Nao Yoshioka is a Japanese soul singer whose music combines elements of classic soul, R&B, and jazz to create a sound that is both timeless and modern.

Hailing from Osaka, Japan, Nao grew up in a creative household that encouraged her and her sisters to explore their artistic talents. She developed a passion for music at a young age, singing in a school band and finding inspiration in soulful legends like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, which influenced her distinctive style.

In 2012, her single ‘Make the Change’ garnered critical acclaim for its soulful and heartfelt performances. Esteemed indie soul music veterans, including Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Gordon Chambers, Eric Roberson the “King of Indie Soul”, and Khari Mateen (known for his work with Jill Scott and The Roots), praised her talent.

Over the years, Nao has cultivated a loyal following in Japan and around the world, with fans drawn to her soulful voice and honest, introspective lyrics. Her music is deeply personal and draws on her experiences as a woman, an artist, and a human being. She tackles complex topics like love, loss, and identity with grace and sensitivity, using her powerful voice to convey both the pain and the beauty of the human experience.

While celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut in 2022, Nao continued to expand her global activities from her base in Tokyo, with performances in the Netherlands and the UK, followed by a guest appearance at the newly-opened BLUE NOTE PLACE in Tokyo. The summer of 2023 saw Nao performing at her first Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, and Europe also welcomed her back for shows at New Morning in Paris, the Jazz Cafe in London, where she performed in front of a near sell-out crowd, and the modern TivoliVredenburg Club9 in the Netherlands.

Nao’s live-streamed performance at “Tokyo Funk Sessions 2022” in early 2022 at Blue Note Tokyo has surpassed 3 million views on YouTube, accompanied by nearly 2,000 comments. Furthermore, her Instagram followers have skyrocketed to over 55 thousand in 2022 and continue to grow in 2023.

With her soulful voice and powerful messages, Nao Yoshioka is a rising star in the soul music world and a formidable presence on the global stage. Her music serves as a conduit for connection and inspiration, aspiring to ignite positive change.

Despite her success, Nao remains humble and focused on her craft.

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