Utada Hikaru is a Japanese-American singer, songwriter, and producer known for her influence on contemporary J-pop. She debuted in the late 1990s and quickly became one of Japan's best-selling and most critically acclaimed artists. Utada blends Western and Japanese musical styles, often incorporating R&B, pop, and electronic elements. In addition to her music career in Japan, she has also released English-language albums and gained international recognition. Her introspective lyrics and unique vocal style have earned her a lasting legacy in the music industry.