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)

Today’s recommendationrikon densetsu

Rikon Densetsu − Today's Recommendation (Official Music Video)

Today's recommendationrikon densetsu

Divorce Densetsu is a music duo from Japan.

Their appeal lies in a unique sound that fuses J-pop, R&B, and pop music.

The duo is characterized by vocalist Ayumu Matsuda’s sweet, mellow high-tone voice and Jun Beppu’s freewheeling guitar playing.

The band name is derived from the Japanese title of Marvin Gaye’s album “Here My Dear.” They actively collaborate with a variety of musicians and have earned support from a wide audience.

If you’re looking for new music, you should definitely give them a listen.

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AtamiKroi

Kroi – Atami [Official Video] #Kroi’s Atami

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!

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[2026] Next Break Artists to Watch. Japanese Music You Should Check Out Early (31–40)

I don’t suit youyutori

yutori “Kimi ni Awanai” Official Music Video

I don't suit youyutori

yutori is a four-piece band formed in 2020, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Kotoko Sato, guitarist Fumiya Uchida, bassist Taichi Toyoda, and drummer Ren Urayama.

Their debut track, “Shortcut feat.

Yui Yaguchi,” took the No.

1 spot in four categories on the music distribution site Eggs.

They’re one of the bands drawing attention right now.

The band name comes from the fact that all four members belong to Japan’s “yutori” (relaxed education) generation.

Many listeners are likely to be captivated by the poised vocals and stylish yet familiar sound.

We can’t wait to see what they do next!

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The long skirt billowsConton Candy

Conton Candy – The long skirt billows [Official Video]

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!

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TokyoYukiguni

Snow Country – Tokyo (Official Music Video)

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.

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Reincarnationrokudenashi

Rokudenashi “Reincarnation” / Rokudenashi – Reincarnation [Official Music Video]

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.

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Dinner Songtuki.

tuki. 'Banquet Song' acoustic self-accompanied version

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.

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