I partly agree with most of you. I don't think she's emphatic about being successful in the states. I wouldn't say she isn't serious, look at the tour. It's the fine line between "I'm going to work hard and hope for the best" and "I'm going to force my success by whatever means I can." In no way do I think she isn't busy. If you heard the songs at the tour and saw how she manages time with the lack of song breaks, you'd see what I mean. In Chicago she talked a fair amount in the middle thus her breaks in between songs toward the end were less(I marvel at this ability both in singing talent and in time management. Seeing this live made me more uncertain if she is a better songwriter or stage performer).

I know you were referring to her promotion in the states, but ultimately the artist needs to be more concerned with the quality of expression (her songs). This is "old skool" thinking and the reason I love her as an artist. Plus American music industry isn't very kind to class A singers. Always keep this in mind. Marketing wins over talent in the states in general.

Before the tour she got offers from larger venues but wanted a more intimate feel (can someone please find that article and give me the link, it's somewhere on this webpage THANKS!). I just don't think she likes the way America organizes music. In Japan your not "tied down" to a certain genre. I don't want this thread to end up being "oh she's not serious." She wouldn't have bothered releasing an album and then touring is she wasn't.

If you have to be vain in order to be successful in the American music industry, then it's not worth it IMO, and just maybe she has a similar view. I'm glad she is doing this "the old way." She'd lose credability with her fanbase (Some people would say TITO is out of character, but I don't think so. R&B has influenced her since Precious, and it still has that "cryptic" feel. Off topic but posted this knowing some might rebuddle). She hasn't given up on America, and this should encourage American fans.

Have we become numb that she just toured here? Had anyone asked me 2 years ago if Utada would tour in the states, I would have said NEVER because I like some of you thought she wasn't serious about the states.