Today, comeback queen Utada Hikaru took to the stage of NHK SONGS to perform “Michi,” “Hanataba Wo Kimi Ni” and new song “Tomodachi“.
“Tomodachi,” a collaboration with Nariaki Obukuro, CEO of indie record label Tokyo Recordings, is a song of unrequited love.
According to UBlog, who has been providing amazing extensive updates on Utada’s recent promotions, “Tomodachi” is written from the perspective of a gay person falling in love with a straight friend. Although the lyrics remain neutral, Hikki isn’t shy about what the song is really about. It’s definitely a statement to drop it so casually on NHK, Japan’s national public broadcasting organization.
Check out “Tomodachi” and more below.
Tomodachi
With the song’s underlying LGBTQ+ element, some fans can’t help but feel a little exploited by a straight woman appropriating the struggles of their community.
“What makes you think I’m ‘straight’?” responds Utada on Twitter after a so-called fan (who will be in the comment section in .1 second I’m sure) tried dragging her. She got him shook and successfully and effortlessly pulled the rug out from under him. He quickly changed his tone and proclaimed his love for her, as he should.
Iconic.
Utada has long been known for her support of the gay community. Back in 2010, she revealed on her blog that beloved teddy bear Kuma, who she was dragging along during her In The Flesh Tour in America, is gay.
She wrote:
Gay Kuma series :)
Macho-gay Kuma, girly-gay Kuma, and drag queen Kuma!
Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever really explained it here, but Kuma really is gay (he’s a boy but likes men only, no interest in girls…) so these illustrations flowed pretty naturally.
Oh, did I just out Kuma?
The outing was a little problematic of her, but since she has exposed herself as part of the community, I’ll give her a pass.
Check out her performances of “Michi” and “Hanataba Wo Kimi Ni” below:
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