Fans of Kingdom Hearts and Utada Hikaru, rejoice! The Japanese singer-songwriter's manager-father hinted that plans for her involvement in "Kingdom Hearts III" is currently in the cards. The game, which is the latest installment to the popular "Kingdom Hearts" series, is presently under development.
In a Twitter post, Teruzane Utada responded to a fan's question regarding Hikaru's possible involvement in Kingdom Hearts III. He stated that they have "already started" on something for the game, fueling speculations that she'll continue the tradition of singing the theme song for the game series.
We'll do it. Actually we have already started. Sorry for keeping you waiting. teruzane @ritch_diaz @utadahikaru Still Waiting for a confirma
— u3music (@u3music) December 22, 2016
Yet in an update, Siliconera reported that the Japanese singer-songwriter's father tweeted a follow-up clarification, saying that while they are "eager to do it," no official decision has been reached as of yet. Square Enix, developer of Kingdom Hearts III, has yet to issue a comment.
one correction. regarding hikaru's involvement in Kingdom Hearts III, we are eager to do it. however, our decision is not official yet. teru — u3music (@u3music) December 23, 2016
The recent developments were a follow-up to a 2013 tweet, also from Hikaru's father. He said at that time that her involvement in Kingdom Hearts III is undecided, dismissing his earlier confirmation as a "misunderstanding."
I apologize for what I said. I was little confused when asked whether we would be involved in Kingdom Hearts III. As of now it's undecided. — u3music (@u3music) October 18, 2013
Hikki, as her fans call her, has been a significant figure throughout the Kingdom Hearts series. She made the theme songs "Simple and Clean" (English version of "Hikari") for Kingdom Hearts I and "Sanctuary" (English version of "Passion") for Kingdom Hearts II. Thus, it's only natural for fans to expect her to do the same for Kingdom Hearts III.
The "Automatic" and "Flavor of Life" hitmaker is known as one of the most prominent voices in the Japanese contemporary music scene. She has staged a comeback earlier this year with "Fantome," her first full-length album after a long hiatus following "This Is The One" in 2009. The new album debuted in 2nd place of the Billboard World Albums chart following its release on September 28.
With Hikki's recent return to music, fans could only hope for something good to come out of her father's tweets once Kingdom Hearts III officially comes out. For the meantime, watch the teaser of her upcoming music video for "Nijikan Dake no Vacance" (二時間だけのバカンス) featuring Shiina Ringo below:
