Nao Yoshioka collabs with Jamila Woods on new single ‘Safe Place’
Where is your safe place? Nao Yoshioka found her answer, and put it into a song. Once described on a record store tag as “a solitary soul singer”, Nao Yoshioka occupies a unique space in music. In Japan, she is known for singing in English; abroad, she is recognized as an Asian soul artist. Walking a path different from others has at times brought a deep sense of loneliness, but that same individuality is also what makes her music truly one of a kind.
Much of her upcoming album Self, set for release this summer, was written at Lake Yamanaka at the foot of Mt. Fuji. This location became an important emotional anchor during the creative process, a place she returned to again and again to write. As expressed in her first single “In the Rain“, nature has long been a source of healing for her.
On one such day at Lake Yamanaka, she found herself overwhelmed by loneliness. In that moment, it was the music of Jamila Woods that reached her. A Chicago-based singer-songwriter whose work has been featured on former President Obama’s playlist, Woods’ voice resonated deeply. Her words led to the central theme of “Safe Place”: becoming your own safe place.
Not long after, Nao had the opportunity to visit Chicago. She reached out to Jamila through social media and arranged to connect. While their schedules didn’t align in person, they later spoke over video after Nao returned to Japan. Through that conversation and shared vision, the collaboration took shape.
The track was produced by Peter Cottontale, known for his work as producer and music director on Chance the Rapper’s Grammy Award-winning album Coloring Book. The song itself grew out of Nao’s visit to his studio in Chicago. With support from a talented Chicago-based team, “Safe Place” stands as one of Nao Yoshioka’s most sincere expressions to date.
“Safe Place” out digitally on June 5th 2026 via Sweet Soul Records
