#Japan #Tokyo #New Album #Nao Yoshioka #Sweet Soul Records

Nao Yoshioka Announces New Album 'self'

Famed soul singer Nao Yoshioka is set to release her latest album, titled 'self', on July 17, 2026. This new project promises to be a significant evolution in her musical journey, exploring deeper emotional landscapes than ever before.

A Gathering of Global Talent

In a remarkable display of collaboration, 'self' will feature notable artists from around the globe. The album includes contributions from Philadelphia neo-soul legend Bilal, Grammy-winning producer Peter CottonTale, world-renowned trumpeter Keyon Harrold, and Chicago’s own poet/singer Jamila Woods. It also showcases emerging talents like Devin Morrison from the indie R&B scene, Australia’s innovative MXXWLL, and UK vocalist Sam Wills. Joining them are international artists like Dutch musician Bnnyhunna, Vietnamese artist Mỹ Anh, Nordic R&B newcomer Misha, German lo-fi legend Shuko, and Taiwanese vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu.

This album is a manifestation of the 'WORLD SOUL COLLECTIVE' ethos cultivated by SWEET SOUL RECORDS, crossing genre, nation, and racial boundaries to create a unifying experience in contemporary soul music. The collective combines elements of neo-soul, indie R&B, afrobeats, house, and spiritual jazz, all threaded together by Yoshioka’s powerful voice. Her extensive networking and trust built during her previous world tour for the album 'Flow,' which spanned 11 countries, set the stage for this ambitious project.

Delving into the Inner Self

The title 'self' encapsulates Nao Yoshioka’s exploration of her inner landscape, integrating her strengths along with her vulnerabilities. During the world tour for her previous album, 'Flow', she faced profound emotions, leading her to realize that while she had achieved much, this was merely the beginning of her journey. Through this album, she reframes her past struggles with loneliness and conflict, recognizing them not as obstacles to overcome, but as integral parts of her identity.

With 'self', Yoshioka strives to embrace her true self, encompassing both her strengths and weaknesses. She confronts her shadow to discover newfound freedom conveyed through her music. This deeply introspective album is set to challenge the boundaries of what it means to be an artist in today's complex musical landscape.

Release and Tour Information

The album will be available for streaming from July 17, 2026, with multiple singles set to release leading up to it. Some of these include “In the Rain feat. MXXWLL” on February 27, 2026, and “Shadow feat. Bilal” on April 17, 2026.

In support of her new album, Yoshioka will embark on a 'self' World Tour that will visit Japan and several locations in Europe, America, and Asia. The Japanese leg of the tour includes performances in:

• - Fukuoka on October 18, 2026 at ROOMS
• - Tokyo on October 21, 2026 at LIQUIDROOM
• - Osaka on October 22, 2026 at Yogibo META VALLEY
• - Hokkaido on October 23, 2026 at Sapporo Chikamatsu

With each performance, Yoshioka is set to deliver her signature soulful sound that resonates deeply across cultures, continuing to solidify her status as a powerhouse in the global soul scene. As she prepares for this next chapter, Nao Yoshioka continues to inspire with her strength, artistry, and authenticity. The story of 'self' is just beginning, and fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in Yoshioka's musical journey.

For more information about Nao Yoshioka and her album 'self', visit her official website.