Utada is a Japanese-American singer-songwriter known for her influential contributions to J-pop and R&B music. Born on January 19, 1983, in New York City, she gained fame with her debut album, First Love, released in 1999, which became one of the best-selling albums in Japan. Her music often features a blend of English and Japanese lyrics, appealing to a diverse audience. Utada is also recognized for her work on video game soundtracks, notably the theme songs for the popular Kingdom Hearts series, further expanding her reach in both the music and gaming industries.