Hikaru Utada slams their foot on the gas of the niji-iro basu and comes out as non-binary

Hikaru Utada took time out of a busy schedule of walking around London and taking photos of shit on the pavement to do a lil' Instagram live, to answer a bunch of questions which were submitted by fans - as has now become customary for Hikaru Utada as of late when new shit is dropping or has dropped. And what may (or may not) have been a bombshell is Hikaru Utada saying that they identify as non-binary.

And in-case no one knew, Hikaru clarified that Kuma is he / him and a big ol' gay.

So, it's Mx. Utada for REAL real.

I don't want to suck the air out of Hikaru Utada's disclosure with a 'Pfffft! I'm not surprised', but I'm sure many fans were far from shocked. But living as who you are, and disclosing who you are by saying it, are two VERY different things. For some, the saying it out loud part can often-times be the hardest. So I'm throwing all of my support and adoration to Hikaru Utada for claiming her identity out loud, and to anybody who has recently made that verbal leap.

Hikaru Utada has always been an advocate for being themselves, which has in turn encouraged many of their fans to do the same. Hikaru Utada's fanbase is as diverse as it gets, going far beyond Japan and across a spectrum of genders, binaries and sexualities. So undoubtedly, Hikaru now openly identifying as non-binary is going to be a huge source of inspiration for some of their fans who may have been questioning their own gender identities, or trying to muster the courage to make that verbal admission and come out.

Gender identity is a big topic of discussion in the West, but there's not much awareness around it in Japan. But hopefully a star as big as Hikaru Utada identifying as non-binary will create that awareness, and heighten the sensitivity of media outlets when they cover such topics. Hikaru Utada seems the type to not want to draw attention to themselves - but if its for the sake of a much needed discussion and a change that Japanese society needs to make and account for MAAAAAAAAYBE they'd be okay with the mass coverage being a conduit to serve a greater purpose. Also, Hikaru Utada openly declaring who they are may spark other artists in Japan to question and confront themselves. Hikaru Utada's entire career as a Japanese pop star is so anomalous, that asking of others what Hikaru has done doesn't always make sense. But I'd like to think that Hikaru's 'coming out' sparks something that will allow many other Japanese celebs to be open to themselves and of others.

Shit. I might just change the Slaykaru Queentada playlist to Slayakru Non-binarytada.

💿 Reviewtada: One Last Kiss | Dare ni mo Iwanai | Time | Hatsukoi | Fantôme | This is the One | Heart Station | Ultra Blue | Exodus | Deep River | Distance | First Love

🎧 Playlistada: Slaykaru Queentada | Hikaru Utada: R&B | Hikaru Utada: Ballads | Hikaru Utada: Bops | Hikaru Utada: Remixes