
It’s not just an act; this Japanese R&B queen really does understand love.
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, many musicians have turned to the art of live streaming in order to give fans a way to interact with them somewhat physically. Some will do full-on shows while many are holding Q&As where they answer fan questions.
Japanese R&B artist Utada Hikaru held one such live stream on Instagram a few nights ago. Since many of her lyrics touch on deeply personal aspects of love and relationships, she naturally had some deep viewer questions about love. One viewer asked, “Why do breakups hurt so much?” and her answer left many speechless.
▼ We don’t have video footage, but luckily Twitter user @andmariobooks shared a text account of the interaction.
昨日宇多田ヒカルのインスタライブ、誰かとの別れを乗り越えるのはなぜこんなに痛いのかという質問に、元々既に痛みがあって、その人がいてくれたことでその痛みを感じないで済んでいた時、その人が去って元の痛みに向き合うことがあるというようなことを言ってて、すごい瞬間に立ち会った気がした…
— 安達茉莉子🦦mariko adachi (@andmariobooks) May 10, 2020
In translation, it’s something like this:
“During Utada Hikaru’s Instalive yesterday, someone asked her why breakups hurt so much. Her answer was that the pain was already there, and it was because the other person was with you that you were able to not feel it. But when you lose that person, you have to face that pain. I feel like I just witnessed something amazing…”
We admit that love is a unique experience to everyone, but this unique viewpoint apparently struck a chord with many. Japanese netizens on Twitter and more had a lot to say on the subject.
“No wonder she was able to write such amazing songs at 16…”
“I feel so enlightened…she’s got such a sense for things…”
“This is so true…like the pain in your chest when you go through a breakup…”
“I’ve got goosebumps.”
“So that’s why it sucks so badly to be single.”
Whether you agree or not, you’ve got to admit it’s pretty cool that we’re in an age where we can interact with artists and have our voices be heard (er, not that these are ideal circumstances). If you’re a Utada Hikaru fan and you haven’t already been tuning into her Instalives, maybe you should; you’re missing more than just good music.
Sources: Twitter/@andmariobooks via Hachima Kiko
Featured image: Pakutaso
Insert image: Pakutaso
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Utada Hikaru explains “why getting over someone is so painful”
Utada Hikaru sings incredible new one-take version of “First Love,” 26 years after original release
Check out Utada Hikaru’s unique 360-degree making-of video for her song “A Bouquet for You”
J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru announces first concert tour in 12 years
Watch the Opening Minutes of Evangelion 3.0 & Official Utada Hikaru Music Video Now
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
The fastest way to open an onigiri will only take one second 【Video】
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Japanese anime fans shocked by torii gate collapse at Washinomiya aka the Lucky Star Shrine
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Doraemon anime’s visual & script changes for U.S. TV detailed
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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
Japanese-American singer Hikaru Utada opens a discussion on racism on Japanese Twitter
J-pop star Utada Hikaru teases new music video in preview for her latest anime theme【Videos】
J-pop star Utada Hikaru filmed all of her newest video in her lockdown home, and it’s beautiful
There’s a special, familial reason Utada Hikaru looks so natural and unguarded in her new video
J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru’s haunting new music video for “Pink Blood” is here!【Video】
J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru previews new song, hikes Japanese Alps in beautiful videos【Video】
J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru releases new music video directed by Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno
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
Utada Hikaru sings, Eva fights Eva in jaw-dropping new trailer for final Evangelion movie【Video】
Leave a Reply