[Article] 08.02.2012 Ayu’s Super Popular New Nails!

A new style with heart decorations! The spotlight has been on Hamasaki Ayumi throughout this new year, ever since the divorce. Drama aside, Hamasaki is an artiste to watch out for this year. On 29/1, she revealed new nail designs on her official Twitter.

These nails have received much praise from both fans and the general Twitter population, with comments like “I want to try that” and “so cute”. It is a notable and innovative design.

More under the cut!

The design was so popular that the nailist’s Twitter was flooded with enquiries as well. Bold white hearts were painted on the nail tips, all on a clear base, much like the royal French manicure. A thin silver border along the hearts’ edges adds a shine to the design.

A refreshing and impressionistic design that adds personality to the traditional French nails.

Hamasaki herself seems to be in love with the design. Nailist Miss Sakoda Aiko’s Twitter has also been flooded with enquiries on how to imitate the design, demonstrating the unexpectedly large impact of this design.

Source: Navi Online
Translated by Misa-chan's J-pop Blog
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[Article] 16.09.2010 Ayu Heads For Breaking Seiko Matsuda's Record, Having Her Song Composed By Noriyuki Makihara

Singer Ayumi Hamasaki(31), she has her songs that will be concluded in a total of 50th single 「L」 (on sale 29th) composed by Noriyuki Makihara(41). This news was announced on 15th. Since July, 2003, this is a triple A-side maxi single in 7 years, and she had 「Sweet Season」 written by him.


Ayu aiming to set the new record got encouraging cooperation from the hit maker. If 49th single 「crossroad」 that composed by Tetsuya Komuro and released on 22nd and this 50th single 「L」 get the firts place at the Oricon weekly chart, she's going to break the record of Seiko Matsuda's record (the first place for 24 singles running in women artist) in 22 years.


Hamasaki, producer max matsuura (President Masato Matsuura) and director talked, so they asked Makihara to compose the song. The reason why they looked for "Mr.Makihara to compose warmly medium ballad song fitting for 50th memorial." Ayu and Makihara, they just greeted each other on FNS popular song festival several years ago, They didn't got contact especially.


Ayu said "Mr.Makihara is releasing many wonderful songs ever, I'm so glad. it was impressive that so warmly softly melody, so I could made-up image soon when I heard it fot the first time." Makihara said "This song is quite different feeling from previous Ms.Hamasaki's songs. Theme is 『Country Girl.』 I composed this song that eveyone has in their heart and obedient thoughts. In Ms.Hamasaki's eloquent singing voice, I'm looking for what expression will appear."


The result of weekly chart is going to announce on October 5th. Ayu is just going to hold the first of 7 days concert at her home ground, Yoyogi first gymnasium in her 12th years of debut.

On both CD selling and concert, we should notice whether she reach a women singers' milestone.

Original source: Asahi
Translated by Yukiko.T
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[Article] 15.09.2010 Citra Club News: Brazilian Online Music News Talks About "Crossroad"

Translation:

Listen to the full the new single from Ayumi Hamasaki, "Crossroad"
15/09/2010 - 14:45
Of writing, by Diego Marques
follow @ cifraclub

Ayumi Hamasaki has released 11 albums and more than 80 clips in 16-year career

The new single by the Japanese Ayumi Hamasaki, "Crossroad", will be officially released only on September 22, but the song title of the single can already be heard in full over the Internet.

This is the 49th single by the singer and the second a series of three commemorative releases, ending with the premiere of the 50th single from Ayumi, "L" provided pro 29th of this month.

The single "Crossroad" will be marketed in Japan in two versions, plus an issue with CD and DVD.

Both versions of the single "Crossroads" contains a cover of "Seven Days War", originally released pala band TM Network in 1998. Besides the cover, the single will be the instrumental versions of two songs and a remix of the track "Blossom," which is present in the single that preceded "Crossroad", "MOON / blossom."

Ayumi Hamasaki is one of the most successful singers in Japan and has a fan base consolidated in various parts of the world, including Brazil.

Although his songs were not officially released here, the fans use the Internet to meet the latest work of the singer. Ayumi has 31 years and has released 11 albums and more than 80 clips in 16-year career.

Listen under the singer's new track, "Crossroad"
(The put the song on a player)

Credit: Andrenekoi @ AHS
Original source: Citra Club News
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[Article] 08.09.2010 Ayumi Hamasaki Set Record First Place In Recochoku For 31st Time

Ayumi Hamasaki has broken a record that the number of getting first place in Recochoku.


Ayumi Hamasaki's "crossroad" has entered in first place at the weekly ranking of Recochoku's Chakuuta(R).Therefore her getting the number of first place is 31 times. In addition she has broken a record that the number of getting first place by solo singers.


"crossroad" that got first place is her 49th single and going to be released on 22nd September. This song is made by Tetsuya Komuro. This song was also introduced at Tokyo a-nation'10 held on the other day for the first time.


The number of getting first place by solo singers at the weekly ranking of Recochoku's Chakuuta was 30times that Ayumi Hamasaki got by herself the best.


【Released on September 8th the weekly ranking of Recochoku's Chakuuta(R)】
1st:"crossroad" Ayumi Hamasaki
2nd:"Motto Tsuyoku" EXXILE
3rd:"Kimini Todoke" flumpoor
4th:"Wildflower" Superfly
5th:"if" Kana Nishino
The object of couting: All of "Chakuuta(R)" sites like "Recochoku uta" etc.

More under the cut!

【Ayumi Hamasaki's songs got first place at the weekly ranking of Chakuuta(R) (Recochoku)】
"No way to say" (released on November 12th,26th / December 3rd,2003)
"ANGEL'S SONG" (released on December 17th,24th,2003)
"Moments" (released on March 17th,24th,31st,2004)
"INSPIRE" (released on July 7th,14th,21st,28th,2004)
"GAME" (released on August 4th,2004)
"CAROLS" (released on September 8th/ September 15th,29th / October 6th,20th,2004)
"STEP you" (released on April 20th,27th / May 4th,2005)
"HEAVEN" (released on September 21st,28th,2005)
"BLUE BIRD" (released on June 21st,2006)
"JEWEL" (released on November 22nd,2006)
"Together When..." (released on December 5th,2007)
"Days" (released on December 10th,2008)
"Sunrise ～LOVE is ALL～" (released on July 29th, 2009)
"You were..." (released on December 2nd,2009)
"MOON" (released on July 7th,2010)
"crossroad" (released on September 8th,2010)

※Recochoku(レコチョク)・・・Recochoku Company, Limited (famous as a Chakuuta site.)
※Chakuuta(R)(着うた(R))・・・Ringtone

Original source: barks
Translation by yukitty_t @ Twitter
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[Article] 02.09.2010 Jaejoong's Role In Ayumi Hamasaki's PV

Ayumi Hamasaki meets Tohoshinki's Jaejoong!

Jaejoong will be participating in the PV of Ayumi Hamasaki's 'Blossom' and this will be his first ever feature in another Japanese artist's PV.

This is a song with a melancholic melody yet lyrics which give hope and encourage people to look ahead.

Ayumi Hamasaki expressed that 'Even if I'm not part of it, I wanted to find someone who would be convincing and has good acting skills.' She said that she had noticed Jaejoong's talent from watching him act a long time ago.

More under the cut!

Jaejoong gladly accepted the invitation and will be playing the role of a young man who aspires to become an artist yet has his life taken away due to sickness.

Jaejoong's FujiTV drama 'Sunao Ni Narenakute' was broadcasted from April to June and it was his first ever role in a Japanese drama. Since then, he has received numerous invitations for roles in other television dramas.

To further himself as an actor, Jaejoong is currently learning Kanji through watching film appreciation DVDs.

With regards to receiving the commendation from his senior, Jaejoong said '(I'm) very happy, but I also feel burdened and pressured.' On the other hand, Ayumi Hamasaki was extremely satisfied and said '(she) melted into the world of the music and Jaejoong's unique aura.'

The PV will be included in 'Crossroad', scheduled for release on September 22nd.

Credits: HeyJJ.cc + dorfehh @ DBSKnights
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[Article] 31.08.2010 Ayu, For First Time Covering A Male Artist

Ayu, For First Time Covering A Male Artist

The Pop Star, Ayumi Hamasaki, will have her 49th New Single "crossroad" released on 22th September which include the cover song from TM NETWORK, "SEVEN DAYS WAR" which was released on July 1988. Ayumi Hamasaki had ever covered songs from Yumi Matsutoya, "Sotsugyou Shashin" and TRF, "teens". It is the first time to cover a male artist's song.

More under the cut!

The new single "crossroad" is arranged and composed by a music producer Tetsuya Komuro which will be continued with the 50th single "L" released on 29th, Ayu requested, "Please help" to Tetsuya Komuro its composition in April, Komuro said, "This represents the new work for me and also Hamasaki". The coupling song for this single is going to be Komuro's TM NETWORK's masterpiece, "SEVEN DAYS WAR" and it will also include the single that released on July, "blossom" remix version, total 5 songs.

This single will be released in two formats, CD+DVD and CD Only. The DVD will include "crossroad", "blossom" and making off shots videos. The CD Only version will include "MOON" orchestra version.

Last, Hamasaki will release the 50th Single "L" on 29th September.

Original source: Oricon
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[Article] 31.08.2010 Ayu, Koda, and Many Others Performing a Gorgeous “Symphony"!

Ayu, Koda, and Many Others Performing a Gorgeous “Symphony”! Singing Komuro’s Official Theme Song of a-nation’10

Live outdoor summer tour sponsored by Avex ‘a-nation’10′ (4 cities, 6 performances, 260,000 spectators) had its final performance on last 29th held at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, Tokyo.

At the end of live, Ayumi Hamasaki (31), Koda Kumi (27), TRF, and other 16 pair or around 33 artists gathered together on stage. The all stars then sang a-nation’10 official theme song composed by music producer Tetsuya Komuro (51) entitled “THX A LOT”.

More under the cut!

The live started from 2 pm to 9 pm, rocking the audiences with 7 hours live performance.

Komuro emerged the event as a surprise guest, “To commemorate the 10 year anniversary, this song was made, thanks to everyone who participated. It would be nice if it becomes your humming song once you leave this place.”

‘THX~’ was only performed in Tokyo on August 28th. The artists voice echoed at the night sky of Chofu that was decorated by fireworks, ended this major summer event with 54,000 spectators.

Ringtone of the songs, will be included in solo album that is going to be released this fall.

[Artists Performers - Kumi Koda, GIRL NEXT DOOR, ICONIQ, Kie Kitano, SPEED, AAA, Remioromen, DJ Hello Kitty, Risa Hirako, IKKO, Every Little Thing, May J, Otsuka Ai, Goto Maki, JUNSU / JEJUNG / YUCHUN, TRF, Ayumi Hamasaki, a-nation's party (order of appearance)]

Credit: DBSKnights
Original source: Yahoo Japan
Translation: sharingyoochun.net
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[Article] 26.08.2010 Ayumi Hamasaki "Global Pop Sensations You've Never Heard Of"

Nearly a decade before Lady Gaga donned her "Poker Face," Japanese pop star Ayumi Hamasaki put on hers, releasing the song as her first single in 1998. Dubbed the "Empress of Pop" by her loyal fans, Hamasaki has dominated the Japanese airwaves, having sold more than 50 million records since her debut. Widely considered to be the best-selling artist in her country, she is the first artist to have a number-one album for 11 straight years. (Jun Sato/WireImage/Getty Images)

Credit: mecury2511 @ AHS
Original source: ABC News
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[Article] 25.08.2010 Ayumi Hamasaki To Release Back-To-Back Singles

TOKYO —

Pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki, 31, will release back-to-back singles over two weeks in September, according to a source involved in the production. The first song, titled “Crossroad,” is set for release on Sept 22, with “L” following it a week later on Sept 29. They will be her 49th and 50th original songs.

The source said that the goal is for the second song to ride on the success of the first, thus pushing Hamasaki into record-setting territory. If both songs reach number one on the Oricon pop charts, Hamasaki will become the first artist on her label in 22 years to record 24 number one hits in a row.

Credits: Japan Today + Maxker @ AHS
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[Article] 31-Year-Old Japanese Woman On Top Of The Charts

In Japan they call her "Empress of pop".
Her latest release is now on top of the world's best-selling charts, the album "Rock'n'Roll Circus"


Ayumi Hamasaki has sold over 50 millions records - Photo: MN Chan / Getty Images.

More under the cut!

She was born 1978 in Fukuoka city. At age 14 she moved to Tokyo to pursue her dream of a career in show business. In 1998, she managed to debut with the single "Poker Face." Since that time, Ayumi is constantly on top of the charts, and has sold as far as 50 million CDs!

Hamasaki is popular not only in Japan but also in China, Singapore and Taiwan.

Each of her 11 albums landed at the first place of the Japanese best-seller list. The latest best-seller, "Rock'n'Roll Circus," is promoted with the single "Sunrise". See the video for this song:





On the second place, the 16-year-old Canadian Justin Bieber with the album "My Worlds", which includes EP "My World" and the LP "My World 2.0." The young singer quickly made his idol status, now you can even talk about that the frenzy is over - here's proof.

3rd re-occupied the position of Lady GaGa's debut album "The Fame", released in 2008 yet. Just behind the eccentric singer we have two new products - the American duo MGMT from the album "Congratulations".

6th this place this week and publishing Usher "Raymond v. Raymond", and the 7th Slash position was the first solo album in his work, titled simply "Slash".

"Numbers of Slash's solo debut, listen with a smile on his face, but a wide banana came to me really only two songs. The rest of the composition is housed in the foreseeable medium, although a juicy solo bow - we wrote in our review.

Ten leading global overview supplement: Lady Antebellum with 'Need You Now ", Plan B," The Defamation Of Strickland Banks And the Black Eyed Peas and the album" The END ".

Credit: Maxker @ AHS
Source: INTERIA.PL
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[Article] "Why Japanese pop matters" Featuring Ayumi Hamasaki

This article written by an English writer from Guardian.co.uk, an online UK News and Ayu mentioned as one of the Japanese pop act who has given influences to the western as well.

Why Japanese pop matters
Eclectic, wide-ranging and unpredictable, some female stars of the orient's hippest country deserve to be seen and heard in the west

Ayumi Hamasaki

She may be declining in popularity, relevance and quality, but Ayumi Hamasaki is still the undisputed Queen of J-Pop, and it will be a long while before anyone can surpass her. She is as famous in Japan as Madonna is in the west – her face is plastered all over Tokyo. She's a chameleonic style icon whose innocent pop-princess image has never taken a turn for the oversexed, though she's often used cosmetic surgery. Musically, she has married accessible, mainstream hits with over-the-top costumes and high-concept videos long before Lady Gaga did. And most of the time her music is very good.

Hamasaki's lyrics and delivery – she has an earnest, unpolished singing voice – project a vulnerability that makes her songs strangely endearing and her ballads occasionally touching. My favourite song of Ayumi's is Ladies Night, a hymn to girl power. The lyrics encourage a friend to leave an abusive relationship – not a common pop theme. That willingness to address unusual subject matter makes her noteworthy. I hope she doesn't change.

Credit: Embleu @ AHS
Original source: Guardian.co.uk
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[Article] Metropolis - Team Ayu: The Pop Star It's Cool To Paint On Your Car

By: James Hadfield

Pop fandom knows many guises, but few singers have followers so rabid—and blind to the constraints of good taste—that they adorn their cars with images of their idol. Sure, Ayumi Hamasaki has fallen a long way from her early-noughties commercial peak, but her ardent supporters haven’t given up hope—and they’ve got the rides to prove it. The singer’s year-end concerts at Yoyogi Stadium provided a good excuse for the more lunatic fringe of her fan club, Team Ayu, to show off their Hamasakied vehicles: Cadillacs, kei cars and custom vans adorned with stickers and airbrushed portraits of the star. Trunks were converted into ad hoc shrines, with multiple TV screens blaring out concert footage, while the real diehards—read: just about everyone—proudly sported 1002 license plates, a reference to Ayu-chan’s birthday. Note to Lady Gaga: you’ve got a way to go yet.

Credit: truehappiness @ AHS
Original source: Metropolis
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[Article] Review of「You were.../BALLAD From J-ENT! World Groove CD Single

Avex trax’s reigning pop queen from Japan, Ayumi Hamasaki, nears her 50th CD single with the release of “You were…/BALLAD”, her 47th double-A sided CD single with the first song used as the theme for Disney’s video release of “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” and “BALAD” which is used for the NHK drama series “Soukyuu no Subaru”.

“You were…(Original mix)” features a song written by Ayumi Hamasaki, music by Kazuhito Hara and arrangement by HAL. The passionate, upbeat ballad features a good balance of strings courtesy of Gen Itetsu and definitely a solid single from Hamasaki with a very passionate chorus.

But my favorite single on this latest release would have to go to “BALLAD (Original mix)” written by Ayumi, music by D-A-I and arrangement by Yuta Nakano. A slower ballad featuring strings by Yuko Kajitani. A gentle, delicate touch of the piano and strings with Ayumi’s vocals. Overall, a wonderful and even more passionate ballad.

The coupling track is “RED LINE ~for TA~ (Original mix)” written by Hamasaki, music by Tetsuya Yukumi and arrangement by Yuta Nakano. The song is an upbeat track and personally, I think it could have been an A-sided single itself. Catch, upbeat and pretty enjoyable track. Interesting on the insert, there are no lyrics but a one-line message which translates to: Due to the creator’s intention, the lyrics to this song have not been mentioned/noted/ listed.


I tried to do a little research of the meaning of the song and some say it deals with a friend of Ayumi’s that passed away. But the song is for her fan club “Team Ayu” (TA).

The fourth track features a music box version of “You Were…” and the remaining three tracks are the instrumental versions of the first three tracks (for a total of seven tracks overall).

The CD insert features the lyrics for “You were…” and “BALLAD”.

It’s important to note that there are three different releases of “You were…/BALLAD”. The CD only release, then two different versions of the single+DVD. The main difference is that the version I am reviewing comes with the “music box -retake version-” of “You Were…” and the other version comes with the orchestra version of “Sunset -LOVE is ALL-” instead. But both have the same DVD content.

As for the DVD, the DVD comes with the music videos for “You were…”, “BALLAD” and the making of “You were…”.

“You Were…” features Ayu wearing a white dress that has glowing parts all over (for those who saw the “Tinkbell and the Lost Treasure” film will understand the correlation of the fairy dust to this music video) and singing while snow falls. While another woman is seen, doing a robotic dance and fire flowing all around her.

In “Ballad”, the music video is a very dramatic video with an actual story. A man is seen sending letters through a mailbox in the middle of a field and then we see a flashback with the man and Ayumi riding a motorcycle and see two animated cats on the road and while they try to swerve, they crash. We then see the man surrounded by clocks, while Ayumi is wearing a dress and is in a beautiful, serene place with flowers, a tree and a lake, while the man with the clocks is searching for her in the middle of a field until we learn what happened to the Ayu and the man after their accident.

The final video is the making of “You Were…”.

Overall, for those who have stuck with Ayumi Hamasaki for the long haul throughout her musical career will find “You Were…/BALLAD” to be a single release featuring three solid tracks, while others may question what happened to her original style that they loved back in the early 2000’s. But for the most part, if you are a Hamasaki fan, this CD+DVD release is solid. I enjoyed all three songs and the DVD, especially the music video for “BALLAD” is well-done and very enjoyable.

If you enjoy her music, “You Were…/BALLAD” is a single worth having in your Ayu music collection.

Credit: truehappiness @ AHS
Original source: J-NET
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[Rumor] Ayumi Hamasaki Invited To Sing A Theme Song For Jackie Chan's New Movie

Well, this is only a rumor so please don't take it too seriously, but yet, I do hope that this is real!
Jackie Chan and Ayumi Hamasaki are COOL if they ever meet!!

------

Here's the part of the article that talked it

Original article:

邀请滨崎步来唱主题歌

他还透露，为了增加电影的时尚元素和在亚洲范围内的发行，已经向日本歌坛天后滨崎步发出邀请，由她来担纲电 影主题曲的演唱。“这部戏的幕后班底很强，摄影师请的是美国的大师，剪辑是张艺谋和冯小刚导演御用的，文戏 导演是宁瀛，动作戏导演是袁祥仁（金牌武指袁和平的弟弟），武指更是聚集了袁家班、陈家班的精英，特效也是 请的最好的团队。”一大串卖点铺陈下来，陈虎又多了几分自信，“第一部我觉得至少自己已经尽力了，应该不会 有遗憾的。”

Translation

Ayumi Hamasaki invited to sing the theme song

He also revealed that, in order to increase the film's fashion elements and the distribution within Asia has been to the Japanese singer Ayumi Hamasaki days after the invitation from her to the film featuring the theme song of the concert. "This a very strong team behind the show, the photographer is the United States requested a master clip is director Zhang Yimou and Feng Xiaogang's Queen, the text of plays directed by Ning Ying, action drama directed by Yuen Cheung Yan (Yuen Woo-Ping gold medal means the younger brother of Wu) , Wu Yuan that is gathered in classes, Chen elite classes, special effects are also invited the best team. "lay out a long list of selling points down, Chen Hu addition of a somewhat self-confidence," I think at least their first have worked hard, and it should not have regrets.

Credits: Taiwan-Ayufans + AyumiFans + nanakopy87 @ AHS
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[Article] Japanese Medias Talk about Ayu's Vocal

Alright, Some of you may be hurt by these articles which are mostly accusing of Ayu to have bad vocal these days, but PLEASE keep in mind that this kind of complain also means the encouragement for an artist to start to look back to herself, what she's lacking, but all in all, we will still support Ayu, no matter what, ok?

but, i don't want to sound like I'm bashing some artists, but i'm not going to mention who they are, i mean why not the medias trying to say something about the other artists' vocals who in my opinion sound a lot worse than Ayu, and yet they're very successful!

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Livedoor: The way of singing is too much! The vocal skills of Kouhaku's Top Batter, Hamasaki Ayumi

Kouhaku's, which reached it's 60th broadcast, top batter of the night was the impressive Hamasaki Ayumi, but no one could believe the sound they heard from her voice. She had just finished apologizing for the performance the other day where her voice didn't come out, but her singing voice this day, as an artist was also a "..." kind of feeling.

It seemed that this top batter was forcing her voice out of her, and if we say it directly, it was hard to listen to. However, if she doesnt use this voice, would her voice be able to come out?

From before, people have been saying that "her voice won't come out" or "that singing voice is so awful," to the point where even her fans have been saying "I didn't even think her voice went this far" after her voice didn't come out on live broadcast.

They put her in a time slot where ratings don't matter, which made us think that the era of Hamasaki Ayumi is finally and truly over. The only saving grace was that EXILE performed right after her. The fact that these famous singers were partners and did not abandon her was the only appealing factor.

However, if we listen just to this day's voice, there was already no trace of the Singing Queen of the past.

J-CAST: 'As a singer, this was my worst' Hamasaki's Shocking Blog Confession

What in the world has happened to Hamasaki Ayumi? From the succession of programs where her voice doesn't even come out, to the outrage from her fans online, Hamasaki Ayumi looked back, and apologized and confessed on her blog that this has truly been her worst as a singer.

The circumstances on the Music Festival, in which Hamasaki Ayumi sang the huge hit "Evolution," were a little different than the high pitched and strong voice that had mesmerized audiences before. Her voice didn't come out, as she turned her back to the camera... and after, with an expression of a painful smile, she shouted "I'm sorry."

"I can't say any excuse. Anyways, it's very regrettable."

She wrote about the experience on her blog on the 16th, apologizing to fans, saying that "As a singer, in my opinion, it was my worst. I have no excuse, and I'm really sorry. My training isn't enough, and I really need to get serious." and, "I have to sing these songs, I have to transmit these songs. That is the meaning of my existence, and I want to continue working hard so I can have a stage where I can be at east and have fun."

But more, being told that "Ayu's voice won't come out" started MORE than a year ago.

On Yahoo's Q&A site, a huge shock has spread. A question asked recently was "When I see Ayu recently, it's so painful. What does everyone think?" "When I listen, I even get painful."

These were the answers that followed.

"When I listen, it's painful. It seemed like the chest would be hurt."
"It seems like, when it comes to her voice, and even her figure, she isn't making any efforts to improve it."
"I think she should go overseas and start from 0, with her voice training. If she doesn't..."

And these kinds of worried voices, but also strict opinions came together.

Checking the video site Youtube, we inspected the Boys & Girls performance at Music Fair 21 in 2009, comparing to the time Boys & Girls was put for sale, and we saw that half way through her singing style looked so painful, and of course, didn't come out. Half way though, the back chorus starting singing the main parts, which was an unexplainable development. Those who watched the show said "Her voice is dead, right?" "She could sing this in the past, but now, she can't even get her voice to come out." "It was a laugh when the main chorus started singing the main", with the remaining impressions stated in a similar fashion.

What in the world happened to Hamasaki Ayumi? Is it the influence of her ear problem? We asked this question to Avex Management, but we have yet to receive the reply.

Credit: maikaru @ AHS
Original sources: Live Door | J-CAST
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[Translation] Bea's UP Magazine January 2010 Article Translation

Bea's UP Magazine January 2010 Article Translation

The songstress who celebrated her tenth anniversary, still continued running through 2009 without pause. Her skin transparently white like snow and big eyes that seem to take in everything they see... That appearance and way of life still exist without change.

Ayu, who has been on this stage for a long time, looks back at this year.



The things Ayu gained from her record-breaking tour.


The footprints Ayumi Hamasaki left behind in 2009 were incredible. In this magazine’s 2009 April number, she gave an interview for the beginning of the year and said, “Because it was the turning point of my tenth anniversary, I thought I would continue leisurely at my own pace, but I have to keep running after all.” She, in accordance with those words, went on an unimaginable tour from April to October as the first solo female artist to gather 300.000 people in 12 cities with 35 performances.

Furthermore, she performed at her label’s live event a-nation, which included 42 performances and gathered 600.000 people. If you look at live and rehearsal time, 2009 was a year through which she kept running together with her surrounding staff and fans. Looking back, she says, “When I am asked about my impressions of this tour, I answer that it was long and surprising, but this year truly felt long (laughs)”. However, she comments that because she came into long contact with her fans, she has discovered new things. “The tour was a long journey, but I also had time; there were lots of times where I could feel or think. And, there were also times to reflect on what I thought. That’s why, the stage changed a lot from the tour’s first to the last day. During this tour, it was also the first time I constructed a set solely for the sake of rehearsing. Up until now, while talking to the staff about how to do things, I let them complete it, but this time I took my time and could revise and create things. Because of the true importance of meeting with lots of my fans and because there were lots of chances to listen carefully, this could be realized and new discoveries were made.”

During the long journey that took about a year, how did Ayu maintain her motivation, physical condition and physical strength? As the party’s chairman who leads the long journey, Ayu talks about the challenge of maintaining the motivation of the people around her.

“After having decided on the 2009 tour, I started a full-blown physical training. Because my foundation of physical strength and metabolism improved considerably, I wasn’t effected much by physical fatigue. Thanks to the habit, that I had before the tour and even now, to always run about 10 km, I think I have become more energetic than anyone else this year. Going on steadily from the launch of the tour until the final date, I always woke up the earliest the next morning. The people around me would say, “you’re so energetic~” (laughs). As for the mental part; it would be alright if only I strained myself a little. But, because it was truly a long journey, it was tough to constantly keep the motivation and physical strength of the staff, band and dancers the same with each other. By overseeing everything more than usual, I could stay calm. There must certainly be no injuries of accidents to the staff and members.”


My skin benefited a lot from increasing my metabolism.


Ayu, whose metabolism and physical strength has improved by running and training. She comments there has also been a change in her beauty regime.

“In the past, I almost wore no make-up during off or private times. I wonder if currently the amount and frequency of me using foundation has decreased. That’s because metabolism has become important to me. I didn’t know much about skin care originally, but because Banchou (Ayu’s nail artist) knew a lot about it, I tried it out after listening to her. I wonder whether I was the type who preferred not to spoil her skin too much.”

The rehearsal for the Countdown Live was waiting immediately after 2009’s long journey. We asked Ayu, who works without a single break, about her winter memories.

“Honestly, I don’t have many Christmas-like memories since I’m always busy with live rehearsals for the end of the year and with the recording of TV shows... But whenever I see snow, my spirit is lifted (laughs). If a lot of snow will pile up, I definitely want to build a snowman and have a snow fight with everyone. Actual memories...Several years ago, when I was alone in my room and casually looked outside during the morning, snow had piled up magnificently and I went out to the terrace. But then, there were strange footprints in the snow... I called my manager and also the police and there was a lot of commotion, but in the end they were the footprints of a dear friend of mine...(laughs). My memories of the snow might be surprisingly unromantic.”

This time Ayu has released a double A single filled with sad ballads. Please listen to them this season. She managed to compose not easily expressed feelings perfectly. And together with ‘RED LINE ~for TA~’, she’ll release three new songs.

“Aside from expressing myself via lyrics, I’ve also used things like jargon and metaphors. ‘You were...’ is straightforward but in ‘BALLAD’ I chose sugar-coated words.” Because Ayu knows the importance of moving forward more than anyone else, she can face new challenges. That charm increases steadily with each passing year. Confidence and anxiety, experiences and challenges; they all allow Ayu to keep changing. And without even a moment of rest, Ayu will once again travel to meet her fans in 2010.

Credit: tenshi no hane @ AHS
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[Rumor] Ayumi Hamasaki Is Rumored To Have A New Boyfriend Updated

When I looked around the chinese local newpaper, it surprised me there is a piece of article talking about Ayu.
And it's a rumor that Ayu has gotten herself a boyfriend (If I'm not wrong in reading the news though, since I'm not so fluent in reading Chinese),
I'll ask my Mom to make a proper translation for me later, as my Dad didn't interest to do it for :(.
Anyway, the rumored boyfriend turns out to be the J-Dorama actor "Tetsuji Tamayama", if you see the picture.. But I think it's only a rumor though.



English translation updated:

‎​After the Former issue of Ayumi Hamasaki's Mother upon the revealed drunk case, Ayumi is back with another new issue of having a new boyfriend. This new mate is the one who was rumored to Kuriyama Chiaki, TAMAYAMA Tetsuji.

Speaking about TAMAYAMA Tetsuji, who was actually suspected to having affair, is about to be revealed.

Exposed by Ayumi Hamasaki's close friends :" The fifth floor of Ayumi's residence, which is Ayumi's room, is not allowed to enter even the manager, but This TAMAYAMA Tetsuji leisurely entered the house and personally took the lift up to and went straight to her room."



Credit: Ayu's Story
Translated by: ZYRYC @ Yunhosshi
Original source: Xun Bao Daily
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[News] Ayumi Hamasaki face investigation by Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Part 2 Better Translation Summary

One of the AHS members, SunshineSlayer has made a better understanding summary translation for both articles about Ayu being investiaged by Japan Metropolitan Police Department about drug issue

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Ok, I've got the translation summaries. Basically the original translation is messed up. Please add this to the first post so that there is less confusion.

The first article, Livedoor, refers to Ayumi wanting to move into Noriko Sakai's apartment. It asks why is she so interested in living in the place of a criminal. They speculate it is because Noriko's place is more remote and therefore less paparrazzi, but it also says that the apartment building is known for drug activity. So why would she want to move there, etc etc.

The more serious one is this article: Bunshun

It says that Oshio (a talent that is associated with Avex) who was arrested recently on drug charges is connected to Ayumi via Mika John. Oshio held a drug party in which one person overdosed and died. This drug party was held at a room in Roppongi Hills that is owned by Mika John. Mika apparently gives this room to her friends to have parties in. Anyone associated with Mika is coming under suspicion. So what the article asks is since Ayu and Mika are so close, how can Ayu not know that her best friend is involved with drugs?

It says that because of this, not much footage from A-nation was released for Ayu compared to previous years and most news articles focused on Goto Maki and Tetsuya Komuro.

The two recent celebrity drug busts of Oshio and Noriko (on the same day) have resulted in several entertainment figures coming under suspicion and police apparently have information that is pointing them towards certain people.

As for the validity of either article: my boyfriend says they are still considered rumor level, but the second article is at least from a very famous Japanese magazine - not some place just totally random.

Credit: SunshineSlayer @ AHS
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[Oricon] a-nation 2009 Report

Original article:

豪華アーティストの夢の共演☆熱いステージをレポート！

豪华众歌手梦の共同演出☆最热舞台报告！

そして、今年も東京公演のトリを飾ったのは浜崎あゆみ。1曲目の「Rule」では和のテイストと妖しさを前面に押し出し、会場の雰囲気を一瞬で変えてみせる。今年のセットリストは「A Song for ××」「Sunset～LOVE is ALL～」「TO BE」などバラードを多めにセレクト。ドラマチックなサウンドと表現力豊かなボーカルで、5万人の心をわしづかみにしていた。最後は、これも『a-nation』名物の“ayu御輿”に乗り、アリーナを1周。「Boys＆Girls」「Sunrise～LOVE is ALL～」をオ―ディエンスと共に歌い、もみくちゃになりながら最前列のファンとハイタッチ！再びステージに戻り、夏を象徴するナンバー「July 1st」でエンディングを迎えたのだ。「ありがとうございました！」と何度も客席に向かって叫ぶayu。その声を聞きながら、今年も『a-nation』の終了と秋の始まりを同時に感じていた。涼しい夜風の中で空を彩るのは、夏の名残りの花火。どうやら今年は、いつも以上に秋の訪れが早そうだ。

RoughEnglish Translation

A-NATION in Tokyo this year, also participated in performances of Ayumi Hamasaki. Played music with the "Rule" moment ignited the whole atmosphere of the venue. Sang a lot of dancing in the rain this year, Ayumi Hamasaki, "A Song for × ×" "Sunset ~ LOVE is ALL ~" "TO BE", with the form of dramatic performance enrich the songs. Finally, take the famous 』『 a-nation thing "ayu spacecraft," around the venue a week. Singing "Boys & Girls" "Sunrise ~ LOVE is ALL ~" when the audience is also involved with the choir, so that the peak of fans to the most HIGH! Once again return to the stage to symbolize the summer, the song "July 1st" as the end. Many times facing the audience chanted "Thank you all." As the voice of ayu, This year's a-nation 』accompanied by the upcoming autumn ended. Numerous fireworks bloom in the evening breeze blowing into the night sky!

Credit: yiiiii @ AyumiFans
Original Source: Oricon
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[Rumor] Hamasaki Ayumi kissing her boss according to the new leaked images

Rumor of Ayu and Max Matsuura, it's coming from a Chinese media so i guess that their source is not so reliable ~

Hamasaki Ayumi kissing her boss according to the new leaked images

Sichuan News Network (四川新闻网) reporting - J-Pop Empress Hamasaki Ayumi have a very close relationship with her manager and boss Max Matsuura, the powerful president of Avex Group.

11 years ago, Matsuura not only offered young Hamasaki a record deal, he also offered his mouth and tongue to the newborn star.

«FLASH» had planned to publish a series of recently leaked private photos and documents in the latest version of the magazine, but did not print the edition after pressure from Avex Group and Matsuura himself.

A person nicknamed «Pupa» says that Hamasaki and Matsuura are still very close friends, and that the leaked pictures originally origin from a party in Matsuura apartment in connection with the million achievement of Hamasaki's debut album «A song for xx» in 1999.

At this time it was deep love between the couple, and even with friends as the spectators Hamasaki and Matsuura did not manage to keep fingers away from each other, and show their happines.

The relationship lasted from winter 1999, to the end of August the same year. In this period Hamasaki lived in Matsuura's apartment located at Rappongi, Tokyo. But the relationship was kept strictly secret, only the closest friends and family were aware of the situation.

In April this year «FRIDAY» magazine was scheduled to publish a photographic special regarding Hamasaki tittled «In the Chamber of Secrets», featuring leaked pictures from Hamasaki's new apartment located in Tokyo, together with pictures from a never published photobook featuring Hamasaki's former long-time boyfriend Nagase Tomoya. Also this time Matsuura and Avex Group prevented the magazine to be printed, but some of the pictures leaked and was later published on webservers outside of Japan. 

A source says that Matsuura is furious. He claimed that it has been a series of deliberately violation against Hamasaki and her privacy. It is very likely suspect photos from Avex internal outflow, and it is likely that an internal investigation will be initiated.

Credit: Maxker @ Ayu.no
Original source: ruyki @ AMF
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