Nao Yoshioka Unveils Limited Edition Vinyl Featuring 'In the Rain' and 'Shadow'

Internationally acclaimed soul singer Nao Yoshioka has recently announced the release of a limited edition 7-inch vinyl, compiling two of the standout tracks, 'In the Rain' and 'Shadow', from her latest album, self. This unique offering not only showcases her musical talent but also embodies her artistic journey and connection with nature.

Track Details

On the A-side, listeners will encounter 'In the Rain', a collaboration with Australia's renowned producer MXXWLL. This track was born in a serene studio environment, surrounded by nature. The song seamlessly blends organic sounds with Nao's warm, enveloping vocals, creating a neo-soul anthem that is a must-listen for fans of the genre.

The B-side features 'Shadow', which showcases a partnership with legendary neo-soul artist Bilal from Philadelphia. This hauntingly beautiful piece delves into themes of light and shadow, exploring the duality of self. The duet with Bilal enhances the song's spiritual and psychedelic vibe, making it a significant representation of the album self.

The artwork of the vinyl is unique as it displays the single artwork for both tracks on the front and back, beautifully encapsulating the contrasting worlds of the two songs. This limited edition vinyl, which captures the essence of Nao Yoshioka's work alongside her collaborations with world-class artists, is a treasure for listeners, DJs, and record collectors alike.

Album and Release Information

- Artist: Nao Yoshioka
- Title: 'In the Rain / Shadow'
- Format: Limited Edition 7-inch Vinyl
- Genre: R&B/Soul
- Release Date: September 18, 2026
- Price: ¥2,750 (tax included)
- Label: SWEET SOUL RECORDS
- Sales URL: Link to Purchase

Track Listing

- SIDE A: 'In the Rain' feat. MXXWLL
- SIDE B: 'Shadow' feat. Bilal

World Tour Announced

In conjunction with her latest album, Nao Yoshioka has also launched her self World Tour, set to traverse both domestic and international venues. The tour will include performances across Asia, Europe, and America, starting with several shows in Japan:

- Fukuoka Concert

- Date: October 18, 2026
- Venue: ROOMS
- More Info: Fukuoka Show Details

- Tokyo Concert

- Date: October 21, 2026
- Venue: LIQUIDROOM
- More Info: Tokyo Show Details

- Osaka Concert

- Date: October 22, 2026
- Venue: Yogibo META VALLEY
- More Info: Osaka Show Details

- Hokkaido Concert

- Date: October 23, 2026
- Venue: Sapporo Chikamatsu
- More Info: Hokkaido Show Details

Nao Yoshioka's Artistic Journey

Nao Yoshioka's captivating soul vocals transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, reaching deep into the hearts of her listeners. After relocating to New York City, she immersed herself in the world of soul music, drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Sam Cooke. Her commitment to crafting music that resonates at a profound level has defined her artistic path.

Her performances, characterized by a powerful voice and unwavering expressiveness, evoke comparisons to legends such as Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston while effortlessly blending with contemporary soul. As an Asian artist gaining acclaim on the global soul scene, she has carved out a unique and influential niche.

Her live performances have garnered significant attention, with one of her videos on YouTube amassing over 5.2 million views. Nao has headlined at prestigious venues such as Blue Note in New York and London Jazz Cafe, and she regularly appears at major festivals like Java Jazz Festival and Capital Jazz Fest. Making history by reaching No. 32 on the Billboard UAC chart marks a testament to her global impact.

In 2024, she successfully released her fifth studio album Flow and toured eleven countries across Asia, Europe, and America. By collaborating with Grammy-winning artists like Bilal and continuing to break boundaries in her music, Nao Yoshioka is cementing her position within the global soul music landscape.

With the upcoming release of her new album self and the onset of a new world tour, the world eagerly anticipates more of Nao Yoshioka's beautiful, profound, and soul-stirring music.