Aiko Shimada has been played on NTS in shows including Obsidian Dreams w/ Bitter Babe, featured first on 30 January 2025. Songs played include Hikari (Morning Part 2).

When you think of Japanese musicians performing in the U. S., you might think of certain genres such as jazz and noise/experimental music. Tokyo-born, Seattle-based musician Aiko Shimada has her own unique approach. Victory Review in Seattle describes her music as "a spacious multi-faceted hybrid of jazz, progressive rock, folk, and shades of many other influences." Digital City says "Aiko Shimada is certainly one of the most unique and enchanting performances lurking in the venues of our city, with a gorgeous voice and a disarmingly graceful sense of melody."

Aiko writes and sings in both Japanese (her native language) and English. She performs both solo or with her band throughout the Northwest as well as on the East and West coasts. She has collaborated with musicians like Robin Holcomb, Eyvind Kang, Lonnie Plaxico, Tucker Martine, Danny Barnes, and has opened for musicians such as Jane Siberry, Robin Holcomb, Susan Warner, Mount Analog, Living Daylights, and Amy Denio.