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’ll Want to Check Out Early (21–30)

See with inner double eyelidsHaku.

Haku. “Seeing with Inner Double Eyelids” Official Music Video

See with inner double eyelidsHaku.

Haku is a four-piece band formed in Osaka in 2019.

Despite an average age of just 20, they’re drawing attention for a distinctive sound that fuses Japanese rock with Western indie rock influences.

Their mini-album “Wakamono Nikki,” released in January 2022, captures the delicate emotions unique to adolescence with translucent vocals and a rich band sound, and their subsequent one-man show sold out.

The members met in a vocational school club while in high school and formed the band; in 2021, they won the grand prize in the youth talent discovery project “Teen White Paper 2021.” At their annual “Haku Day” event held on August 9, they place great value on interacting with fans.

Centered on pop while spanning a wide range of styles, their songs are sure to appeal to listeners who appreciate nuanced emotional expression.

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Love markerPenthouse

Penthouse – Koi Shirushi / Signpost [Official Music Video]

Love markerPenthouse

Penthouse is a six-member city-soul band from the University of Tokyo.

One of their trademarks is the male-female twin vocals by Shintaro Namioka and Maho Oshima, featuring beautiful choral work.

Their musical style feels stylish yet catchy, with an emphasis on rhythm.

The meticulous sound arrangements never get old.

Their original songs are of course excellent, but their covers of famous tracks are also outstanding.

Be sure to check out their YouTube channel.

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SchoolChilli Beans.

Chilli Beans. – School (Official Music Video)

SchoolChilli Beans.

If you’re looking for an exciting band, definitely give Chilli Beans.

a listen! They’re a three-piece band with vocalist Moto, bassist Maika, and guitarist Lily—and all three of them sing.

All members are alumni of “Ongaku Juku Voice,” the music school that produced YUI and Ayaka.

They began their activities in 2019.

Their song “lemonade,” from the 2021 EP “d a n c i n g a l o n e,” which Aimyon featured on Instagram, became a hit on Spotify’s Viral Chart and drew even more attention to the group.

Their easy-to-listen-to melodies and unpretentious lyrics are both emotional and cute, and their music will put you in a great mood!

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Azure Swimnishina

Nishina – Seiran Yūei [Official Video]

Azure Swimnishina

Singer-songwriter Nishina, who drew attention after being selected for Spotify’s 2021 “RADAR: Early Noise,” began her career in 2017.

She raised her profile by being chosen as the vocalist for Bitekikeikaku, a project by Enon Kawatani, the lead singer of the band Gesu no Kiwami Otome.

She has created theme songs for films and TV dramas and has also handled commercial tie-in songs, making her a musician supported both within and beyond the music industry.

Let yourself be captivated by her flexible, expressive voice.

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CheckmateCLAN QUEEN

CLAN QUEEN “Checkmate” Music Video

CheckmateCLAN QUEEN

If you’re looking for a band with a cohesive aesthetic from music to visuals, give CLAN QUEEN a listen! This three-piece music unit began performing under the name in 2022.

They champion “Creative Neo Rock,” with members handling everything from music and video to graphics.

Their June 2023 release, “Odagakuen,” hit No.

6 on Spotify’s Viral Chart without any promotion, rapidly boosting their profile.

The fusion of dark, funky sounds with lyrics evoking hell and paradise is simply superb.

In 2024, they released the album “VeiL,” and their first solo headlining show sold out immediately—their momentum shows no signs of slowing.

If you want to immerse yourself in highly artistic work, we highly recommend checking them out!

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tuki.

tuki. “Ichirin Hana” Official Music Video

tuki.

tuki.

is a rising singer-songwriter whose overwhelming vocal ability and exceptional musical sensibility shine through.

In September 2023, the song Ban Sanka, which she released while still in middle school, ranked high on Spotify and Apple Music charts and drew further attention when covered by Yuuri.

Her voice is heartrending yet unwaveringly powerful—it’s captivating, isn’t it? The follow-up release, Ichirinka, also seeps gently into the heart with lyrics and melodies that portray love and sorrow.

It’s said she borrowed money from her father to record it, and that strength of will may be one of her charms as well.

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Reason for existenceKokona -KOKONA-

[Kokona] Reason for Existence (MV) / Theme Song for the DMM TV Original Variety Show “Strange People of S Ward”

Reason for existenceKokona -KOKONA-

Singer-songwriter KOKONA from Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture chose to devote herself to music at a very young age, right after graduating from junior high school.

She has performed alongside artists such as Yuuri, ATARASHII GAKKO!, and Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi.

Aiming for a word-centric style reminiscent of Yutaka Ozaki, her strengths lie in melodies that convey raw impulse and lyrics that resonate deeply.

Through carefully woven words, her voice expresses inner conflict and surging emotions—perfect for listeners who want to fully absorb the meaning of the lyrics.

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