Oricon has released their yearly Favorite Artist Ranking, and Utada remains a perennial favorite despite her complete lack of Japanese releases, coming in at #7 for 2010. The top spot goes to Johnny’s Entertainment boy band Arashi, followed by Ikimonogakari and Mr. Children at #2 and #3, respectively. Congratulations to Utada!
Archive for the ‘Utada Hikaru (JPN)’ Category
September 1, 2010
4
Utada Hikaru (JPN)
JUJU to cover Utada’s “First Love”
Japanese pop/R&B singer JUJU will be covering Utada’s classic ballad “First Love” on her forthcoming cover album “Request.” The album will be released on September 29th, while Chaku-Uta downloads for her rendition of “First Love” begin on September 9th.
August 26, 2010
5
Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)
RIP Satoshi Kon
A little bit of sad news: Satoshi Kon, renowned Japanese filmmaker and animator (Millenium Actress, Paprika) as well as younger brother to Utada’s longtime guitarist Tsuyoshi Kon (Be My Last, Flavor Of Life -Ballad Version-, Utada United 2006), passed away on Tuesday in Tokyo at the age of 46. Read a full obituary written by [...]
August 9, 2010
100
Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)
Utada to release Single Collection Vol. 2 w/ 4-5 new tracks; Take break from music
Utada’s blog and official website have both been updated with some big news: Utada will be releasing “Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION VOL. 2″ this fall, which will include all singles since “Dareka no negai ga kanau koro” plus an additional 4-5 new tracks. No release date has been set.
Additionally, Utada mentions on her blog that, [...]
May 23, 2010
36
Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)
Utada spotted filming in Shibuya
According to several Japanese fans, Utada was spotted in Shibuya (Tokyo) filming something outside on Thursday, May 20th. Some fans waved from their office windows, and Utada is said to have smiled and waved back. While there’s no word on whether this was a photoshoot (cover shoot/artist photos) or some sort of video shoot, it [...]
March 17, 2010
54
Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)
Poll: What should be on a Utada cover album?
Though nothing has been officially announced, Utada has mentioned on several occasions that she’d love to record a cover album in the near future. This begs the question: What would you like to hear on a Utada cover album? Any guesses for what might actually end up on such an album?
March 12, 2010
6
Utada Hikaru (JPN)
Ohashi Trio covers Utada’s “traveling”
Japanese singer songwriter Ohashi Trio has just released a cover album titled “FAKE BOOK,” and the compilation features a cover of Utada’s classic “traveling.” Check it out below.
Ohashi Trio – traveling
http://www.ohashitrio.com
February 12, 2010
23
Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)
Utada completes “In The Flesh” Tour
Utada played her final show on the “In The Flesh” 2010 Tour tonight at O2 Academy Islington in London, England. This marked the end of the 9 city, 10 show tour, her first since 2006. Shows in both New York City and London were videotaped, so hopefully a concert DVD will be forthcoming. Congratulations again [...]
February 4, 2010
259
Utada Hikaru (JPN)
U.Blog Live Twitter Feed: “In The Flesh” Edition
Utada In The Flesh 2010
Monday February 8th, 2010: New York City, NY @ The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
Fellow U.Bloggers! Going to one of Utada’s “In The Flesh” shows? Use the #ublog hashtag to keep everyone up-to-date on what’s happening on the ground in real time!//
February 3, 2010
10
Utada Hikaru (JPN)
2nd UK Show Added! Tickets On Sale Friday 9AM
All you UK fans who were unable to get tickets for Utada’s London show at O2 Academy Islington, you’re in luck! A 2nd show has been added for Thursday, February 11th. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9AM. Good luck!
December 18, 2009
19
Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)
The Japan Times names Utada “Most Influential”
The Japan Times has published an interesting article reflecting on the past 10 years of Japanese music. Author Philip Brasor calls Utada “the most influential artist of the decade,” citing her authenticity as a musician and songwriter as crucial in changing the Japanese pop music landscape. Check out the full article here.
November 30, 2009
36
Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)
Utada joins Mika onstage @ Tokyo Concert
Utada made a surprise appearance tonight at Mika’s live show in Tokyo, joining him onstage to perform an impromptu duet version of the Christmas standard, “Let It Snow.” A picture can be seen here.
UPDATE: Here is video footage of Mika and Utada performing “Let It Snow”
November 7, 2009
39
Utada Hikaru (JPN)
New Japanese Utada Single, “Show Me Love”?
Long time Utada collaborator Goetz B. has updated his site discography with an entry for a new Utada single titled “Show Me Love.” The sound mixer has worked exclusively on Utada’s Japanese works, so it seems likely that “Show Me Love” will continue that pattern and be released as a Japanese language single under EMI [...]
July 4, 2009
107
Utada Hikaru (JPN)
Utada + Mika attend AKB 48 concert
Utada and pop artist Mika attended an AKB 48 concert last night in the Akihabara district of Tokyo. Mika’s Twitter page has been updated with several pictures.
June 29, 2009
101
Utada (US), Utada Hikaru (JPN)
Utada in the Studio?
According to sources, Utada has recently been in the studio recording a new track with Rafael Moreira, a guitarist who has worked with the likes of Pink, Christina Aguilera, and Marc Anthony. Rafael was also the guitarist during Utada’s recent round of US TV performances, in support of her album “This Is The One.”
