Nao Yoshioka

Japanese singer combines R&B, jazz, and soul

Nao Yoshioka is a contemporary soul singer with a powerful voice, blending a modern style with classic soul. Born in Japan, she moved to New York on her own, where she found the inspiration to pursue music. Today, her soulful vocals consistently serve as a bridge between cultures. She has collaborated with artists such as Jon Batiste, Nathan East, Eric Roberson, and Blue Lab Beats, and she became the first Japanese artist to reach the number 32 spot on the Billboard UAC chart. Her latest album, self, was released in 2026; where she explores the boundaries between R&B, jazz, and soul, featuring collaborations with artists including Bilal, Jamila Woods, Bnnyhunna, and Braxton Cook.