Hikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada, born on January 19, 1983, is a Japanese-American singer-songwriter widely known for her significant contributions to the music industry. Hailing from New York City, Utada began her musical journey at the tender age of 13, releasing her debut album "First Love" in 1999, which became the best-selling album in Japanese history. She swiftly gained immense popularity with her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics, paving the way for her subsequent albums, including "Distance" (2001) and "Deep River" (2002), both achieving remarkable commercial success. In 2004, she ventured into the English-language market with her album "Exodus," recorded entirely in English, and stunned listeners with her versatility and captivating sound. Utada's talents extend beyond singing, as she is also an accomplished songwriter and producer. Moreover, she was the first female artist to have four consecutive number-one albums on the Oricon charts. Despite taking a hiatus in 2010, Utada made a triumphant return in 2016, releasing her album "Fantôme," which received critical acclaim and topped the charts once again. With her distinctive musical style and remarkable achievements, Hikaru Utada continues to be an influential figure in both the Japanese and international music scenes, leaving a lasting impact on fans worldwide.