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!
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Japanese Artists Active Overseas (21–30)
PONPONPONkyarī pamyu pamyu
A female singer who has amassed a passionate following—especially among young people—thanks to cute tracks produced by Yasutaka Nakata and her original fashion sense.
Her unforgettable, catchy phrases and melodies left a huge impact on the J-pop scene after 2010.
Even Lady Gaga, the globally renowned singer-songwriter, has imitated her fashion, which shows the extent of her influence.
As a representative of Japanese pop culture and a symbol of Japan’s “kawaii” movement, she is also active on the international stage.
N.E.O.CHAI
Formed in Nagoya, Aichi in 2012, the four-piece girl band CHAI delivers a unique sound that blends a wide range of genres, including alternative rock and hip-hop.
Their 2015 EP “Hottaraka Series” drew significant attention from the outset, landing in the Top 50 on Spotify’s overseas charts.
In 2018, they released music through prestigious indie labels in the U.S.
and U.K., signed with Sub Pop, and further solidified their international reputation.
They have also earned numerous accolades, including recognition at the 10th CD Shop Awards in 2018 and taking the top spot on Buzz Rhythm 02’s “This Is Going to Buzz 2018.” With “NEO Kawaii” as their guiding concept, their music is packed with fresh, message-driven works beneath a pop surface—highly recommended for fans of Western music as well.
Summary of Japanese artists active overseas (31–40)
NIGHT DANCERimase
Imase is an up-and-coming R&B singer-songwriter who began producing music self-taught.
His sound is defined by a vocal style that skillfully switches between a rich low chest voice and a soaring falsetto.
He made his major debut in December 2021 and achieved a massive hit on TikTok with over 500 million total views.
His total plays on social media have surpassed 1.1 billion, and he has even charted in the TOP 100 on Korea’s platform MelOn, earning popularity that crosses borders.
In December 2023, he won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards—an achievement reached in just three years since starting his music career.
In 2024, he embarked on an Asia tour, with tickets selling out instantly.
With catchy melodies and solid chops as a track maker, he’s a highly recommended artist for those looking to discover new music through social media.
Your Dreamland4s4ki
4s4ki is a female singer-songwriter from Saitama Prefecture who deftly navigates a wide range of genres, including alternative rock and electronica.
She began teaching herself DTM at 17 and launched full-scale activities in 2019 by founding SAD15mg.
In 2021, she made her major-label debut with Victor Entertainment and has since attracted attention both in Japan and abroad.
She earned high acclaim overseas as well, ranking on Pitchfork’s “The 100 Best Songs of 2022,” and continues to expand her activities across borders.
She has showcased her talents across diverse fields, including a collaboration with the anime Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion and the collaborative EP 44th Dimension with American EDM producer YULTRON.
Her distinctive sound and candid, resonant lyrics captivate listeners, winning over both Western music fans and anime fans.
ObsessedAyumu Imazu
Ayumu Imazu shines with a musical style that blends dance performance with roots in R&B and pop.
Starting dance at the age of six and having studied abroad in New York, he is a globally minded talent.
He made his major debut in August 2021 under Warner Music Japan’s label etichetta, drawing attention with his bilingual vocals in Japanese and English.
A true multi-talent, he handles everything from songwriting and composition to choreography himself, and he received the Planning Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards.
His dance challenges have spread across Asian countries on social media, and he continues to rise as a leading artist of Gen Z.
He’s highly recommended for those interested in the fusion of dance music and R&B, and for listeners seeking a global sound.
EdisonSuiyōbi no Campanella
Wednesday Campanella has drawn attention with their genre-defying sound and unpredictable live performances.
Formed in 2012, they’ve earned high acclaim in Japan and abroad for their original songs inspired by historical figures and mythology.
Blending elements of EDM, hip-hop, and J-pop, they are shaking up the music scene with bold staging and captivating lyrics.
In 2016, they won the Best Art Direction Video at the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC AWARDS.
Since September 2021, Utaha has taken over as vocalist, ushering in a new phase of their appeal.
They’re the perfect artist for anyone who wants to enjoy music freely, without being bound by genre.
ENDLESS RAINX JAPAN
A five-member rock band that was the first in the metal genre—one that’s often slow to catch on in the J-pop scene—to gain enough fans to become a social phenomenon.
They’re known not only for their intense metal tunes like “Kurenai,” but also for beautiful, classical-tinged ballads such as “ENDLESS RAIN.” Their popularity in Japan is a given, and their talent and acclaim abroad are also substantial—for example, in 2014 they set a record for an Asian solo act with their concert at Madison Square Garden, often called “the world’s most famous arena.” Since forming in 1982, they’ve continued to evolve while overcoming hardships—a monster band that Japan can be proud of.