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 Should Check Out Early (41–50)

Useless crossjo0ji

jo0ji “Dasa” Music Video

Useless crossjo0ji

Singer-songwriter jo0ji from Tottori Prefecture crafts songs inspired by friends and everyday events, known for melodies and lyrics that closely resonate with listeners.

His first EP, “475,” includes tracks modeled on his father and childhood friend.

Selected for Spotify’s “Early Noise 2024,” he’s a promising new artist poised for greater recognition.

Balancing music with life as a fisherman lends his work depth and authenticity.

Highly recommended for those eager to discover fresh talent.

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MoveYukichi Kasaku/men

Yukichi Masterpiece/men - 'Move' MV

MoveYukichi Kasaku/men

A singer-songwriter and trackmaker born in 2003 from Shizuoka Prefecture.

A multi-talented creator who not only produces music but also works on video and CG production.

Their hallmark is a free-form sound that blends elements of pop, jazz, electronic music, and hyperpop, and they showed precocious talent by starting to write songs in the sixth grade.

In 2018, they drew attention by winning the Jury’s Special Prize at the Mikakunin Festival.

In May 2021, they made their major debut with the simultaneous release of two EPs, “Karada Portable” and “Horu Assort.” They also gained buzz through collaborations with Soshi Sakiyama and AFRO PARKER.

Since October 2023, they have been working independently, continuing to express themselves across a wide range of activities including songwriting for others and video production.

Recommended for those who enjoy music that defies conventions and experimental sounds.

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crashSugawara Kei

Kei Sugawara – crash (Official Video)

crashSugawara Kei

This is singer-songwriter Kei Sugawara, whose powerful vocals draw you in.

Around 2019, she began uploading cover videos to YouTube and later released original songs such as “crash.” Her emotional style has captivated listeners.

Many people probably admire this kind of cool vocal work.

In 2022, she released the single “ia,” and she was selected as one of the ten artists for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2022.” She’s an artist you won’t want to take your eyes off in the coming months!

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I want to be your lover.Chōkyūmei

“I Want to Be Your Lover” Music Video / Cho Kyumei

I want to be your lover.Chōkyūmei

A band name with such a curious ring to it makes you want to say it out loud a few times as soon as you see it, doesn’t it? Formed around 2020, Chōkyūmei is a four-piece centered on Rei—an alumna of the Showbi College of Music—who handles vocals as well as guitar and violin.

As of 2023, they’re one of the most talked-about young bands, widely seen as a sure bet for the next big breakthrough.

Many people likely discovered them through tie-ins such as March Bride, the theme song for the 2022 TV drama Ase to Sekken based on a popular manga, or Light Up Your Heart!, the ending theme for the drama Hey, Handsome Guys, Eat! that aired the same year.

Their supple band ensemble—underpinned by the high-level skills of every member—Rei’s expressive, ear-catching vocals and melodies, and the songs born from their lyrics are highly pop while brimming with rich ideas in the details, capturing the real lives of young people living in the 2020s.

If you’re into piano-driven pop, they’re definitely worth a listen.

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Tokyoyangusukinii

Young Skinny – Tokyo [Official Music Video]

Tokyoyangusukinii

Young Skinny, the rock band affectionately known as “Yansuki.” Formed in Tokyo in 2020, the four members are Kayayu on guitar and vocals, Gonzales on guitar, Ryoto on bass, and Shion on drums.

While many bands are formed with local friends and acquaintances, they reportedly came together after Kayayu recruited members on social media.

They specialize in sentimental rock ballads that really tug at the heartstrings.

Be sure to give them a listen on a night of unrequited love.

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accent colorBialystocks

Bialystocks – Accent Color [Live Video]

accent colorBialystocks

Bialystocks is a duo that freely moves between the worlds of film and music.

Formed in 2019 by film director Sora Hokimoto and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, whose roots are in jazz, their appeal lies in cinematic, scene-evoking sound that centers on J-pop while weaving in elements of folk and alternative.

They made their major debut in 2022 with the album “Quicksand,” and their signature song “Sashi Iro” was featured in a commercial for Kirin Namacha, bringing their name to a wide audience.

Music producer Koichi Tsutaya ranked their song “Lighthouse” second best of the year on a program aired in January 2023, a testament to their proven talent.

Blending a universal warmth with a cutting-edge sensibility, their music is perfect for listeners who want to immerse themselves deeply in a sonic world.

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Crush CoreTyrkouaz

Tyrkouaz – Crush Core [MUSIC VIDEO]

Crush CoreTyrkouaz

Tyrkouaz is a new-generation artist you should definitely check out.

They’re a neo-mixture rock band made up of the twins S o ü t a and r e n t, and they’ve been releasing one buzzworthy track after another under the theme of “a new interpretation of video game music.” Tyrkouaz has also been steadily growing their fanbase through live performances.

You can watch their performances on their official YouTube channel, so I highly recommend checking it out.

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