
It’s a “making of” video like you’ve never experienced before!
Yesterday was the magical day when Utada Hikaru‘s 8-year musical dry spell broke and the world was once again awash in her music. Fans rejoiced and at this very moment, the album sits at #3 on the Apple Itunes chart. In conjunction with the release of the album, a new video was released for the song “Hanataba wo Kimi ni” (A Bouquet for You). However, this isn’t your typical music video; it isn’t even a typical “making of” music video! It’s a 360-degree video.
Huh? What does that even mean? Don’t worry, I asked the same thing as I stared dumbly at the video, wondering why it was of such poor quality and why nothing was happening. Then I noticed that my cursor had changed to a hand, the kind of hand that grabs and drags. Suddenly, I was in control and I began to understand exactly what makes this video so cool.
You see, YouTube actually started supporting 360-degree videos in March 2015, but they haven’t really caught on for a number of reasons, primarily related to things such as the cost of the equipment needed to make such a video. So, for those of us who are Utada Hikaru fans and were in the dark about the existence of 360-degree videos, the “Hanataba wo Kimi Ni” video is like a double-whammy of excitement-inducing experiences. Not only do we get to enjoy one of her songs from her latest album Fantôme, but we get engage with the video and see exactly what it looks like from her perspective as she’s making it and what the camera crew is doing to capture the best moments. In a way, we can act like a director, too, choosing which angles and whatnot to help the song achieve maximum emotional impact.
All in all, it’s something different and a little bit more fun that the usual music video. Check it out below and tell us what you think!
Source: KAI-YOU
Featured image: YouTube/Utada Hikaru
Image: Utada Hikaru

Utada Hikaru announces new album, streaming concert
J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru announces first concert tour in 12 years
J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru previews new song, hikes Japanese Alps in beautiful videos【Video】
J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru’s haunting new music video for “Pink Blood” is here!【Video】
Utada Hikaru sings incredible new one-take version of “First Love,” 26 years after original release
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
Naruto Shippuden x Maeda Coffee collaboration cafe event is coming to Kyoto this week
The old-school awesomeness of the New Akao, a Showa-era hot spring hotel still standing tall
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
Dragon Quest Slime toys appear at McDonald’s Japan in crossover with Grimace and pals【Video】
Naruto’s favorite noodle shop Ichiraku Ramen is real, and we just visited it!
Hanton rice — a delicious regional food even most Japanese people don’t know about, but more should
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
J-pop star Utada Hikaru filmed all of her newest video in her lockdown home, and it’s beautiful
J-pop star Utada Hikaru teases new music video in preview for her latest anime theme【Videos】
Hikaru Utada releasing vinyl version of all albums, pop-up store opening in Shibuya
J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru releases new video and recording of “Traveling”【Video】
New video for Hikaru Utada’s ‘Beautiful World’ is a slice of Evangelion awesomeness【Video】
Hikaru Utada previews new song as she hikes through the achingly beautiful Japan Alps【Video】
Evangelion welcomes back Utada Hikaru for final movie’s theme song, vinyl collected release
J-pop star Utada Hikaru’s childhood drawing reminds us that dreams can come true
There’s a special, familial reason Utada Hikaru looks so natural and unguarded in her new video
J-pop singer Utada Hikaru releases first album in 8 years and a new Kingdom Hearts song!
Utada Hikaru explains “why getting over someone is so painful”
Utada Hikaru’s new song part of trailer for gorgeous Penguin Highway anime movie【Video】
Utada Hikaru’s son says he doesn’t like being called “handsome,” J-pop star has wise advice
J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru releases new music video directed by Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno
Leave a Reply