Naia Izumi

Music can be a way of escape and self-expression in times of difficulty. For Naia Izumi, a Los Angeles-based musician originally from Columbus in Georgia, the comforting power of music has led to a career. Living with autism and having transitioned from female to male in gender identity, Izumi used his unique blend of alternative rock and soul music to express his story and identity. His soul-baring music won him the 2018 Tiny Desk Contest, where he emerged champion among 5,000 other contestants with the song ‘Soft Spoken’. Izumi is performing at the 7th Floor in Shibuya on November 7 and 8 as part of his 2019 Japan Tour.