Nao Yoshioka's New Album 'self' Showcases a Global Collaboration of Soul Artists

Nao Yoshioka's New Album 'self'

Nao Yoshioka, the globally recognized soul singer, is set to release her highly anticipated new album titled 'self' on August 7, 2026. Prior to the album's physical release, digital streaming is scheduled to begin on July 17, 2026. This project not only marks a significant milestone in her career but also celebrates a collaborative essence of soul music that transcends genre boundaries.

The album 'self' features a limited edition colored vinyl version, available for collectors and fans alike. Under the esteemed label SWEET SOUL RECORDS, this album epitomizes the concept of WORLD SOUL COLLECTIVE, bringing together notable contributors from the global soul scene. Talented artists such as Philadelphia's neo-soul legend Bilal, Grammy-winning producer Peter CottonTale, world-renowned trumpeter Keyon Harrold, and other renowned musicians from various cultural backgrounds have collaborated on this album.

The effortless fusion of various genres such as neo-soul, indie R&B, Afrobeat, house, and spiritual jazz resonates through Yoshioka's voice, creating a beautiful tapestry that showcases the rich diversity of contemporary soul music.

The Meaning Behind 'self'

In this album, Yoshioka delves into her inner self, exploring themes that she has not previously shared with her audience. Her international tour for her last album, 'Flow', took her through 11 different countries, and following that journey, she was met with profound emotions, including a realization that she was just getting started. Instead of viewing her struggles with loneliness and conflict solely as obstacles to overcome, she embraces them as integral parts of her journey.

The title 'self' encapsulates the idea of embracing not just strength, but also vulnerability and uncertainty, representing a truer version of herself. Yoshioka confronts her own shadows and pours this newfound freedom into her music, embodying it throughout the entire album.

Track List

The album consists of a tracklist that promises to be as engaging as it is diverse:

[SIDE A]

1. Changes feat. Devin Morrison
2. You Got to Feel It feat. Bnnyhunna & Braxton Cook
3. Safe Place feat. Jamila Woods
4. Pieces of Me feat. Mỹ Anh
5. In the Rain feat. MXXWLL
6. All I Wish

[SIDE B]

1. Inner Universe feat. Misha, Jussi Halme & Chien Chien Lu
2. Shadow feat. Bilal
3. Heartbeat feat. Khari Mateen
4. Side of You
5. Yet to Come feat. Keyon Harrold
6. Shelter feat. Sam Wils

Yoshioka's commitment to showcasing her evolving artistry is further highlighted by her world tour in support of 'self', with several shows scheduled across Japan and other countries. Notable performances include concerts in Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido, further solidifying her place in the international music scene.

As one of the few Asian artists making significant waves in the global soul genre, Nao Yoshioka's voice transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, deeply impacting audiences worldwide. Her live performances have garnered millions of views on platforms like YouTube, solidifying her as a formidable presence in live music. Her work has been recognized by Billboard, marking her position as the first Japanese artist to enter the Billboard UAC charts at number 32.

As she embarks on her new world tour in 2026, alongside the release of 'self', Yoshioka continues to demonstrate a deep, beautiful voice capable of moving hearts. There's no doubt that she is leaving an indelible mark on the global soul scene, reminding us all of the power of music to connect across all divides.