Japan’s music scene is thriving in 2024, with a diverse range of artists captivating audiences both at home and abroad. From pop sensations to rock bands, these musicians are shaping the sound of modern Japanese music. Let’s explore the 10 most famous Japanese music artists who are making waves this year.
1. YOASOBI
YOASOBI has become one of Japan’s biggest musical acts since their debut in 2019. This duo consists of vocalist Ikura and composer Ayase. They are known for creating songs based on novels, giving their music a unique storytelling quality.
Their breakthrough hit “Yoru ni Kakeru” (Racing into the Night) quickly became a global sensation. In 2023, their song “Idol,” which was the opening theme for the anime “Oshi no Ko,” exploded in popularity worldwide.
YOASOBI’s music combines catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics, often addressing themes of youth and hope. Their ability to create chart-topping hits consistently has made them a favorite among listeners of all ages.
2. Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs. GREEN APPLE has risen to the top of Japan’s music scene with their energetic pop-rock sound. The band, led by frontman Motoki Ohmori, has captured hearts with their upbeat melodies and relatable lyrics.
In 2024, they claimed the top spot on the Billboard Japan Artist 100 chart, showcasing their widespread popularity. Their songs “Que Sera Sera” and “Dance Hall” have become anthems for many Japanese music fans.
Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s music often blends elements of rock, pop, and electronic music, creating a sound that’s both fresh and familiar. Their live performances are known for their high energy and crowd engagement.
3. Official HIGE DANdism
Official HIGE DANdism, often called HIGEDAN by fans, continues to be one of Japan’s most beloved bands in 2024. Their music spans various genres, including pop, rock, and jazz, showcasing their versatility as artists.
The band is known for their heartfelt lyrics and the powerful vocals of lead singer Satoshi Fujihara. Their songs often touch on themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, resonating deeply with listeners.
HIGEDAN’s popularity extends beyond Japan, with a growing international fanbase. Their ability to create both upbeat, feel-good tunes and emotional ballads has cemented their place as one of Japan’s top musical acts.
4. Kenshi Yonezu
Kenshi Yonezu remains a powerhouse in the Japanese music industry in 2024. Known for his distinctive voice and creative songwriting, Yonezu has been a major influence on Japan’s music scene for over a decade.
Before his solo debut, Yonezu gained fame as a Vocaloid producer under the name “Hachi.” This background in digital music production gives his work a unique edge, blending traditional songwriting with modern production techniques.
Yonezu’s hit song “Lemon” continues to be a favorite among fans, having garnered over 850 million views on YouTube. His ability to create emotionally resonant music has made him a go-to artist for movie and anime soundtracks.
5. Ado
Ado has taken the Japanese music world by storm with her powerful vocals and mysterious persona. Despite her young age, she has quickly become one of the most talked-about artists in Japan.
Her breakout hit “Usseewa” showcased her raw emotional delivery and unique vocal style. In 2024, Ado continues to captivate audiences with her intense performances and relatable lyrics that often touch on the struggles of youth.
Ado’s music spans various genres, from rock to pop to electronic, demonstrating her versatility as an artist. Her ability to convey deep emotions through her songs has earned her a dedicated fanbase both in Japan and internationally.
6. Back Number
Back Number has maintained their status as one of Japan’s most popular rock bands in 2024. Known for their melodic rock sound and heartfelt lyrics, the trio has a knack for creating songs that strike an emotional chord with listeners.
Their music often explores themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, resonating with a wide range of audiences. Songs like “Suiheisen” (Horizon) and “Takane no Hanako-san” continue to be fan favorites, showcasing the band’s ability to create lasting hits.
Back Number’s live performances are highly anticipated events, known for their intimate atmosphere and the band’s connection with the audience. Their consistent output of quality music has kept them at the forefront of Japan’s rock scene.
7. Fujii Kaze
Fujii Kaze has solidified his position as one of Japan’s most exciting young artists in 2024. His unique blend of R&B, jazz, and pop has earned him critical acclaim and a rapidly growing fanbase.
Kaze’s powerful vocals and piano skills, combined with his songwriting talent, set him apart in the crowded Japanese music landscape. His music often explores deep emotional themes, delivered with a maturity beyond his years.
In 2024, Fujii Kaze continues to push boundaries with his music, experimenting with different sounds and collaborating with artists across genres. His live performances, showcasing his impressive vocal range and musicianship, have become must-see events.
8. Aimyon
Aimyon remains one of Japan’s most popular singer-songwriters in 2024, particularly among younger listeners. Her honest, straightforward lyrics and distinctive voice have made her a voice for her generation.
Known for songs like “Marigold” and “Hadaka no Kokoro” (Naked Heart), Aimyon’s music often touches on the complexities of modern relationships and the challenges of young adulthood. Her ability to capture these experiences in her lyrics has earned her a dedicated following.
Aimyon’s music style, which blends elements of folk and rock with pop sensibilities, continues to evolve in 2024. Her live performances, known for their intimate and authentic feel, remain highly sought-after events.
9. King Gnu
King Gnu has cemented their place as one of Japan’s most innovative rock bands in 2024. Their unique sound, which blends rock with elements of R&B, jazz, and electronic music, continues to push the boundaries of what Japanese rock can be.
The band’s hit song “Hakujitsu” (White Day) remains a fan favorite, showcasing their ability to create emotionally powerful music. In 2024, they continue to release new material that demonstrates their growth as artists and their willingness to experiment with different sounds.
King Gnu’s live performances are known for their energy and musicianship, with each member bringing their unique talents to the stage. Their ability to create music that’s both critically acclaimed and commercially successful has made them one of Japan’s most respected bands.
10. YAMA
YAMA rounds out our list of top Japanese artists in 2024. Despite maintaining an air of mystery around their personal identity, YAMA has captured the hearts of listeners with their emotive vocals and introspective lyrics.
Their song “Haru wo Tsugeru” (Telling Spring) became a viral hit, showcasing YAMA’s ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners. In 2024, YAMA continues to release new material that explores themes of youth, love, and self-discovery.
YAMA’s music often features a blend of acoustic and electronic elements, creating a sound that’s both modern and timeless. Despite the mystery surrounding their identity, YAMA’s music speaks for itself, earning them a place among Japan’s top artists.
Conclusion
The Japanese music scene in 2024 is vibrant and diverse, with artists pushing boundaries and creating music that resonates with listeners both in Japan and around the world. From the storytelling pop of YOASOBI to the innovative rock of King Gnu, from the powerful vocals of Ado to the heartfelt songwriting of Aimyon, these artists represent the best of what Japanese music has to offer.
Each of these artists brings something unique to the table, whether it’s YOASOBI’s novel-inspired songs, Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s energetic pop-rock, or Fujii Kaze’s soulful R&B-infused pop. They showcase the diversity of Japan’s music scene, spanning genres and styles to create a rich tapestry of sound.
What unites these artists is their ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. Whether through relatable lyrics, powerful vocals, or innovative sound production, they create music that moves people. This emotional connection is a key factor in their popularity and success.