Japan's pop queen, Hikaru Utada, recently unveiled a fascinating interest beyond music: a deep passion for physics. In an interview with WIRED Japan, she visited CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Switzerland, the world's largest particle physics laboratory. Her excitement was palpable, stating, "Honestly, this might make me happier than standing on the main stage at Coachella."
Established in 1954 by 12 European nations, CERN stands as the global epicenter for particle physics research. Its most iconic facility is the 27-kilometer-long Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which accelerates elementary particles to near light speed before colliding them, simulating conditions from the universe's birth. With an annual budget of over 100 billion JPY, the facility attracts more than ten thousand researchers from across the globe.
For Utada, CERN wasn't just a casual tourist stop; it was a long-cherished dream destination. According to sources, she's particularly drawn to modern physics, especially the realm of "quantum mechanics." This field, which explores the laws of the microscopic world, delves into many counter-intuitive phenomena, such as "quantum entanglement"—where two particles, even if separated by the ends of the universe, can still interact synchronously.
Utada is captivated by these phenomena that defy common sense. She eagerly agreed to narrate an NHK program on quantum themes and has even woven quantum theory into her music. Last year, celebrating her 25th debut anniversary, she released two new songs inspired by quantum concepts, featuring lyrics like "Which galaxy are you from?"—showcasing her unique flair for blending scientific thought with musical creation.
One of the catalysts for her scientific pivot was the 2014 sci-fi masterpiece "Interstellar." The film not only moved audiences with its profound emotional depth but also integrated real physics theories, overseen by a Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Utada has frequently cited the film as having a deep impact on her.
As music and science converge, Hikaru Utada isn't just expanding her creative horizons; she's revealing the wondrous connections between art and the cosmos.