Go Tokyo Your Experience
Japan’s beloved pop icon, Utada Hikaru, is set to perform at Taipei Arena on August 10th and 11th, reflecting on her dramatic 41-year journey—an odyssey more captivating than any drama series. Her life, marked by personal trials including two unfortunate marriages and coming out as non-binary, has touched her fans deeply.
Marital Struggles and Personal Loss
A key member of the music industry from a young age, Utada faced immense pressures that came with early fame. Her marriage saga began at 19 when she wed a photographer 15 years her senior.
Despite their divorce five years later, she ventured into matrimony again in 2014 with a younger Italian bartender. This relationship too ended in 2018, largely due to financial dependencies, leaving her to navigate motherhood alone.
The tragic loss of her mother, Keiko Fuji, who suffered from mental illness and died by suicide, deeply impacted Utada. She described the pain of watching her mother’s condition deteriorate, a sorrow that persisted even as she found solace in her music.
Embracing Non-Binary Identity
In 2021, Utada declared themselves a non-binary individual, rejecting traditional gender labels and expressing discomfort with being referred to as “Miss” or “Mrs.” Preferring the gender-neutral honorific “Mx.,” Utada has been vocal about the liberation this self-acceptance brings, emphasizing the importance of living true to one’s inner voice.
Finding Solace in Music and Privacy
Utada’s hit song “First Love” catapulted them to fame at just 15, an experience they describe as traumatic due to the overwhelming attention and loss of privacy. This scrutiny led them to a temporary withdrawal from the entertainment industry in 2010, seeking a normal life in London where they could experience independence.
An Inspiring Return
Despite the hardships, Utada’s return to the music scene has been met with acclaim. They continue to inspire with their resilience and commitment to personal authenticity, encouraging others to honor their true selves.
As Utada prepares to enchant fans in Taipei, their life’s narrative serves as a powerful testament to the strength found in embracing one’s own path, irrespective of the challenges it may hold.