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!
Playlist
| 2026: Next Break to Watch. Japanese Artists to Check Out Early | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | catnapLeina |  play_arrow | A 19-year-old singer from Machida, drawing attention with delicate lyrics and musicality. |
| 2 | Bunny GirlAKASAKI |  play_arrow | An 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Aichi, a rising prodigy drawing attention in the music scene |
| 3 | agitationretororiron |  play_arrow | Four-piece band with diverse musical backgrounds and a unique sound |
| 4 | nevermindmuque |  play_arrow | muque, a band from Fukuoka with diverse musicality |
| 5 | Indomitable FlowerjioOji |  play_arrow | The music of jioOji, a rising star from Tottori |
| 6 | Heisei Romance of the NightFirst Love is Never Returned |  play_arrow | A five-member band from Hokkaido, advancing with rich musicality |
| 7 | Send To Youluv |  play_arrow | A five-piece band from Kansai with a 90s-style soul sound |
| 8 | dark; obscure; dim; the netherworld (poetic/literary)Chevon |  play_arrow | The moving music of the up-and-coming rock band Chevon |
| 9 | Tonight’s fightmeiyo densetsu |  play_arrow | Honorary Legend attracting attention with a new music style |
| 10 | Music PrisonerSabasusutā |  play_arrow | The new music of a rapidly rising girls' band |
| 11 | Dancing on the MirrorTomei |  play_arrow | A new female singer recommended by Yojiro Noda is popular on TikTok. |
| 12 | First Love Killernozomi |  play_arrow | Multi-creator Noshii draws attention with her unique music. |
| 13 | Flying TokyoCHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN |  play_arrow | The unique charm of CHO CO PA CO’s blend of electronic and folk music |
| 14 | I’m about to cry.The Otals |  play_arrow | A rising star unit specializing in shoegaze |
| 15 | Ainori Reunionpachae |  play_arrow | The achievements of the genre-blending band pachae |
| 16 | Last live showBurandē Senki |  play_arrow | The rise and allure of an emo rock band from Osaka |
| 17 | Diveziproom |  play_arrow | A hip-hop unit from Kobe taking on the world |
| 18 | To You at DawnTOMOO |  play_arrow | Piano-rock charmer TOMOO draws attention with her songs |
| 19 | A cowboy’s catchphraseInoue Sonoko |  play_arrow | From Shonan, stirring the heart with original music |
| 20 | salad bowlAooo |  play_arrow | Aooo is a musical collective of distinctive members. |
| 21 | YOUNG TOWNPEOPLE 1 |  play_arrow | PEOPLE1, a colorful and modern music group |
| 22 | See with inner double eyelidsHaku. |  play_arrow | Haku, an Osaka-born band drawing attention for their youth and originality |
| 23 | Love markerPenthouse |  play_arrow | A twin-vocal band from the University of Tokyo; their music is outstanding. |
| 24 | SchoolChilli Beans. |  play_arrow | Chilli Beans. is a three-member band that moves people |
| 25 | Azure Swimnishina |  play_arrow | Nishina’s singing voice is drawing attention. |
| 26 | tuki. |  play_arrow | tuki.'s song is gaining attention on the music charts |
| 27 | CheckmateCLAN QUEEN |  play_arrow | CLAN QUEEN, where music and visuals converge |
| 28 | Reason for existenceKokona -KOKONA- |  play_arrow | Young singer Kokoro Ai's emotionally rich musical activities |
| 29 | Today’s recommendationrikon densetsu |  play_arrow | A Japanese duo known for their original, captivating music |
| 30 | AtamiKroi |  play_arrow | A genreless, catchy music band |
| 31 | I don’t suit youyutori |  play_arrow | Yutori: A band from the 'relaxed generation' is gaining attention. |
| 32 | The long skirt billowsConton Candy |  play_arrow | Three-piece band Conton Candy from Tokyo |
| 33 | TokyoYukiguni |  play_arrow | A band from a snowy country gaining attention for their delicate music |
| 34 | Reincarnationrokudenashi |  play_arrow | Carrot's Vocaloid Producer Project |
| 35south_east | Dinner Songtuki. |  play_arrow | The music of tuki., active on the internet |
| 36 | transparentLaura day romance |  play_arrow | A band with the scent of J-pop and UK alternative |
| 37 | backlightBILLY BOO |  play_arrow | Black music from Sendai, a unique sound |
| 38 | Two-Person PlanWurtS |  play_arrow | A musician whose social media presence has made them popular, transcending genres. |
| 39 | paletteeill |  play_arrow | eill, a highly anticipated solo artist representing the Reiwa era |
| 40 | fragrant olive (silver osmanthus)murasaki ima |  play_arrow | A multitalented rookie artist drawing attention with a husky singing voice |
| 41 | RippleAo |  play_arrow | Ao, whose singing voice is clear and richly expressive |
| 42 | How to Love AfterimagesTele |  play_arrow | Tele, who is taking the music scene by storm with literary lyrics |
| 43 | Useless crossjo0ji |  play_arrow | The heartfelt musical activities of jo0ji from Tottori |
| 44 | MoveYukichi Kasaku/men |  play_arrow | Experimental music created by multi-creators |
| 45 | crashSugawara Kei |  play_arrow | Kei Sugawara, a rising singer drawing attention from YouTube |
| 46 | I want to be your lover.Chōkyūmei |  play_arrow | Cho Kyumei, a rising young band |
| 47 | Tokyoyangusukinii |  play_arrow | Young Skinny, a four-member band formed through social media |
| 48 | accent colorBialystocks |  play_arrow | A duo band that fuses visuals and music |
| 49 | Crush CoreTyrkouaz |  play_arrow | Twin neo-mixture rock band |
| 50 | super wobblyNekura Tōkī |  play_arrow | Nekritalkie, poppy and distinctive |
| 51 | Suzunari Memoriesthe molars’ |  play_arrow | The Appeal of Hiroshima Punk Band the 奥歯’s |
| 52 | New DimensionShin-Tōkyō |  play_arrow | A guitarless college band, an up-and-coming new act |
| 53 | stoppage timeNoda Megumi |  play_arrow | Emi Noda, a singer-songwriter with outstanding vocal ability |
| 54 | SSMEPK shampoo |  play_arrow | A noisy, captivating rock band on the rise |
| 55 | STARSw.o.d. |  play_arrow | Introduction to the band w.o.d., performers of the theme song for the anime BLEACH |
| 56 | Delusional scriptwriting activityasmi |  play_arrow | asmi is a highly anticipated young singer |
| 57 | Toryanseatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu |  play_arrow | Sailor-uniform dance unit, original |
| 58 | D♡VE QUEENSARM |  play_arrow | Jazz-oriented female artist SARM makes a major breakthrough |
| 59 | Summer breeze, you and I in lovekatakoto |  play_arrow | A skilled middle school rock band born in 2000 |
| 60 | mid-20syui nishio |  play_arrow | A rising singer-songwriter from Nagoya |
| 61 | it takes twoego apratment |  play_arrow | A three-member music unit with a captivating, distinctive musical style. |
| 62 | LOG OUT4s4ki |  play_arrow | 4s4ki, an innovator in music and fashion |
| 63 | Anthem of CounterattackRyukku to soine gohan |  play_arrow | The success of backpack and sleeping-together rice |
| 64 | grand opening performanceKobayashi watashi |  play_arrow | A distinctive singer-songwriter active on YouTube |
| 65 | Starry NightYuka |  play_arrow | Rising artist Yuka draws attention with her beautiful voice. |
| 66 | Don’t get my hopes up.maharājiyan |  play_arrow | An eccentric singer-songwriter wearing a turban |
| 67 | run.CVLTE |  play_arrow | CVLTE, a modern music band from Sapporo |
| 68 | Duckykankan |  play_arrow | Mr./Ms. Kankan, a mysterious singer, is popular. |
| 69 | Boys Don’t CryYOAKE |  play_arrow | A band that uses a different vocalist for each song |
| 70 | ObsessedAyumu Imazu |  play_arrow | While rooted in R&B and pop, dance… |
| 71 | With you, on Earth8 |  play_arrow | Mr. 8, popular on TikTok, captivates with relatable lyrics. |
| 72 | ShortcutPerushikaria |  play_arrow | Led by indie rock band frontman Yui Yaguchi |
| 73 | GREENAPPLE4na |  play_arrow | Singer-songwriter originating from the internet |
| 74 | Let’s keep smilingkawanishi natsuki |  play_arrow | A singer from Nara known for their captivating mid-to-low vocal range |
| 75 | SCREAMWENDY |  play_arrow | WENDY is a rock band from Setagaya. |
| 76 | TokyoTetsukaze Tōkyō |  play_arrow | Introduction to the musical activities of the Sendai rock band Tetsukaze Tokyo |
| 77 | Sweet RainWOLF HOWL HARMONY |  play_arrow | A vocal and rap group with wolf-like howls |
| 78 | The whereabouts of my beloved.bokula. |  play_arrow | The young rock band bokula. is gaining attention. |
| 79 | rendezvousshaitoopu |  play_arrow | Shytope, a rock band that sings about everyday life |
| 80 | A sky from some dayA Natsume |  play_arrow | A soothing artist of the rooftop |
| 81 | Selfish girlfriendAkiyama Ritsuki |  play_arrow | Ritsuki Akiyama from Saitama, a singer in the spotlight |
| 82 | Summer Snowkrage |  play_arrow | Pay attention to the music of next-generation artist krage |
| 83 | Enjoymei-chan |  play_arrow | Mei-chan, a versatile singer and composer |
| 84 | Baby, baby, baby!neguse. |  play_arrow | A four-piece band from Nagoya, known for their charming smiles and music. |
| 85 | 300 yenotonari ni ginga keikaku |  play_arrow | A four-member band from Nagoya is active. |
| 86 | Future IslandMori Calliope |  play_arrow | Hololive rapper Mori Calliope is active in the English-speaking world |
| 87 | Your Dreamland4s4ki |  play_arrow | The appeal of 4s4ki, known for her diverse music |
| 88 | A world without youto shiki |  play_arrow | Toshiki, popular on social media, draws attention with songs that evoke empathy. |
| 89 | 0 to 10Bleecker Chrome |  play_arrow | The music of Bleecker Chrome, a prodigy honed in New York |
| 90 | DropHANA |  play_arrow | New diversity-focused idol group HANA is thriving |
| 91 | CANDYICEx |  play_arrow | A teen music unit born from EBiDAN |
| 92 | I knowammo |  play_arrow | Ammo, a three-piece band from Higashi-Osaka, a group of highly skilled musicians |
| 93 | In Love with the Mirrorraisan |  play_arrow | A band garnering attention for its distinctive music and praise |
| 94 | Don’t die!kocchi no kento |  play_arrow | Kento Sugo, who performs music under the name “Kento.” |
| 95 | From here onkepura |  play_arrow | Kepla is a rock band full of youthful vibes. |
| 96 | Sentimental KissShio Reira |  play_arrow | Reira Shio, a rising new artist gaining attention for her unique music |
| 97 | Double Double FIGHT!CANDY TUNE |  play_arrow | The idol group CANDY TUNE, popular on social media |
| 98 | Rock This Partytimelesz |  play_arrow | 13-year group evolves as timelesz |
| 99 | Wonderlandkyururin tte shite mite |  play_arrow | A next-generation idol group for the social media era—one to watch! |
| 100 | Youth Fantasy PoemHakanasono |  play_arrow | The Music and Allure of Hakanen, Singing of Youth’s Ephemerality |