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