A contemporary soul singer with a powerful voice and expressive skills refined in New York, this artist blends a modern taste distinct from a laid-back style yet deeply rooted in history. Born in Japan and having moved to New York alone, Nao’s encounter with soul music led to a pivotal moment where her heart synchronized with the Sam Cooke classic, inspiring her to create music that resonates deeply with people’s emotions. Despite being Japanese, she has a soulful voice reminiscent of Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, combined with a strength of character forged through life experiences as an outsider and overcoming adversities. Nao’s impressive live vocal performances have achieved over 3.4 million views on a now-viral YouTube video. She has performed solo at prestigious venues like Blue Note New York and London Jazz Cafe. She has participated in major festivals like the Java Jazz Festival in Asia and the Capital Jazz Fest in the USA, making a mark internationally. Nao is the first Japanese artist to reach the 32nd spot on the Billboard UAC chart. Her collaborations with veteran artists like John Batiste, Nathan East, Eric Roberson, and Mamas Gun have garnered strong support, and she’s also worked with rising artists like Devin Morrison and Blue Lab Beats. In 2024, the release of her highly anticipated 5th album and a world tour are eagerly awaited.