A roundup of Japanese artists active overseas
These days, thanks in part to subscriptions, Japanese music is becoming much easier to enjoy abroad, and its popularity has grown even more!
In this article, we’ll introduce artists who could be called Japan’s stars, attracting fans around the world.
There are artists from a wide range of genres, and you can also feel the impact of hits sparked by anime and social media.
You’ll also notice that singers who are supported overseas sometimes have characteristics that differ from Japan’s mainstream trending artists.
Be sure to listen while enjoying new songs and discoveries!
- 【2026】A Collection of Beloved Japanese Classics Worldwide【JAPAN MUSIC】
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 20s [2026]
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
- Skyrocketing from social media to global attention! Yuka’s most popular songs ranking
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
- Ranking of Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Popular Among Teens [2026]
- Popular and hit songs trending on TikTok
- Gen Z listeners, take note! Great songs that color the J-pop scene
- Male singers with great voices: a collection of cool, seductive vocals
- Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era
- A roundup of Japanese artists active overseas
- Today's Recommended J-POP: A Collection of Japanese Hit Songs You’ll Want to Listen to Today
- Popular anime songs you often hear on YouTube Shorts
Roundup of Japanese artists active overseas (1–10)
I’d rather die.Fuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze made his major debut in 2020.
He is a talented singer-songwriter from Okayama, known for his piano-centered style.
His first album, “HELP EVER HURT NEVER,” topped the Billboard Japan charts.
From gentle, enveloping ballads to hip-hop-inspired tracks, he captivates listeners with his diverse musicality.
His second album, “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” released in March 2022, also reached No.
1, and most of his releases have maintained high positions on the charts, further boosting his presence year by year.
“Shinunoga E-Wa” spread from Thailand and became a global hit, increasing his popularity overseas.
Many people are drawn to his tender vocals, piano skills, and humorous personality.
WHAT’S MY NAME?MIYAVI
A musician who debuted as the guitarist of the visual kei band Dué le quartz and is known as the “Samurai Guitarist” for his high musicality and track record.
Influenced by bass slap techniques and the shamisen, his distinctive playing style produces an aggressive sound that sets him apart from typical pick-based guitarists.
Since 2013, he has embarked on world tours and became the first Japanese Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR, demonstrating a global presence that extends beyond Japan and his music career—making it easy to see why he’s called an iconoclast in the guitar rock scene.
He is a one-of-a-kind guitarist whose continued success at home and abroad is highly anticipated.
HELLO (from The Tiger’s Apprentice)atarashii gakkou no rīdāzu
ATARASHII GAKKO! is a four-member dance performance unit.
They made their major debut in June 2017 under Victor Entertainment.
Known for their theatrical, avant-garde performances, they’ve been described as “dancing, sailor uniforms, and eccentricity.” In 2021, they made their global debut with 88rising, performing internationally under the name ATARASHII GAKKO!.
While they’re known in Japan for their hit song Otona Blue, they appear to be even more popular in the United States.
Their unique style fuses Showa-era musical flavors and vocals with contemporary dance, and their total social media following exceeds 14 million.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience Asian culture making waves around the world.
Japanese Artists Active Overseas (11–20)
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
A male–female duo who instantly became the center of the J-pop scene after their debut digital-only single “Yoru ni Kakeru,” released in 2019, became a sudden smash hit.
They’ve gained support for Ikura’s clear, transparent vocals—she also performs as a singer-songwriter under her real name, Rira Ikuta—Ayase’s distinctive compositions as a successful Vocaloid producer, and their highly original concept of basing songs on novels.
They are active both in Japan and abroad, having topped Spotify’s “Most Streamed Japanese Artists Overseas in 2021,” among other achievements.
peace signYonezu Kenshi
An artist who captivates fans not only as a cutting-edge singer-songwriter in the J-POP scene, but also as Hachi, a hugely popular Vocaloid producer.
Sparked by the 2018 release of “Lemon,” they gained listeners across a wide spectrum and have become a musician virtually everyone in Japan knows.
As a trailblazer among artists who made platforms like YouTube and Niconico Douga their stage, they’ve spread their name worldwide, enjoying especially strong popularity in places like Taiwan and Southeast Asia.
Although they haven’t yet been active overseas in a direct capacity, they’re an artist receiving love calls from various countries hoping they’ll come perform.
The Tom and Jerry ShowUehara Hiromi
A jazz pianist who graduated at the top of the Jazz Composition Department at Berklee College of Music in the United States and, as the only Japanese artist, has successfully performed a weeklong run at New York’s Blue Note for eight consecutive years.
In Japan, he is also known for collaborations with top artists such as Dreams Come True and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
Even those not well-versed in music may recall being astonished by the magnificent piano performance at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
His virtuoso playing—commanding in solo, duo, or trio settings—has earned the highest praise not only in Japan but worldwide, widely acclaimed as “true music.”
Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts
Creepy Nuts, who brought a fresh breeze to Japan’s hip-hop scene, are a duo consisting of MC R-Shitei and DJ Matsunaga.
They made their major debut in 2017, and their distinctive sound—rooted in refined rap and DJ technique—is truly captivating.
They’ve been hugely successful in Japan, and the global hit of their 2024 release “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” helped spread their name overseas.
Their achievements in rap battles and DJ battles are also remarkable, and they’re an artist you should definitely check out if you’re looking for something new.
I think you’ll find their music seriously addictive after just one listen!