"二時間だけのバカンス" (Nijikan Dake no Vacance) is a song by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Utada Hikaru featuring French musician and actor Jean-Ken Johnny. Here are some interesting facts about this song:
Bilingual Collaboration: "Nijikan Dake no Vacance" is a bilingual collaboration between Utada Hikaru, who is known for her pop and R&B music in Japanese, and Jean-Ken Johnny, the lead vocalist of the Japanese rock band MAN WITH A MISSION, who sings in both Japanese and English. This fusion of different musical styles and languages makes the song unique.
Release Date: The song was released on July 27, 2016, as a digital single. It was also included in Utada Hikaru's sixth studio album, "Fantôme," which was released later that year in September.
Lyrically Rich: The song's lyrics touch on themes of longing and distance in a relationship. The title "Nijikan Dake no Vacance" translates to "Two-Hour Vacation" in English, which reflects the fleeting nature of the moments they spend together.
Distinct Music Video: The music video for the song features animation and live-action footage, creating a visually captivating experience. It was directed by Hikaru herself and showcases her artistic talents beyond singing.
Chart Performance: "Nijikan Dake no Vacance" performed well on music charts in Japan, and it received positive reviews from both fans and music critics. It contributed to the success of Utada Hikaru's "Fantôme" album, which received critical acclaim.
Live Performances: Utada Hikaru and Jean-Ken Johnny performed the song together live on various occasions, including on Japanese television shows and at special events. These live performances added to the song's popularity.
Cultural Fusion: The collaboration between a J-pop icon like Utada Hikaru and a member of a Japanese rock band with international appeal like MAN WITH A MISSION demonstrates the diversity and fusion of musical styles in the Japanese music industry.
"Nijikan Dake no Vacance" is a noteworthy song that highlights the versatility of Utada Hikaru as an artist and showcases the appeal of cross-genre and bilingual collaborations in music.