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Image: YouTube/Hikaru Utada
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J-pop megastar Hikaru Utada releases new video and recording of 'Traveling'

11 Comments
By Casey Baseel, SoraNews24

J-pop icon Hikaru Utada has had a lot of hits, but few have reached the level of pop culture permeation as 2001’s “Traveling,” which has been widely recognized as a banger even since before that slang came into fashion.

But while “Traveling’s” star never really faded, it’s shining with a new brightness right now, with the surprise release of a brand-new “Traveling” video which Utada has just released.

Screenshot-2024-04-11-at-9.29.58.png

Even if you can’t read Japanese, you’ll probably notice that there’s a “meets” in the video’s title. The full title of the video is "Ayataka meets Hikaru Utada Traveling," since the video is produced in coordination with Coca-Cola Japan’s Ayataka green tea, which also explains the tea leaf-like color design that shows up in the video and why Utada carries around a bottle of the beverage for part of it.

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Sharp-eared fans might notice, though, that “Traveling” sounds a little different than the last time they heard it. That’s because this is the “traveling (Re-Recording)” version of the tune, a newly recorded version that’s going to appear on Utada’s upcoming "Science Fiction" greatest hits album.

▼ The original version of “Traveling”

▼ Despite being the fifth completion release of Utada songs (following Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 1, Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 2, Utada the Best, and Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 1+2 HD, which were released between 2004 and 2014, "Science Fiction" is being billed as the artist’s “first greatest hits album.”

The new “Traveling” video flashes Ayataka’s new brand slogan, “Go at your rhythm,” on screen towards the end, suggesting a parallel between personal lifestyle and the convenience of bottled tea. The strength of that connection is up for debate, but the new recording shows that Utada can still definitely sing, and can make a great video inside an apartment.

Source: YouTube/Hikaru UtadaPR Times

Insert images: YouTube/Hikaru Utada, PR Times

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

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-- Hikaru Utada releasing vinyl version of all albums, pop-up store opening in Shibuya

-- J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru releases new music video directed by Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno

© SoraNews24

©2025 GPlusMedia Inc.

11 Comments
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J-pop icon Hikaru Utada has had a lot of hits, but few have reached the level of pop culture permeation as 2001’s “Traveling,” which has been widely recognized as a banger even since before that slang came into fashion.

Utada does provoke a lot of memories even going back to "Automatic".

Worthy of the title J-pop icon.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Nah, not interested in this J woman enjoying the benefits of the US while dissing the society there when she sees fit. Having her mochi and eating it. Just say Iie to the bigmouth.

-12 ( +2 / -14 )

Blacksamurai

Well put my dear fellow

-11 ( +1 / -12 )

When I first came to Japan 25 years ago, this woman annoyed me to no end, but over time, I slightly warmed up to her and her songs, classic J-pop icon without a doubt, not to mention she’s way better looking now at this stage in her than when she was a teen.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Before blowing raspberries.

Hikaru Utada  is the offspring of the late Keiko Fuji, Father, record producer Teruzane Utada.

Hikaru father managed, guided his daughters career, away from the nightmare world of idol, Jpop craziness.

Hikaru Utada was free to develop a unique personal musical style, as father made sure, free from the creepy crawly parasitical world, generally associated with Jpop.

https://www.u3music.com/

Independence, well done Dad.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

This was one of my favorite songs when I first got stationed in Japan back in 2000. In 2001, this song was everywhere in Tokyo. You guys just don't know.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

not to mention she’s way better looking now at this stage in her than when she was a teen.

Yeah, for sure. It’s weird to sexualise teens.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

That song brings back some memories for sure. I like the new video.

She was beautiful when she was first out, and is beautiful now.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

She was beautiful when she was first out, and is beautiful now.

I'm with you on this one.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

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