Warmth, emotion, and a powerful groove are the hallmarks of soul music — and they perfectly define Nao Yoshioka.

Her encounter with soul music set her on a creative journey to touch hearts through her melodies. With her gentle yet powerful voice, Nao embodies the essence of soul: passion, authenticity, and freedom.

Blending her commanding vocals with a distinctly New York-style performance, she has crafted a contemporary sound deeply rooted in the rich history of soul music.

On the nights of April 18 at Blue Note Beijing and April 19 at Blue Note Shanghai, experience rising soul star Nao Yoshioka as she takes you on a captivating musical journey, showcasing her continuous evolution alongside the genre itself.

Hailing from Osaka, Japan, Nao Yoshioka grew up in a creative household that encouraged her and her sisters to explore their artistic talents. Her early passion for music was nurtured through her experiences as a school choir lead vocalist, along with the profound influence of soul pioneers like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, who helped shape her distinctive musical voice.