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!
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[2026] Next Big Break to Watch. Japanese Artists You’ll Want to Check Out Early (21–30)
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.
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.
[2026] Next Break Artists to Watch. Japanese Music You Should Check Out Early (31–40)
AtamiKroi
Kroi is a band that delivers genreless yet catchy music.
They’re a five-piece formed in 2018.
Their sound is striking for its rhythmic approach, strongly influenced by funk and Black music, layered with melodies that incorporate elements of R&B and hip-hop.
Before you know it, your body starts swaying as you listen.
In 2022, they provided a song to King & Prince, a popular Johnny’s group.
Keep an eye on them—their range of activity is impressive!
TokyoYukiguni
Yukiguni is a three-piece band formed in 2023.
Brought to life by three peers teaming up their young talents, the band blends a wide range of styles, including alternative rock, indie pop, and shoegaze.
In just a year since forming, they released a 15-track album, “pothos,” making a striking debut on the indie scene.
The delicate vocals and beautiful melodies crafted by vocalist/guitarist Kyo, combined with the meticulous rhythm section of Osawa and Kobata, have earned high praise from music fans and media alike.
They perform energetically at live houses and music festivals, known for expressive staging that values a strong sense of unity with the audience.
Highly recommended not only for fans of alternative rock and shoegaze, but also for anyone drawn to nuanced, delicate musicality.
The long skirt billowsConton Candy
If you’re looking for a hot up-and-coming girls’ band, you’ve got to check this out! Meet Conton Candy, a three-piece band from Tokyo.
Formed in 2018 in their high school light music club, they took a brief hiatus before resuming in 2021 with the current lineup, releasing tracks and performing live.
Their solid, punchy rock sound paired with lyrics that capture a sentimental longing for love is a killer combination.
They’re irresistibly cute yet incredibly cool.
If you’re into rock bands, this is one to keep on your radar!
Reincarnationrokudenashi
Rokudenashi is a music project that operates in a style where various Vocaloid producers create songs for the singer Ninjin.
They have released numerous hit tracks to date, including “Tada Koe Hitotsu” and “Reincarnation.” Their hallmark is a breathy vocal style that conveys a sense of fragility and wistfulness, and I believe many people love voices like Ninjin’s.
By inviting different Vocaloid producers for each song, they continue to release a wide range of tracks while steadily building their own unique artistic world.
Dinner Songtuki.
Singer-songwriter tuki., who has gained attention through activity centered on the internet such as YouTube.
She writes and composes her own songs, and her 2023 release “Bansanka” drew major attention for having been produced when she was 15 years old.
She uploads warm, performance-focused guitar and piano self-accompanied videos to YouTube and Instagram, releasing both covers and original tracks.
A female vocalist who delivers heartwarming songs to listeners with a clear, translucent voice.
