Nao Yoshioka

APPEARING: MANHATTAN MARATHON @ CITY WINERY LOFT

Friday, January 10, 2025

Nao Yoshioka is an evolving soul singer born in Japan. Her Album ‘The Truth’ was praised as “impeccable neo soul’ by Rolling Stones Magazine.

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.