UPDATE: JULY 29/06 — Due to YouTube’s removal of several J-Pop PVs, including AUTOMATIC, I had to go to Plan B and use RadioBlog’s flash audio player. Hey, it’s better than nothing.
I have been an avid fan of J-Pop for quite a while now and I think it’s safe to say that I’ve listened to a fair amount of J-Pop songs and watched a fair amount of music videos. Some videos I’ve watched more than others - not only because they’re my favourites - but because they bring back so many fond memories.
This is one of them.
No matter how much I talk about Morning Musume, I am and always will be a Hikki fan first. It may be hard to believe this with all the Momusu eyecandy in the blog but it’s the truth.
Automatic was one of the very first J-Pop songs I’ve ever heard. During the early 90’s, Japanese pop culture was slowly creeping its way to the lives of Filipinos, particularly teenagers. From widely popular sentai series BIOMAN and SHAIDER (big fan of both), to those popular electronic pocket pets Tamagotchi (I owned two), Pinoys just couldn’t get enough Japanese pop culture.
J-Pop wasn’t too far behind. From what I can remember, the first J-Pop song to ever go mainstream in the Philippines was Globe’s cheesy club song FEEL LIKE DANCE. I downloaded the song a few months back just for nostalgic purposes. I still can’t understand why the song became so popular. If anyone remembers this song feel free to share your stories.
Then along comes Hikki’s Automatic. I remember hearing this song being played in Philippine FM stations and became such a hit that it became a playlist staple for a while. It had a catchy R&B vibe the Filipino youth just loved.
Automatic became so popular that it was being used in "dance numbers" during kiddy parties, family gatherings, and school events. I’m sure my Filipino readers know what I’m talking about and have done a "dance number" at least once in their lives.
Back to the video. What I like about this PV so much is that it’s simple yet doesn’t get boring. Hikki’s charm and the way she plays around with the camera was enough reason for you to watch the video.
This particular scene, where Hikki dances in front of that yellow chair, has become so iconic that HALCALI parodied it in their Tandem PV. You can find the PV in the video library.
Let me say this again: I am and always will be a fan of Utada Hikaru first. Nothing will change that.
I can honestly say that Automatic is one the reasons why I like J-Pop so much.
Thanks for sharing, I don’t understand why you want to share though
I understand
you rock!!!!!!!
i never forget utada hikaru she really touch my heart with her song first love. everytime i heard that song i remember my friend in japan he taught me how to sing that song, and the most thing my husband made me memorize that song when were still in japan. i couldnt forget it, her song is amazing.
I only knew Utada Hikaru after coming back to the Philippines. My neighbors were preparing for a dance number for our Christmas party and played the song. Right there I was hooked and asked about he artist. After a few months my class went to a field trip to Alabang Mall and bought Utada’s Cd. Till now I scavenge for old and new Jpop just for nostalgic reason. Right now I’m hooked at Gokusen’s first season closing which is Feel your Breeze by V6
i love Jpop too
and i really like her
i’m of her fan
wahehehe
Automatic reminds of those easy driving music that accompanies most of passenger jeepney i rode during my college days. It’s simplicity maybe one reason it gain popularity among us filipinos and among all player i listened to, i was surprised that on Aug. 8 at the megamall a pianist at his 60’s still able to play the theme sond of Voltes V in his old piano. I must admit that the old man is a master in his own craft and he plays a lot of beatiful if not captivating pieces, and then that J pop culture which also reminds me of me being addicted to that old Japanese cartoon not too long ago…
hi,im janice im philippine gin,i came also in japan and my most favorite singer out there is hutada hikaru..i like her song first love and eternally..umakatta yo!!anatano uta suki katta,gambatte ne..
thank’z ya
bunget dech to U ok…………!
hi! I’m Kristel “love” from the Philippines, I’m also a big fan of Utada Hikaru and I love her song “first love” so much… . Even if the people don’t understand the words in the lyrics, still they feel the emotions in this song while trying to sing it.hehehe
i also like utada, i love her single “first love”