyrics is also a major draw, so be sure to listen to her songs while reading the lyrics.

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YOUNG TOWNPEOPLE 1

PEOPLE 1 “YOUNG TOWN” （Official Video）

YOUNG TOWNPEOPLE 1

PEOPLE1 is a band beloved for its stylish, pop sound that feels vividly colorful in itself.

The three-piece—Deu, Takeuchi, and Ito—formed in 2019.

Shortly after kicking off their activities, they released the EP “Pop Music,” and have continued to put out new tracks consistently ever since.

Their songs’ worldview is very contemporary; no matter the release, you can catch messages that especially resonate with listeners in their teens and twenties.

If you want to stay on trend, they’re the ones to follow!

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[2026] Next Big Break to Watch. Japanese Artists You’ll Want to Check Out Early (21–30)

salad bowlAooo

Aooo “Salad Bowl” Official Music Video

salad bowlAooo

If you’re looking for a band where clashing personalities spark captivating chemistry, definitely give Aooo a listen.

Its members are an all-star lineup: Riko Ishino, formerly of Akai Koen; vocaloid producer Surii; bassist Hikaru Yamamoto; and Tsumiki from NOMELON NOLEMON.

They started in 2023, and while rooted in rock, their unpredictable sound blends each member’s background to great effect.

Their 2024 debut album, “Aooo,” won an award at the 17th CD Shop Awards, a testament to their proven talent.

The origin of the band’s name—based on the members’ blood types—is a unique touch, too.

The music woven from their individual talents is pure fun to listen to!

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