Utada Hikaru releases new statement to correct mistakes in recent news reports

Utada Hikaru released a new statement on 5 September through her official website to correct the mistakes in the recent news reports surrounding her late mother Fuji Keiko's suicide. First of all, she revealed that her mother's legal name was still Utada Junko at the time of her death instead of her maiden name Abe Junko mentioned in some news reports. Utada mentioned that even though her parents had been divorced, her mother chose to continue using the Utada surname and stayed under her father's family register. Even before she passed away, Fuji continued to keep in contact with her daughter and ex-husband so Utada believed that her father was one of the few people Fuji still trusted at the end.

When they were contacted by Shinjuku Police Station about her mother's suicide, Utada was not in the condition to go and identify her and had to ask her father to do that on his own. Although she was sad about not being able to do this personally, she was glad that her father could do it on her behalf.

Utada also thanked her mother's fans for their support and explained why there was no funeral held for her. She apologised for not giving her fans and friends the opportunity to see her mother for the last time because she had to follow Fuji's last wishes. When Fuji was still alive, she didn't attend the funerals of her family members nor friends because she felt that it was best to pray for the departed at one's own pace and time and using the method they prefer. Besides, she didn't like events such as funerals or farewell ceremonies so as someone who knew Fuji well, she made the decision not to hold a funeral. She also mentioned that she will continue to stay as Fuji's fan just like in the past.

Utada talked about the absence of a suicide note as mentioned in the press but said that there was actually a letter Fuji left behind which was written in the beginning of this year. She commented that it was a very straightforward letter and was in line with Fuji's ways. During the cremation, only 5 or 6 family members including Utada and her father were present.

Source: Sponichi 1 / Sponichi 2 / Sponichi 3