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)

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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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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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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Suzunari Memoriesthe molars’

the奥歯’s – Suzunari Memories – Music Video

Suzunari Memories the Molars'

Let me introduce the Okuba’s, who are quickly gaining a reputation as “hot.” They’re a three-piece punk band from Hiroshima Prefecture.

Their first mini-album, Night Dwellers, features many songs that deeply move listeners and has become a hot topic.

The奥歯’s are also known for the sheer intensity of their live performances.

You’ll be blown away by their power the moment you see them.

If you’re interested, check out their tracks and then head to a show.

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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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STARSw.o.d.

w.o.d. – STARS [LIVE VIDEO] Opening Theme of the TV Anime 'BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Separation'

STARSw.o.d.

Riding a huge wave of momentum, the band w.o.d.

scored a hit with “STARS,” the opening theme for the popular anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Separation.

The name w.o.d.

stands for “webr ing odd duckling,” meaning “a duck that can’t swim.” They reportedly picked cool-sounding words from a dictionary and forcibly rearranged them to create it.

The trio from Kobe consists of vocalist-guitarist Takuya Saito, bassist Mackay, and drummer Motoyoshi Nakajima.

If you love unadulterated, high-precision grunge rock, they’re a must-check!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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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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