Alessandro Cuzzocrea

Hikaru Utada’s HIKARU UTADA SCIENCE FICTION TOUR 2024 at Saitama Super Arena

July 24, 2024
Hikaru Utada performing on a vibrant stage surrounded by tall LED screens displaying dynamic blue visuals and a close-up of them in a colorful outfit. Bright beams of light illuminate the scene, creating an immersive atmosphere as the audience watches in awe

I just got home from the Saitama leg of Hikaru Utada’s HIKARU UTADA SCIENCE FICTION TOUR 2024 at the Saitama Super Arena (also known as SSA or TamaAri), and oh boy, what an experience it was!

I’m writing this blog post while my impressions are still fresh in my mind, on the train home.

Hikaru Utada performing on stage in a white outfit, singing passionately into a microphone, with a close-up of their face displayed on a large screen behind them

This concert tour was named after her first greatest hits album, Science Fiction, released on April 10, 2024, to commemorate her 25th anniversary.

The concert lasted for 2.5 hours, starting at 18:30 and ending around 21:00. It was a truly unforgettable experience that reminded me why I have been a fan of Hikaru Utada for so many years.

Hikaru Utada performing on stage, dressed in white, surrounded by a backdrop of stacked screens displaying various close-ups of their performance. The glowing blue and green hues from the screens create a retro yet futuristic ambiance as the audience looks on

Her voice was absolutely beautiful and so skilled. Hikky’s unique, husky, clear, and delicate voice, ranging from low to high notes, was superb. Hearing such an incredible voice live was pure bliss.

Hikaru Utada on stage, smiling warmly while dressed in a white outfit, surrounded by vibrant red and orange lighting. The crowd in the foreground raises their hands in admiration, contributing to the energetic and emotional atmosphere

The sound was amazing. SSA is a large venue, and its acoustics are often considered difficult, but the sound was surprisingly good for an arena.

The band members were also unbelievably amazing! Their overwhelming performance brought Hikaru Utada’s artistic, delicate, complex sounds and powerful beats to life in an astonishing arrangement. It’s clear that the highest level of talent is needed to recreate Hikaru Utada’s music live.

Hikaru Utada performing under a spotlight on a dimly lit stage, flanked by tall, textured panels. A large screen displays a close-up of them singing, while the crowd enthusiastically waves glow bands and captures the moment on their phones

Hikaru Utada’s MC was wonderful. Even in her talks, her cute, gentle, playful, and shy personality shone through, making it very endearing. I felt that Hikaru Utada really treasures her fans. This tour was motivated by her gratitude towards everyone who’s been listening for 25 years, and it’s the first time she herself wanted to tour.

Hikaru Utada stands center stage under a single spotlight, dressed in an elegant white outfit, singing passionately. A live band is visible in the background, adding to the intimate and atmospheric performance, while the audience watches in awe

I also loved the stage—it was very evocative with a mix of projection mappings and LED walls used to great effect. The Kuma animation during the intermezzo was very avant-garde and added a fun touch. After the Kuma animation break, she appeared in a new outfit, looking like she was snugly fit into a big flower—crazy cute!

Close-up of Hikaru Utada displayed on a large screen during a live performance, wearing a striking red and purple outfit while singing into a microphone. The dark background enhances the vivid colors and their captivating presence

After singing Automatic, the last song of the encore, she left the stage, saying “Thank you,” and the concert ended. It was a dreamlike 2.5 hours. There are still many songs I want to hear, but I can’t ask for more after experiencing such a fantastic setlist.

Hikaru Utada performing on stage under purple lighting, dressed in a casual, flowing outfit. A towering screen behind them displays a vivid close-up of their performance, emphasizing their dynamic stage presence

It felt great to see Hikaru Utada live again after six years. The last time I attended a Hikaru Utada concert was in 2018 for the Hikaru Utada Laughter in the Dark Tour at the same venue.

Hikaru Utada joyfully engaging with the audience on stage, raising their arms amidst a backdrop of golden light and an illuminated screen showing their close-up. Hands from the crowd are lifted in response, capturing the energy and connection of the performance

For 22 years, since I first encountered her song Simple & Clean through Kingdom Hearts in 2002, Hikaru Utada’s music has been a constant in my life. Her songs bring back memories from high school, university, and my adult years. Vibing with Hikky on stage singing her classics made me remember better days.

Man, to think that everything for me started in high school with me playing Kingdom Hearts on my PS2… That was one of the catalysts that culminated in me living, working, and building a life here in Japan. It’s kinda crazy if you think about it.

Hikaru Utada smiling brightly while walking across the stage, wearing a relaxed outfit, with their image projected on a large screen in the background. Audience hands are raised in admiration, reflecting the joyful atmosphere of the performance

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary, Hikky! Your music has been a constant source of joy and inspiration! Looking forward to attending many more in the future! Thank you for an amazing performance and for sharing your talent with us. Here’s to many more years of wonderful music and unforgettable concerts. 🫶

A wide-angle view of a packed concert venue with a brightly lit stage in the distance. The stage features large illuminated screens with dynamic visuals, while the audience fills the foreground, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere

Today’s Setlist

  1. time will tell

  2. Letters

  3. Wait & See ～リスク～

  4. In My Room

  5. 光

  6. For You

  7. Distance

  8. traveling

  9. First Love

  10. Beautiful World

  11. COLORS

  12. ぼくはくま

  13. Keep Tryin’

  14. Kiss & Cry

  15. 誰かの願いが叶うころ

Interlude—animation of Kuma traveling in space played on stage

  1. BADモード

  2. あなた

  3. 花束を君に

  4. 何色でもない花

  5. One Last Kiss

  6. 君に夢中

Encore

  1. Electricity

  2. Automatic