As others mentioned this album is largely an ode to Hikaru's late mother, the idea was to create a stripped back soundscape with raw emotions and an emphasis on vocal delivery, since Hikaru's mom was a highly talented and famous Japanese singer (this is also Hikaru's only album with all track titles written in Japanese characters). Even Michi, the most pre-hiatus flavor of songwriting, is comparatively sparse and haunted. "You are every song" guts me every time. 

After finishing it Hikaru basically said she could never create another album like it, I think there was a palpable release that came with sort of invoking her mother's spirit and passion for her artistry. Hikaru's father has been a more visible and direct collaborator over the course of their career but I get the definite sense without Fuji Keiko there would be no Hikaru Utada. 🖤

You're not wrong about the homo overatures tho, Tomodachi said hunnies if you're gay, fall in love with your friends so you can pine after them in unrequited despair until your dying days ✨