Following the arrival of the original solo track back in May (serving as the latest ending theme song for the iconic Chibi Maruko-chan anime), pop icon Hikaru Utada has released a brand-new alternate version of the song, “PAPPAPARADISE“ featuring Hiroto Kohmoto. The collaborative track is out today as a digital EP and a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl single, alongside a brand-new music video streaming on YouTube.
The new visual reunites Utada with acclaimed director Tomokazu Yamada, who helmed May's original solo music video. While the first iteration famously depicted Utada as a taxi driver, this new version features Utada and Hiroto Kohmoto ( legendary frontman of iconic punk bands The Blue Hearts, The High-Lows, and The Cro-Magnons) in a fresh and fun visual compliment to this musical partnership.
To celebrate the new release, YouTube will premiere a special 40-minute conversation between Utada and Kohmoto tonight, June 24, at 9:00 PM JST. The rare dialogue promises fans an intimate look into the creative minds of two of Japan's most influential artists as they discuss music, storytelling, and the making of this new collaborative track.
Promotional highlights from their conversation have also been compiled into a special commemorative ZINE. Free physical copies will be distributed starting today at participating Hikaru Utada × Sony Store locations across Japan, and a digital version is available for download on Utada's official website.
The rollout marks a busy day for Utada fans, coinciding with the arrival of newly remastered, vinyl reissue editions of the artist's English-language studio albums, Exodus and This Is The One.
