Nao Yoshioka Announces 'Shadow' Featuring Neo-Soul Legend Bilal

Nao Yoshioka will release the single "Shadow" featuring Grammy-nominated artist Bilal on April 17. The track is the third preview of her upcoming album 'self,' scheduled for summer 2026.

Yoshioka's previous singles from the album, featuring MXXWLL and Bnnyhunna & Braxton Cook, were added to Spotify's New Music Friday playlists in eight Asian countries.

"Shadow" was created during a writing session in a Manhattan studio. The track was co-produced by Corey Bernhard, a longtime collaborator from Philadelphia, and Naoki Yamauchi of SWEET SOUL RECORDS. Guitarist Randy Runion, a member of bands for Bilal and BIGYUKI, also contributed.

"This song was born from a time of facing my own weakness after my last album," Yoshioka said. "The moment I could 'love' my weakness instead of 'overcoming' it, my emotions became strangely free. When I later learned about Jung's 'Shadow,' everything clicked." She described being overwhelmed by Bilal's talent in the studio, calling it an unforgettable session.

A crowdfunding campaign for the album is underway on CAMPFIRE in Japan and Kickstarter internationally, ending April 5. Yoshioka will also make announcements at upcoming Japan shows at Blue Note Tokyo on April 2 and Billboard Live OSAKA on April 12.

"Shadow" will be available on all streaming platforms. The global pre-save and streaming link is naoyoshioka.lnk.to/shadow.

Source: PR Times via The Orchard Japan