View source for Hikaru Utada

{{short description|American and Japanese pop singer and producer (born 1983)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Eastern name order|Utada Hikaru}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Hikaru Utada
| image              = Utada Hikaru.jpg
| image_size         = 
| caption            = Utada performing in 2006
| native_name        = {{lang|ja|宇多田ヒカル}}
| native_name_lang   = ja
| birth_name         = Hikaru Utada ({{lang|ja|宇多田光}})<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%AE%87%E5%A4%9A%E7%94%B0%E3%83%92%E3%82%AB%E3%83%AB-1057881 |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカルとは |trans-title=Utada Hikaru Uta-Da-Hikaru |website=[[Kotobank]] |language=ja |access-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028153725/https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%AE%87%E5%A4%9A%E7%94%B0%E3%83%92%E3%82%AB%E3%83%AB-1057881 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1983|1|19}}
| birth_place        = [[New York City]], U.S.
| nationality        = {{hlist|Japanese{{efn|''[[Jus sanguinis]]'', through parents}}|American{{efn|''[[Jus soli]]'', through birthright; expatriate}}}}
| alma_mater         = [[Columbia University]] (dropped out)
| other_names        = {{flatlist|
* Utada
* Hikki
* Cubic U
}}
| occupation         = {{flatlist|
* Singer
* songwriter
* producer
}}
| works              = {{hlist|[[Hikaru Utada albums discography|Albums]]|[[Hikaru Utada singles discography|singles]]}}
| spouse             = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|[[Kazuaki Kiriya]]|7 September 2002|2 March 2007|end=div.}}
* {{marriage|Francesco Calianno|23 May 2014|7 April 2018|end=div.}}
}}
| children           = 1
| website            = {{URL|https://utadahikaru.jp/}}
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
 |origin             = [[Tokyo]], Japan
 |genre              = {{flatlist|
* [[J-pop]]
* [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
* {{nowrap|[[dance-pop]]}}
* [[alternative rock|alt pop]]
* [[pop rock]]
}}
 |years_active       = 1996–present
 |label              = {{flatlist|
* [[Eastworld]]
* [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
* [[Island Records|Island]]
* [[Mercury Records|Mercury]]
* [[Epic Records Japan|Epic]]
}}
}}
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Hikaru Utada'''|宇多田ヒカル|Utada Hikaru|born January 19, 1983}}, also known [[mononym]]ously as '''Utada''',<ref name=MJP/> is a Japanese and American <!-- listing both countries per discussion on talk page--> singer, songwriter, and producer. They{{Efn|Utada uses ''[[Singular they|they/them]]'' and ''[[She (pronoun)|she/her]]'' pronouns.<ref name="instagram.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/kuma_power/ |title=Hikaru Utada's Instagram Profile |website=[[Instagram]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220416042058/https://www.instagram.com/kuma_power/ |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=en }}</ref> This article uses ''they/them'' for consistency.|name=pronouns|group=lower-alpha}} <!--PRONOUN NOTE: Do not change the pronouns to "she" without consensus at Talk:Hikaru Utada. Use of "they" is the result of talk page discussion and is per the text about this lower in the article.--> are considered to be one of the most influential and best-selling musical artists in Japan.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Farley |first=Christopher John |date=2001-09-15 |title=Diva On Campus |url=https://time.com/archive/6596441/diva-on-campus/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |magazine=TIME }}</ref> They are best known by international audiences for writing and producing four theme-song contributions to [[Square Enix]] and [[Disney Interactive Studios|Disney]]'s collaborative video game series ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'': "[[Hikari (Hikaru Utada song)|Simple and Clean]]", "[[Passion (Hikaru Utada song)|Sanctuary]]", "[[Chikai (Hikaru Utada song)|Don't Think Twice]]", and "[[Face My Fears]]".

Utada was born in New York City to Japanese parents, record producer [[Teruzane Utada]] and {{lang|ja-Latn|[[enka]]}} singer [[Keiko Fuji]]. They began to write music and lyrics at an early age and often traveled to Tokyo as a result of their father's job. After signing to [[EMI Music Japan|Toshiba-EMI]], they released their English-language debut album ''[[Precious (Cubic U album)|Precious]]'' under the name '''Cubic U''' in 1998, which was a commercial failure. In the following year, heavily influenced by R&B and dance-pop, Utada released their Japanese-language debut, ''[[First Love (Hikaru Utada album)|First Love]]'', which was an immediate success. Backed by the success of singles "[[Automatic (Hikaru Utada song)|Automatic]]", "[[Time Will Tell (Hikaru Utada song)|Time Will Tell]]", and "[[Movin' On Without You]]", the album sold two&nbsp;million copies in its first week in Japan, topped the [[Oricon]] charts for six non-consecutive weeks and went on to sell six&nbsp;million more throughout the rest of 1999. ''First Love'' eventually became Japan's [[List of best-selling albums in Japan|best-selling album]] of all time.

Utada's album ''[[Distance (Hikaru Utada album)|Distance]]'' was released in early 2001 and spawned their biggest singles—"[[Addicted to You (Hikaru Utada song)|Addicted to You]]", "[[Wait & See (Risk)]]" and "[[Can You Keep a Secret? (song)|Can You Keep a Secret?]]"—which became million-sellers. The album broke several sales records after three&nbsp;million copies were sold in its first week, instantly becoming Japan's [[Lists of fastest-selling albums#Japan|fastest-selling album]]. In 2002, backed by chart-topping singles such as [[Traveling (song)|Traveling]], [[Hikari (Hikaru Utada song)|Hikari]] and [[Sakura Drops]], ''[[Deep River (Hikaru Utada album)|Deep River]]'', which incorporates elements of pop folk, was released and became one of Japan's top-selling records of all time. The albums ''[[Exodus (Hikaru Utada album)|Exodus]]'', ''[[Ultra Blue]]'' and ''[[Heart Station]]'' also sold millions of copies. After a prolonged hiatus, Utada released the acoustic-driven albums ''[[Fantôme (album)|Fantôme]]'' (2016) and ''[[Hatsukoi (Hikaru Utada album)|Hatsukoi]]'' (2018), which reached number one on the Oricon albums chart. They topped the charts again with 2022's ''[[Bad Mode]]'', their first Japanese/English album.

By the end of the 2000s, Utada was deemed "the most influential artist of the decade" in the Japanese music landscape by ''[[The Japan Times]]''. They are one of Japan's [[List of best-selling music artists in Japan|top-selling recording artists]] of all time with over 40 million records sold.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-utada/japan-singer-utada-makes-3rd-bid-to-crack-u-s-market-idUSTRE52M1I320090323 |title=Japan singer Utada makes 3rd bid to crack U.S. market |first=Frederick H. |last=Katayama |date=March 23, 2009 |work=[[Reuters]] |access-date=October 30, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=October 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030184632/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-utada/japan-singer-utada-makes-3rd-bid-to-crack-u-s-market-idUSTRE52M1I320090323 |url-status=live }}</ref> Twelve of their singles have reached number one on the [[Oricon Singles Chart]], while ten albums have become chart-toppers. Six of their full-length releases are among Japan's highest-selling albums, including ''First Love'', ''Distance'' and ''Deep River'', which are among the top ten best-selling records of Japan's music history. In 2021, Utada became one of the first Japanese figures to identify as [[Non-binary gender|non-binary]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kim |first=Michelle |date=February 10, 2022 |title=Breaking the boundaries of language and genre, Hikaru Utada finds freedom |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/02/10/1079549124/breaking-the-boundaries-of-language-and-genre-hikaru-utada-finds-freedom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530103832/https://www.npr.org/2022/02/10/1079549124/breaking-the-boundaries-of-language-and-genre-hikaru-utada-finds-freedom |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |access-date=May 30, 2022 |work=[[NPR]] |quote=It's also Utada's first album since they came out as nonbinary last summer, making them one of few Japanese public figures to openly express their gender identity with that language.}}</ref>

== Biography ==

===Early life and beginnings===
{{page numbers needed|date=June 2022}}
Hikaru Utada was born on January 19, 1983 in [[New York City]] to Japanese parents. Their mother [[Keiko Fuji]] was an {{lang|ja-Latn|[[enka]]}} singer, while their father [[Teruzane Utada]] is a record producer.<ref name="WaPo2004">{{cite news |last1=Daly |first1=Sean |date=October 14, 2004 |title=Leaving the Girl Behind |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2004/10/14/leaving-the-girl-behind/a30303f0-ae0f-408e-921d-9b17e5c9f396/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618003948/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2004/10/14/leaving-the-girl-behind/a30303f0-ae0f-408e-921d-9b17e5c9f396/ |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |access-date=May 9, 2022 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="japanTodayAugust2013">{{cite news |url=https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/former-singer-keiko-fuji-mother-of-hikaru-utada-falls-to-death |work=[[Japan Today]] |access-date=June 5, 2021 |title=Former singer Keiko Fuji, mother of Hikaru Utada, falls to death |date=August 22, 2013 |language=en |archive-date=June 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608144308/https://japantoday.com/category/entertainment/former-singer-keiko-fuji-mother-of-hikaru-utada-falls-to-death |url-status=live }}</ref> They grew up in [[Upper East Side, New York]] and moved to [[Tokyo, Japan]] at age 11 due to their parents' work.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2004/10/04/found-in-translation-hikaru/ | title=Found in Translation, Hikaru | website=[[New York Daily News]] | date=October 4, 2004 }}</ref> At the age of 10, Utada began to write music and lyrics.<ref>{{cite news |title=As I See it: Today's Pop Idols Sound Like the Pied Piper |work=[[Mainichi Shimbun]] |date=1999}}</ref>{{volume needed|volume=no|date=June 2022}} Utada attended [[Columbia University]] in New York City starting in 2001,<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Farley |first1=Christopher John |date=September 15, 2001 |title=Diva On Campus |url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1000787,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119201543/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1000787,00.html |archive-date=January 19, 2022 |access-date=May 9, 2022 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |language=en}}</ref> but dropped out after less than a year.<ref name="WaPo2004" /> 

Utada made recordings with their mother, releasing songs under a band named "U3." In 1996 they started a solo project under the name Cubic U. The first Cubic U single, "I'll Be Stronger", was released as a limited pressing in Japan in 1996. The next year, Utada released "Close to You", a cover of [[The Carpenters]]. It was later included on Cubic U's debut album, ''[[Precious (Cubic U album)|Precious]]''. 

===1998–2003: Japanese debut, ''First Love'', ''Distance'', and ''Deep River''===
Utada moved to Tokyo in the summer of 1998 and attended [[Seisen International School]], and later the [[American School in Japan]], while continuing to record on a contract with Toshiba-EMI. Early success came from Japanese FM radio.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://trendy.nikkei.co.jp/hit/1999/01.aspx |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル |trans-title=Utada Hikaru |language=ja |magazine=Nikkei Trendy |access-date=November 30, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207014709/http://trendy.nikkei.co.jp/hit/1999/01.aspx |archive-date=December 7, 2008}}</ref> They were at the forefront of a new wave of singer-songwriters in Japan, branching out from the previously dominant idol singers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9906/15/japan.pop.wb/index.html |title=From cotton candy to acid rebels, Japan's pop scene heats up |work=[[CNN]] |date=June 15, 1999 |access-date=December 18, 2008 |language=en |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095019/http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Music/9906/15/japan.pop.wb/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Leading up to the release of their debut album ''[[First Love (Hikaru Utada album)|First Love]]'' they released two successful million-selling singles: "[[Movin' On Without You]]" and "[[Automatic/Time Will Tell]]". The latter sold over two&nbsp;million copies.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.nikkeibp.co.jp/archives/052/52415.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719012716/http://www.nikkeibp.co.jp/archives/052/52415.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 19, 2011 |script-title=ja:藤圭子の娘・宇多田ヒカルは16歳、いきなり200万枚ヒットでR&Bクイーンに |trans-title=Hikaru Utada, daughter of Keiko Fuji, is 16 years old and suddenly becomes R&B Queen with 2 million hits. |language=ja |magazine=Nikkei Entertainment |publisher=[[Nikkei Business Publications]] |date=March 5, 1999 |access-date=November 30, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=McClure |first=Steve |title=Female Singers: Hikaru Utada Finds 'Love' Blooming |volume=111 |issue=18 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |language=en}}</ref> Backed by these singles, ''First Love'' went on to sell over 7&nbsp;million units in Japan alone (with an additional 3&nbsp;million overseas, bringing it to a sum of at least 10&nbsp;million units<ref name="million">{{cite web |url=http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album.html |script-title=ja:歴代アルバムランキング TOP280 |trans-title=Album Ranking TOP 280 |website=MusicTVProgram |access-date=January 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103001458/http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album.html |archive-date=January 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |language=ja}}</ref>), becoming the highest selling album in Japan's recent history.<ref name="oricon profile">{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/artists/193854/ |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル |trans-title=Hikaru Utada |language=ja |website=[[Oricon]] |access-date=November 6, 2008 |archive-date=September 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929120316/http://www.oricon.co.jp/artists/193854/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album yielded the single "[[First Love (Hikaru Utada song)|First Love]]", which peaked at the number 2 spot. By the end of the year, Utada was ranked 5th on Japanese radio station Tokio Hot 100 Airplay's ''Top 100 Artists of the 20th Century'' by the station and its listeners.<ref>{{cite web |trans-title=Announcing the Top 100 Big Artists of the 20th Century as chosen by listeners and J-wave |script-title=ja:リスナーとJ-WAVEが選んだ20世紀のビッグ・アーティスト100人を発表 |website=[[J-Wave]] |year=1999 |url=http://www.j-wave.co.jp/original/tokiohot100/bigartist/main.htm |access-date=August 26, 2007 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030814005823/http://www.j-wave.co.jp/original/tokiohot100/bigartist/main.htm |archive-date=August 14, 2003 |url-status=deviated}}</ref>

After a two-year break, Utada released the follow-up album ''[[Distance (Hikaru Utada album)|Distance]]'', garnering first-week sales of 3&nbsp;million units.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1000787,00.html |title=Diva on Campus |access-date=December 27, 2006 |first=Christopher John |last=Farley |date=September 15, 2001 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time.com]] |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930094038/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1000787,00.html |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref> On the strength of its singles — "[[Addicted to You (Hikaru Utada song)|Addicted to You]]", "[[Wait & See (Risk)]]", "[[For You (Hikaru Utada song)|For You]]", "[[Time Limit (song)|Time Limit]]", and "[[Can You Keep a Secret? (song)|Can You Keep a Secret?]]" — ''Distance'' became the best-selling album of the year, with 4.47&nbsp;million copies sold in Japan alone. Additionally, "Addicted to You" became their best-selling single, moving a million copies in its first week; the highest first week sales for a female solo artist. "Wait & See: Risk" and "Can You Keep a Secret?" also were later ranked at number 6 and number 10 respectively on Oricon's list of 10 best-selling singles from January 1, 1999, to April 24, 2006.<ref name="jmusiceuropa.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.jmusiceuropa.com/ |title=JaME – The 1st database and information website about Japanese music – www.jame-world.com |work=JMusicEuropa.com |access-date=January 22, 2011 |archive-date=September 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925083252/http://www.jmusiceuropa.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=June 2022|reason=URL points to the main page for J Music Europa and not a specific article.}}

A manga biography titled ''Utada Hikaru: The Pure Soul,'' illustrated by Ari Obana, was published by [[Sōmasha]] on July 1, 2001.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Obana |first1=Ari |title=宇多田ヒカル THE PURE SOUL |last2=Utada |first2=Hikaru |publisher=[[Sōmasha]] |year=2001 |isbn=978-4883881505 |edition=1st |language=JA |trans-title=Utada Hikaru: The Pure Soul}}</ref> "[[Final Distance]]", a track written for and dedicated to [[Ikeda school massacre|Rena Yamashita]], was released on July 25. It peaked at number two on the Oricon charts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CDTV PowerWeb! |url=http://www.tbs.co.jp/cdtv/songdb/song6071-j.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101234659/http://www.tbs.co.jp/cdtv/songdb/song6071-j.html |archive-date=2007-01-01 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.tbs.co.jp}}</ref> On July 31, "[[Rush Hour 2 (soundtrack)|Blow My Whistle]]" was released as a part of the soundtrack for ''[[Rush Hour 2]].'' The song was a collaboration with American rapper [[Foxy Brown (rapper)|Foxy Brown]], and was written by Utada alongside producers [[The Neptunes|Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_yxIEAAAAMBAJ/page/n39 |page=40 |title=Sakurai Champions Japanese Rap, Def Jam Japan Spreads the Word with Dabo Album, Utada Soundtrack Cut |date=August 4, 2001 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=Nielsen Business Media |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/rush-hour-2-soundtrack--mw0000010202 |title=Rush Hour 2 Soundtrack |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528180533/https://www.allmusic.com/album/rush-hour-2-soundtrack--mw0000010202 |url-status=live }}</ref> It peaked at number 11 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and number 1 on the [[Top Soundtracks]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Billboard 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/soundtrack/chart-history/tlp/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128203055/https://www.billboard.com/artist/soundtrack/chart-history/tlp/ |archive-date=November 28, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Movie Soundtracks: Top Soundtrack Albums Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/soundtracks/2001-08-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330153335/https://www.billboard.com/charts/soundtracks/2001-08-18 |archive-date=March 30, 2018 |access-date=April 19, 2018 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |language=en}}</ref>

Leading up to their third album, ''[[Deep River (Hikaru Utada album)|Deep River]]'', Utada released "[[Traveling (song)|Traveling]]", "[[Hikari (Hikaru Utada song)|Hikari]]", and "[[Sakura Drops/Letters]]" between November 2001 and May 2002. ''Deep River'', released in June 2002, sold 2.35&nbsp;million copies in its first week. Oricon reported that sales eventually surpassed 3.6&nbsp;million, making Utada the only singer or group in Japanese music history to have three consecutive albums surpass the three-million mark, by RIAJ standards. It was their third consecutive album to reach number 1 on Oricon's Yearly Albums chart<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.interq.or.jp/kunioki/year/music/rc_ms02.shtml |script-title=ja:平成14年 音楽の話題 |trans-title=What's This Year - Music 2002 |website=[[:ja:InterQ]] |access-date=January 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822181633/http://www1.interq.or.jp/kunioki/year/music/rc_ms02.shtml |archive-date=August 22, 2010 |language=ja}}</ref> and became the eighth best selling album of all time in Japan.<ref name="million" /> In 2003, Utada's promotional schedule became more active due to an agreement with [[Island Records]] to release a debut album in the United States. "[[Colors (Hikaru Utada song)|Colors]]" was their only single release for 2003.

===2004–2005: Foray into international market, and ''Exodus''===
[[File:Utada Hikaru 2004.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Utada in 2004]]
Utada's first singles compilation album ''[[Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 1]]'' was released on March 31, 2004. It became the best-selling album of 2004 in Japan, making them the only solo or group artist to reach number one four times on the yearly charts. It was the first compilation album to reach number 1 in six years on the yearly charts, and the first compilation album to reach number 1 in twenty-six years by a female artist.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/040723.html |language=ja|script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル Oricon Style Special Comment |trans-title=Utada Hikaru Oricon Style Special Comment |website=[[Oricon]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215082347/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/040723.html |archive-date=February 15, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite its success, the album received little promotion and no new material; moreover, it charted longer on the Oricon Albums chart than any other Utada release to date (over two years). The album sold 2.58&nbsp;million units in Japan, making it the 34th best-selling album ever in the country.<ref name="million"/> A month later, on April 21, they released a lone Japanese single for 2004, "[[Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro]]", which topped the singles chart for two consecutive weeks and sold 365,000 units by the year's end. It was also the main theme song for ''[[Casshern (film)|Casshern]]'', directed by their husband at the time, [[Kazuaki Kiriya]].

In mid-2004, Utada moved back to New York, and began work on a recording contract with Island Def Jam Music Group. On October 5, 2004, they released a North American English-language debut album, ''[[Exodus (Hikaru Utada album)|Exodus]]'', under the newly announced stage name "Utada".<ref name=MJP>{{cite web |url=http://musicjapanplus.jp/artistdb/?action=biography&artist_id=45 |title=Utada Hikaru |work=Music Japan Plus |access-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105094719/http://www.musicjapanplus.jp/artistdb/?action=biography&artist_id=45 |archive-date=January 5, 2016 |url-status=dead |language=ja}}</ref> It was released on September 9 in Japan, with a special booklet and housed in a cardboard slipcase. In an [[MTV]] interview, they expressed skepticism about this American success: "I don't think it's the music that I'm concerned about. It's obviously that I look really different and there really aren't any completely Asian people [who are popular singers in the U.S.] right now."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/yhif/utada/ |title=Utada |access-date=September 12, 2006 |first=Alyssa |last=Rashbaum |date=October 5, 2004 |work=[[MTV]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701041648/http://www.mtv.com/news/yhif/utada/ |archive-date=July 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref> They also remarked on the album not being one that pandered to fans, but wanting to make it anyway.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2006/06/23/music/cd-reviews/utada-hikaru-ultra-blue |title=Utada Hikaru "Ultra Blue" |work=[[The Japan Times]] |access-date=January 16, 2019 |first=Daniel |last=Robson |date=June 23, 2006 |language=en |archive-date=January 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116201131/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2006/06/23/music/cd-reviews/utada-hikaru-ultra-blue |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Exodus'' became their fourth consecutive release to debut at number 1 and boasted 500,000 copies in its first-week sales in Japan. American sales were not quite as successful: it reached number 160 in the US ''Billboard'' 200 chart;<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/utada/chart-history/billboard-200 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520104719/https://www.billboard.com/music/utada/chart-history/billboard-200 |url-status= dead |archive-date= May 20, 2018 |title=Utada Chart History |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 7, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> and peaked at number 5 in the [[Billboard Heatseekers|Heatseekers]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/utada/chart-history/heatseekers-albums |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514025229/https://www.billboard.com/music/utada/chart-history/heatseekers-albums |url-status=dead |archive-date= May 14, 2018 |title=Utada Chart History |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 7, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> "[[Easy Breezy]]" was released as the lead single in early August 2004, followed up by "[[Devil Inside (Hikaru Utada song)|Devil Inside]]" six weeks later. Utada appeared on the cover of ''Interview'' magazine's June 2005 issue.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www4.islanddefjam.com/media/utada/press/interview_1.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051121005149/http://www4.islanddefjam.com/media/utada/press/interview_1.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 21, 2005 |title=Interview Goes to Tokyo |magazine=[[Interview (magazine)|Interview]] |date=June 2005 |access-date=June 22, 2008 |language=en}}</ref>

"[[Exodus '04]]" was released at the end of June 2005 and featured remixes from [[the Scumfrog]], [[Richard Vission]], JJ Flores and Peter Bailey. In the UK, Mercury added another two remixes for "You Make Me Want to Be a Man" in the original album, titled "You Make Me Want to Be a Man (Bloodshy & Avant Mix)" and "You Make Me Want to Be a Man (Junior Jack Mix)". By the end of the year, Utada was voted "Number 1 Favorite Artist of 2004" by Oricon's annual readers poll.<ref name="oricon fav artist">{{cite web |script-title=ja:発表! 音楽ファン2万人が選ぶ「好きなアーティストランキング」 |trans-title=Announcement! "Favourite Artist Ranking" by 20,000 music fans |website=[[Oricon]] |date=July 20, 2007 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/46513/full/ |access-date=August 26, 2007 |language=ja |archive-date=March 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302151341/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/46513/full |url-status=live }}</ref> The fourth single from ''Exodus'', "[[You Make Me Want to Be a Man]]", was released in October 2005 in the UK. "Devil Inside" became a club hit in the U.S. and topped the [[Hot Dance Club Play|Billboard Hot Dance/Club Airplay]] charts.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/utada/chart-history/hot-dance-airplay |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514025128/https://www.billboard.com/music/utada/chart-history/hot-dance-airplay |url-status= dead |archive-date= May 14, 2018 |title=Utada Chart History |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=March 7, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Both the ''Exodus'' album and the "You Make Me Want to Be a Man" single were released in the UK, with different artwork from the US and Japanese versions.

===2005–2008: Return to Japan, ''Ultra Blue'', and ''Heart Station''===
A year after the release of ''Exodus'', Utada moved back to Tokyo and returned to the Japanese music scene.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/2007/04/19/0000307763.shtml |script-title=ja:女王復活!宇多田ヒカル新記録達成 |trans-title=The Queen is back! Hikaru Utada sets a new record! |language=ja |newspaper=[[Daily Sports (Japanese newspaper)]] |date=April 19, 2007|access-date=November 30, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070422053224/http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/2007/04/19/0000307763.shtml |archive-date=April 22, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Leading up the release of a fourth album, ''[[Ultra Blue]]'', they released a string of successful hit singles: "[[Colors (Hikaru Utada song)|Colors]]" (number 1), "[[Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro]]" (number 1), "[[Be My Last]]" (number 1), "[[Passion (Hikaru Utada song)|Passion]]" (number 4), and "[[Keep Tryin' (Hikaru Utada song)|Keep Tryin']]" (number 2). The digital single "[[This Is Love (Hikaru Utada song)|This Is Love]]" was released to promote the album, netting 1,000,000 downloads.<ref name="itmedia">{{cite news |url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/0612/20/news069.html |script-title=ja:iTunes年間ランキング、トップは宇多田とモーツァルト |title=iTunes annual ranking, tops Utada and Mozart |language=ja |work=[[:ja:ITmedia]] |date=December 20, 2006 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104190926/http://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/0612/20/news069.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''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'' was Utada's fifth consecutive chart-topping Japanese album (excluding the English-language ''[[Exodus (Hikaru Utada album)|Exodus]]'') to sell in excess of 500,000 copies in the first week.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/25390/full/ |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル、2年1ヶ月ぶりのアルバム首位獲得で史上初の快挙! |trans-title=Hikaru Utada's first album to top the charts in 2 years and 1 month, a first in history! |language=ja |work=[[Oricon]] |date=June 20, 2006 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503223807/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/25390/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 13, Toshiba EMI published a report stating that ''Ultra Blue'' had sold over one&nbsp;million copies worldwide and four&nbsp;million digital ringtones already making it one of EMI's 10 best-selling albums of the past year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hypebot.typepad.com/hypebot/2006/07/chairman_nicoli.html |title=Chairman Nicoli Addresses WMG Merger and EMI's Future |work=Hypebot |date=July 13, 2006 |access-date=January 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311021443/http://hypebot.typepad.com/hypebot/2006/07/chairman_nicoli.html |archive-date=March 11, 2007 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref><ref name="emi2007">{{cite report |title=EMI Annual Report 2007 |page=18 |date=2007 |url=http://www.shareholder.com/Shared/DynamicDoc/EMIL/1798/EMI_lores_2007.pdf |publisher=[[EMI]] |access-date=August 26, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920190434/http://www.shareholder.com/Shared/DynamicDoc/EMIL/1798/EMI_lores_2007.pdf |archive-date=September 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref> The album, which did not contain much pop music, was met with mixed reception,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://club.kobe-np.co.jp/mint/culture/art/0000854459.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007174714/http://club.kobe-np.co.jp/mint/culture/art/0000854459.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 7, 2011 |script-title=ja:ミリオン超え? 宇多田新作 |trans-title=Over a Million? Utada's new work |language=ja |work=[[Kobe Shimbun|Kōbe Shimbun]] |date=February 28, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2008}}</ref> although the album was certified Million by RIAJ.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200607.html |script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品認定 2006年7月 |trans-title=Gold and other certified works approved July 2006 |language=ja |website=[[Recording Industry Association of Japan]] |access-date=November 14, 2008 |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122082758/http://riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200607.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=June 2022|reason=Unable to cite specific date via URL}} Additionally, it was the highest-selling original studio album by a Japanese female artist in 2006. ''Ultra Blue'' later became available on the [[iTunes]] Japan online music store, charting at number 4 on the 2006 yearly download rankings.<ref name="itmedia" /> Two weeks after the release of ''Ultra Blue,'' Utada went on a nationwide tour titled Utada United 2006, from June 30 through September 12. This was their second concert tour after the Bohemian Summer 2000 tour.

[[File:Utada United 2006.jpg|thumb|left|Utada performing during their Utada United 2006 tour]]
The [[Heart Station (album)#Singles|singles that were released]] prior to Utada's fifth studio album, ''[[Heart Station]]'', were able to reach the Top Five position on the chart, including the number 1 hit "[[Flavor of Life]]", which would become the best selling digital single in Japan with over 7,500,000 copies downloaded.<ref name="UtadaFOL"/> Around the same time, they visited New York to talk with producers and executives at Island/Def Jam about recording a second English album.<ref name="bonjour">{{cite web |url=http://www.u3music.com/message/index.php?m=1&d=2007092523322e.xml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012015018/http://www.u3music.com/message/index.php?m=1&d=2007092523322e.xml |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |title=Bon jour! |date=September 25, 2007 |website=U3 Music |access-date=September 26, 2007 |language=ja}}</ref> Later in the year a digital track by American R&B artist [[Ne-Yo]], titled "[[Do You (Ne-Yo song)|Do You]]" from his 2007 album ''[[Because of You (Ne-Yo album)|Because of You]]'', featured Utada and was released in Japan on November 21 (the song was later featured on Ne-Yo's "best of" album, ''[[Ne-Yo: The Collection]]'', released on September 2, 2009, in Japan and November 2009 in the US).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.utada.jp/news/press006.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009032412/http://www.utada.jp/news/press006.html |archive-date=October 9, 2008 |script-title=ja:Ne-Yoとのデュエット曲"ドゥ・ユー feat. Utada |trans-title=Duet with Ne-Yo "Do You feat. Utada" |website=Utada |access-date=June 17, 2022 |url-status=dead |language=ja}}</ref>

On June 30, 2007, the British [[EMI|EMI Group]], which had held a 55% stake in Toshiba EMI since before Utada's debut in Japan, purchased the remaining 45% stake from the Japanese [[Toshiba|Toshiba Corporation]], therefore making Toshiba EMI a wholly owned subsidiary of the London-based record label. Toshiba EMI then changed its name to EMI Music Japan to reflect Toshiba's divestiture from the business.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.jp/company/pdf/emi20070629.pdf |date=June 30, 2007 |language=ja |url-status=dead |script-title=ja:当社株式の譲渡と社名(商号)変更に関するお知らせ |trans-title=Notice concerning the transfer of company shares and company name (trade name) change |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070929095500/http://www.emimusic.jp/company/pdf/emi20070629.pdf |work=EMIMusic.jp |publisher=[[EMI Group]] |archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref> Utada's first single under the label, "[[Beautiful World (Hikaru Utada song)|Beautiful World]]"/"[[Kiss & Cry (song)|Kiss & Cry]]" was released as a double A-side single on August 29, 2007, and also reached number 1 on the Oricon Daily Chart. ''Beautiful World'' was used as the theme song for ''[[Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone]]'', the 2007 film reboot of the anime, ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion (franchise)|Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'', while ''Kiss & Cry'' was used in a series of commercials for [[Nissin Foods]]' [[Freedom Project]] advertising campaign starting April 20, 2007, and was previously released as a digital download on May 31, 2007.<ref name="K&Cannouncement">{{cite news |url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000031135 |title=宇多田ヒカルが新記録を樹立!さらに新曲も発表 |trans-title=Hikaru Utada sets a new record! And also announced a new song! |work=[[:ja:BARKS]] |language=ja |date=April 20, 2007 |access-date=December 30, 2014 |archive-date=December 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230134228/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000031135 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="RIAJ-jun2007digi">{{cite web |script-title=ja:レコード協会調べ 6月度有料音楽配信認定 |trans-title=Record Association Investigation: June Digital Music Download Certifications |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w070720_3.html |website=[[Recording Industry Association of Japan]] |language=ja |date=July 20, 2007 |access-date=February 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607075313/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w070720_3.html |archive-date=June 7, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The year 2007 ended with the single "Flavor of Life" becoming the best seller of 2007 and with Utada again voted "Number 1 Favorite Artist of 2007" by Oricon's annual readers poll, after a two-year absence from the top spot.<ref name="oricon fav artist" /> They sold 12&nbsp;million digital ringtones and songs in 2007, with "Flavor of Life" accounting for 7.5&nbsp;million, the second-highest of any song worldwide that year.<ref name="UtadaFOL">{{cite web |url=http://www.emigroup.com/Press/2008/press9.htm |title=Sales of 'Flavor of Life' by Japan's Utada Hikaru pass 7.5&nbsp;million |date=January 31, 2008 |access-date=January 31, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080216063831/http://www.emigroup.com/Press/2008/press9.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=February 16, 2008 |language=en}}</ref> The single was featured as the main song in the second season of TV drama ''[[Hana yori Dango Returns]]''.

Utada's fifth studio album, ''[[Heart Station]]'', was released on March 19, 2008, becoming their fifth consecutive number-one Japanese studio album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/53138/ |script-title=ja:【オリコン】宇多田ヒカル、08年No.1スタートで6作連続1位! |trans-title=Hikaru Utada starts 2008 at No. 1, her sixth consecutive No. 1! |language=ja |website=[[Oricon]] |date=March 25, 2008 |access-date=November 10, 2008 |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007152430/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/53138/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Although it had collected the lowest first week sales for their career, with 480,081 copies sold, the sales of this album reached a million on the Oricon charts in January 2009, making it their first Japanese album to do so since the [[Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 1|2004 compilation album]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/61796/full/ |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル5年ぶり、ミスチル2年ぶりにミリオン突破 |trans-title=Hikaru Utada topped millions for the first time in 5 years and Mr. Children in 2 years |work=[[Oricon]].co.jp |date=January 6, 2009 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=ja |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503223807/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/61796/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was given a certification of one&nbsp;million for shipments by the [[Recording Industry Association of Japan|RIAJ]]. ''Heart Station'' became the best-selling digital-format album on the [[iTunes Store|iTunes]] 2008 yearly album charts in Japan,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000045376 |script-title=ja:2008年、「iTunes Store」で最もダウンロードされた楽曲が発表 |trans-title=Most Downloaded Songs in the iTunes Store in 2008 |language=ja |work=[[:ja:BARKS]] |date=December 3, 2008 |access-date=December 3, 2008 |archive-date=December 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203235336/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000045376 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was also the highest-selling original studio album by a solo female artist on the Oricon Yearly Chart.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/special/081211_01_03.html |script-title=ja:2008年 年間アルバムランキング |trans-title=2008 Annual Album Ranking |work=[[Oricon]] |date=December 11, 2008 |access-date=December 12, 2008 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204013713/http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/special/081211_01_03.html |archive-date=February 4, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The song "[[Prisoner of Love (Hikaru Utada song)|Prisoner of Love]]" was used as the theme-song for the television drama ''[[Last Friends]]''. Although "Prisoner of Love" was not initially released as a single alone, it reached number 1 in iTunes and the Chako-Uta charts after it was released as a single for the drama. It reached number 2 at the Oricon Weekly charts. It marked the fourth successful drama tie-in for Utada, following 1999's ''[[Majo no Jōken]]'' and ''First Love'', 2001's ''[[Hero (2001 TV series)|Hero]]'' and ''Can You Keep a Secret'' and 2007's ''[[Hana Yori Dango]]'' and ''Flavor of Life''. On October 20, 2008, the song "[[Eternally (Hikaru Utada song)|Eternally]]" from Utada's 2001 album ''Distance'' was used as the theme for the drama ''[[Innocent Love (TV series)|Innocent Love]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000044269 |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカルが歌う新月9ドラマ主題歌の配信開始 |trans-title=Distribution of new Tsuki 9 drama theme song sung by Hikaru Utada begins. |language=ja |work=[[:ja:BARKS]] |date=October 20, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2008 |archive-date=October 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022074613/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000044269 |url-status=live }}</ref> The song was later released as a digital single.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rbbtoday.com/news/20081104/55469.html |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカルの曲の中で一番好きなのはどれ? |trans-title=Which of Utada Hikaru's songs do you like best? |language=ja |work=[[:ja:RBB TODAY]] |date=November 4, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2008 |archive-date=December 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230213353/http://www.rbbtoday.com/news/20081104/55469.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By the end of the year, Utada was also voted the "Number 1 Favorite Artist of 2008" by [[Oricon]]'s annual readers poll for the second consecutive year, and third time overall.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/60075/full |script-title=ja:2万人が選んだ好きなアーティストランキング |trans-title=Favourite artist ranking as selected by 20,000 people |date=November 14, 2008 |access-date=November 14, 2008 |website=[[Oricon]] |language=ja |archive-date=May 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529085017/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/60075/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2009–2010: Return to the US, and ''This Is the One''===
[[File:Hikaru Utada in New York 20090325.jpg|thumb|Utada in 2009]]
On December 16, 2008, information leaked onto the internet that Utada's next English-language single, titled "[[Come Back to Me (Hikaru Utada song)|Come Back to Me]]", would be scheduled for [[airplay]] release through U.S. Rhythmic/Crossover and Mainstream formats on February 9 and 10, 2009 respectively via Island Records.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16691 |title=Future Airplay Charts |magazine=[[FMQB]] |access-date=December 16, 2008 |archive-date=February 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221171432/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16691 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=02/10/2009&Format=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017150248/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=02%2F10%2F2009&Format=1 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |magazine=[[Radio & Records]] |title=CHR/Top 40 |date=February 10, 2009 |access-date=October 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref> Their second English album, titled ''[[This Is the One]]'', was released on March 14, 2009, in Japan and on May 12, 2009, in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.utada.jp/ |title=Utada's official Japanese website |access-date=January 10, 2009|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090810091534/http://www.utada.jp/ |archive-date=August 10, 2009 |language=ja}}</ref> ''This Is the One'' debuted at number 1 in Japan on March 13, 2009, the day it was released in Japan,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/193854/download/ |title=宇多田ヒカルの音楽配信 |trans-title=Utada Hikaru's music distribution |website=[[Oricon]] |access-date=October 26, 2010 |language=ja |archive-date=February 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220134739/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/193854/download/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but became their first album not to top the weekly chart since ''Precious''. On March 30, 2009, Utada appeared on New York City radio station [[WHTZ|Z-100]], the largest pop radio program in the U.S., and granted a live on-air interview on the station's ''[[Elvis Duran and the Morning Show|Elvis Duran Morning Show]]'', a breakthrough that would lead to a promotional schedule through the album's international physical release on May 12. They also sang the theme song for the second ''Evangelion'' film, ''[[Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance]]''. The single was released on June 27, 2009, and is a remix of a previous single, "[[Beautiful World (Hikaru Utada song)|Beautiful World]]". The single is titled "[[Beautiful World: Planitb Acoustic Mix|Beautiful World -PLANiTb Acoustica Mix-]]".<ref name="Theme">{{cite news |title=Hikaru Utada to Sing Theme of Evangelion: 2.0 Film |work=[[Anime News Network]] |date=May 15, 2009 |last=Loo |first=Egan |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-05-15/hikaru-utada-to-sing-theme-of-evangelion/2.0-film |language=en |access-date=May 19, 2009 |archive-date=May 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519095506/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-05-15/hikaru-utada-to-sing-theme-of-evangelion/2.0-film |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/release/index_j.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030045804/http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/release/index_e.htm |archive-date=October 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |title=Utada Hiraku Single Collection Vol. 2 |website=Hikki's Website, [[EMI Music Japan]] |access-date=October 26, 2010 |language=en}}</ref>

On November 30, 2009, at [[Studio Coast]], Tokyo, Utada sung a duet of ''[[Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!|Let It Snow]]'' with pop singer [[Mika (singer)|Mika]].<ref>{{cite tweet |user=UBlog |number=6200616389 |title=Utada joins Mika onstage during his Tokyo show to sing "Let It Snow" |date=November 30, 2009 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105094717/https://twitter.com/UBlog/status/6200616389 |archive-date=January 5, 2016 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref> On December 21, 2009, Utada's ''[[Dirty Desire]]'' remixes were released only on [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]], [[Zune|Zune Marketplace]], and the U.S. [[iTunes Store]], in support of ''[[This Is the One]]'' and an upcoming tour.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://utada.com/news/default.aspx?nid=5826 |title=Dirty Desire Remixes |website=Utada |language=en |date=December 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091219020348/http://www.utada.com/news/default.aspx?nid=5826 |archive-date=December 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 17, 2022}}</ref> The tour, [[Utada: In the Flesh 2010]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://utada.com/events/ |title=Tour |website=Utada |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114155632/http://utada.com/events/ |archive-date=November 14, 2009 |access-date=October 26, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> was their first concert tour outside Japan and included eight cities in the US and two dates in London, UK. The tickets for the second London performance went on public sale November 13, and reportedly sold out in just five hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://utada.com/news/default.aspx?nid=5679 |title=Utada Returns To The U.S. For Tour |date=November 18, 2009 |website=Utada |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122185110/http://www.utada.com/news/default.aspx?nid=5679 |archive-date=November 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 17, 2022}}</ref>

===2010–2015: Second return to Japan, ''Single Collection Vol. 2'', ''Wild Life'', and hiatus===
In a personal blog post on August 9, 2010, Utada announced a long hiatus, writing "I don't know if it will be 2 years or 5 years." After having been focused on music from age 15 to 27, they expressed a need to have a broader range of experiences, and grow as a person.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.u3music.com/message/index.php?m=1%26l=%26d=2010080920001j.xml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817094139/http://211.19.44.167/message/index.php?m=1%26l=%26d=2010080920001j.xml |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 17, 2010 |script-title=ja:久しぶりの大事なお知らせ |trans-title=First important announcement in a long time |language=ja |first=Hikaru |last=Utada |date=August 9, 2010}}</ref> However, they also wrote that before the hiatus began, some new music would be released. Soon after the post, a compilation album was announced: ''[[Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 2]]'', with a release date of November 24, 2010. This album would include all of Utada's Japanese singles, from "[[Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro]]" to "[[Prisoner of Love (Hikaru Utada song)|Prisoner of Love]]", on disc one, as well as an extra [[Extended play|EP]] featuring five new tracks.<ref name="emimusic1">{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/news/news_j.php |script-title=ja:「Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION VOL.2」 11月24日発売! |trans-title="Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION VOL.2" to be released on November 24! |website=Hikki's website, [[EMI Music Japan]] |date=October 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009054025/http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/news/news_j.php |archive-date=October 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=ja}}</ref> Later it was announced a DVD containing the [[music video|promotional video]] for ''Goodbye Happiness'' would be included in all first-press edition pre-orders.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.utada2.net/?p=1833 |title="Goodbye Happiness" PV DVD added as "Single Collection Vol. 2" Pre-order Bonus |work=U. Blog - The Utada News Blog |last=Utada |first=Hikaru |date=November 2, 2010 |access-date=January 22, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204092746/http://blog.utada2.net/?p=1833 |archive-date=December 4, 2010 |language=en}}</ref>

On September 27, 2010, Utada revealed a single, entitled "[[Hymne à l'amour|Hymne à l'amour (Ai no Anthem)]]", which became a commercial tie-in for Pepsi NEX. The song features both Japanese and French lyrics, written and translated by Utada. They performed a concert series titled [[Wild Life (concert)|Wild Life]] at [[Yokohama Arena]] to promote the album, their first Japanese concert since 2006's Utada United.<ref name="emimusic1" /> On October 3, 2010, Utada's official EMI website was updated with the album artwork and final track list for ''Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 2''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/release/ |title=New Release |website=Hikki's website, [[EMI Music Japan]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003150115/http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/release/ |date=October 3, 2010 |archive-date=October 3, 2010 |access-date=October 30, 2021 |language=ja}}</ref> First-press editions included a three-fold paper slip case, along with a {{lang|ja-Latn|Kuma}} [[good luck charm]], and a lottery slip for fans to have a chance at winning one of 1000 tickets to Wild Life.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Utada Hikaru's two day concert series 'Wild Life' announced |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2010/10/utada-hikarus-two-day-concert-series-wild-life-announced |date=October 20, 2010 |website=Tokyo Hive |author=hellcat |language=en |access-date=June 26, 2021 |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626191702/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2010/10/utada-hikarus-two-day-concert-series-wild-life-announced |url-status=live }}</ref>{{user-generated inline|date=June 2022|certain=yes}} In late October, it was revealed online at Tower Records Japan<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tower.jp/item/2814567/Utada-The-Best |title=Utada The Best |language=ja |website=[[Tower Records]] |access-date=October 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724145731/http://tower.jp/item/2814567/Utada-The-Best |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="neowing.co.jp">{{cite web |url=https://www.neowing.co.jp/product/UICL-1110 |title=Utada The Best / Utada |website=Neowing}}</ref> and several other websites that an English-language best-of album titled ''[[Utada the Best]]'' would become available in Japan on the same day as ''Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 2'', November 24. Utada reacted to the news, stating: "I understand that if it doesn't sell, I'm the one who will take the hit, but to be honest, I don't want my fans putting down money for something that my heart isn't in."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.utada2.net/?p=1820 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030013934/http://blog.utada2.net/?p=1820 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=October 30, 2010 |title=Utada: "The release of ''Utada the Best'' is entirely against my will" |website=U. Blog - The Utada News Blog |date=October 24, 2010 |access-date=January 22, 2011 |language=en}}</ref> and "The release of ''Utada the Best'' is entirely against my will. I wish that my fans won't have to buy it. There's no new material in it."<ref>{{cite tweet |user=utadahikaru |number=28602716071 |title=The release of "Utada the best" is entirely against my will. I wish that my fans won't have to buy it. There's no new material in it. |date=October 24, 2010 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310072843/https://twitter.com/utadahikaru/status/28602716071 |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=January 22, 2011}}</ref>

Later, Utada announced a single, "[[Goodbye Happiness]]",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.utada2.net/?p=1830&cpage=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724125808/http://blog.utada2.net/?p=1830&cpage=1 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |title=Utada's "Goodbye Happiness" Radio Airplay begins 11/01; Chaku-Uta Download 11/03 |website=U.Blog - The Utada News Blog |date=October 28, 2010 |access-date=January 22, 2011 |language=en}}</ref> with its accompanying PV appearing publicly on November 9, 2010.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=UBlog |number=29484570554 |title=According to @hikki_staff, @UtadaHikaru's music video for "Goodbye Happiness" will begin airing on 11/09 |date=November 2, 2010 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926063747/https://twitter.com/UBlog/status/29484570554 |archive-date=September 26, 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 17, 2022}}</ref> The song was also chosen as the Recochoku Chaku-Uta TV commercial theme song.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=UBlog |number=29536959493 |title=Looks like @UtadaHikaru's "Goodbye Happiness" will be used in an upcoming Recochoku ChakU-Uta TV CM, likely on air from 11/10 |date=November 2, 2010 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305174257/https://twitter.com/UBlog/status/29536959493 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 17, 2022}}</ref> They also appeared on a track entitled "London City" with English rapper [[Devlin (rapper)|Devlin]] on his first studio album, ''[[Bud, Sweat and Beers]]'', which was also released on November 1. On November 8, 2010, EMI Japan announced on its Web site that the company had made a global recording deal with Utada, also stating that all of their future work regardless of language would be released under one name: Hikaru Utada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.com/news/2010/emi-music-and-hikaru-utada-agree-new-global-recording-deal/ |title=and Hikaru Utada agree new global recording deal |work=EMIMusic.com |publisher=[[EMI Group]] |date=November 8, 2010 |access-date=January 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515150520/http://www.emimusic.com/news/2010/emi-music-and-hikaru-utada-agree-new-global-recording-deal/ |archive-date=May 15, 2011 |language=en}}</ref> This signaled the retirement of their Western [[stage name]], Utada. First-week sales for ''Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 2'' were 231,000 units according to Oricon.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.utada2.net/?p=1875 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419020001/http://blog.utada2.net/?p=1875 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=April 19, 2011 |title=Utada's "Single Collection Vol. 2" Debuts at Number 1 on Oricon Charts " |website=U.Blog - The Utada News Blog |date=November 30, 2010 |access-date=January 22, 2011 |language=en}}</ref> The release marked Utada's seventh consecutive number 1 album (5 original and two best-ofs) since their debut, surpassing [[KinKi Kids]]' previous record of six.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.com/blog/2010/hikaru-utada-scores-seventh-consecutive-number-one-album/ |title=Hikaru Utada scores seventh consecutive number one album |work=EMIMusic.com |publisher=[[EMI Group]] |date=November 30, 2010 |access-date=January 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727080035/http://www.emimusic.com/blog/2010/hikaru-utada-scores-seventh-consecutive-number-one-album/ |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |language=en}}</ref> On April 10, 2011, they won the award for "Best Conceptual Video" in the [[Space Shower Music Video Awards]] for the promotional video for "Goodbye Happiness", which was also their directorial debut.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mva.jp/winners.php |title=MVA Winners 2010 |website=[[Space Shower Music Video Awards]] |date=April 10, 2011 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110722114146/http://mva.jp/winners.php |archive-date=July 22, 2011 |language=ja}}</ref> The two-concert Wild Life tour took place on December 8 and 9, 2010 at [[Yokohama Arena]]. The opening concert was broadcast in 64 cinemas in Japan while it was simultaneously broadcast on [[Ustream]], a live video streaming website. The two channels set up for the concert on Ustream were accessed a total of 925,000 times, with 345,000 unique viewers, which was a global record on Ustream.tv for the highest number of simultaneous accesses of any video, with the previous highest being only 100,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rbbtoday.com/article/2010/12/10/72741.html |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカルコンサートUstream中継、同時視聴者数で世界記録達成 |trans-title=Ustream Broadcast of Hikaru Utada's Concert Sets World Record for Number of Simultaneous Viewers |last=Sekiguchi |first=Ken |date=December 10, 2010 |work=[[:ja:RBB TODAY]] |access-date=January 22, 2011 |language=ja |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907110532/http://www.rbbtoday.com/article/2010/12/10/72741.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Japanese TV station [[NHK]] premiered a documentary about Utada on January 15, 2011, entitled {{nihongo|Utada Hikaru: Ima no Watashi|宇多田ヒカル 〜今のわたし〜||"What I Am"}}, a documentary featuring studio performances ("[[Show Me Love (Not a Dream)]]" and "[[Goodbye Happiness]]") as well as a few clips from the Wild Life performances. It also featured a post–Wild Life interview with [[J-Wave]] host Chris Peppler, in which Utada expressed a desire to travel and do volunteer work overseas.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 6, 2011 |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/movie/83654/full/ |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル活動休止前の姿をNHKでドキュメンタリー放送 |trans-title=NHK broadcasts documentary on Hikaru Utada before her hiatus |website=[[Oricon]] |access-date=January 22, 2011 |language=ja |archive-date=April 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403131809/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/movie/83654/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They said they would also continue writing music during the hiatus.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/01/nhk-airs-utada-hikarus-final-interview-before-her-hiatus/ |title=NHK airs Utada Hikaru's final interview before her hiatus |author=Shiso |work=Tokyo Hive |date=January 15, 2011 |access-date=January 22, 2011 |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120231053/http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/01/nhk-airs-utada-hikarus-final-interview-before-her-hiatus/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The documentary was broadcast internationally, in Europe on February 2, 2011, and in the US on February 12, 2011, on the NHK channel (TV Japan in America, and JSTV in Europe).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/news/news_e.php |title=News |website=Hikki's Website, [[EMI Music Japan]] |access-date=March 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730165110/http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/news/news_e.php |archive-date=July 30, 2013 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=June 2022|reason=Claim is not in any of the archived versions of this URL between January 2011 and July 2013.}} A [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray]] release of Wild Life were confirmed and initially set for release on April 6, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/release/ |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル「WILD LIFE」 |trans-title=Hikaru Utada "WILD LIFE" |website=Hikki's Website, [[EMI Music Japan]] |access-date=March 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011124135/http://www.emimusic.jp:80/hikki/release |archive-date=October 11, 2011 |language=ja}}</ref> However, on March 24, 2011, Utada tweeted that both the DVD/Blu-ray of the Wild Life tour had been postponed, due to the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|earthquake and resulting tsunami]] in Japan damaging the pressing factories. The DVD was released on April 20, 2011, with the Blu-ray following.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=utadahikaru |number=50846564108873728 |title="WILD LIFE" concert DVD/Blu-ray release has been postponed to 4/20 (DVD) and 5/18(BR) due to earthquake damage to the pressing factories. |date=March 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208041116/https://twitter.com/utadahikaru/status/50846564108873728 |archive-date=February 8, 2016 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |url-status=live |language=en}}</ref> On December 7, 2011, [[Recochoku]] updated their yearly download and awards chart, with their ''Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 1'' listed as the second-most-downloaded album of 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=(Updated) Recochoku's yearly download charts/awards for 2011 |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/12/recochoku%E2%80%99s-yearly-download-chartsawards-for-2011/ |website=Tokyo Hive |publisher=Recochoku |date=December 6, 2011 |access-date=December 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204215008/http://www.tokyohive.com/2011/12/recochoku%E2%80%99s-yearly-download-chartsawards-for-2011/ |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |language=en}}</ref>{{user-generated inline|date=June 2022|certain=yes}}

On November 16, 2012, Utada's [[YouTube]] account uploaded a video entitled "桜流し" ("[[Sakura Nagashi]]", meaning "Flowing Cherry Blossoms"). The single was co-written with [[Paul Carter (songwriter)|Paul Carter]], and was digitally released on November 17, 2012. A [[DVD single]] was released a month later. "Sakura Nagashi" is the theme song from the animation movie ''[[Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.utadahikaru.jp/disco/etc08.htm |script-title=ja:桜流し |trans-title=Flowering Cherry Blossoms |website=Utada Hikaru Official Website |date=November 17, 2012 |access-date=February 5, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131214174752/http://www.utadahikaru.jp/disco/etc08.htm |archive-date=December 14, 2013 |language=ja}}</ref> In September 2012, the British [[EMI]] group was broken up and sold to various companies. On April 1, 2013, Utada's record company, [[EMI Music Japan]], was absorbed into [[Universal Music Group|Universal Music Japan]], became defunct as a company and was renamed to [[EMI Records Japan]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/1552454/universal-music-uk-announces-launch-of-virgin-emi |title=Universal Music UK Announces Launch of Virgin EMI Records |date=March 18, 2013 |last=Flanagan |first=Andrew |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=July 16, 2013 |language=en |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518113054/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/1552454/universal-music-uk-announces-launch-of-virgin-emi |url-status=live }}</ref> Therefore, all of their further releases before switching to [[Sony Music Entertainment Japan]] would be through Universal Music Japan. On December 9, 2013, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of ''[[First Love (Hikaru Utada album)|First Love]]'', EMI Records released ''[[Utada: In the Flesh 2010]]'' tour footage on iTunes and announced a re-release of ''First Love'', including a special limited edition that contained the original album remastered, instrumentals from the original tracks, unreleased tracks and live footage from Utada's first live show, ''Luv Live''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.utadahikaru.jp/release/index_e.htm |title=Utada/Utada Hikaru: In The Flesh 2010 |website=Utada Hikaru Official Website |access-date=February 5, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214174323/http://www.utadahikaru.jp/release/index_e.htm |archive-date=December 14, 2013 |language=en}}</ref> On December 8, 2014, [[Universal Music Japan]] released a tribute album entitled ''[[Utada Hikaru no Uta]]''. The album features cover versions of Utada's back catalogue of songs by different popular artists such as [[Ai (singer)|AI]], [[Ayumi Hamasaki]], [[Peabo Bryson]], [[Ringo Shiina]], and more. On December 26, 2014, Universal Music Japan revealed through media outlet ''Weekly Bunshun'' that Utada only had one album left before the contract with the label ends, and that a comeback in the music industry was under discussion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Magazine: Final Evangelion Film Slated For Fall-Winter 2015 With Utada Song |last=Loo |first=Egan |date=December 26, 2014 |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-26/magazine-final-evangelion-film-slated-for-fall-winter-2015-with-utada-song/.82629 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=December 31, 2014 |language=en |archive-date=June 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630024819/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-26/magazine-final-evangelion-film-slated-for-fall-winter-2015-with-utada-song/.82629 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2015–2016: Parenthood and ''Fantôme''===
In 2015, Utada revealed the birth of a son on their blog, and mentioned work on an album primarily written during pregnancy. They asked for patience leading up to the release during the transition into parenthood.<ref name="utadaBirthJuly2015">{{cite web |last=Utada |first=Hikaru |script-title=ja:ファンのみんなにお知らせ |trans-title=Notice to all fans |url=http://www.utadahikaru.jp/from-hikki/both/ |date=July 3, 2015 |website=Utada Hikaru Official website |access-date=July 3, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703094448/http://www.utadahikaru.jp/from-hikki/both/ |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=J-pop star Utada gives birth to baby boy, hints at return to music |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2015/07/03/entertainment-news/j-pop-star-utada-gives-birth-baby-boy-hints-return-music/ |work=[[The Japan Times]] |date=July 3, 2015 |access-date=July 4, 2015 |language=en |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703221634/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2015/07/03/entertainment-news/j-pop-star-utada-gives-birth-baby-boy-hints-return-music/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In January 2016, it was reported that Utada would release a song in the spring. "[[Hanataba o Kimi ni]]" ("Bouquet for You") was the theme for the television show {{Nihongo|''[[Toto Neechan]]''|とと姉ちゃん}}), which aired on April 4, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ronald |title=Utada Hikaru Officially Confirmed for New Drama Theme |url=http://aramajapan.com/news/utada-hikaru-officially-confirmed-for-new-drama-theme/54084/ |work=Arama{{!}} Japan |date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=January 25, 2016 |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124085023/http://aramajapan.com/news/utada-hikaru-officially-confirmed-for-new-drama-theme/54084/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2016, "[[Manatsu no Tōriame]]" was aired on April 4, 2016, to be the theme to a late-night TV station's news show, ''News Zero''. That same day, Utada's website announced the official song's release, as digital singles, on April 15.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Songs 'Hanataba Wo Kimini' and 'Manatsu No Tooriame' Premiere on TV Programs Today, and to Be Released Digitally on April 15 |url=http://www.utadahikaru.jp/news-e/ |work=Utada Hikaru Official Website |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=April 6, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418225850/http://www.utadahikaru.jp:80/news-e/ |archive-date=April 18, 2016 |language=en}}</ref> Utada's website was also updated with the announcement of a project titled "New-Turn", in which fans were encouraged to purchase their music and to use the [[hashtag]] "#おかえりHIKKI" ("Welcome Back Hikki") on [[Twitter]]. The aim was to use proceeds from the music purchased to plant more [[cherry blossom]] trees in the tsunami-damaged areas of Japan after the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake]]. The website was also confirmed their return to artistic activities.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:宇多田 ヒカル New-turn Project |trans-title=Hikaru Utada New-turn Project |url=http://www.utadahikaru.jp/sakura/ |work=Hikki's Website |publisher=Universal Music |access-date=March 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313234818/http://www.utadahikaru.jp/sakura/ |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |url-status=dead |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stern |first=Bradley |title=Welcome Back Hikki: Utada Hikaru Officially Resumes Artist Activities |url=http://popcrush.com/utada-hikaru-resume-artist-activities-new-turn-project-welcome-back/?trackback=tsmclip |work=[[Pop Crush]] |date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=March 10, 2016 |language=en |archive-date=March 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311010858/http://popcrush.com/utada-hikaru-resume-artist-activities-new-turn-project-welcome-back/?trackback=tsmclip |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Karen |last=Ressler |title=Hikaru Utada Launches 'New-Turn Project' to Mark Her Return to Music |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-03-09/hikaru-utada-launches-new-turn-project-to-mark-her-return-to-music/.99583 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=March 10, 2016 |language=en |archive-date=March 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310110744/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-03-09/hikaru-utada-launches-new-turn-project-to-mark-her-return-to-music/.99583 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On August 8, 2016, the album's title, track list and cover were released. The album's title was announced as ''[[Fantôme (album)|Fantôme]]'' (French: 'ghost'), containing eight new songs, as well as the previous three singles, for a track listing totaling eleven tracks.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stern |first=Bradley |title=Utada Hikaru Reveals Cover, Track Listing for Upcoming Album, 'Fantome' |date=August 8, 2016 |url=http://popcrush.com/utada-hikaru-reveals-title-cover-track-listing-for-upcoming-album-fantome/ |work=Pop Crush |access-date=August 8, 2016 |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809172932/http://popcrush.com/utada-hikaru-reveals-title-cover-track-listing-for-upcoming-album-fantome/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Utada Hikaru Releases Her 6th Original Full Album, First in 8 Years, on Sep. 28! |url=http://www.utadahikaru.jp/news-e/ |website=Utada Hikaru Official Website |access-date=June 17, 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731195206/http://www.utadahikaru.jp/news-e/ |archive-date=July 31, 2016 |language=en}}</ref> 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 (Hikaru Utada album)|First Love]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sexy Zone and Utada Hikaru Top the Oricon Charts for the Week of 10/17 – 10/23 |author=Ronald |url=http://aramajapan.com/news/chart/sexy-zone-and-utada-hikaru-top-the-oricon-charts-for-the-week-of-1017-1023/66217/ |work=Arama{{!}} Japan |date=October 28, 2016 |access-date=June 19, 2017 |language=en |archive-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827001621/http://aramajapan.com/news/chart/sexy-zone-and-utada-hikaru-top-the-oricon-charts-for-the-week-of-1017-1023/66217/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was awarded Album of the Year at the [[Japan Record Awards]]<ref name="ARAMA">{{cite news |url=http://aramajapan.com/news/winners-and-nominees-for-the-58th-japan-record-awards-announced/67081/ |title=Winners and Nominees for the 58th Japan Record Awards Announced |website=ARAMA{{!}} Japan |date=November 17, 2016 |access-date=January 17, 2017 |language=en |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118182042/http://aramajapan.com/news/winners-and-nominees-for-the-58th-japan-record-awards-announced/67081/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and received positive reviews from media outlets.<ref name="JpopAsia review">{{cite web |last=Gatmaitan |first=James |title=Utada Hikaru's "Fantôme" |url=http://www.jpopasia.com/feed/18694/album-review-utada-hikarus-fant%C3%94me/ |website=JpopAsia |date=September 28, 2016 |access-date=October 9, 2016 |language=en |archive-date=October 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010125843/http://www.jpopasia.com/feed/18694/album-review-utada-hikarus-fant%C3%94me/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="muumuse">{{cite web |last=Stern |first=Bradley |title='Fantome': Utada Hikaru Returns from Her Hiatus Heartbroken, But Hopeful |url=http://www.muumuse.com/2016/09/utada-hikaru-fantome-album-review.html/ |website=MuuMuse |date=September 28, 2016 |access-date=October 7, 2016 |language=en |archive-date=October 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002045517/http://www.muumuse.com/2016/09/utada-hikaru-fantome-album-review.html/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="unrecorded">{{cite web |last=Miyauchi |first=Ryo |title=Utada Hikaru – Fantôme |url=http://www.unrecorded.mu/reviews/utada-hikaru-fantome/ |website=Unrecorded |date=October 6, 2016 |access-date=October 7, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161010051653/http://www.unrecorded.mu/reviews/utada-hikaru-fantome/ |archive-date=October 10, 2016 |language=en}}</ref> At the end of the year, it was ranked the third-best-selling physical record of the year by Oricon, as well as the best-selling digital album, according to [[Billboard Japan]].<ref name="japan yearly albums chart">{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/y/2016/ |script-title=ja:年間 CDアルバムランキング 2016年度 |trans-title=Annual CD Album Ranking 2016 |work=[[Oricon]] |language=ja |access-date=December 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120081402/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/y/2016/ |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=AKB48 and Justin Bieber Top Billboard Japan's Year-end Charts |last=Okada |first=Mariko |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-japan-year-end-lists-akb48-justin-bieber/ |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=December 13, 2016 |access-date=December 30, 2016 |url-access=subscription |language=en |archive-date=July 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717122808/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7624388/billboard-japan-year-end-lists-akb48-justin-bieber |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2017–2019: Label transfer to Sony Music, ''Hatsukoi'' and tour===
[[File:Utada Hikaru 2018.png|thumb|Utada performing during their [[Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018|Laughter in the Dark Tour]] in 2018|266x266px]]On February 9, 2017, it was announced that Utada would switch labels to [[Sony Music Japan]] sub-label [[Epic Records Japan|Epic Records]] once the contract with Universal expired in March.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2017-02-10/hikaru-utada-switches-labels-plans-new-work-for-this-year/.112056 |title=Hikaru Utada Switches Labels, Plans New Work for This Year |last=Pineda |first=Rafael Antonio |work=Anime News Network |date=February 10, 2017 |access-date=February 15, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=February 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224235929/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2017-02-10/hikaru-utada-switches-labels-plans-new-work-for-this-year/.112056 |url-status=live }}</ref> The label announced that new material would be released later in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:「音楽家としても一人の人間としても転機を迎えた」宇多田ヒカル、ソニー・ミュージックへの移籍を報告 |trans-title=Hikaru Utada, who has "reached a turning point both as a musician and as a human being," reports on their move to Sony Music. |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1702/09/news100.html |website=nlab.itmedia.co.jp|date=February 9, 2017 |access-date=February 3, 2024 |language=ja}}</ref> The first digital single under the label, called "[[Ōzora de Dakishimete]]", was released digitally worldwide on July 10, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=First single release titled 'Oozora de Dakishimete' will be available for download worldwide on Monday, July 10! |url=http://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=482905 |website=Utada Hikaru Official Website |date=June 16, 2017 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101175317/https://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=482905 |url-status=live }}</ref> The second one, called "[[Forevermore (Hikaru Utada song)|Forevermore]]", was released on July 28. A third digital single, "[[Anata (Hikaru Utada song)|Anata]]", was released on December 8. On December 8, they announced that their Japanese discography, from debut single ''Automatic'' to their sixth album ''Fantôme,'' would be available on all streaming services but [[Spotify]], where it would become available a month later on January 8, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.utadahikaru.jp/news/detail.html?id=489243 |script-title=ja:からアルバム「Fantôme」までのサブスクリプション配信もスタート!そして2018年にはニュー・アルバムおよびコンサートツアーも予定! |trans-title=Subscriptions to the albums "Automatic" through "Fantôme" are now available! And a new album and concert tour are planned for 2018! |date=December 8, 2017 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=ja |archive-date=November 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102002338/https://www.utadahikaru.jp/news/detail.html?id=489243 |url-status=live |work=Hikaru Utada Official Website }}</ref>

Utada co-produced [[Nariaki Obukuro]]'s major label debut album, ''[[Bunriha no Natsu]]''. The first single off the album, "[[Lonely One]]", has Utada credited as a featured artist and was released on January 17, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hikaru Utada to produce Nariaki Obukuro's debut album + featured on new track 'Lonely One' |url=https://www.utada.blog/news/2018/1/16/hikaru-utada-to-product-nariaki-obukuros-debut-album |website=Ublog |date=January 16, 2018 |access-date=January 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203011453/https://www.utada.blog/news/2018/1/16/hikaru-utada-to-product-nariaki-obukuros-debut-album |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref> On February 10, 2018, it was announced that Utada would provide the theme song "[[Chikai (Hikaru Utada song)|Chikai]]"/"[[Don't Think Twice (Hikaru Utada Song)|Don't Think Twice]]" for the video game ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]].'' A third studio collaboration with Obukuro was announced to be released in [[Sheena Ringo]]'s tribute album, ''Adam to Eve no Ringo''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hikaru Utada to appear on Shiina Ringo's 20th Anniversary tribute album |url=https://www.utada.blog/news/2018/3/2/hikaru-utada-to-appear-on-shiina-ringos-20th-anniversary-tribute-album |website=UBlog |date=March 2, 2018 |access-date=March 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306082725/https://www.utada.blog/news/2018/3/2/hikaru-utada-to-appear-on-shiina-ringos-20th-anniversary-tribute-album |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref>

On April 17, 2018, the song "Hatsukoi", was unveiled in the drama ''Hana Nochi Hare: Hanadan Next Season''. It was the second song Utada had collaborated on for the ''[[Hana Yori Dango]]'' drama series, after "[[Flavor of Life]]" in 2007. The single was released on May 30.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hikaru Utada debuts new song "Hatsukoi," Image Song for TBS Drama "Hana Nochi Hare ~Hanadan Next Season~," On Sale 5/30 |url=https://www.utada.blog/news/2018/4/17/hikaru-utada-debuts-new-song-hatsukoi-image-song-for-tbs-drama-hana-nochi-hare-hanadan-next-season |website=UBlog |date=April 17, 2018 |access-date= April 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418161153/https://www.utada.blog/news/2018/4/17/hikaru-utada-debuts-new-song-hatsukoi-image-song-for-tbs-drama-hana-nochi-hare-hanadan-next-season |archive-date=April 18, 2018 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref> "[[Play a Love Song]]", the theme song for [[Suntory]] Water SWITCH&SPARKLE, was released on April 25.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hikaru Utada To Appear in New Commercials For "Suntory Minami-Alps Sparkling", Digital Single "Play A Love Song" (CM Song For "Suntory Minami-Alps Sparkling") To Be Released On April 25 |url=http://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=493862 |website=Utada Hikaru Official Website |date=April 19, 2018 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=March 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314184946/https://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=493862 |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 27, Utada's seventh Japanese album ''[[Hatsukoi (Hikaru Utada album)|Hatsukoi]]'' was released, their first under Epic. A domestic concert tour, called [[Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018]] was held from November 6 until December 9, for a total of 12 dates at 6 different venues.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.utadahikaru.jp/news/detail.html?id=498677 |script-title=ja:11月から開催される国内ツアー、正式ツアー・タイトル決定!!"Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018" |trans-title=The official tour title for the domestic tour to be held from November has been decided! !! "Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018" |date=September 7, 2018 |website=Utada Hikaru Official Website |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=ja |archive-date=October 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003061727/https://www.utadahikaru.jp/news/detail.html?id=498677 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=HIKARU UTADA is releasing a 7th original studio album, "HATSUKOI (meaning: First Love)" on June 27th 2018, just in time to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Utada's debut! |url=http://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=494053 |work=Utada Hikaru Official Website |date=April 25, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425114714/http://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=494053 |url-status=live }}</ref> The album debuted at number one on the [[Oricon]] physical and digital weekly charts, with total sales of over 242,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2114832/full/ |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル、女性ソロアーティスト初のCD&デジタルアルバム同時2冠 |trans-title=Hikaru Utada becomes the first female solo artist to win two simultaneous CD & digital album awards |website=[[Oricon]] |language=ja |date=July 4, 2018 |access-date=July 3, 2018 |archive-date=July 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704010131/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2114832/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2114776/ |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル、1stから7作連続首位 今年度ソロアーティストのアルバム最高初週売上 |trans-title=Hikaru Utada topped the Oricon charts for the seventh consecutive year, making it the highest first-week sales of a solo artist's album this year. |website=[[Oricon]] |language=ja |date=July 3, 2018 |access-date=July 3, 2018 |archive-date=July 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704005714/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2114776/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Utada Hikaru 2018 (2).png|left|thumb|320x320px|The stage for the ''Laughter in the Dark'' tour (2018)]]
On September 28, it was reported that Utada would release a single titled "[[Face My Fears]]" as the theme song for ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]''. They co-produced the song with American musicians [[Skrillex]] and [[Poo Bear]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Meadow |first=Matthew |title=Kingdom Hearts 3 opening theme written by Utada Hikaru and Skrillex |url=https://www.youredm.com/2018/09/21/kingdom-hearts-3-opening-theme-written-by-utada-hikaru-skrillex/ |work=Your EDM |date=September 21, 2018 |access-date=September 22, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=September 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922013439/https://www.youredm.com/2018/09/21/kingdom-hearts-3-opening-theme-written-by-utada-hikaru-skrillex/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://gematsu.com/2018/09/kingdom-hearts-iii-opening-theme-song-a-collaboration-between-skrillex-and-hikaru-utada |title=Kingdom Hearts III opening theme song a collaboration between Skrillex and Hikaru Utada |last=Romano |first=Sal |work=Gematsu |date=September 28, 2018 |access-date=September 28, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=September 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928200954/https://gematsu.com/2018/09/kingdom-hearts-iii-opening-theme-song-a-collaboration-between-skrillex-and-hikaru-utada |url-status=live }}</ref> "Face My Fears" was released as a [[CD maxi single|CD single]] on January 18, 2019, making it their first release on the format in eleven years since their 2008 single "[[Prisoner of Love (Hikaru Utada song)|Prisoner of Love]]". It was also their first release with original English songs since ''[[This Is the One]]'' in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2120432/full/ |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル、11年ぶりシングルCD発売決定 Skrillexと「キングダムハーツIII」OP制作 |trans-title=Hikaru Utada to release their first single CD in 11 years, produced "Kingdom Hearts III" OP with Skrillex |website=[[Oricon]] |date=September 28, 2018 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=ja |archive-date=November 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102134957/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2120432/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The song became their first US [[Billboard Hot 100]] at number 98, and it peaked at number 9 in [[Hot Dance/Electronic Songs]] chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/james-blake-number-1-top-dance-electronic-albums-chart/ |title=James Blake Debuts at No. 1 on Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart |last=Murray |first=Gordon |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=January 31, 2019 |access-date=February 1, 2019 |url-access=subscription |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201123024/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8495924/james-blake-number-1-top-dance-electronic-albums-chart |url-status=live }}</ref>

On June 26, 2019, Utada's ''Laughter in the Dark'' tour film was released worldwide on Netflix, with English subtitles translated by the singer.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/07/31/films/film-reviews/hikaru-utada-laughter-dark-tour-2018-netflix-offering-nails-live-experience/ |title='Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018': An online offering that nails the live experience |last=St Michel |first=Patrick |date=July 31, 2019 |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |access-date=August 2, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801133649/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/07/31/films/film-reviews/hikaru-utada-laughter-dark-tour-2018-netflix-offering-nails-live-experience/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.otaquest.com/hikaru-utada-laughter-in-the-dark-netflix/ |title=Hikaru Utada's 'Laughter in the Dark' Concert Coming to Netflix |last=Cimi |first=Chris |date=April 22, 2019 |magazine=Otaquest |access-date=August 2, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=August 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802061437/https://www.otaquest.com/hikaru-utada-laughter-in-the-dark-netflix/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 1, 2019, an Utada collaboration with singer-songwriter [[Sheena Ringo]] was released, called "Roman to Soroban LDN ver." ("The Sun and the Moon"). It was featured in Sheena's best-of album ''[[Apple of Universal Gravity]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://aramajapan.com/news/newrelease/music-video-for-new-shiina-ringo-utada-hikaru-duet-officially-released/102390/ |title=Music Video for New Shiina Ringo & Utada Hikaru Duet Officially Released |author=Ronald |work=Arama{{!}} Japan |access-date=January 21, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213002854/https://aramajapan.com/news/newrelease/music-video-for-new-shiina-ringo-utada-hikaru-duet-officially-released/102390/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/353696 |script-title=ja:椎名林檎ベストに宇多田ヒカルとデュエットした新曲「たいへん面白いプログラムでした」 |trans-title=Sheena Ringo's Best with a new duet with Hikaru Utada: "It was a very interesting program." |author=<!--not stated--> |date=November 1, 2019 |work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]] |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=ja |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630142810/https://natalie.mu/music/news/353696 |url-status=live }}</ref> An alternative version of the song, called "Roman to Soroban TYO ver.", was available on November 25. On November 27, 2019, Utada released "Shonen Jidai". It appears as track number 5 on the ''Inoue Yosue Tribute'' album.

=== 2020–2022: ''Bad Mode'' ===

On May 8, 2020, Utada released "[[Time (Hikaru Utada song)|Time]]", the theme song for the [[Nippon TV|NTV]] drama ''Bishoku Tantei Akechi Goro''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-04-05/hikaru-utada-performs-live-action-bishoku-tantei-akechi-goro-show-theme-song/.158322 |title=Hikaru Utada Performs Live-action Bishoku Tantei Akechi Gorō Show's Theme Song |last=Pineda |first=Rafael Antonio |date=April 5, 2020 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=April 6, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406053215/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-04-05/hikaru-utada-performs-live-action-bishoku-tantei-akechi-goro-show-theme-song/.158322 |url-status=live }}</ref> The single "[[Darenimo Iwanai]]" was released on May 29 as the tie-in track for [[Suntory]], Utada starring in the commercial.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://aramajapan.com/news/newrelease/utada-hikaru-announces-2nd-may-digital-single/105890/ |title=Utada Hikaru Announces 2nd May Digital Single |author=Ronald |date=May 5, 2020 |work=Arama{{!}} Japan |access-date=June 6, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607003527/https://aramajapan.com/news/newrelease/utada-hikaru-announces-2nd-may-digital-single/105890/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/375697 |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカルの新曲「誰にも言わない」、「サントリー天然水」新CMでOA |trans-title=Hikaru Utada's new song "Nobody to Tell" to air in new Suntory Natural Water commercial |author=<!--not stated--> |date=April 17, 2020 |work=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]] |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=ja |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210023022/https://natalie.mu/music/news/375697 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the second episode of the Instagram live series ''Jitaku Kakuri-chu no Hikaru Paisen ni Kike!'', Utada confirmed that work was underway for their next album, including English versions of the Japanese songs.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://aramajapan.com/news/social-media/utada-hikaru-talks-about-future-english-language-music/106328/ |title=Utada Hikaru Talks About Future English-language Music |date=May 17, 2020 |author=Ronald |work=Arama{{!}} Japan |access-date=June 6, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607003525/https://aramajapan.com/news/social-media/utada-hikaru-talks-about-future-english-language-music/106328/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 3, 2020, it was announced that [[Takeru Sato]] and [[Hikari Mitsushima]] will star in a [[Netflix]] show based on Utada's songs "First Love" and "Hatsukoi". The streaming show, titled ''[[First Love (2022 TV series)|First Love]]'', was released in November 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://aramajapan.com/news/takeru-sato-hikari-mitsushima-to-star-in-netflix-drama-based-on-hikaru-utadas-songs-first-love-hatsukoi/ |title=Takeru Sato & Hikari Mitsushima to star in Netflix drama based on Hikaru Utada's songs 'First Love' & 'Hatsukoi' |date=December 3, 2020 |work=Arama{{!}} Japan |access-date=December 3, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627022353/https://aramajapan.com/news/takeru-sato-hikari-mitsushima-to-star-in-netflix-drama-based-on-hikaru-utadas-songs-first-love-hatsukoi/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.crank-in.net/news/83709/1 |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカルの名曲をつなぐドラマ「First Love 初恋」 満島ひかり×佐藤健W主演で2022年配信決定 |trans-title=The drama "First Love Hatsukoi" that connects Hikaru Utada's masterpieces will be delivered in 2022, starring Hikari Mitsushima and Takeru Sato. |author=<!--not stated--> |date=December 3, 2020 |website=Crank-in |access-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301034637/https://www.crank-in.net/news/83709/1 |archive-date=March 1, 2021 |url-status=dead |language=ja}}</ref> On December 25, 2020, Utada's official website announced a new single titled "[[One Last Kiss (EP)|One Last Kiss]]" as the theme song for the film ''[[Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=525363 |title=Hikaru Utada New Single "One Last Kiss" Partially Unveiled In Trailer For EVANGELION:3.0+1.0 THRICE UPON A TIME |date=December 25, 2020 |website=Utada Hikaru Official Website |access-date=June 17, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122183115/https://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=525363 |url-status=live }}</ref> The song was later postponed to March 8, 2021 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Release Postponed for Hikaru Utada "One Last Kiss" (Originally Scheduled for January 27) |date=January 14, 2021 |url=https://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=525812 |website=Hikaru Utada Official Website |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115150915/http://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=525812 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uhh62MUEic |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル「One Last Kiss」 |trans-title=Hikaru Utada "One Last Kiss |website=[[YouTube]] |date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/0Uhh62MUEic |archive-date=November 28, 2021 |url-status=live |language=ja}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Utada sang the theme "[[Pink Blood]]" for the 2021 anime ''[[To Your Eternity]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pineda |first1=Rafael Antonio |title=Hikaru Utada Sings 'To Your Eternity' Anime's Theme Song |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-03-02/hikaru-utada-sings-to-your-eternity-anime-theme-song/.170141 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=March 2, 2021 |date=March 2, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302070332/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-03-02/hikaru-utada-sings-to-your-eternity-anime-theme-song/.170141 |url-status=live }}</ref> They released the single "[[Kimi ni Muchū]]" for [[TBS Television (Japan)|TBS]] drama series ''Saiai'' that November. ''[[Bad Mode]]'', Utada's eleventh studio album, was released on January 19, 2022. Their first bilingual album, ''Bad Mode'' includes collaborations with a variety of producers, including [[Skrillex]] and [[Poo Bear]], [[A. G. Cook]], and [[Floating Points|Sam Shepherd]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hikaru Utada Will Release 8th Studio Album Bad Mode Wednesday, January 19 From Milan Records |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2022-01-11/hikaru-utada-will-release-8th-studio-album-bad-mode-wednesday-january-19-from-milan-records/.181425 |date=11 January 2022 |author=<!--not stated--> |website=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=January 13, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113122755/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2022-01-11/hikaru-utada-will-release-8th-studio-album-bad-mode-wednesday-january-19-from-milan-records/.181425 |url-status=live }}</ref> The album reached number one on Japan's Oricon and Billboard charts.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Tokyo Music Scene - Early 2022 Roundup |url=https://metropolisjapan.com/tokyo-music-scene-early-2022-roundup/ |magazine=[[Metropolis (free magazine)]] |access-date=May 31, 2022 |date=February 23, 2022 |author=Metropolis |language=en |archive-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423184302/https://metropolisjapan.com/tokyo-music-scene-early-2022-roundup/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 16, 2022, Utada performed at [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival]]'s main stage, their first time in a music festival in the United States. Their setlist included the tracks "Simple and Clean", "Automatic", "First Love" and a new song, called "T''"''. A studio version of "T''"'', featuring rapper [[Warren Hue]], was released as part of the [[88rising]] EP ''Head in the Clouds Forever''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First Music Festival Appearance in 88rising HEAD IN THE CLOUDS FOREVER at Coachella. New song "T" from the 88rising's New Compilation Titled Head In The Clouds Forever Out Now. |url=https://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=540232 |website=Hikaru Utada Official Website |date=April 17, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618003945/https://www.utadahikaru.jp/en/news/detail.html?id=540232 |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 9, 2022, the concert ''[[Hikaru Utada Live Sessions from Air Studios]]'' was released on [[Netflix]].<ref>{{Cite news |title="Hikaru Utada Live Sessions from Air Studios" Coming to Netflix on June 9 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2022-06-10/hikaru-utada-live-sessions-from-air-studios-coming-to-netflix-on-june-9/.186523 |date=June 10, 2022 |author=<!-- not stated --> |access-date=June 17, 2022 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |language=en |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611003418/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2022-06-10/hikaru-utada-live-sessions-from-air-studios-coming-to-netflix-on-june-9/.186523 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2023–present: 25th anniversary, ''Science Fiction''===
In celebration of their 40th birthday, January 19, 2023, a live-streaming event was held called [[40Dai-Wa-Iroiro]]. The stream consisted of a question and answer session with fans, a talk with actors [[Takeru Satoh]] and [[Yuriko Yoshitaka]], who starred in the 2022 Netflix drama ''[[First Love (2022 TV series)|First Love]],'' and live music performances. Recordings from the session were released digitally on February 17, 2023. A single titled "Gold: Mata Au Hi Made" was announced as the theme song of ''[[Kingdom 3: The Flame of Destiny]]'', which was released on July 28. The song was co-produced by British producer [[A. G. Cook]]. On December 9th, Utada announced a greatest hits album, ''[[Science Fiction (Hikaru Utada compilation album)|Science Fiction]]'', to commemorate their 25th anniversary since debut.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Celebrating 25 Years of Musical Brilliance: Hikaru Utada Unveils 'SCIENCE FICTION' Best Album and Nationwide Tour in 2024 |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2023/12/celebrating-25-years-of-musical-brilliance-hikaru-utada-unveils-science-fiction-best-album-and-nationwide-tour-in-2024 |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=tokyohive}}</ref> A tour of the same name was announced for Japan in July 2024, as well dates in Taiwan and Hong Kong.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Utada Hikaru to Perform in Hong Kong and Taipei |url=https://nantejapan.com/utada-hikaru-to-perform-in-hong-kong-and-taipei/ |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Nante Japan}}</ref> On August 22, 2024, Utada was featured in a new version of "[[Stay with Me (Sam Smith song)|Stay With Me]]", which was released to celebrate the 10th anniversary of [[Sam Smith]]'s album ''[[In The Lonely Hour]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2024/08/sam-smith-teams-up-with-hikaru-utada-for-new-version-of-hit-single-stay-with-me |title=Sam Smith Teams Up with Hikaru Utada for New Version of Hit Single "Stay With Me" |work=Tokyohive |author=TH STAFF |date=22 August 2024}}</ref>

From November 20, 2024 to January 29, 2025, ''Hikaru Utada Live Chronicles in Cinema'' was held in select theaters throughout Japan.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sony STAFF |date=20 September 2024 |title=HIKARU UTADA LIVE CHRONICLES in cinema |url=https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/utadahikaru/livechronicles/?_ga=2.245549633.498992939.1733591765-151214803.1733591764 |work=Sony Music}}</ref> This was a screening of all nine of Hikaru Utada's live tours, from ''Luv Live'' (1999) to ''Science Fiction Tour 2024'' (2024). All nine tours were then re-released on Blu-ray on January 8, 2025.

In March 2025, an [[Ayataka]] commercial featured the track "[[Mine or Yours]]", later released as a single on May 2.<ref>{{cite web |author=Entame Clip |date=18 April 2025 |title= 宇多田ヒカル 新曲「Mine or Yours」 5月2日(金)配信リリース決定 新アーティスト写真&ジャケット写真も公開 配信予約キャンペーンも本日よりスタート|url=https://entameclip.com/news/434400/  |work=Entame Clip}}</ref> An online event—''Hikaru Utada Online Release Party: Mine or Yours''—was held as part of the promotion, along with the artist appearing on ''[[The First Take]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=宇多田ヒカルが「TFT」初登場!"綾鷹"CM曲「Mine or Yours」をメディア初パフォーマンス |url=https://www.thefirsttimes.jp/news/0000611123/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=THE FIRST TIMES |language=ja}}</ref> In August, it was announced that Utada would be collaborating with [[Kenshi Yonezu]] on the song "[[Jane Doe (Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada song)|Jane Doe]]", which serves as the ending theme to ''[[Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc]]'', set for release on September 24.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kajiwara |date=2025-08-13 |title=米津玄師 × 宇多田ヒカル、コラボ曲「JANE DOE」が劇場版『チェンソーマン レゼ篇』エンディングテーマに決定 |url=https://barks.jp/news/1008030 |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=BARKS |language=ja}}</ref>

==Musical style==
Utada is a core component of the ever-changing [[J-pop]] music genre, bringing their American-inflected [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] vocal style to a mix of soulful ballads, bouncy [[dance-pop]], and standard [[Pop music|pop]] songs.<ref name="TheWorld">{{cite magazine |url=https://theworld.org/stories/2016-04-15/utada-hikaru-upended-japanese-music-scene-no-one-or |title=Utada Hikaru upended the Japanese music scene like no one before – or since |magazine=[[The World (radio program)|The World]] |last=Gingold |first=Naomi |date=April 15, 2016 |access-date=June 17, 2016 |language=en |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618003921/https://theworld.org/stories/2016-04-15/utada-hikaru-upended-japanese-music-scene-no-one-or |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/hikaru-utada-mn0000435885/biography |title=Hikaru Utada Biography |last=Yeung |first=Neil Z. |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=October 30, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=October 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010073937/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/hikaru-utada-mn0000435885/biography |url-status=live }}</ref> Utada's official website cites 16 musicians and composers as their favorite artists: [[Freddie Mercury]], [[Cocteau Twins]], [[Nine Inch Nails]], [[Jimi Hendrix]], [[Prince (musician)|Prince]], [[Amel Larrieux]], [[Édith Piaf]], [[Chick Corea]], [[The Blue Nile (band)|the Blue Nile]], [[Björk]], [[Kate Bush]], [[Akino Arai]], [[Lenny Kravitz]], [[Béla Bartók]], [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart|Mozart]], [[Jeff Buckley]], [[Yutaka Ozaki]], and [[Hibari Misora]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/profile/prof08.htm |title=Profile |website=Hikki's Website, [[EMI Music Japan]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505235242/http://www.emimusic.jp:80/hikki/profile/prof08.htm |archive-date=5 May 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=ja}}</ref> Elsewhere, they have also listed R&B artists [[Aaliyah]], [[Mariah Carey]], and [[Mary J. Blige]] as inspirations,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/gallery/main02_e.htm |title=Gallery |website=Hikki's Website, [[EMI Music Japan]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129151740/http://www.emimusic.jp/hikki/gallery/main02_e.htm |archive-date=November 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=June 2022|reason=Claim is not in any of the archived versions of this URL.}} and has previously mentioned growing up as a fan of [[Madonna]], [[Sting (musician)|Sting]], and [[the Cure]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity_interviews/Utada-9944.html |title=Utada Interview: Japan's Most Famous! |author=<!--not stated--> |date=October 10, 2005 |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=Female First |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227040401/https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity_interviews/Utada-9944.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Utada is bilingual and speaks English and Japanese fluently. 

Before the release of their 2002 album ''[[Deep River (Hikaru Utada album)|Deep River]]'', Utada underwent surgery after being diagnosed with [[ovarian cancer]].<ref>{{cite news |date=May 6, 2002 |title=Pop star hikaru Utada hospitalized |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2002/05/06/national/pop-star-hikaru-utada-hospitalized/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617173108/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2002/05/06/national/pop-star-hikaru-utada-hospitalized/ |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |language=en}}</ref>

On June 26, 2021, Utada came out as [[non-binary]] in an Instagram livestream.<ref>{{cite instagram |postid=CQqsEK3JwaG |user=kuma_power |date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |language=ja |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CQqsEK3JwaG |archive-date=December 25, 2021 |url-status=live |script-title=ja:ヒカルパイセンに聞け!パート1 2021.06.26 庵野秀明さんをゲストにお迎えしました. |trans-title=Ask Hikaru Pisen! Part 1}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Hikaru Utada Is Nonbinary and Wishes All a Happy Pride Month |url=https://kotaku.com/hikaru-utada-is-non-binary-and-wishes-all-a-happy-pride-1847184238 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516064429/https://kotaku.com/hikaru-utada-is-non-binary-and-wishes-all-a-happy-pride-1847184238 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |work=[[Kotaku]] |language=en}}.</ref> Utada uses both ''she/her'' and ''they/them'' pronouns.<ref name="instagram.com" /> Utada also said in regards to the English language honorifics ''[[Ms.]]'' and ''[[Mrs.]]'', "It makes me uncomfortable to be identified so markedly by my marital status or sex, and I don't relate to any of those prefixes. Every time, I feel like I'm forced to misrepresent myself." Utada expressed support for such alternatives as ''[[Mx (title)|Mx]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weekes |first=Princess |date=June 28, 2021 |title=Japanese-American Icon Hikaru Utada Shares Non-Binary Identity! |url=https://www.themarysue.com/japanese-american-icon-hikaru-utada-shares-non-binary-identity/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618003923/https://www.themarysue.com/japanese-american-icon-hikaru-utada-shares-non-binary-identity/ |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=[[The Mary Sue]] |language=en |quote="I'm sick of being asked if I'm "Miss or Missus" or choosing between "Miss/Mrs/Ms" for everyday things😩 It makes me uncomfortable to be identified so markedly by my marital status or sex, and I don't relate to any of those prefixes. Every time, I feel like I'm forced to misrepresent myself. I long for an alternative option, one that anybody of any gender or social standing could use.}}</ref>

=== Family and relationships ===
On September 7, 2002, Hikaru married [[Kazuaki Kiriya]], a photographer and film director who had directed several of their music videos. On March 2, 2007, the couple announced their divorce, citing personal changes and lack of communication due to the nature of their jobs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.u3music.com/message/backnumber/ja/20070303-2j.html |script-title=ja:大事なお知らせ |trans-title=Important Notice |date=March 3, 2007 |website=U3 Music |language=ja |access-date=August 26, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927220747/http://www.u3music.com/message/backnumber/ja/20070303-2j.html |archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref>

On February 3, 2014, Utada announced their engagement to a private citizen, asking for fans and the media to view their personal lives from a "respectable distance".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://beauty.oricon.co.jp/news/trend-culture/2033662/full/ |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル、イタリア人と再婚へ「自分でも意外」 |trans-title=Hikaru Utada to Remarry to Italian, "Surprising Even to Myself". |author=<!--not stated--> |website=[[Oricon]] |date=February 3, 2014 |language=ja |access-date=February 3, 2014 |archive-date=February 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220011231/http://beauty.oricon.co.jp/news/trend-culture/2033662/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-02-03/singer-songwriter-hikaru-utada-to-marry-an-italian-man |title=Singer-Songwriter Hikaru Utada to Marry an Italian Man |last=Loo |first=Egan |date=February 3, 2014 |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=February 3, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=February 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209064659/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-02-03/singer-songwriter-hikaru-utada-to-marry-an-italian-man |url-status=live}}</ref> The couple were married on May 23, 2014, and divorced in April 2018.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.oggi.it/attualita/gallery/hikaru-utada-e-francesco-calliano-sposi-a-polignano-le-curiose-nozze-della-popstar-giapponese-e-il-barman-italiano/?pid=142806 |title=it:Hikaru Utada e Francesco Calliano sposi a Polignano: le curiose nozze della popstar giapponese e il barman italiano |trans-title=Hikaru Utada and Francesco Calliano married in Polignano: the curious wedding of the Japanese pop star and the Italian barman |language=it |magazine=[[Oggi (magazine)|Oggi]] |date=May 23, 2014 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-date=May 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527001407/http://www.oggi.it/attualita/gallery/hikaru-utada-e-francesco-calliano-sposi-a-polignano-le-curiose-nozze-della-popstar-giapponese-e-il-barman-italiano/?pid=142806 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=April 7, 2018 |script-title=ja:宇多田ヒカル、8歳下イタリア人男性と離婚していた |trans-title=Hikaru Utada divorced an Italian man 8 years younger than them |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/201804070000001.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031901/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/201804070000001.html |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |work=[[Nikkan Sports]] |language=ja}}</ref> In 2015, Utada gave birth to their son.<ref name="utadaBirthJuly2015" />

==Discography==
{{Main|Hikaru Utada albums discography|Hikaru Utada singles discography}}
'''Japanese studio albums'''
* ''[[First Love (Hikaru Utada album)|First Love]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Distance (Hikaru Utada album)|Distance]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Deep River (Hikaru Utada album)|Deep River]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Ultra Blue]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Heart Station]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Fantôme (album)|Fantôme]]'' (2016)
* ''[[Hatsukoi (Hikaru Utada album)|Hatsukoi]]'' (2018)
* ''[[Bad Mode]]'' (2022)

'''English studio albums'''
* ''[[Precious (Cubic U album)|Precious]]'' (as Cubic U) (1998)
* ''[[Exodus (Hikaru Utada album)|Exodus]]'' (2004)
* ''[[This Is the One]]'' (2009)

== Tour ==
=== Concert tours ===
* Bohemian Summer 2000 Tour (2000)
* [[Utada United 2006|Utada United 2006 Tour]] (2006)
* [[Utada: In the Flesh 2010|Utada: In the Flesh 2010 Tour]] (2010)
* [[Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour 2018|Laughter in the Dark Tour]] (2018)
* Science Fiction Tour (2024)
=== One-off concerts ===
* Luv Live (1999)
* Utada Hikaru in Budokan 2004{{efn|Also known as "Utada Hikaru in Budokan 「No.5」" or "Hikaru No. 5" as the concerts were held to celebrate Utada's fifth anniversary of their musical career in Japan}} (2004)
* [[Wild Life (concert)|Wild Life]] (2010)

== Awards ==
{{Main|List of awards received by Hikaru Utada}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Asia|Biography|Japan|Pop music}}
* [[Capitol Records]]
* [[List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. dance chart]]
* [[List of best-selling music artists in Japan]]
* [[List of number-one dance hits (United States)]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{AllMusic}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{YouTube|u=hikki}}
* {{cite magazine |url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1000787,00.html |title= Diva on Campus |magazine= Time |first= Christopher John |last= Farley |date= September 15, 2001 |access-date= December 28, 2006 |archive-date= September 30, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070930094038/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1000787,00.html |url-status= dead |language=en}}

{{Hikaru Utada}}
{{Hikaru Utada songs}}
{{Japan Gold Disc Award for Artist of the Year}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Utada, Hikaru}}
[[Category:Hikaru Utada| ]]
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese women singers]]
[[Category:American School in Japan alumni]]
[[Category:American women musicians of Japanese descent]]
[[Category:Columbia University alumni]]
[[Category:English-language singers from Japan]]
[[Category:Japanese-language singers of the United States]]
[[Category:EMI Music Japan artists]]
[[Category:Island Records artists]]
[[Category:Japanese dance musicians]]
[[Category:Japanese electronic musicians]]
[[Category:Japanese rhythm and blues singers]]
[[Category:Japanese women in electronic music]]
[[Category:Japanese LGBTQ singers]]
[[Category:Japanese non-binary people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Mercury Records artists]]
[[Category:Music Awards Japan winners]]
[[Category:Non-binary singers]]
[[Category:Singers from New York City]]
[[Category:Singers from Tokyo]]
[[Category:Universal Music Japan artists]]
[[Category:Video game musicians]]
[[Category:Virgin Records artists]]
[[Category:World Music Awards winners]]
[[Category:LGBTQ people from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Epic Records Japan artists]]