Naoko Hiranuma

Naoko Hiranuma is a Japan-born, Australia-based songwriter creating indie pop and piano pop songs about resilience, identity, and emotional healing. Her music pairs clear, expressive vocals with simple, intimate arrangements that bring the message of each song to the forefront. Before focusing on music, Naoko spent many years living in different countries, working as a marine sports instructor and experiencing life closely connected to the ocean. She worked as a diving instructor in the Maldives and Fiji, and later co-ran a surf camp in Fiji. The rhythm of the ocean, the patience of surfing, and the quiet strength found in nature continue to shape her songwriting and artistic voice. Inspired by personal experiences and stories of overcoming bullying and self-doubt, her songs are both vulnerable and empowering — written for listeners who carry unseen struggles and are learning to find their own voice. From gentle piano-driven ballads to uplifting anthems, Naoko’s music reflects the calm and power of the ocean — steady, honest, and resilient.