Hikaru Utada was born to Japanese parents who both had roots in the Japanese music industry; her father, Teruzane Utada, was a producer, while her mother, Junko Utada, was an enka singer (she performed under the stage name Keiko Fuji (藤圭子). Utada Hikaru has been recording since 1993. She made her first professional recording at the age of twelve, and recorded her first album, Precious, in 1996 under the pseudonym Cubic U. This album led to her career overseas. In an interview for MTV's, You Hear It First, Hikaru said: "Someone in Japan heard it, at a Japanese record company, and he said, 'Oh, can't you write in Japanese? You speak Japanese.' And I didn't want to say no, so I had to try it."
Hikaru moved to Tokyo in late 1997 and attended Seisen International School, and later the American School in Japan while continuing to record on a new contract with Toshiba-EMI. Unlike other pop stars at the time, she was more focused on becoming a singer and songwriter while other Japanese female singers were attempting to become idols. Leading up to the release of her Japanese debut album "First Love", Hikaru released two successful million-selling singles: "Automatic/ time will tell" and "Movin' on without you". "Automatic/Time Will Tell" sold over two million copies. Backed by her singles, First Love went on to sell over 7 million units in Japan alone (with an additional 3 million overseas, bringing it to a sum of at least 10 million units), becoming the highest-selling album in Japan's history.
After a two-year break, Hikaru released her follow up album "Distance", garnering first-week sales of 3 million units sold. Backed by her singles — "Addicted to You", "Wait & See ~リスク~", "For You / タイム・リミット" and "Can You Keep a Secret?" — Distance became the best-selling album of the year, with almost 5 million copies sold in Japan alone. Additionally, "Addicted to You" became Hikaru's best-selling single, selling one million in its first week. Hikaru went on to release a single which was dedicated to the female victim of a murder case in Ikeda, Osaka, titled "Final Distance".
Leading up to the third album, "Deep River", Hikaru released "traveling", "光", and "SAKURAドロップス"; all the songs reached the top of the charts. Deep River sold 2.35 million copies in its first week. Oricon reported that sales eventually surpassed 3.6 million, making Utada the only act in Japanese music history to have three consecutive albums surpass the three million mark. The album was cited by many fans and critics as Hikaru's most acclaimed work, as well as achieving the Triple Crown at the 17th Golden Disc Awards in Japan. Later, she attempted to break into the US market under her stage name Utada with her album Exodus.
A year after the release of Exodus, Hikaru moved back to Tokyo and started work on her next album. Leading up to the release of her fourth album, "Ultra Blue", Hikaru released a string of successful hit singles: "COLORS" (no. 1), "誰かの願いが叶うころ" (no. 1), "Be My Last", (no. 1), "Passion" (no. 4), and "Keep Tryin'" (no. 2). The digital single "This Is Love" was released to promote the album, netting around one million digital downloads. Ultra Blue sold 500,317 copies in the first week, lower than that of the previous album, although it still topped the Oricon Daily, Weekly, and Monthly charts. Ultra Blue gave the artist her fifth consecutive chart-topping Japanese album (excluding her English album) to sell in excess of 500,000 copies for first-week sales. On July 13, Toshiba EMI published a report stating that Ultra Blue had sold over one million copies worldwide and four million digital ringtones already making it one of EMI's 10th best-selling albums of the past year.
A tour of Japan, "Utada United 2006," commenced on June 30th, 2006 (Two weeks after Ultra Blue's release) and ended on September 12th, 2006, after Hikaru Utada's performances at Yoyogi. Ticket sales started on May 28th, 2006, with the majority of venues selling out in less than two hours.
Hikaru Utada released the single "Flavor of Life" on February 28th, 2007. Her next single, "Beautiful World / Kiss & Cry", was released in Japan on August 29th, 2007 - A track which also doubled as the theme song to the anime movie "Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone".
On February 20th, 2008, she released her 20th Japanese single, HEART STATION/Stay Gold which reached #1 on Japan’s weekly radio charts, which was followed shortly after by her 6th Japanese studio album, HEART STATION released on the 19th of March 2008. Hikaru intended to go for a "simpler" approach for the album; she stated, "From the beginning, I had always intended to make this album easier to listen to so anyone can enjoy it. I always aimed for a simple melody, simple lyrics and a simple message rather than over-complicating it all. But overall, I had a lot of fun making this album." Utada then returned to the US market, releasing This Is the One. She also went on tour with 'Utada: In the Flesh', playing in cities around the world, such as Los Angeles, New York, and London.
On August 9, 2010, Hikaru announced on her personal blog that beginning in 2011, she would go on an indefinite hiatus, citing fatigue since her debut 12 years previously. She also stated a need for rest, to study new things and learn more about the world, as well as see to some personal matters. It was unclear as for how long this break would last and if she would ever return to the music scene. Before the hiatus began, she said that she would go "full throttle" on her artistic activities, and soon after her site was updated, a new compilation album, "Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 2", was announced, with a release date of November 24, 2010. This new album would include all her Japanese singles from "誰かの願いが叶うころ" to "Prisoner of Love" on disc one, as well as an extra EP, featuring five new tracks.
From November 24, 2010, first-week sales for Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 2 were 231,000 units according to Oricon album daily charting. On April 10, 2011, Utada won the award for "Best Conceptual Video" in the SpaceShowerTV Music Video Awards for the PV for "Goodbye Happiness", which also marked her directorial debut. An announcement was made that Utada would perform a two-night concert titled Wild Life at Yokohama Arena to promote the album, her first Japanese concert since 2006's Utada United.
On August 8, 2016, her sixth Japanese album's title was released: "Fantôme", French for "ghost". Following its release on September 28, Fantôme was commercially and critically successful. It debuted atop the Oricon Albums Chart and stayed there for four consecutive weeks, the most of any Utada studio album since First Love. It was awarded Album of the Year at the Japan Record Awards and received positive reviews from media outlets. Musically, Fantôme is a collection of tracks that emphasize acoustic and stripped-down instrumentation, alongside influences of pop, electronic, and R&B music. The lyrical content delves into themes of grief, sadness, love, and death, mostly influenced by the death of her mother, her second marriage, and the birth of her son in 2015.
Hikaru's seventh album, "初恋", was released on June 27, 2018. The release coincided with the commemoration of her 20th anniversary as an artist in Japan. A national tour was announced to support the album in November 2018, "Laughter in the Dark 2018", her first Japan concert tour in 12 years. It is currently available on iTunes for digital download and Netflix for streaming.
Hikaru released her eighth album, "BADモード" on January 19, 2022. It features production from musicians such as Skrillex and A. G. Cook.
Official sites:
www.emimusic.jp/hikki
http://www.u3music.com/
Wait & See
宇多田ヒカル Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
口で言う程 楽じゃないはずでしょ
待ってもう少し分かってくれたらきっと
もっといい雨が降るから
勝手 そう呼ばれちゃって
時々孤独 感じても大丈夫
二人で出した答に乗り込んで
廻らないタイヤが目の前に並んでるけど
Accel 踏まずにいるのは誰だろうね
矛盾屋
Oh baby, wait and see
たまには痛さもいいよね
リスクがあるからこそ
信じることに意味があるのさ
迷わないなんて無理
Oh baby, can't and see
待つのは得意じゃないけど
決め付けるのは早すぎるんだ
占いなんて信じたりしないで
愛情 向かって左に欠乏
だから君が必要
冷たい態度で自分を
守ってるつもりなの?
変えられないものを受け入れる力
そして受け入れられないものを
変える力をちょうだいよ
Oh baby, wait and see
やっぱ痛いのはイヤだけど
リスクがあるからこそ
戦う程に強くなるのさ
怖れないなんて無理
Oh baby, can't and see
待つのは得意じゃないけど
決めつけるのは早すぎるんだ
占いなんて信じたりしないで
So baby, wait and see
癒せない傷なんてない
リスクがあるからこそ
愛する程にせつないのかな
そんなに悪くはない
どこか遠くへ 逃げたら楽になるのかな
そんなわけ無いよね
どこにいたって私は私なんだから
キーが高すぎるなら下げてもいいよ
歌は変わらない強さ持ってる
悩みなんて一つの通過点
大きすぎるブレスレットのように するり
The song encourages listeners to persevere and wait for what is meant to come their way, affirming that life's struggles, represented by rain and pain, will eventually yield to something beautiful. The first verse suggests that it's often hard to articulate the struggles we face as we progress in life. Although it isn't easy, we should still communicate our experiences with those we care about. Better things will come our way as long as we keep moving forward. The second verse seems to address the fear of being judged, feeling alone, and the reluctance that often accompanies pursuing our dreams. The chorus repeats the song's principal premise, emphasizing the importance of taking risks, fighting through pain to become stronger and not allowing fear to take control. The third verse talks about the power of love in a relationship and the challenges that come with it. The song's bridge speaks of the need for strength, the willingness to change, the need for acceptance, and the courage to face our fears.
Overall, the song's message is uplifting and empowering, encouraging personal growth through the journey of life by embracing both pain and joy, taking risks, and fighting through fear.
Line by Line Meaning
だって「つまずきながら」って 口で言う程 楽じゃないはずでしょ
Stumbling in the path of life is not easy, as evident from the expression 'つまずきながら,' don't you think?
待ってもう少し分かってくれたらきっと もっといい雨が降るから
If you wait and understand a little more, surely a better rain will come.
勝手 そう呼ばれちゃって 時々孤独 感じても大丈夫 二人で出した答に乗り込んで 曇り空を追い抜くから
Even though you may feel lonely, it's okay to be called '勝手.' Together, we can rise above the cloudy skies by following the answer we arrived at.
廻らないタイヤが目の前に並んでるけど Accel 踏まずにいるのは誰だろうね 矛盾屋
Who can resist the temptation to step on the accelerator when non-rotating wheels are lined up in front of them? A contradiction.
Oh baby, wait and see たまには痛さもいいよね リスクがあるからこそ 信じることに意味があるのさ 迷わないなんて無理
Wait and see, baby, sometimes pain is good. Only when one takes risks is believing meaningful. It's impossible not to waver.
Oh baby, can't and see 待つのは得意じゃないけど 決め付けるのは早すぎるんだ 占いなんて信じたりしないで
Can't you see, baby, waiting is not something I'm good at. It's too early to judge, and don't believe in fortune-telling.
愛情 向かって左に欠乏 だから君が必要 冷たい態度で自分を 守ってるつもりなの?
My love is deficient towards the left, so I need you. Are you trying to protect yourself with a cold attitude?
変えられないものを受け入れる力 そして受け入れられないものを 変える力をちょうだいよ
The power to accept the unchangeable and change the unaccepted, please give me that.
そんなに悪くはない
It's not that bad.
Oh baby, wait and see やっぱ痛いのはイヤだけど リスクがあるからこそ 戦う程に強くなるのさ 怖れないなんて無理
Wait and see, baby, pain is still undesirable. Only by taking risks will one become stronger by fighting. It's impossible not to be scared.
Oh baby, can't and see 待つのは得意じゃないけど 決めつけるのは早すぎるんだ 占いなんて信じたりしないで
Can't you see, baby, waiting is not something I'm good at. It's too early to judge, and don't believe in fortune-telling.
So baby, wait and see 癒せない傷なんてない リスクがあるからこそ 愛する程にせつないのかな
So wait and see, baby, there are no unhealable wounds. Is it because of the risk that it hurts to love?
どこか遠くへ 逃げたら楽になるのかな そんなわけ無いよね どこにいたって私は私なんだから
If I run away somewhere distant, will it be easier? There's no way. No matter where I am, I am still myself.
キーが高すぎるなら下げてもいいよ 歌は変わらない強さ持ってる 悩みなんて一つの通過点 大きすぎるブレスレットのように するり
If the key is too high, it's okay to lower it. The strength of the song will never change. Worries are just a passing point, slipping off like an oversized bracelet.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hikaru Utada
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-vw7uq2lx2t
【歌詞】
だって「つまずきながら」って
口で言う程 楽じゃないはずでしょ
待ってもう少し分かってくれたらきっと
もっといい雨が降るから
勝手そう呼ばれちゃって
時々孤独 感じても大丈夫
二人で出した答に乗り込んで
曇り空を追い抜くから
廻らないタイヤが目の前に
並んでるけど
Accel 踏まずにいるのは誰だろうね
矛盾屋
Oh baby wait and see
たまには痛さもいいよね
リスクがあるからこそ
信じることに意味があるのさ
迷わないなんて無理
※Oh baby can't you see
待つのは得意じゃないけど
決めつけるのは早すぎるんだ
占いなんて信じたりしないで※
愛情向かって左に欠乏
だから君が必要
冷たい態度で自分を
守ってるつもりなの?
変えられないものを受け入れる力
そして受け入れられないものを
変える力をちょうだいよ
Oh baby wait and see
やっぱ痛いのはイヤだけど
リスクがあるからこそ
戦う程に強くなるのさ
怖れないなんて無理
(※くり返し)
So baby wait and see
癒せない傷なんてない
リスクがあるからこそ
愛する程にせつないのかな
そんなに悪くはない
どこか遠くへ
逃げたら楽になるのかな
そんなわけ無いよね
どこにいたって私は私なんだから
キーが高すぎるなら下げてもいいよ
歌は変わらない強さ持ってる
悩みなんて一つの通過点
大きすぎるブレスレットのように するり
Don't believe until you see all there is to see…
@user-kk1lh8wg3k
だって「つまずきながら」って
口で言う程 楽じゃないはずでしょ
待って
もう少し分かってくれたらきっと
もっといい雨が降るから
勝手。
そう呼ばれちゃって
時々孤独 感じても大丈夫
二人で出した答に乗り込んで
曇り空を追い抜くから
廻らないタイヤが目の前に
並んでるけど
Accel 踏まずにいるのは誰だろうね
矛盾屋
Oh baby wait and see
たまには痛さもいいよね
リスクがあるからこそ
信じることに意味があるのさ
迷わないなんて無理
Oh baby can't you see
待つのは得意じゃないけど
決めつけるのは早すぎるんだ
占いなんて信じたりしないで
愛情
向かって左に欠乏
だから君が必要
冷たい態度で自分を
守ってるつもりなの？
変えられないものを受け入れる力
そして受け入れられないものを
変える力をちょうだいよ
Oh baby wait and see
やっぱ痛いのはイヤだけど
リスクがあるからこそ
戦う程に強くなるのさ
怖れないなんて無理
Oh baby can't you see
待つのは得意じゃないけど
決めつけるのは早すぎるんだ
占いなんて信じたりしないで
So baby wait and see
癒せない傷なんてない
リスクがあるからこそ
愛する程にせつないのかな
そんなに悪くはない
どこか遠くへ
逃げたら楽になるのかな
そんなわけ無いよね
どこにいたって私は私なんだから
キーが高すぎるなら下げてもいいよ
歌は変わらない強さ持ってる
悩みなんて一つの通過点
大きすぎるブレスレットのように する
@dangochan0312
本当にセンスいいんだろうね。20年経ってもなんにもダサくない
@user-vw7uq2lx2t
【歌詞】
だって「つまずきながら」って
口で言う程 楽じゃないはずでしょ
待ってもう少し分かってくれたらきっと
もっといい雨が降るから
勝手そう呼ばれちゃって
時々孤独 感じても大丈夫
二人で出した答に乗り込んで
曇り空を追い抜くから
廻らないタイヤが目の前に
並んでるけど
Accel 踏まずにいるのは誰だろうね
矛盾屋
Oh baby wait and see
たまには痛さもいいよね
リスクがあるからこそ
信じることに意味があるのさ
迷わないなんて無理
※Oh baby can't you see
待つのは得意じゃないけど
決めつけるのは早すぎるんだ
占いなんて信じたりしないで※
愛情向かって左に欠乏
だから君が必要
冷たい態度で自分を
守ってるつもりなの?
変えられないものを受け入れる力
そして受け入れられないものを
変える力をちょうだいよ
Oh baby wait and see
やっぱ痛いのはイヤだけど
リスクがあるからこそ
戦う程に強くなるのさ
怖れないなんて無理
(※くり返し)
So baby wait and see
癒せない傷なんてない
リスクがあるからこそ
愛する程にせつないのかな
そんなに悪くはない
どこか遠くへ
逃げたら楽になるのかな
そんなわけ無いよね
どこにいたって私は私なんだから
キーが高すぎるなら下げてもいいよ
歌は変わらない強さ持ってる
悩みなんて一つの通過点
大きすぎるブレスレットのように するり
Don't believe until you see all there is to see…
@user-iy8wq8rv7z
株価が下がってきたので聞いている
@annlee3191
Wow,, awesome
@user-yn2vk6xf3b
2024 年になっても人々はまだ聞いている 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
@user-hq4kr3yx2x
2024年も聴きたくなったから来たよ。
@user-vx4wm4ew6i
わかる🎉
@user-lv9kq6zq7r
それな
@user-hc6fd7yd8j
宇多田ヒカルの声はきっと誰にも真似出来ない😉
アラフィフだけど
多分おばあちゃんになっても聞いてる👍
@user-go3rh4mw9h
@@user-hc6fd7yd8j
今年50のオッサンも聴きに来ました！(笑)