Tears.
Two weeks after debuting new single “Mine or Yours,” Hikaru Utada returns to THE FIRST TAKE to perform the song of all songs, “First Love.”
Not only is Hikaru here, but so is the original arranger Kei Kawano, who accompanies on piano for the first time since the two recorded the song 25+ years ago.
Written by Hikki at just age 15, the ultimate nostalgia anthem is the title track of the (still) best-selling album in Japan’s history, and one of the defining J-Pop songs of the ‘90s.
It’s constantly ranked as one of the top go-to karaoke songs. It inspired an whole namesake Netflix drama TV series in 2022, which resulted in another chart resurgence. And it seems like every week to this day, another idol releases a cover of the stone-cold classic.
Just very special to see in 2025. Vocals on point as always, and love the before and after awkwardness at the microphone.
Okay, back to crying like a child.
You can still find the “First Love” limited vinyl EP and First Love album vinyl on CDJapan.
Check out the MuuTunes Spotify playlist. You can also subscribe on Apple Music.
Read the lyrics to “First Love”…
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