A sonic landscape made up of colorful pockets, Japan’s music scene is not spearheaded by a singular genre, rather a multitude of sounds. Whether that’s the frequent club nights headlined by hyperpop and digicore artists or hardcore shows filled to the brim with fervor, Japan boasts a plethora of upcoming artists and bands pushing musical boundaries.

From the practice room heaven of Tokyo to the brutal winters of Aomori, it’s hard for innovation and inspiration to not arise. Not a definitive list, this guide showcases acts that we at sabukaru see potential in. Whether they’re just starting out or more established and pushing a sound that we believe has more room to grow, this guide provides a glimpse into what’s happening here in the burgeoning music ecosystem of Japan.

AOTO

A new rising star, Aoto is a great example of this fusion of electronic music and rap, especially UK rap, that’s been developing over the years here in Japan. Possessing a clear vision, his style, performances, and flows feel professional. Dropping his sophomore album Kiss My Life, his promise keeps growing.

bed

Wailing guitars and flashing lights, ed isn’t your ordinary band. From dark club elements in tracks like “Kare Wa” to more psychedelic riffs, they’ve cultivated a loyal audience that makes them best experienced live.

BLUME popo

Emo riffs and swirling tones, blume popo pulls from a multitude of genres like math rock and shoegaze to splice a sound that lets their vocalist pull at your heartstrings. From wide, cinematic sounding moments to slow and precise picking that could be on loop forever, blume popo takes you on a magical ride.

GOKU sasaki

An experimental artist from Aomori, Goku is one of our favorite upcoming artists right now. Self-producing a lot of his music, he understands the American avant garde and infuses the essence of it into his own style rather than a cheap caricature of what a rapper is “supposed to be.” From pluggnb to trap goth to ambient rap, he’s standing at the precipice of a sound that only he can craft.

iVy

Emerging in 2023, iVy is a duo leaning into soft sweetness. With present, delicate vocals and bubbling keys that swell into euphoric highs — like on “any noise.” — they feel like a new chapter in the lineage of Shibuya-kei, still shaping a name for their sound.

kegøn

Leading the charge of modern hyperpop in Japan, Kegon has recently pivoted toward a more rage-influenced sound. With explosive energy and sticky melodies, he stands at the forefront, pushing the scene forward.

Kochikesa

Heavily influenced by Chicago’s Glo sound, Kochikesa operates less like a collective and more like a singular force. The trio flows seamlessly over hard-hitting beats with effortless trap swagger, feeling like a new-era evolution of that lineage.

Kokeshi

Fronted by a ghostly force whose screams raise the hairs on your neck, Kokeshi is a rising black metal act. Crushing drums and deep, growling guitars turn every performance into a headbanging ritual

Kurayamisaka

A new voice in J-rock, Kurayamisaka represents a revival of Japanese band culture once overshadowed by the electronic wave of the 2010s. From pop-leaning tracks like “modify Youth” to classic J-rock cuts like “metro,” they continue building momentum while touring across Japan.

Lausbub

An experimental new wave group from Sapporo, Lausbub resists easy labels. Moving from synth-heavy cuts to groovy pop songs, they glide through floppy textures and warm, immersive soundscapes.

Lazydoll

One of the most promising rappers in Japan right now, Lazydoll’s stutter-heavy self-production and haunting tags — reminiscent of Reptilian Club Boyz — create a distinct texture for his fast-paced tracks. Constantly evolving, he’s even sampled The Killers while revealing softer dimensions of himself.

lilbesh ramko

Radiating warmth and bounce, lilbesh ramko crafts pop-leaning tracks full of infectious energy. At his shows, the ground feels like it might crack from the crowd’s movement. If you’re looking to dance, he delivers.

Moreru

If you haven’t been to a Moreru show, you haven’t lived. Balancing chaos and control, this band blends noise, screamo, and electronic elements into something fresh and volatile. Their performances push boundaries, making them impossible to ignore.

Number Collector

Taking on a darker, more atmospheric tone, Number Collector molds the hyperpop boom of 2020 into his own deviation. Part of a new scene emerging in Japan, his sound isn’t geographically confined — something reflected in the international producers he collaborates with.

soccer.

A screamo band with emotional weight, soccer. pairs heavy riffs with cathartic shrieks. Their recent split with American band Vs Self signals growing international attention.

Starceed

With tracks that feel like undeniable hits — like “No More Hennessy” — Starceed’s melodies and vocal runs are addictive. A shining presence in Japan’s R&B space, she feels destined for even greater heights.

Tarozan

Balancing heartfelt Heisei-era love song nostalgia with smooth R&B flows — like on “for you” — Tarozan exists between Japan’s budding hyperpop wave and American-influenced experimental scenes.

vq

A noise artist crafting illustrious experiences entirely from an iPhone, vq helms a new guard in Japan’s noise scene. Visceral and unfiltered, he doesn’t hide behind walls of distortion.

0.001DAY

Since 2020, 0.001DAY has been sharpening their edge. Throwing guitars like a tornado and screaming into the void, this hardcore band delivers performances that feel like a full-body experience.