First Love

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"First Love" is a song by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada. It was released on April 28, 1999, as the third single from their second studio album, First Love, which was issued a month previously. It was released in two formats: an 8 cm mini CD and 12 cm standard CD both featuring different mixes. Musically, "First Love" is a mid-tempo power ballad that blends elements of R&B, pop, and soul, showcasing Utada's signature style of emotional vulnerability paired with Western-influenced production. The arrangement features soft piano melodies, subtle string accompaniments, and a laid-back rhythm section. Lyrically, the song explores the bittersweet emotions of a first romantic experience, focusing on themes of longing, nostalgia, and unforgettable love. Commercially, "First Love" experienced success in Japan. The 8 cm CD single edition reached number six on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold over 303,000 units there. Meanwhile, the 12 cm CD single edition peaked at number two and sold over half a million units, tallying over 800,000 copies in Japan; It was certified double platinum for 800,000 copies shipped to stores in Japan. "First Love" was also the best-performing single in Taiwan for 1999. The song was later covered by various artists and featured in multiple television dramas, such as Majo no Jōken. It was also used as the entrance march for the opening ceremony of the Spring 2000 National High School Baseball Tournament. Utada has performed the song on several of her concert tours. In 2022, "First Love" gained renewed attention through its inclusion in the Netflix series First Love, which was inspired by Utada's songs "First Love" and "Hatsukoi."