Hikaru Utada

[Sugar-San]

Yeah, these songs are great
I like Kairo, This is Love, Nichiyou no Asa, Blue. ^^
Be my Last and Colors are older Singles, I loved them before xD

[Amaya]

I only have ultra blue album..so even if Be my Last and Colors are older Singles.. I love them! ^^ you right: This is love is very pretty too.

[IkaruJaki]

I think Passion is my favorite song off Ultra Blue. But I really like Colors too.

[Sugar-San]

Yeah, Passion is great
I am glad that it's used for tha Game Kingdom Hearts 2 ^^

[jellyfisu]

I really LOVE Utada Hikaru~!!

She's my favorite Japanese singer ever... And I personally think Ultra Blue was her best album. I love every song in it!! XD

My fave songs by her are Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro [the meaning of the lyrics are beautiful] and One Night Magic [it's so... magical~ LoL]...

[Seon-a Kim]

I really LOVE Utada Hikaru~!!
She's my favorite Japanese singer ever... And I personally think Ultra Blue was her best album. I love every song in it!! XD
My fave songs by her are Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro [the meaning of the lyrics are beautiful] and One Night Magic [it's so... magical~ LoL]...I agree with the Ultra Blue being her best album part, fav song on it for me is COLORS.

[jellyfisu]

Although sometimes I do wonder why she put a LOT of old singles in Ultra Blue [like COLORS and Dareka no]... And they're singles that are already in her Best album~

I guess some fans might have felt pretty cheated by all those filler singles, but Ultra Blue still is great, nevertheless... ^_^

[Sugar-San]

Yes, Ultra Blue is great ^^
It's her best album
Maybe she still likes the older songs xD
I like the older songs too, so I don't complain ^^
I wait for her new things (does anyone know if anything is planned?)

[jellyfisu]

Check out her page at Wiki.theppn.org/Utada_Hikaru; it says something about a single to be released on February next year~ ^__^

(Under "Singles" after "Boku wa Kuma"...)

"[2007.02.xx] Untitled"

I can't wait~ :yeahh:

[Sugar-San]

Hurray I can't wait neither!!!! ^^
Yeah ^^

[dignity92]

hello i'm new here :wave: i had listened to the song passion, and it's great! i love it....but i don't know what other songs i should listen to from utada hikaru, any recommendations?:souka:

[Sugar-San]

Hikari, keep tryin', Sakura Drops, Boku wa Kuma, this is love, blue
these are the songs I like very much ^^

[dignity92]

thanks a lot :cool: i'll have a listen to them

[Sugar-San]

yes ^^
And I wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
I hope Hikki has a nice christmas (with her husband ^^)

[jellyfisu]

^ Hehe, I'm sure she did! They've been together for three years now... ^__^

By the way~ She had an ovarian cyst (not cancerous, though) a couple of years ago right? And they had to operate her... So can she still have a baby? (Since her cyst was in her ovary?)

[Sugar-San]

What? I didn't know that O__O
thanx for the Info <.<
I don't know if she can have babys <.<

[Dutch Baka]

Utada her new single is coming up (probably in February), I already heard it in the Japanese tv drama "hana Yori dango" and the name of the song is "Flavor of life".

I think it is a really great song, and　it kind of has two parts in it, uptempo and balled in one song.

Take a look here at the youtube video:
Utada Flavor of Life Preview Mezamashi TV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcEpEV7A7vM)

[Sugar-San]

whoa
Thanks for the link
The song it sugoi *__*
I love it
It's so wonderful ^^
And I love Hikki's voice *__*

There you can hear the full song, ne? (at the Hanayori Dongo 2 Trailer)

[MiaCarlax]

I listened to hikaru for the first time the other day
i absolutly love passion and the english version too
her voice ins proper lovely!

did she start her career in america? then move to japan?

[Sugar-San]

Hikaru was born in New York and her parents lived and worked there. So yes, she started her career in America. Ind then moved to Japan.

[PSYCHdust]

whoa
Thanks for the link
The song it sugoi *__*
I love it
It's so wonderful ^^
And I love Hikki's voice *__*
There you can hear the full song, ne? (at the Hanayori Dongo 2 Trailer)
The PV for the ballad version'll be out soon so that's something and it's getting one for the normal one too so whee~!
edit: Well look at that, it's already up at JPS~

[Sugar-San]

Here is the tracklist of the single:

Track List:

01. Flavor of Life
02. Flavor of Life -Ballad Version-
03. Flavor of Life (Original Karaoke)
04. Flavor of Life -Ballad Version- (Original Karaoke)
05. Flavor Of Life -Antidote Mix- (CD Only Bonus Track)

Release: February 28, 2007

[Dutch Baka]

Here is the whole song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmgU4BvKPgE

and the Lyrics + Translation:


Lyrics & Music: Utada Hikaru

Arigatou to kimi ni iwareru to nandaka setsunai
sayonara no ato no tokenu mahou awaku horonigai
The flavor of life

tomodachi demo koibito demo nai chuukan chiten de
shuukaku no hi wo yumemiteru aoi furu-tsu
ato ippo ga fumidasenai sei de
jirettai no wa nande?

arigatou to kimi ni iwareru to nandaka setsunai
sayounara no ato no tokenu mahou awaku horonigai
The flavor of life

amai dake no sasoi monku ajike no nai doku
sonna mono ni wa kyoumi wa sosorarenai
omoitoori ni ikanai toki datte
jinsei suteta mon janai tte

doushita no? to kyuu ni kikareru to “uun. nandemo nai”
sayounara no ato ni kieru egao watashi rashikunai
sinjitai to negaeba negau hodo nandaka setsunai
“aishiteru yo” yori mo “daisuki” no hou ga kimi rashii janai?
The flavor of life

wasurekakete ita hito no omoi wo totsuzen omoidasu koro
furitsumoru yuki no shirosa wo omou to sunao ni yorokobitai yo

daiyamondo yorimo yawarakakute atatakana mirai
teni shitai yo kagiri aru jikan wo kimi to sugoshitai
“arigatou” to kimi ni iwareru to nandaka setsunai
sayounara no ato no tokenu mahou awaku horonigai
The flavor of life

ENGLISH:

When I hear you say “thank you”
My heart hurts for some reason
Like a magic spell that doesn’t get
undone even after the break up
The faintly burning pain


The flavor of life,
The flavor of life


Neither friends nor lovers in uncertain terms
The un-riped fruit dreams about the day of harvest


Not being able to move forward
Those hands are desperate baby~


When I hear you say “thank you”
My heart hurts for some reason
Like a magic spell that doesn’t get
undone even after the break up
The faintly burning pain


The flavor of life,
The flavor of life


Words that seduce with sweetness, boring talk
I have no interest in them


Though things aren’t going smoothly at the moment
I haven’t given up on my life yet~


When asked “What happened?”
I answer “Nothing much”
The disappearance of laughter
after a break up isn’t like me


Whenever I wish to believe in you as I want
My heart hurts for some reason
Liking something else more than
something you love isn’t like you


(The flavor of life)


When I miss the person who is
fainting away in my memory
I want to be more openly cheerful
about the white snow piling up


The future that is smoother
and more warmer than diamond
I want to embrace it even with
the limited time I want to be with you


When I hear you say “thank you”
My heart hurts for some reason
Like a magic spell that doesn’t get
undone even after the break up
The faintly burning pain


The flavor of life,
The flavor of life


The flavor of life .

[hideto_matsumoto_RIP]

I think Passion is my favorite song off Ultra Blue. But I really like Colors too.

i like them too......:cool:

[KAGOME25]

:cool: The song Flavor of Life is out on the internet i have got a copy of it all ready
I got 2 days ago Off the net

[Revenant]

Dareka no Negai ga Kanau KoroThe video is nice, and I like the tune as well.

Letters has also grown on me. Passion is good? I'll have to listen to it.

[Dutch Baka]

A question to all of you: What are your favorite songs from Utada?

I like "First love", "This is love" and like the dancing beat of "Devil inside".

[Sugar-San]

good question
I love "Passion", it's a great song
and i think "Sakura Drops", "keep tryin'" and "Flavour of Life" are also my faves ^^

OH, and thanks very much for the Flavour of Life lyrics
I saw them now
they are great *__*

[PSYCHdust]

Drama, Parody, BLUE, traveling, Hikari, and In My Room. Off the top of my head.

[Sugar-San]

Did you listen to the Original Version of Flavour of Life?
I have it now and it sounds good ^^
I like it, but I think I like the Ballad Version more xD
The Ballad Version is more calm and wonderful

[Revenant]

Utada Songs I like atm: Addicted To You, Letters, Keep Tryin'

[Amaya]

My favorite songs are: Simple and clear, Colors, be my last and passion.

[Dutch Baka]

Big news:

Japan's pop diva Utada single again

..."We have both experienced change and gradually developed differences in our future visions and in what we are looking for as a couple," the diva said in an announcement posted on her website.

Utada, 24, said the divorce was filed formally Friday, ending over four years of marriage to Kazuaki Kiriya, 38...

Read all (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070303/en_afp/afpentertainmentjapan_070303132611)

Wow, this means that I make some change again with her :wave:

[RockLee]

Hehe, I heard the news yesterday from a friend, and I thought exactly the same Dave :p

[Flashjeff]

Does that mean she'll shave her head like Britney did? Inquiring minds wanna know!

:D

[Hiroto=Love]

Before i played KH2 i didn't know Utada, but when i went looking for passion i found out who she is, and i like her music, On youtube i've found a video where she sings Boulevard of Broken Dreams from Greenday, and i really liked that so xD and i like passion ^^

[jellyfisu]

^Ahh, I actually first heard of Hikki from Kingdom Hearts fans who kept singing her songs, and my first song from her was Simple and Clean.

And I can't believe she's already divorced. 0_0 I was hoping she'd last with her hubby. Oh well~ Good luck to her single life. ^^

[Sugar-San]

What? Hikaru got divorced now? =(
Why? OOhh >_<

Dutch Baka: what do you mean by "this means that I make some change again with her"?

[Dutch Baka]

Dutch Baka: what do you mean by "this means that I make some change again with her"?

Now she is divorced I might have a change to go out with her ;)

Ganbatte Hikaru!

[Sugar-San]

Oh, now I understood xD
Don't you mean "Chance" and not "Change"? xD
Yeah, now you have a Chance xDD *lol*

But does anyone know why the divorced?
Or is it unknown?

[jellyfisu]

Ahh, I heard it was because they didn't have too much time for communication with each other, Sugar-San~ You know, cause they're always busy with their jobs and everything.

It's sad, but I wish Hikki all the best... ^_^

[leonmarino]

I don't really like her music, but I'm impressed by her Tetris skills.

Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lQ5smMZOsA)
Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxK1KDSvNm0)

Love the glasses. :cute:

[Tomii515]

Even though Christmas was like 4 or 5 months ago, i got thw CD "Ultra Blue" for Christmas! :D its weird, it came with the lyrics with the japanese an dstuff as the normal CD but ti was mad ei n taiwan so it came with these advertizments in taiwanese and the lyrics to all the songs in taiwaness and i was like :O:O:O ohhh lol xD

[SushiShin]

宇多田ヒカル Utada Hikaru: i like her she is so cute :cute:

i like her songs: Boku wa Kuma ぼくはくま
Flavor of Life
SAKURAドロップス / Letters
Wait & See ~リスク
For You / タイム・リミット
誰かの願いが叶うころ


Are there any new songs of her because im not really up-to-date with her lately songs/albums. are there any new one's??

[Dutch Baka]

latest song is "Flavor of life", and her latest album is "Ultra Blue".

[SushiShin]

latest song is "Flavor of life", and her latest album is "Ultra Blue".
Thanks Dutch Baka:cool:
Now i know her newest Album too.
My god can't wait to download it immediately:relief:
She is so cool!

[got_Wasabi]

flavor of life is part of the series hana yori dango, eh?:-)
does anyone have midi file of flavor of life?

[izzie]

I remembered that the first Hikki CD i bought was Deep River and I'm still putting it on the top of my list.I really like Sakura Drops.
It'sreally ...err...Japanese..:cool:

[Dutch Baka]

Utada will bring out a new single this summer named: Kiss & Cry. It will be her 24th single and is also used in the Cup noodle CM.

See here (http://www.veoh.com/videos/v422887zDDM82Ej) the Cup noodle CM, with the music of Utada, Kiss & Cry.


Also some more information about her divorce for the persons who are interested in that part.

Utada Hikaru Quote:

Yesterday, on March 2nd, I, Utada Hikaru, and Kiriya Kazuaki, officially divorced.Read here (http://www.utadanet.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=120) for a short message from Utada her side and Kiriya Kazuaki his side.

[Sugar-San]

Thanks for the Info =D
And also thanks for the Link to the messages of Hikki & Kiriya Kazuaki about the Divorce ^^

[Kumi-chanmi]

Utada's my fav Jpop artist!! My favs from her are Sakura Drops, First Love, Traveling and Letters!

[Kreize]

Utada is one of my favorites as well! I really like The Flavor of Life, Sakura Drops, Hikari, Passion, and a lot more. ^^

[frostyg02uk]

While she isnt exactly my favourite i like her songs First love, can you keep a secret, automatic (techno version is ace) 抱きしめたい(Mr.Childrenカバー)宇多田ヒカル (her cover of Mr childrens song. Check it out if you can)

[Seshka]

I -LOVE- Utada Hikaru :D

I love even more that she sings so good in english. :love:

My favorite songs are the Kingdom Hearts ones: Sanctuary, Passion, Simple and Clean, First Love, and her version of "BLVD. of Broken Dreams" (Youtube it, it's AWESOME <3!! :bluush: )

[frostyg02uk]

I -LOVE- Utada Hikaru :D

I love even more that she sings so good in english. :love:

My favorite songs are the Kingdom Hearts ones: Sanctuary, Passion, Simple and Clean, First Love, and her version of "BLVD. of Broken Dreams" (Youtube it, it's AWESOME <3!! :bluush: )


Good reckonmendation ^-~

[Dutch Baka]

she got some new pictures...

http://www.utada-online.net/images/Oricon/edited/OriconStyle_07.jpghttp://www.utada-online.net/images/Oricon/edited/OriconStyle_08.jpg

Please see all the photo's here (http://utada-online.net/blog/?p=31).

[Dutch Baka]

Plus she will be bring out a new single next month have a look here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig7QVvjvUDw

[ChibiSara]

I've only heard 4 of her songs, (Automatic, My room, Hikari, Passion [well, Sanctuary as well but since it's Passion in english it doesn't count, nee?]) and they were all good. But I'm not really into pop music.

[kombizz]

Good luck for Olivia.

[Buttercup93]

hikki is one of my fav female singers..she has such a woderful voice ^^

my fav song by her is flavour of life, it went really well with hyd..i always cry when i listen to it..such a great song

also like simple and clean and first love, both very good songs

[Skullcrushergurl]

I love Utada but her hair is weird. Did you guys see the color she had in it?!
But her music is really awesome!!

[SushiShin]

I like her song from Casshern! Dareka no Negai Ga Kanau Koro!:love:

[RockLee]

Plus she will be bring out a new single next month have a look here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig7QVvjvUDwGuess who'll be one of the first to get that album! :bluush:

[Spelling Bee]

i love hikki!
want to marry hikki!
she's such a cutey
but she's already marry..



zannen (-_@)

[tokapi]

No way,she's still available and reportedly dating Death Note dude T.Fujiwara

[Skullcrushergurl]

I thought she just got a divorce?!

[Sugar-San]

Yes she did.
She divorced from her husband.
Both thought that it would be the best for both, because they couldn't see each other often.
So they divorced.

And thos epics posted above are love. x3

Hikaru will release a new Single maybe.
Not much is confirmed yet.
But there is a Commercial with Hikaru in the background singing.

[Skullcrushergurl]

Yes. Her new single is featured in a shampoo comercial. It's called "Stay Gold".
Have a look: http://hikki119.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/3-new-messages-from-hikki-and-stay-gold-updates/

[Skullcrushergurl]

*sigh* I got an infraction so forget it.

[Dutch Baka]

Utada has a blog in japanese which she updates pretty frequently. So for the ones whom can read Japanese!

In one of her latest blogs she is actually saying that she is working on a new album in New York... an English Album!

http://www.u3music.com/message/index.php?m=1&d=2007112816413j.xml

[Skullcrushergurl]

Yeah that's fun news.

[Sugar-San]

Yaay for the new Album. =D
It will be released on 19th March. ^^

Heart Station and Stay Gold sound wonderful. ^^

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HIKARU!! =D

[Dutch Baka]

Indeed sounds nice. You can hear a small part of it here:

http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/heartstation/

[Tomii515]

Yaay for the new Album. =D
It will be released on 19th March. ^^
Heart Station and Stay Gold sound wonderful. ^^
Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HIKARU!! =D

O_O When was her birthday??

Yeah, I cn't wait!!!

I love Heart station~~

I wonder what the songs on the CD will be like... I only know that Flavor of life, kiss & cry, stay gold, beautiful world, heart station, and some other weird song that doesnt even have a real name yet. :/

I hope they're good >< The love the songs put on there from her latest singles, so hopefully the new ones are good too :D:cool:

[T1FF]

utada's like my fav. artist

[Tomii515]

AHHH OMGGGG
5 MORE DAYS UNTIL HEART STATION COMES OUT!!


baabba
i cant wait till it comes out
im going to download at the new songs ><
i hope theyre good 8D lol

im gunna ask for my dad to buy it on ebay or something for my birthdya maybe ><;;

[Sugar-San]

Yeah, i have the album on my comp and i like it a lot.
Especially the song "Take 5" catched me in the last days.
Since i have it on my comp i'm listening to it non-stop.
It's horrible (no, not really), i'm addicted to the song. xD
You can listen to it on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuDq2v-H-VU

[Harun]

Go Hikkie! (^^); she is really good, her recent album has stormed through the oricon charts ~

[Skullcrushergurl]

I got like five of her new songs. I really love "Fight the Blues". I need to buy the album just for the art!

[captaingunkan]

Utada Hikaruuuuu!!!
She's my crush! :relief:

Her music never went out-of-style and it remained great for very long! She's still making good music today. I truly love her (except Easy Breezy.. not much). I love her songs, Stay Gold and Heart Station since that's the only two new songs from her I listened to so far. I enjoy Hikari and Traveling very very very much. :blush:

[Skullcrushergurl]

Yeah we all know EXODUS sucked but her Japanese stuff is awesome! I finally found a good japanese music store and her new album, HEART STATION was already sold out!!!!
Have you heard these yet?:
FLAVOR OF LIFE
BEAUTIFUL WORLD
KISS & CRY

[Tomii515]

my favorite song on the album is テイク　５. i also love "Fight The Blues" ><;;

"Celebrate" is good too XD

i love all the songs~!

i cant wait for her next english album.
i didnt hink Exodus sucked.

[Skullcrushergurl]

I SPENT $35.oo(Thirty Five Dollars) FOR Heart Station And I Only Hadn't Heard TWO Songs!!!! >_<

[Zirdante]

Be a good fangirl and don't cry :P

[Kirakira1232]

So how was Heartstation? I plan to import it sometime but I loooved Kiss and Cry and Flavour of Life.

[SushiShin]

I like ヒッキー She has a very good voice!!
I've heard Heart Station but there is still one song I need to hear :relief:

[LukeSettle]

I like utada hikaru, but ive only heard one of her songs. >.<
Passion.
But i reaalllyyy like it. ahahah would you guys recommend buying one of her albums?

[Kirakira1232]

Definitely! I would recommend Deep River or First Love ^^ as a good first album. Ultra Blue is also really good to. Heart Station is definitely a great album too.

[ASHIKAGA]

I would suggest skipping Utada and go straight to the source, her mother, Keiko Fuji. SHE, my friends, is not just a song-stylist but a true singer who can convey real emotions.
:smoke:

Okay, I know you kids wouldn't listen to Enka. I had to give it a shot.

[LukeSettle]

I would suggest skipping Utada and go straight to the source, her mother, Keiko Fuji. SHE, my friends, is not just a song-stylist but a true singer who can convey real emotions.
:smoke:
Okay, I know you kids wouldn't listen to Enka. I had to give it a shot.
:D:D
Ill try both! x)
edit:
Wow, there is a very good song by both Keiko Fuji and Utada.
heres the link, its called Golden Age (http://youtube.com/watch?v=GzfL1byP4-g&feature=related)
Its very groovy :D
end of edit

Definitely! I would recommend Deep River or First Love ^^ as a good first album. Ultra Blue is also really good to. Heart Station is definitely a great album too.
Sounds like they're all good!
Ill definitely buy one soon.
Thanks for the recommendations. :)

[Tomii515]

I have Ultra Blue and it's really good XD I wanna buy Heart Station,m but until then ill listen to my stolen downloaded version shhh haha

i suggest u listen to the say "take 5" or "prisoner of love" or others./.... so good <3

---
and also, i found a song by Keiko Fuji, and it's actually good. although it's kinda old-sounding, not really ms tyle xD but still goo!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=viplPjM0eXI&feature=related

Although at times in the song it sounds like most Vietnamese music o_O

[美浜ちひろ]

The friend say help me to order the heart station album for me on Japanese website. I am very excited. Anybody heart station have it yet?

[Dutch Baka]

Heart Station is a good album, a lot better than Ultra Blue in my opinion.

[Dogen Z]

Autumn is definitely here--there's a slight chill in the air at night and a lot of girls are wearing boots. This time of year is great for that traditional Japanese dish, sukiyaki. To learn how to make it, see the food topic.

As for music to listen while you're making it, here's Utada Hikara singing it in English! :cool:
CXj71FMFB3c

[HirokiNaka]

She has a very calm and sort of meditating voice. My favourite of her is Dareka no negai kanau koro wich she made in the past with her husband KiriKiri (紀里谷 和明) for the movie キャシャーン (Casshern)

[Indo Kuri]

Autumn is definitely here--there's a slight chill in the air at night and a lot of girls are wearing boots. This time of year is great for that traditional Japanese dish, sukiyaki. To learn how to make it, see the food topic.
As for music to listen while you're making it, here's Utada Hikara singing it in English! :cool:


Thanks for sharing that. It's interesting to see she decided to cover Taste of Honey's version (which featured their guitarist playing the koto and can be found on YouTube) instead of a more Japanese version like Kyu Sakimoto's (the original). That's one of the things I like about Hikki, she's so proficient in both Japanese and English that she can sing just as well in both languages.

BTW, I have a little 5-piece jump/swing combo and we just worked this one up with me singing the Japanese lyrics.....the real song title is "Ue o Muite Arukou" (I Look Up When I Walk).....

Have you heard Hikki do "Fly Me To The Moon?"

[Dogen Z]

I know that sukiyaki has nothing to do with the song but it was a good way to introduce my post in the food section.:-)

IMO, Kyu Sakamoto's upbeat version gives the lyrics more poignance but the version Hikaru uses is good, too. Will look for the song you suggested.

[Indo Kuri]

I guess I haven't posted enough here yet to be able to post links or embed videos, so just add, after the ?v= this 'code': rcad9bNv670

You'll hear the resemblence between Hikki's version and this.

There are more versions of this song online than any other song I can think of.

[kusojiji]

She doesn't have a great voice, but she has a great rack.

[Indo Kuri]

I'm sure that's the only reason all of her albums go immediately to #1 in Japan, right?

[kusojiji]

Reason enough as far as I'm concerned.

[Dogen Z]

I guess I haven't posted enough here yet to be able to post links or embed videos, so just add, after the ?v= this 'code': rcad9bNv670
You'll hear the resemblence between Hikki's version and this.
There are more versions of this song online than any other song I can think of.
Here I'll post it for you but I'm afraid I don't care for it. It's not jazzy enough, it's more rock/pop and her voice sounds strange, IMO.

AfmHAamNaac&feature=related

However, I think this is excellent, the Flavour of Life. The compostition, her voice, and the arrangement all work well together.

46mSRnvbpIE&feature=related

[Wolfy-chan]

Utada Hikaru is going to make her second English Album! ^^ It's possible to be released on early 2009.

For who hadn't seen the Prisoner of Love PV, you can find it on DailyMotion n_n (I'd post here the direct link if I had enough posts to post URL's :()

Utada Hikaru is going to a more boyish style, don't you think? ^^ (And not just for this video xD)

[Dogen Z]

IMO, she sings better in Japanese. Her English songs aren't so good, except for Sukiyaki.

Anyway, one of her songs will be the theme opening for a Autumn Drama, Innocent Love. That should raise her popularity.

[Wolfy-chan]

I think that her English is awesome, she has got a really nice pronunciation. But well, we can't compare it with her Japanese songs, of course.

[Indo Kuri]

Her English is awesome, of course, because she grew up in NYC. It would be nice to hear her sing more in English because 'Breezy/Japaneezy' just didn't do her any justice. Has anyone heard her Japanese/English versions of 'Sanctuary?'

The 'Sukiyaki Song' btw, is a cover of Taste of Honey's 1981 hit which was a cover of Kyu Sakimoto's 1963 hit (sung in Japanese) that made it to #1 in the US.

Ai Kago just did a live/comeback event in Tokyo in which she sang the 'Sukiyaki Song' ('Ue o Muite Arukou').

[Wolfy-chan]

I did hear Sanctuary, it's really nice ^^
Is there any link to listen the new performance of Ai Kago? It'd be very nice *w*

PS: What does mean IMO?

[Devious]

IMO - in my opinion :) yeah i'de agree with you that she has an amazing voice.. my fav song is first love.. ugh.. i love it :D

[Indo Kuri]

IMO = in my opinion?

As far as I know, no fan recording has surfaced from Ai Kago's Tokyo comeback appearance but there is one from Osaka (back in August). There are also news reports. These are YouTube links, again the forum won't let me post the entire URLs.

Miyaneya News:
watch?v=1LNcwF20DK4 (English subbed)

Hello Again (she starts crying in this, so sweet!):
watch?v=KHKbR7PA8o

Ah, there were four different songs up but they must have gotten pulled......that's been happening a lot on YouTube.....

[Wolfy-chan]

Yeah, Copyright is really mean D:
Thank you a lot! ^^

[Dogen Z]

Here's a vid showing some clips of her most popular songs. :-)

iUY2c3bS5iY&feature=related

[molestthyguitarists]

Yeah I agree, her english songs aren't quite as good as her japanese songs.

[Yan]

Yeah I agree, her english songs aren't quite as good as her japanese songs.

I completly agree with you. I prefer her Japanese songs. We can hear English songs mostly everywhere. I appreciate when an artist is able to get known everywhere in the world without singing in English.

I already heard about a French artist who got forced to translate his lyrics in English for a show in NYC. I was so angry when I heard that new. Does it mean that lots of Americans are sick of other languages?

Anyways, we're not here to have a debate about that. If you already read my past messages, you must have noticed that I'm getting sick of all artists who decide to disown their native language for an international carrer.

[Dogen Z]

Hikaru's last CD is ranked as the no. 2 CD of the year at Tower Records (Japan) only bested by Namie Amuro's Best Fiction.

There's been a discussion of Hikaru's English songs vs her Japanese songs. Here's a comparison you can make yourself. However, you should know that "Hikki" was born in the U.S. and lived there for 10 years besides attending Columbia Univ. for a while. So English might be her 1st language. But I like her Japanese songs much better.

You can decide yourself.

JAPANESE
LIgwSSCloos&feature=related


ENGLISH
eFIIKu3vAl4&feature=related

[-ShiroUsagi-]

Utada Hikaru is going to make her second English Album! ^^ It's possible to be released on early 2009.
For who hadn't seen the Prisoner of Love PV, you can find it on DailyMotion n_n (I'd post here the direct link if I had enough posts to post URL's :()
Utada Hikaru is going to a more boyish style, don't you think? ^^ (And not just for this video xD)


would you have any more information of when this possible release may be? and yes shes gone more to the boyish side, but I think it suits her:cool: anyway no matter what I will always be a huge fan because shes my number one fav in Japan :D and personally I like both her english and japanese songs..

[prettyidol]

would you have any more information of when this possible release may be? and yes shes gone more to the boyish side, but I think it suits her:cool: anyway no matter what I will always be a huge fan because shes my number one fav in Japan :D and personally I like both her english and japanese songs..

I feel like that too. It's like, I'm interested to see which direction she goes in her career. :blush:

[Indo Kuri]

It's hard to say which is Hikki's native language because, while she grew up in the US, both her parents are 100% Japanese. I prefer to think that she grew up bilingual, she certainly speaks both well enough that no one can pick which is her "first" language. On YouTube is an interview she did when promoting her first US release and she said she preferred writing in English because there was so much more range of emotion that could be expressed. I was sorta shocked because I thought her Japanese material is much more expressive than her English material.

A good comparison of Japanese vs. English are her versions of "Sanctuary." I definitely prefer the Japanese version over the English. To me the SOUND of the lyrics is just as or more important than the lyrics themselves. To translate from English to Japanese (and vice versa) is very difficult although Hikki is more qualified to do that than anyone, I would think.

As far as other artists having to translate their material for the US market, why can't they flash the lyric translations on a big screen so people can understand the song and let the singer sing the song the way it's supposed to be sung?

[Illusional]

utada should stick to her japanese songs. her english is good, but her english songs are crap. she tries to stick to her japanese roots, and many americans aren't used to that style.

raverboy

[Dell_1957]

What is she doing now...I have not heard any new music from her...has she done anything this past year? She has very sexy singing voice...I first heard First Love by mistake while surfing the net and has been my favorite of all her songs...

[Dogen Z]

What is she doing now...I have not heard any new music from her...has she done anything this past year? She has very sexy singing voice...I first heard First Love by mistake while surfing the net and has been my favorite of all her songs...

You can check up on what she's doing on her Myspace page. She has a new song out, and maybe a new direction. I want to hear the whole album and this new direction.

"Come Back to Me" sounds like it'll be a hit.

http://www.myspace.com/thisisutada

[Dell_1957]

Thanks Dogen for the info...I'll check it out, you guys in Tokyo or should I say in Japan are lucky that you get to go to her concerts...here in the US we can only here her on the web...thanks again for the info...

[Illusional]

she's supposed to come out with her second english cd later in the year.

raverboy

[Dell_1957]

Does she ever do tours in the US...sure would like to see her live....

[Illusional]

she doesn't do any tours in the US. she's not really that big of a star in the US when you really think about it. secondly, have you ever seen one of her live videos?? honestly i love her as a singer, but she can't dance or entertain to save her life. she basically bounces across the dance without any dancing, and after a few songs of a live concert, i would get bored.

raverboy

[Dell_1957]

She doesn't really dance alot but her voice makes up for the lack of dancing...I can't help but see it on her face and hear it in her singing voice that she sounds and looks like she is lonely or misses someone she used to be with before....maybe it's just me....love to hear her sing tho...

[Illusional]

She doesn't really dance alot but her voice makes up for the lack of dancing...I can't help but see it on her face and hear it in her singing voice that she sounds and looks like she is lonely or misses someone she used to be with before....maybe it's just me....love to hear her sing tho...

she's supposed to be getting back with her ex husband.

raverboy

[JSON]

I think the non-traditional pop star (all the entertaining, dancing, etc.) is what helps set her apart from most other musical acts today.

[Dell_1957]

Very true json, her voice is enough to keep me playing my favorite songs over and over...she sings with such passion, I can watch her videos everyday...to bad they have to be you-tube videos, I can't find any concert videos anywhere here in the US...

[Illusional]

Very true json, her voice is enough to keep me playing my favorite songs over and over...she sings with such passion, I can watch her videos everyday...to bad they have to be you-tube videos, I can't find any concert videos anywhere here in the US...

that's because he concert videos is like listening to her on a radio. she walk from one side of the stage to other... jumps up and down, claps her hands and walks back to the side that she originated from. don't get me wrong, her music is great, and i probably would go to one of her concerts, but sadly, she needs to dance a little more.

raverboy

[Dell_1957]

I have been looking for utada's Bohemian Summer Tour on dvd and can't find it anywhere...if anyone from Japan can help me and tell me where in Japan I can buy it I would really appreciate it very much....thanks

[Dogen Z]

I have been looking for utada's Bohemian Summer Tour on dvd and can't find it anywhere...if anyone from Japan can help me and tell me where in Japan I can buy it I would really appreciate it very much....thanks

Did you look at Amazon.com?

http://www.amazon.com/utada-hikaru-bohemian-summer-2000/dp/B001C93U8M

[Dell_1957]

Thank you very much Dogen Z.....got it..

[Giostigma]

She is a great Artist. She does an amazing job on the Kingdom Hearts series.

[Dell_1957]

Your absolutley right Giostigma, I am just learning the Japanese language and just love her voice and passion she sings with. That's the only music playing in my truck right now, she seems very down to earth and a kind person. Although I will never meet her and probably not see her in concert live I will still buy all her music. People that get in my truck always ask, "what is that your listening to"...after I tell them and they listen to her music they love her voice and her singing passion to...I'm thousands of miles from Japan and she has no idea I'm promoting her here in the USA...lol....she deserves it tho...wish her all the best!!

[kusojiji]

.............................................See post #349

[Dell_1957]

I think if people didn't like her voice she would not be selling millions of cd's...if people don't like her or her voice...don't buy her cd's, it's that simple

[Dogen Z]

I think if people didn't like her voice she would not be selling millions of cd's...if people don't like her or her voice...don't buy her cd's, it's that simple

You tell 'em, Dell. :cool:

[Eugeniu]

Could anyone tell me something... Why is the physical US edition of Hikaru's new English album release being pushed back to May?

[Dogen Z]

I don't know why the album release date has been pushed back -- maybe a supply problem? But I hope the record label takes the opportunity to change the album cover, I agree with some other fans, it's so dorky.

However, her music lives up to grand expectation. Listen to another single from the album: Mr. Christmas, Mr. Lawrence - FYI :-) :-) :-)

http://www.myspace.com/thisisutada

[Dell_1957]

I'll wait for it patiently, it's good she is getting something new out tho...I think the cover looks nice, nice pic of her. I have been curious...is she seen around Japan or does she not go out in public?

[Dogen Z]

Of course, she goes out in public. But incognito with hat, sunglasses, scarf, etc. I'm supposed to be living close to Kyoko Fukuda's residence but I've never seen her--dammit. But that's okay because I wanna stalk Eri Fukatsu. ;)

[Dell_1957]

I was asking because in one of her interviews she had said that in New York she could walk around and no one knows who she is because she mainly sings in Japanese. I would imagine it would be very difficult for her to go any where in Japan and not be recognized...is the paparazzi just as bad in Japan as they are here in the US?

[Dogen Z]

There are so many weekly magazines vying with each other in Japan, maybe more than in the U.S. Their writers and photographers do whatever they can to try to outscoop their competitors, so a celebrity can't even have a proper affair without the public knowing about it in a few days. It's terrible.

[Illusional]

I think if people didn't like her voice she would not be selling millions of cd's...if people don't like her or her voice...don't buy her cd's, it's that simple


you forget that most people are into catchy beats and fads... look at crystal kay. she can't sing to save her ***, yet how many records did she come out with? i'll admit that her beats are catchy, but that's all that she has.

Of course, she goes out in public. But incognito with hat, sunglasses, scarf, etc. I'm supposed to be living close to Kyoko Fukuda's residence but I've never seen her--dammit. But that's okay because I wanna stalk Eri Fukatsu. ;)

even though this was meant as a joke, most celebrities think this way and try to avoid the general public. jokes are usually partly true. if you had heard that utada was going to be at the local mall or at her favorite restaurant, i'm sure that you'd try and hit up that place.

raverboy

[Dell_1957]

There are so many weekly magazines vying with each other in Japan, maybe more than in the U.S. Their writers and photographers do whatever they can to try to outscoop their competitors, so a celebrity can't even have a proper affair without the public knowing about it in a few days. It's terrible.

I wonder if after a while of not having a normal life if celebrity's wonder if it's worth it...I guess the money makes it worth it...lol...

[Dogen Z]

...if you had heard that utada was going to be at the local mall or at her favorite restaurant, i'm sure that you'd try and hit up that place.

Not sure that I would, unless she was signing albums, and the event was closeby, and the line was short, and I had nothing else to do.

Anyhow, here's more news about Hikaru in this L.A. Times article [BoA is included, too!:cool:]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/03/utada-boaset-si.html

[Dogen Z]

This is one of the tracks from Hikki's latest album. She has really crossed over into R&B territory, it's full of sexual inuendos. After doing a 2nd listening and getting over my initial shock, the song is pretty good I guess, but I want my old Hikki back! Hikki, Come Back To Me. :blush:

Anyway, one song in the album would probably sound better in Japanese, I think. (Not this one.)

Dirty Desire

OL2QrjoUvhU&feature=related

[mihaxmaiccho]

may i join this forum? ^^
i'm one of utada's fan too ^^

[Dell_1957]

This is one of the tracks from Hikki's latest album. She has really crossed over into R&B territory, it's full of sexual inuendos. After doing a 2nd listening and getting over my initial shock, the song is pretty good I guess, but I want my old Hikki back! Hikki, Come Back To Me. :blush:
Anyway, one song in the album would probably sound better in Japanese, I think. (Not this one.)
Dirty Desire
OL2QrjoUvhU&feature=related
She is taking a risk going to far to the RB side, for me this is a direction she should not go to. I love her voice and other songs she has written but not to crazy about her going this direction only to try and get into the American market. I wish her all the success with her music but she does not have to try to get the American market changing her way of making music...I hope this doesn't come back to bite her..
I to Dogen Z want my old Utada back...I hope she comes back....

[Dogen Z]

may i join this forum? ^^
i'm one of utada's fan too ^^

Miha, you don't need permission to join any thread even if you are not a fan.

I to Dogen Z want my old Utada back...I hope she comes back....

So you want to fight for her do you, Dell...Okay, how about the one who can do the best cover of Jero's Umi Yuki on YouTube wins. :wave:

[Dell_1957]

Your on Dogen Z...now if I only knew how to do that..lol...your a funny man Dogen Z, I have never heard of this guy and I have no Idea how he is popular in Japan. I have heard alot of Female Japanese singers and the only one that does it for me is Utada. Have you been to any of her concerts?...I am curious to know if her voice sounds just as good live as it does on her cd's. Hopefully I'll be lucky on day to see her live...probably not, being thousands of miles away.

What has me more curious is why she isn't married or is she, I am in the dark here in America about alot of things about Japan. I read alot online in "Japan Today" but I don't know if there is some other online information that's better.

[mihaxmaiccho]

Your on Dogen Z...now if I only knew how to do that..lol...your a funny man Dogen Z, I have never heard of this guy and I have no Idea how he is popular in Japan. I have heard alot of Female Japanese singers and the only one that does it for me is Utada. Have you been to any of her concerts?...I am curious to know if her voice sounds just as good live as it does on her cd's. Hopefully I'll be lucky on day to see her live...probably not, being thousands of miles away.
What has me more curious is why she isn't married or is she, I am in the dark here in America about alot of things about Japan. I read alot online in "Japan Today" but I don't know if there is some other online information that's better.

i think her voice as good as in album . even sometime there is a little mistake that she did in interview or live. i think she was too nervous to show up in a american tv :)

and utada already have a boyfriend even if he isn't a famous guy like her ex husband. she said that she want to have a baby soon. i read it in u.blog. or maybe i'll insert the source link if you guys want :)

[Dogen Z]

Your on Dogen Z....

Shoots, I thought you'd give up. Well, I ain't gonna sing no enka. (Check out kayou kayou-Japan's 1st black enka singer). I guess if you feel that strongly 'bout her, I can only step aside. But as Miha said, she has a bf.

[vthanh_88]

I'm a fan of hykaru utada!I love her voice :) B-) B-) :) !

[mihaxmaiccho]

below is her interview. (i don't have enough post to add url in this forum) :(

Do you have a boyfriend right now?
Yes. I’ve always had a boyfriend since like middle school, different boyfriends. I’ve been married and divorced, but love and relationships have always been a part of my life.

Is he famous too?
No. Do you have a boyfriend?

Bold : Questioner

[Dell_1957]

below is her interview. (i don't have enough post to add url in this forum) :(
Do you have a boyfriend right now?
Yes. I’ve always had a boyfriend since like middle school, different boyfriends. I’ve been married and divorced, but love and relationships have always been a part of my life.
Is he famous too?
No. Do you have a boyfriend?
Bold : Questioner
I guess I should just give up then....lol

Shoots, I thought you'd give up. Well, I ain't gonna sing no enka. (Check out kayou kayou-Japan's 1st black enka singer). I guess if you feel that strongly 'bout her, I can only step aside. But as Miha said, she has a bf.
No Dogen.....I should be the one to step aside...your closer to her than I am...just send pictures please...:(

[Dogen Z]

How is she doing/

Is Hikki getting a lot of airplay in the States? Is she on your local top 20 chart? Let us know, please.

Her new album was no. 13 on the Oricon chart in Japan earlier this week. The songs on the album are pretty good. I mean, if she's going to do an R&B album, she has to do one full on. Otherwise, it would be like allowing Ichiro to hit only to right field.

I really like Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, FYI; Me Muero; and Come Back To Me. But I'm having trouble getting past the album cover.

Anyhow, go Hikki!!

[Dell_1957]

How is she doing/
Is Hikki getting a lot of airplay in the States? Is she on your local top 20 chart? Let us know, please.
Her new album was no. 13 on the Oricon chart in Japan earlier this week. The songs on the album are pretty good. I mean, if she's going to do an R&B album, she has to do one full on. Otherwise, it would be like allowing Ichiro to hit only to right field.
I really like Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, FYI; Me Muero; and Come Back To Me. But I'm having trouble getting past the album cover.
Anyhow, go Hikki!!
Hey Dogen buddy, Haven't seen you around here in a few days...hope everything is ok. Well Hikki has been on a few national morning shows promoting her new cd and it looks like she's doing pretty good in promoting it. USA is a very big country and even though she's in my country right now she is still to far away to see her live, still depending on you tube. I have come to accept that I will never see one of her live concerts in person....:(.....anyway, here are some you tube videos so you can see her here in the states...I wish I could post something I recorded live but I will not get a chance to see her live....:(......
_3pDOteMLz0&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"
T-mxzvghPeM&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"
HMSD9NNGjIM&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"
Not allowed to embed these other vodeos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVudDbggbG4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrUHO_TuOUo
Hope you like the videos....she's having a good time and I wish her all the success that she deserves for being a very nice person...

[Dogen Z]

Thanks for the videos Dell. They were interesting.

BTW, she has her own place in Manhattan, you know. If you go to NY, you might get a chance to bump into her at Starbucks or somewhere.

[Dell_1957]

That's the thing, I live in Texas, I'm about 2000 miles away from New York...Dogen, I have given up on any hopes of ever seen her in person...I guess I'll stick with you tube and pretend I'm there....:-).....lol

[Dogen Z]

You know, this thread is beginning to sound like a tv drama.....

...AND, speaking of tv dramas, here's one that used Hikaru's first hit as its theme song.

3_qbMGVhcw8&feature=related

[Dogen Z]

That's the thing, I live in Texas, I'm about 2000 miles away from New York...Dogen, I have given up on any hopes of ever seen her in person...I guess I'll stick with you tube and pretend I'm there....:-).....lol

Hey, Dell! Check out Utada's MySpace page!

http://www.myspace.com/utada

There's a contest where, if you win, you get to come to Japan and hang out with Hikaru for a bit. Sounds good? :cool: Go for it and give it your best shot. Let us know if you win. We'll be rooting for you. :wave:

[Dogen Z]

Hikky has had to postpone her promotional appearances coinciding with album release in the states due to tonsilitis. I hope she gets well soon, but it's a really bad break for her.

The Wall Street Journal critic said she has the talent and all she needs is good marketing. This setback will be bad for marketing. :( I hope Island Records think of something grand to make up for it.

[Dell_1957]

Hey, Dell! Check out Utada's MySpace page!
http://www.myspace.com/utada
There's a contest where, if you win, you get to come to Japan and hang out with Hikaru for a bit. Sounds good? :cool: Go for it and give it your best shot. Let us know if you win. We'll be rooting for you. :wave:
Thank you Dogen for the info, as far as I'm concerned I'm her #1 fan and I am ashamed to say I did not know about this.....lol....
I have a great idea...if everyone here at JR would send her a E-mail telling her I'm her #1 fan I would have a much better chance of winning...ok, ok it's a little selfish but that would be awesome....Hey Dogen, if I win we have to hook up in Japan and hang...I don't know about the three of us hanging because of the the competition between us over her but I'll consider it....lol....:D....just kidding buddy, it would be awesome to go to Japan

[Dell_1957]

Hikky has had to postpone her promotional appearances coinciding with album release in the states due to tonsilitis. I hope she gets well soon, but it's a really bad break for her.
The Wall Street Journal critic said she has the talent and all she needs is good marketing. This setback will be bad for marketing. :( I hope Island Records think of something grand to make up for it.
That is terrible news, I don't think it will hurt her tho...she has received a much more bigger marketing this time and she herself said she didn't know she had so many fans here in the states, of course I'm her biggest fan here in the states tho....lol.....I proclaim here at JR and to the world that I am her biggest fan in the states, undoubtedly...boy if I don't win with that I don't know what it will take....:D

[kusojiji]

Stalker level: Yellow

[Dell_1957]

Stalker level: Yellow


No stalker kusojiji, nothing wrong with having a favorite singing artist...all posting done here is for conversations only and being part of a community, I don't know where or what post of mine you read that would make you post that...

[Dogen Z]

That is terrible news, I don't think it will hurt her tho...she has received a much more bigger marketing this time and she herself said she didn't know she had so many fans here in the states, of course I'm her biggest fan here in the states tho....lol.....I proclaim here at JR and to the world that I am her biggest fan in the states, undoubtedly...boy if I don't win with that I don't know what it will take....:D

Good luck, hope you win! It'd be awesome, but you'll have to practice as though you're trying out for American Idol. Hey! Maybe......

Well, anyway, good luck. While I'm a big fan of Hikki, I'm far from her greatest fan. I don't like the tremelo she sometimes used in some of her earlier English songs. She might have picked that up from her enka-singing mom, but I think she should lose it if she hasn't already.

Kusojiji---As for stalking, I'm busy stalking Kyoko. I know she lives close to where I live--a hip-hop guy told me so. You'd think she would be easy to spot, but I've never seen her. Here's her pic.

http://twitchfilm.net/site/images/uploads/Yattaman-doronjo.jpg

[Dutch Baka]

If you have nothing to say over here, except stalker level, than don't post here Kusojiji.

Anybody listened to her new album? What do you think? I like the new songs, although I am not a big fan of her new videoclip:

-8hQw7APko4&feature=related

(she lost a lot of weight, though)

[Dogen Z]

Her latest album has a lot of good, catchy tunes in it, such as the one above and Merry...FYI. I think it shows she's doing all she can to break into the U.S. R&B market. The cd debuted at #63 on Billboard's Top 100 albums after the it went on sale in the U.S. last week.

BTW, she's on the cover of the current CUT magazine in Japan and looks pretty glam.

[Dell_1957]

I'm still having a little problem with the R&B sound because I don't like R&B songs but I can understand her new sound for a new market, but I want my old Hikki back....still, I wish her all the best and success with any project she has going and she will hit it big this time around in the states...now if only I can find a way to see her live...not only live but I want to see her live in Japan....that would be the one chance of a life time....

[crisfx]

i like her new song ..nice song :D

[Dogen Z]

The winner of Hikki's karaoke contest has been announced, and I'm afraid its not Dell. :worried: It's someone who calls herself Zuntata. She's not a good singer, but she did a parody of Hikki that might have struck a nerve.

You can catch her performance at this site. http://karaoke.jp.myspace.com/music/utada

Listening to all the entries must have been a painful experience, which would explains why Zuntata won.

[aardwolf]

I love utada, but im not a big fan of her english stuff, maybe because i can understand the lyrics? :blush:
But seriously, her japanese stuff seems so much more innocent and just better, her english music seems forced to break into the american R&B scene..

japanese utada > english utada

[Dell_1957]

The winner of Hikki's karaoke contest has been announced, and I'm afraid its not Dell. :worried: It's someone who calls herself Zuntata. She's not a good singer, but she did a parody of Hikki that might have struck a nerve.
You can catch her performance at this site. http://karaoke.jp.myspace.com/music/utada
Listening to all the entries must have been a painful experience, which would explains why Zuntata won.
Sorry Dogen....I let everyone here down by not winning...I will take my defeat and step aside........NOT.....lol......congratulations Zuntata!!!!!! If she was a good sport she would take me to Japan with her....(just to meet Hikki....hehehe)....

[Dogen Z]

Well, at least you tried, Dell. That's good enough.

But her CD hasn't been doing that well in the States, has it? I wonder what she's going to do to promote herself next.

[Dell_1957]

No Dogen her cd is not doing that great here in the states, the first month it did very good on I-tunes but it is slowly fading...I don't know who does her marketing but they did not do a very good job. Most of her promos were done early in the mornings, the market she is going for does not watch tv at that time of the day. She needed to come out more on MTV, VH1 and some of the late night shows like The Tonight Show now that Conan is the host. The turn out on the promos she did were ok but they would have been better at a later time in the day time.

Another problem with her promos were that she only went to major cities and ignored for example the southern part of the states, she did California I don't know how many times and then New York many times to. Her cd will probably do as good as her last one here in the states...too bad, it could have done much better...

If Boa does her promos the same way she to will not be successful here in the states...

[Dogen Z]

I think BoA will stick it out and see how far she can go, because that's her style. I don't know if that is Hikky's style, because she seems to be a little more of a maverick (IMO)--part of being a talented artist. I think her marketing efforts to date reflect this--it wasn't polished at all.

But I'm sure she'll bounce back and do something great. :-)

[Dell_1957]

I don't know for how long she will be here in the states but if her marketing doesn't include traveling more states her cd will not market as good as she hoped...this is a huge country so her marketing has to be huge to. I wonder how much input she has on decisions about her marketing, I hope it gets better for her...

[justin]

Just picked up her new cd today. Much better than the last one. She was very classy in the Come Back to Me video. The best part is the bonus tracks (been wanting a copy of Sanctuary since I first heard it).

[Harvey]

Speaking of Utada Hikaru, I actually heard her on the radio here in DAR ES SALAAM yesterday! It was an old song, "It's Automatic", but amazing to me that here stuff was on the radio here. The cab driver didn't even identify it as a Japanese song.

[Dell_1957]

"It's Automatic" is one of my favorites, I love her music and I always find myself going back and watching her Bohemian Summer 2000 dvd...it's probably her most up beat concert. It would be an awesome experience to see her live in concert but it would have to be in Japan, anyone know if she is going to do a concert soon?

[justin]

I haven't heard anything about her doing a concert, but I hope we does one soon. Does Bohemian Summer have some of her english songs?

[Dogen Z]

Alright, Zuntata was the 1st winner of Hikki's karaoke contest, but she won because of her creativity not her singing.

This is a video of the 2nd winner at Hikki's karaoke party in Tokyo. She sings well with a kind of country-western flair. And Hikki sang back-up for her!! :yeahh:


pHh8ivIr8sA

[Dell_1957]

I have to say Dogen that I think I did a better job....lol....she does sing pretty good but I saw some others that I think did a better job, but congrats to her on winning second place and getting to meet Hikki!!!!:p

[Dogen Z]

Not to be outdone by Boa's collaboration with Akon (see the "BoA" thread), Hikkie is doing a collaboration with Ne Yo, which will be released this autumn. According to Oricon, it'll be a duet of Ne Yo's song, "Do You."

Looking forward to it. :-)

[Dogen Z]

Keeping this thread active, I'm posting these. (She should hire me as her promotion manager! :p )

A recording of Minnie Ripperton's Lovin' You that she must have done at a radio station. Lot of great casual photos of Hikki!)

Lovin' You
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A recent, very casual interview in Hawaii

Interview in Hawaii
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[Dell_1957]

Hey Dogen I haven't asked you before if you have seen Hikki live in concert before, I hope you have that way I can tell people I know someone who saw her live....lol....do you know if she is back home in Japan yet, I haven't seen anything new about her lately?

[Dogen Z]

I wish I had seen her live - especially at her last concert in Japan. It was a few years ago, and she performed this awesome number - Hikari Live.

If any of you haven't seen this yet, double click it and turn it on to full screen-HQ, then crank up the volume. You are in for a real treat.

LIgwSSCloos

[Dell_1957]

That's an awesome clip Dogen, I'm still in the process of learning Japanese and don't know alot of the words to her songs unless they are subbed in English but I have to say that Hikki has the most beautiful and sexiest voices of any singer I have ever heard. Dogen, she probably will do a concert soon...so if you go please take lots of pictures and post them please. I'm surprised you haven't seen her in concert living so close to her...

[aquaticdragons]

Hey!
Just letting Utada fans know that a petition has been started.
This petition is for promotion of "This is the One" to be resumed and a for a tour in modest sized but well known venues.

Here is the petition sign if interested and help spread the word to other Utada fans

h t t p : / / w w w . gopetition . com / online / 30096 . h t m l

Sorry I can't post urls atm cuz I don't have enough post...just delete the extra spaces.
If someone can post the link that would be great.

I hope there are a lot of Utada fans that come and show their support ^____^

[Dogen Z]

I like your enthusiasm, Aquatic, but I think petitions are more effective for political issues, especially local issues. Since the Internet is so diffuse, it's hard for the studio to determine where the market is. It would be much more effective to get people in your area to buy her CD. If enough are sold, then maybe...

Well, I noticed that the Hikari Live vid posted above has been deleted. So sad. So I'm posting another vid, one that's more in keeping with this autumn season. This vid has Englihs subtitles so you'll know what she's singing about. It's one of her all-time hits, The Flavor of Life.

AtRmAziSUpc

[Dell_1957]

So now that her marketing of her new cd is done has anyone heard of any plans of a live concert, I can only rely on you guys and YouTube for any info on what her plans are....

[Dogen Z]

Dell, I haven't heard anything about her lately. She might be trying to figure out which direction she wants to go next. The biggest thing I know that's happening in Tokyo is a Beyonce concert and its sold out.

[Dell_1957]

Well, not interested in Beyonce , you know as I listen to Hikki's music I can't help going back to her Bohemian Summer Tour...I think that's my favorite concert of hers, her voice and those three dancers made an awesome show...always wondered why she didn't use them again. I imagine she is always planning what to do next, hopefully it's a new tour with alot of her old songs....

[Crystallize]

Ohhh, love the song "The flavor of love" , the first female song I've heard that doesn't feel like you've chewed chewing gum too long (= shallow and without taste) ... this will also be rewarded as the first female song on JRef/Jrock MySpasce support page song this week ...

[Dell_1957]

Please consider First Love for your my space, that is truly a awesome song...I don't know where I heard it first but when I searched for it was how I found Hikki and the rest is history. I have listened to many JPop singers and she is the only one that I feel is the best, amazing voice and talent....