I'd like to point something out:
Utada became famous for making American music in Japanese.
She basically introduced AMERICAN R&B to the Japanese. Thus, she had a unique sound. I think because of that her music is less "surprising" than before, but still very good.

After all, let's face it, nowadays J-Pop is American music in Japan. There are no real differences.

And honestly, if you think that American have underlying racism, so do the Japanese, they are even hostile to ethnic Japanese not born in Japan. (ie Utada)


Also, the thing about Ne-Yo, absolutely nobody knows he is part Chinese, they just think he is 100% African, which somewhat bothers me for some reason.

(Also, just to note, Namie Amuro is not 100% Japanese, she is part Italian)

I would like to see Utada, Shimizu Shota, Jasmine, Shiina Ringo, and Wang Leehom try the Anglophone market. All of them have a good control of English, have worked with American producers, and have really good voices as songwriters and singers.