Bangkok Music City: A Gateway to Asia
Since its inception in November 2019, Bangkok Music City has solidified its reputation as Thailand’s leading international music conference and showcase festival. It serves as a vital hub, drawing artists not only from Thailand but from across the globe, alongside delegates from key Asian regions like Singapore, Malaysia, and Korea, as well as Western countries. This event offers a fertile ground for cultural exchange and industry networking, making it an ideal platform for Japanese artists seeking international exposure.
The MUSIC WAY PROJECT: Driving Global Growth for Japanese Sound
The “MUSIC WAY PROJECT,” established by the General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Culture and Entertainment Industry (CEIPA) – a collective of Japan’s five major music industry organizations – and TOYOTA GROUP, champions the globalization and sustainable growth of Japanese music. As an official partner of Bangkok Music City 2026, the project is set to host a dedicated conference, aiming to articulate the intrinsic value of the Japanese music market to local industry stakeholders. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the project will facilitate practical business matching opportunities, focusing on the dynamic music markets of Southeast Asia, with a particular emphasis on Thailand.
Meet the Artists: Japan’s Diverse Soundscape Takes the Stage
Five exceptional Japanese acts have been selected to showcase their talent at Bangkok Music City 2026, each representing a distinct facet of Japan’s thriving music scene:
Billyrrom: Architects of “Tokyo Transition Soul”
Formed in 2020 by members hailing from Machida, Tokyo, Billyrrom crafts a unique blend of SOUL, FUNK, and ROCK, pioneering their signature “Tokyo Transition Soul” sound. Their recent national tour, culminating in a sold-out show at Zepp Shinjuku, and additional sold-out performance in Taipei, underscore their growing popularity. The band has been recognized by “Fender NEXT,” NetEase Cloud Music’s “Annual New Voice Recommendation” for 2024, and Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2025.” Following appearances at overseas festivals in Seoul, Xiamen, and Shanghai in spring 2025, they are set to embark on their first 7-city Asia tour in February 2026.
Black petrol: The “Nerd and Hard” Collective from Kyoto
Emerging from Kyoto, Black petrol is an enigmatic musical collective that defines its sound as “Nerd and Hard,” drawing influences primarily from Black Music alongside a myriad of other genres. Comprised of highly skilled musicians who met during their university days in Kyoto, the group has graced the stages of major festivals such as SUMMER SONIC 2023, FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL ’24, and China’s STRAWBERRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025 in Beijing. They continue to release new tracks, intricately weaving elements of contemporary UK jazz and electronic music with unique club-floor aesthetics, all dynamically integrated into their live performances.
CANDY TUNE: Idol Phenomenon with Global Reach
Debuting in March 2023 from ASOBISYSTEM’s “KAWAII LAB.” idol project, CANDY TUNE is a vibrant seven-member idol group. Their representative song, “Baibai FIGHT!,” became a massive hit in 2025, garnering over 4 billion views on TikTok and topping its popular song rankings for ten consecutive weeks. This meteoric rise led to prestigious accolades, including the “Excellent Work Award” at the 67th Japan Record Awards and a #1 ranking on Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs. The group also made their debut appearance on the 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen and has announced solo concerts at the iconic Nippon Budokan on June 5th and 6th, 2026. CANDY TUNE’s journey, from TikTok sensation to Budokan, truly exemplifies the power of ‘kawaii’ culture to transcend borders and capture hearts globally.
luv: The Next-Gen Future Soul Architects
Formed in June 2023, luv is a five-member future soul band comprising Hiyn (Vo&Gt), Ofeen (DJ), Rosa (Key), Zum (Ba), and Sho (Ds), all born in 2003. Their sound is deeply influenced by 90s-Y2K Neo-Soul, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and other Black Music genres. After their major debut with “Fuwa Fuwa” in July 2024, the track quickly climbed Spotify’s viral charts, reaching the Top 3 in Taiwan. This success was followed by a sold-out solo concert in Taiwan in January 2025. Their February 2025 release, “Send To You,” also entered Spotify’s viral charts in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea, further solidifying their regional appeal. With sold-out national tours and a growing list of major festival appearances, luv is undoubtedly one of the most compelling new-generation bands to watch.
Yamamoto Hiroto: The Captivating Singer-Songwriter
Based in Fukuoka, Yamamoto Hiroto is a singer-songwriter celebrated for his evocative yet vivid lyrics, genre-defying melodic sensibilities, and a uniquely profound vocal quality. As a self-producing artist, he handles everything from songwriting and arrangement to mixing, forging an unparalleled artistic expression. His digital single “Tsurezure – Tsurezure,” released in September 2025, has amassed over 1.35 million streams across major global music services, with a remarkable 1 million streams on China’s NetEase Cloud Music alone, signaling his rapidly expanding international recognition.
The Vision Ahead: MUSIC WAY PROJECT’s Commitment to Global Japanese Music
The “MUSIC WAY PROJECT” is driven by a profound desire to foster artists who can achieve global recognition. With the motto “Japanese music drives the world,” the initiative aims to transform Japanese music into a new global standard. By creating diverse opportunities for Japanese artists to perform worldwide, the project is committed to providing essential support for young talents to flourish on the international stage.
This initiative at Bangkok Music City 2026 not only showcases the incredible talent emerging from Japan but also strengthens cultural ties and expands the global footprint of Japanese music. By actively promoting diverse genres and artists, the “MUSIC WAY PROJECT” is helping to ensure that the captivating essence of Japanese popular culture, including its vibrant ‘kawaii’ elements, continues to resonate and find new enthusiasts across the world, potentially making it a truly universal language.
