Singer-songwriter aiko has recently found herself at the center of controversy following reflective comments about the Great East Japan Earthquake. On March 11, 2025, during the anniversary of the tragic event, she tweeted about her experience on the day of the earthquake, when she was rehearsing for M Station at 2:46 PM. She expressed her thoughts on the incident, wishing for safety beyond Tokyo, which sparked both appreciation and criticism.
Her tweet included the troubling phrase, "Because Tokyo was shaking so much, I thought, 'I hope there won't be a bigger earthquake in other places than this.'" While some netizens praised her reflections as thoughtful, others questioned her wording and intentions. Some interpreted her message as resentment toward other regions affected by the earthquake, leading to heated discussions online.
The following day, aiko took to the platform again to issue an apology for her choice of words, emphasizing the misunderstanding it caused. "My words were insufficient. I am truly sorry for making various people feel sad. I should have written a text more carefully to convey my feelings clearly," she stated, recognizing the need to communicate with sensitivity.
She thanked those who highlighted her wording issues, stating, "I was grateful to those who pointed out the inadequacy of my words in the replies." Expressing reflection on how her statement was received, she concluded, "From now on, I will try to become someone who can speak from the other person's perspective." This shows her commitment to learning from the experience and ensuring her communication resonates well with her audience.
Meanwhile, the musician’s career continues to thrive alongside these events. Earlier this month, she attended a rare dinner with fellow artists Daisuke Sakuma from Snow Man and Oishi Masa Yoshi, which generated excitement on social media. The gathering, held on February 13, showcased not only their camaraderie but also the vibrant connections within the music industry.
Reflecting on her artistic endeavors, she recently announced her involvement in the upcoming film, Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram, where she will perform the theme song. The film is highly anticipated, and the new trailer released on February 15 already has fans buzzing.
On February 10, tickets for the AKB48 20th Year Spring Concert 2025 went on sale, capturing the attention of fans eager to celebrate the iconic group's milestone. Following popular culture closely, she remarked on its cultural significance, perhaps drawing parallels with her own 25-year career, which she celebrated publicly.
aiko’s resilience and ability to navigate the music industry were also highlighted by her upcoming exclusive television broadcast of her outdoor free live concert “Love Like Aloha vol.7”, scheduled for December 2, after six years of anticipation. This concert will feature behind-the-scenes footage, offering fans unprecedented access to her creative process.
Adding more excitement to the year, her contribution to the SAIKO HARVEST FESTA 2024 suggests she actively engages with her community and fans, highlighting festivals and cultural events.
Besides her personal and professional milestones, the singer has been recognized with unique projects such as the planetarium collaboration featuring various artists, including supercell, Masayoshi Sukita, Ryokushaka, and YOASOBI. The collective project, titled “Hoshi to Chill suru Playlist”, is another innovative blend of art, sound, and experience planned for release.
Her upcoming features on media platforms like Space Shower TV, celebrating her as their September 2024 V.I.P., along with her dedication to creating memorable content, reinforce her position as not just a musical artist but as a cultural icon.
aiko’s recent experiences serve as reminders of the importance of thoughtful communication amid societal frailty, especially when reflecting on collective trauma like the Great East Japan Earthquake. Her apologies and reflections indicate her growth as both an artist and individual, solidifying her place within Japan’s entertainment sphere.
For fans and observers alike, the coming months promise to reveal more insights and contributions from this talented musician as she continues to navigate her career amid reflective moments about significant historical events.