Utada comments for first time on mother's apparent suicide

I like and respect Hikaru Utada even more after reading this article.

What a dignified statement - a fine tribute from a loving, grieving daughter about a mother who sounds like she aroused grief as well as love when alive. I hope Ms Utada stays strong and positive through such a hard time.

Hikaru is a beautiful young lady with amazing talent. Sad to hear about this tragedy. I still remember her album she released in the states, I was stunned by her beauty then and still am!

I agree with Maria, a very dignified statement.

Her comments were fine, appropriate and dignified.

The headline though is a bit odd, to say the least. Wouldn't Utada's First Comment On Mother's Apparent Suicide have made more sense?

akb-

ya, I'm still wondering about that male furendo.

My condolences to Utada and her family. That is a wonderful way to remember your mother. Laughing!

Hang in there, we're all here supporting you Utada.

… I admire Ms. Utada’s strength. My thoughts are all for you in this tough time. Thank you JT of how Ms. Utada first comments were as her Website is out.

"Utada said she only remembers her mother laughing"

That's the way to remember your mother. I wish I could.

Those comments are brave and good. The poor woman must be going through a lot right now. Too bad her mom couldn't get the help she needed.

Hikaru's mother was a wonderful person, no doubt, this is reflected in the sweet words her daughter used to refer to a matter as serious and painful as the death of a loved one, Utada always earned my respect and devotion, but now more than ever I am in spirit with her ​​as well as many others who like their music yque consider it a great and talented person, but above all a wonderful human being with a beautiful soul ...

What I don't understand is why does the clothes of the victim have to be mentioned? " wearing a t- shirt and short pants"...who cares?

I guess, the best way to remember the persons you love is their best memories together, their happiness.

I love and respect to Utada and her family. Keep Trying Utada

Please note that the media are not doing anything to her. She posted the statement on her official website, which is the correct thing to do.

I have about 50 Utada CDs and 2 vinyl LPs. Her music makes me happy. However i understand that the people who laugh the most are usually feeling the saddest. I like the way Utada chooses to remember her mother.

It doesn't matter if your rich or poor. There is a strong stigma attached to mental illness in Japan that discourages many people from seeking the help they need. Perhaps awareness of mental illness in Japan remains low and overall public perceptions of mental disorders tend to be negative. Given the high number of suicides in Japan, there is an urgent need to improve diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, and government is not addressing this crisis. But this is Japan, nothing will change.

JT: "Please note that the media are not doing anything to her. She posted the statement on her official website, which is the correct thing to do."

My bad... it sounded like an interview, and the fact that it's being so heavily reported made me kind of miss the 'official website' part.

I can relate to her, saying her Mom was ...impulsive like a child but with an innocent charm that attracted everyones attention... This is very much the same, for my once upon a time fiance, Alexandra, whom we lost 3 years ago in similar circumstances. Such tragedies significantly affect uncounted more loved ones, than just the departed. r.i.p.

Much love and Respect to Utada and her family. It's a sad way to lose a family member, or anyone really.

Sad. I wonder if the government harrassment she endured in the US had something to do with her mental problems.

Heard that name for the first time in more than a decade. How the memories flood back.. I remember putting some of her songs on a mix CD I made for my girlfriend back in high school.

What a dignified statement - a fine tribute from a loving, grieving daughter about a mother who sounds like she aroused grief as well as love when alive

She probably ran it by her publicist first but, yes, it was tasteful.

Is it still an "apparent suicide"? Are keisatsu still investigating?

Sweet lord, media! Leave the poor girl alone. The Japanese media are almost as bad as the paparazzi in terms of hounding celebrities, and worse than the paparazzi in terms of how they try to taint the person's character if they DON'T oblige the media. Shame on them. Let the woman mourn. Why would a celebrity's feelings about a loved one committing suicide be any different than a non-celebrities? Yet these clowns in the media walk up to her and ask, "Hey, how does it feel?" "Whadya think?" "Are you sad?" etc.

sad comments from a sad child.