Japanese soul singer Nao Yoshioka will perform live at Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho, London, on Friday, 18 September 2026. Known for her powerful vocals, expressive performances and contemporary take on classic soul and R&B, Yoshioka’s upcoming appearance will form part of her European tour. It is her first time performing at Ronnie Scott’s, confirmed to us by the club.
Contemporary Japanese soul, heard up close in the room above one of Soho's oldest jazz clubs
Nao Yoshioka at Ronnie Scott’s
Born in Osaka, Japan, Nao Yoshioka is a contemporary soul singer whose music combines a modern R&B sound with the rich history of soul. After moving to New York on her own, she discovered soul music in a way that changed the course of her life. Hearing Sam Cooke’s music became a particularly important moment, inspiring her to create songs that connect with listeners on an emotional level.
Yoshioka’s voice has been noted for its power and expressiveness, with influences ranging from classic soul and gospel to contemporary R&B. Her musical identity reflects both her Japanese roots and the experience of developing as a performer in New York’s vibrant music scene.
Her live performances have taken her to venues and festivals around the world, including Blue Note New York, Jazz Cafe in London, the Java Jazz Festival, Music Matters Live in Singapore, Capital Jazz Fest in the United States and SXSW Sydney. A viral live-performance video has also received more than 5 million views.
A rising international soul artist
Yoshioka’s career includes several notable international achievements. She became the first Japanese artist to reach number 32 on Billboard’s UAC chart and has collaborated with established artists including Jon Batiste, Nathan East, Eric Roberson and Mamas Gun. She has also worked with emerging artists such as Devin Morrison and Blue Lab Beats.
Her work has been recognised on both sides of the Atlantic. She was named New Artist of the Year in SoulTracks’ 2015 readers’ poll and won the UK Bright Star Award for Best International Artist in 2018.
Her music has received praise from international publications, with Rolling Stone describing her song “The Truth” as “impeccable neo-soul”. She has also featured in Billboard, Vogue and EARMILK, and reached UK listeners through radio play on the BBC, BBC 1Xtra and JazzFM. Other coverage has highlighted her sincere delivery, strong vocals and ability to bring classic influences into a contemporary setting.
In June 2024, Yoshioka released her fifth album, Flow, and went on to tour eleven countries across Asia, Europe and the United States. Her recording career runs from her 2013 debut, The Light, through to Flow and its 2025 deluxe edition. Her 2026 schedule includes further appearances across Europe, with shows in London, Barcelona, Milan, Paris and Gdańsk.
An intimate Soho performance
Ronnie Scott’s Upstairs offers a fitting setting for Yoshioka’s soulful sound. Ronnie Scott’s is one of London’s most established live-music venues, having opened in Soho in 1959. The club is known for presenting international jazz, soul and contemporary artists in an intimate atmosphere.
London has become a regular stop for Yoshioka, who has played the city’s Jazz Cafe and Omeara in recent years, and this Ronnie Scott’s date adds one of Soho’s landmark jazz rooms to that list.
For this performance, audiences can expect a close-up live set centred on Yoshioka’s distinctive voice and emotionally driven approach to soul. Her music draws on the warmth and storytelling of classic R&B while retaining a polished, modern character.
The concert may appeal to fans of neo-soul, jazz, gospel-inspired vocals and contemporary Japanese music, as well as listeners discovering Nao Yoshioka for the first time.
Event information
- Event: Nao Yoshioka Live at Ronnie Scott’s
- Date: Friday, 18 September 2026
- Time: Two shows, 6.20pm and 9pm
- Venue: Upstairs at Ronnie’s
- Band: Nao Yoshioka, vocals; Alex Wesson, keys; Manny Simelane, bass; JJ Wallace, drums
- Address: 47 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4HT
- Tickets: Tickets are available through the official Ronnie Scott’s event page.
- Official artist information: Further tour details are available on Nao Yoshioka’s official website.
Ticket prices, seating arrangements and any venue-specific entry information should be confirmed on the official booking page before attending.
Ronnie Scott's
See Nao Yoshioka live in Soho
Nao Yoshioka’s Ronnie Scott’s performance offers London audiences the chance to experience one of Japan’s leading contemporary soul voices in an intimate live setting. With a career shaped by Osaka, New York and international stages, Yoshioka brings together powerful vocals, heartfelt songwriting and a modern interpretation of soul music. Her sixth album, self, came out on 17 July 2026, and she told us this will be her first time performing at Ronnie Scott’s, with a new live arrangement of the album’s closing track, Shelter, that London has not heard yet.
For fans of Japanese artists, neo-soul and expressive live vocals, her September appearance at Ronnie Scott’s is an event to watch.
Listen to Nao Yoshioka
Want to hear more from Nao Yoshioka? Explore her soulful catalogue on Apple Music and Spotify, and keep up with her latest music, live performances and updates across her social channels.
Streaming: Apple Music | Spotify
