Utada Hikaru

Utada Hikaru, born on January 19, 1983, in New York City, is a celebrated Japanese singer-songwriter and music producer. Known for her unique blend of pop and R&B, she gained international fame with her debut album, "First Love," in 1999. Utada is also prominent in the realm of video game music, particularly for her contributions to the "Kingdom Hearts" series. Her songs "Simple and Clean" and "Sanctuary" (originally titled "Passion" in Japan) became iconic themes, deeply resonating with fans and enhancing the emotional depth of the games. Utada's innovative sound and ability to convey complex emotions through music have solidified her status as a significant figure in both the Japanese and global music scenes.