Naoko Yamano

Naoko Yamano
山野直子
Yamano performing life with Shonen Knife in Munich at the Rote Sonne Club, May 08, 2025
Born (1960-12-18) December 18, 1960
OccupationMusician
Years active1981present
RelativesAtsuko Yamano (sister)
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
Member ofShonen Knife
Websiteshonenknife.net

Naoko Yamano (山野直子, Yamano Naoko; born December 18, 1960) is a Japanese musician, best known as a founding member, singer/guitarist, and primary songwriter for the pop-punk band Shonen Knife. She is the only member of the band to have remained throughout its entire history. After briefly working as a receptionist in a doctor's office, she formed the band in late 1981 with her college friend Michie Nakatani and her younger sister Atsuko Yamano. Naoko Yamano is known for her songs about food and animals, with music that is primary influenced by the Ramones and the Beatles.