LPWire: Japanese Pop Star Utada Hikaru Performs Title Song for Kingdom Hearts

Square, Disney and Japanese Pop Star Utada Hikaru Collaborate on Highly Anticipated Video Game ``Kingdom Hearts''
Theme Song Titled "Simple And Clean" for North American Version of the Game; "Kingdom Hearts" Video Game Ships to Retail Nationwide on September 17

Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. (Square Electronic Arts), the exclusive publisher of all SQUARESOFT(R) products in North America, and Disney Interactive announced today that KINGDOM HEARTS for the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system will feature a theme song sung by a Japanese pop sensation Utada Hikaru. The theme song is titled "Simple And Clean."

An action role-playing game, KINGDOM HEARTS is a joint project between Square and Disney Interactive. The title not only features many classic Disney characters and worlds, but also introduces new characters and environments created in the renowned Square style. Featuring more than 100 Disney characters, KINGDOM HEARTS also introduces new Disney characters -- Sora, Riku, Kairi and the Heartless -- designed by Square's Tetsuya Nomura, director and character designer of KINGDOM HEARTS. Nomura is best known for his creations in the breakthrough titles FINAL FANTASY(R) VII, VIII, and X.

Utada, one of the top-selling artists in Japan, lends her talents for the first time in a video game. "Simple And Clean" is the English version of its original release "Hikari" (meaning "light"), which was featured in the Japanese version of KINGDOM HEARTS. "Hikari," released as a single in March 2002 in Japan, has sold over 860,000 copies (as of August 14, 2002). Utada, who has fans of all ages, continues to dominate the charts in Japan and is on the verge of breaking through to the American audience. The dynamic lyrics of the theme song written by Utada were inspired by the worlds and characters in KINGDOM HEARTS. The English version of the song retains this emotion in its translation and is sure to draw players further into the world of KINGDOM HEARTS.

"Utada is the only artist I envisioned singing the theme song for KINGDOM HEARTS," said KINGDOM HEARTS' director Nomura. "Her music has moved millions of fans, and I was absolutely thrilled when she agreed to contribute to this project. I see her as an icon for young artists and she also proves that music transcends national and language barriers."

KINGDOM HEARTS is scheduled to ship to retailers nationwide on September 17, 2002. The title has garnered much praise and won several Editors' awards within the gaming community. Featuring an all-star voice cast, newly added features to the North American version such as Utada's theme song and additional bosses, KINGDOM HEARTS will deliver a very unique gaming experience for both Disney and Square fans alike.

Consumers will have a chance to demo KINGDOM HEARTS before its release at the world's only PlayStation store, in San Francisco, California, on August 23, 2002. At this "KINGDOM HEARTS Consumer Demo Day," consumers can demo the highly anticipated game for the first time. Fans will also be treated to special giveaways.

The KINGDOM HEARTS video game will be released on DVD format and is compatible with the DUALSHOCK(R) analog controller. The game carries a suggested retail price of U.S. $50 and is rated "E" (Everyone). Additional information on the title can be found at http://www.kingdomhearts.com.

About Utada Hikaru

Utada's debut on December 9, 1998, with the single titled "Automatic / time will tell," which quickly sold 2.55 million copies, made her an overnight sensation and propelled her into the ranks of Japan's top-selling artists. Her debut album, "First Love," released on March 10, 1999, has sold 8.69 million copies to date in Japan, and 990,000 in Asia, making it the best-selling album of all time in Japan. With this album Utada cemented her name in the world of mainstream music. The second album, "Distance," released on March 28, 2001, has sold 4.81 million copies to date in Japan and 550,000 in Asia. This album became the fastest-selling album in its first week of release, setting a new record in Japan. Her third album, "DEEP RIVER," released on June 19, 2002, has shipped 3.84 million copies to date in Japan and 310,000 in Asia. Utada has recorded three consecutive multi-million selling albums, making her the first artist to ever achieve this in Japan. More information on Utada can be found on the Internet at http://www.toshiba-emi.co.jp/hikki/.

About Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. and Square Co., Ltd.

Square Co., Ltd. is the leading third-party developer and publisher of home video game console software in Japan with annual sales of more than U.S. $275 million consolidated base (based on exchange rate of 133.20 Japanese Yen per U.S. Dollar as of March 31, 2002) and 900 employees worldwide. Square Co., Ltd. became famous for its role-playing games, including its world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series, which has sold more than 40 million units to date, and now publishes other titles under the SQUARESOFT brand spanning all genres. Square Co., Ltd. is based in Tokyo, Japan, and maintains a branch office in Osaka. More information about Square Co., Ltd. can be found on the Internet at http://www.playonline.com.

Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. is the exclusive publisher of all SQUARESOFT products in North America. Square Co., Ltd. publishes its SQUARESOFT titles in North America through Square Electronic Arts L.L.C., located in Los Angeles, Calif. Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. is a Limited Liability Company established on May 1, 1998 by Square Soft, Inc. and Electronic Arts to manage the marketing and distribution of SQUARESOFT products in North America. More information about SQUARESOFT products can be found on the Internet at http://www.playonline.com.

About Disney Interactive

Disney Interactive, Inc., a worldwide leader in the creation of innovative interactive entertainment, develops, markets and globally distributes a wide variety of interactive family-oriented entertainment, educational and sports CD-ROMs and video games. Disney Interactive is the multimedia arm of The Walt Disney Company's Consumer Products business unit. For more information on Disney Interactive's products, visit http://www.disneyinteractive.com.

About TOSHIBA-EMI

TOSHIBA-EMI Ltd. is the joint venture company between TOSHIBA Corporation and the music company, EMI group, which covers more than 70 countries around the world. TOSHIBA-EMI's widespread repertoire can offer from domestic, international music, jazz, classic, and all other genres. TOSHIBA-EMI represents the top level of the artists and offers top quality music. More information on TOSHIBA-EMI's artists and releases can be found on the Internet at http://www.toshiba-emi.co.jp/ (Japanese only).

(C)2002 Disney. Tarzan(TM) owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and used by permission. (C) 2002 Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Developed by SQUARESOFT. (C)1990, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002 Square Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. FINAL FANTASY and the SQUARESOFT logo are registered trademarks of Square Co., Ltd. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

--Posted August 22, 2002
Source: Square Electronics Arts LLC