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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Roundup of Japanese artists active overseas (1–10)
PA PA YA!! (feat. F.HERO)BABYMETAL
Their popularity overseas is tremendous, and it’s truly surprising that Japanese artists attracting this much attention abroad actually come from an idol background.
What’s incredible about them is that they’ve conquered all the famous hard rock festivals overseas.
Even though the backing band doesn’t show their faces, it’s made up of quite renowned members, and the solid rock they lay down is one reason for their popularity.
And no matter how many huge white dudes are raging in the crowd, they keep performing without changing their expressions—at this point, they’re practically gods (lol).
This song really gets you pumped, so it’s popular overseas too!
The BeginningONE OK ROCK
A four-piece rock band leading Japan’s rock scene with overwhelming vocal prowess and an aggressive band sound.
Their music, modern yet steeped in classic rock traditions, has likely convinced many rock fans that a new rock hero has arrived.
They have also captivated a wide audience beyond rock enthusiasts by providing all the theme songs for the Rurouni Kenshin film series starring actor Takeru Sato, who is close friends with vocalist Taka.
Now signed with overseas labels, they’re proving their mettle on rock’s home turf as well, boasting sold-out shows on major stages across the United States.
Glimpse of UsJoji
Joji captivates listeners around the world with a musical style that fuses smooth R&B and electronic sounds.
He made his debut in 2017 with In Tongues, and Glimpse of Us, released in June 2022, became a global hit.
Its popularity on TikTok helped spark its success, and it has surpassed 50 million views on YouTube.
He also drew attention as the second Japanese singer to top Australia’s singles chart.
With emotional vocals and profound lyrics, his music resonates deeply with listeners.
Centered around piano ballads, his recent work reflects a maturation in his sound.
He’s an artist highly recommended for fans of R&B and electronic music.
REACHING FOR THE SKYMAN WITH A MISSION
Even on the overseas rock scene, MAN WITH A MISSION—famous for their wolf masks—has been attracting attention.
Active since 2010, their cool mixture sound blends rock with electro and rap.
Since their major-label debut in 2011, their name has spread among international anime fans through theme songs for series like Log Horizon and Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.
In 2018, they performed at the UK rock festival Reading Festival.
And in their 2023 world tour, they reportedly thrilled about 150,000 fans across 66 shows—impressive! With cool English-language tracks and powerful live performances, you’ll likely get hooked too.
Bringing Japanese rock to the world—their music is a must-listen!
XSRina Sawayama
A singer-songwriter from Niigata, now based in London, UK, who is also attracting attention from fashion insiders at home and abroad as a model.
Their musical style, which fuses post-1990s J-pop with early-2000s American R&B and pop, is described as “Cute R&B” and has gained support both domestically and internationally.
Beyond writing lyrics and composing, they handle everything themselves—from production to directing music videos—showcasing an out-of-the-ordinary talent truly worthy of being called a next-generation artist.
With a distinctive, message-driven worldview that is gaining attention across borders, they are an artist whose future success is highly anticipated.
SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHTXG
XG, a seven-member all-Japanese girl group, debuted with “Tippy Toes” in March 2022 and quickly drew attention.
While influenced by K-pop, they champion a new genre called “X-POP,” pursuing a distinctive musical identity.
The members include talents with diverse backgrounds, such as former models and professional snowboarders.
They began activities in Korea early on, and their international popularity has grown year by year, highlighted by the response to 2024’s “WOKE UP.” They’ve also made global waves as the first Japanese artists to rank on the U.S.
radio chart.
XG’s extraordinary performances are sure to capture your heart.
ZenBAND-MAID
BAND-MAID captivates with the contrast between members in maid outfits and a hard rock sound.
Formed in Tokyo in 2013 around Miku Kobato, they craft a distinctive sound centered on hard rock while weaving in elements of metal and punk.
Through repeated tours in the United States and Europe, they’ve earned overwhelming support from rock fans overseas.
They’ve released numerous acclaimed albums, including Just Bring It and Unseen World, and their strong reputation on YouTube and social media has cemented their global recognition.
In 2025, they will also handle the opening theme for an anime produced by MAPPA.
They’re the perfect band for those who want to enjoy the contrast between maid costumes and powerful performances, as well as listeners seeking an authentic rock sound.