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)

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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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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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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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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backlightBILLY BOO

BILLY BOO – Backlight [Official Music Video]

backlightBILLY BOO

BILLY BOO is a band that builds on Black music like hip-hop and R&B while unfolding a genreless sound.

Hailing from Sendai, they began activities in May 2024, and one of their biggest draws is vocalist KAZUKI UJIIE’s heartrending, unforgettable voice that sticks with you after just one listen.

Released in the fall of 2024, “Lens” garnered buzz as background music for a dating reality show.

Furthermore, “Rhapsody” was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime “Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de” and secured power-play rotation on 57 radio stations nationwide, showing their momentum is only growing.

Effortlessly transcending genre boundaries, their music is perfect for listeners seeking something fresh and stimulating.

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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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transparentLaura day romance

Laura Day Romance / Transparent (Official Music Video)

transparentLaura day romance

Laura day romance is a captivating band whose sound is rooted in J-pop and rock while exuding the flair of UK alternative and soul music.

Since starting their activities in 2017 and releasing the EP “her favorite seasons” in 2018, they have steadily grown their fanbase.

Their signature lies in Kagetsu Inoue’s crystal-clear vocals and literary lyrics, complemented by timeless, faintly nostalgic melodies.

Their 2022 album “roman candles | 憧憬蝋燭” received a Special Prize at the “APPLE VINEGAR -Music Award-,” curated by Gotoh of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, among other accolades that attest to the high quality of their music.

Their songs delicately capture everyday scenes and subtle shades of emotion, radiating an evergreen glow.

If you love pop music that endures across eras, you’ll likely find something that resonates.

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