Hikaru Utada

1983-present

J-pop superstar and songwriter

Published: September 16, 2025

Did you know a 16-year-old made the best-selling album in Japan? Hikaru Utada is a Japanese-American singer and songwriter who became famous in the late 1990s. Her debut album First Love came out when she was 16 and became the most-loved album in Japan. That's the main thing we'll focus on — how her music reached millions and changed pop music.

Her music mixes Japanese and English, and she writes many of her own songs. She sang songs for the video game Kingdom Hearts, including Hikari (Simple and Clean), which helped kids around the world hear her music. Millions of people listened and sang along.

Utada helped change J-pop by showing that singers could be writers who tell real stories. Her honest voice and modern sounds opened doors for new styles and helped Japanese music reach fans beyond Japan. She sold millions of records, won awards, and inspired many young singers.

Today people still listen to her songs on phones and at concerts. Hikaru Utada's story shows how one voice can travel far and make people feel less alone. If you like music, try listening to her songs — you might find a melody that speaks to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce her name?

In Japanese order it's Utada Hikaru; in English it's Hikaru Utada. Pronounced roughly "OO-tah-dah HEE-kah-roo."

Where was Hikaru Utada born and raised?

She was born in New York City and spent time living and studying both in the U.S. and Japan, which shaped her bilingual, international outlook.

When is her birthday?

Hikaru Utada was born on January 19, 1983.

Why is she sometimes credited simply as 'Utada'?

For some international or English-language releases she used the mononym Utada to present a single-name artist identity outside Japan.

Is she still releasing music today?

Yes. She returned from a hiatus in 2016 and has continued to release albums and singles, including recent work up through the early 2020s.

Which songs are good starting points if I'm new to her music?

Try listening to 'Automatic,' 'Traveling,' 'Flavor of Life,' and 'Face My Fears' to hear a range of her styles.

Has she collaborated with international artists?

Yes — a notable collaboration is 'Face My Fears' (2019), co-credited with producer Skrillex for a video game theme, among other international projects.