I've been listening to a lot of Japanese music, but most of it is soulless and hollow pop.
I like Utada's music because it is artistic and creative and has emotion and a spirit to it. She independent writes her own songs, instead of just writing the lyrics or getting help in writing the music.
So, like, the only other one I can think of is Shiina Ringo who is creative like Utada.
What are some singer-songwriters? They don't even necessarily have to be Japanese.