Many thanks for your patience. I finally wrote and edited the story today and posted it. Here's the link:

http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=100289&videoChannel=3

Let me know what you think of the story. I had to get it out today because her new album, "This is The One," is released tomorrow in Japan. The US release date is for later this month.

Someone asked about Kuma Chang. I couldn't put it in the story, but she told me, yes, she does sometimes take it on board when she gets on an airplane, and yes, Kuma Chang gets (his/her?) own seat.

Someone also asked about plans for a US tour. She said she'd like one, but she doesn't have one planned yet.

Oh yes, and she says she loves playing Tetris but hasn't had much time to play recently because she's been so busy.

As she says so herself, Hikki is so anti-diva. She's very engaging and extremely down-to-earth and very easy to work with. http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=100289&videoChannel=3