Ayumi Hamasaki, known by many of her fans as just Ayu, is a Japanese pop singer. Referred to by some as the Empress of Pop, Ayumi's career is unlike any other; she is the most successful solo artist of all time in Japan, as well as the most successful female artist regardless of group inclusion, and the second most successful act overall, having sold over 61.7 million records there alone. She is just the third artist to surpass 50 million in physical sales in Japan, as measured by Oricon. She holds the prestigious records of having the most number one singles by any female artist (39), the most consecutive number one singles of any solo artist (26), and the most million-selling physical singles (5). She has been listed as one of the wealthiest singers in the world with an estimated net worth of over $400 million USD.
All fans and non-fans are encouraged to discuss Ayumi and her music here - please give suggestions for the OP as well, if you can! This base thread will hopefully give many of you some idea of what Ayumi is like as an artist; if you haven't experienced her work yet, feel free to explore some of the examples in the sections below!
News
LOVE again, Ayumi's fourteenth studio album that was previewed by the mini-albums LOVE and again, debuted at #1 on the Oricon Charts! The album was the fourth of five releases to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of Ayumi's career. To date, it has sold over 86,400 copies.
Great job on the OP! Lets hurry and beat the Utada thread in replies and views.
Thanks! But I don't know if Ayu is popular enough in the western world to (quickly) surpass Utada's thread. But that's what the Soundcloud and YouTube incorporation is for, making new stans.
Great OP Can't wait for her new album, "LOVE" and "again" are flawfree!
I can't wait for LOVE again either (even though I might not hear it right at release). To be honest Ayu has been serving life for the past few years - Love Songs, Five, "You & Me", LOVE, again... they're all so amazing.
Thanks! But I don't know if Ayu is popular enough in the western world to (quickly) surpass Utada's thread. But that's what the Soundcloud and YouTube incorporation is for, making new stans.
I would say that Ayumi & Kumi have more fans here (as of recently) than Utada or at least on par with her. You should include Sparkle in the OP by the way. I think it has a sound that is extremely appealing to the ATRL demographic.
I would say that Ayumi & Kumi have more fans here (as of recently) than Utada or at least on par with her. You should include Sparkle in the OP by the way. I think it has a sound that is extremely appealing to the ATRL demographic.
Good idea! It also has a red jumpsuit in the video... some people might associate that positively with one of their faves. (Now I think I'm reaching )
She's an icon and my all-time fave, but she's been off for the most part for the past few years. A few glimmers here and there, but overall, it's kind of sad to think of what she's become. I'll still follow her forever and still harbor that hope for new masterpieces no matter what, though, because she is Hamasaki Ayumi and the power in that name is undeniable.
Wow i'm glad somoene made an Ayu thread!! I love her, she's so amazing
I began stanning for her in 2010 when i listened to her first album A Song For XX (still my favorite by her). She's the only Japanese artist i love because i like almost all of her music, her videos, themes, theatrics,... For me she's the Japanese Madonna, they have so many things in common
Let's make this thread the most active ATRL thread for a Japanese artist, the Empress of J-Pop deserves it
QUEEEEN 
I worked hard on it, so I'm glad people like it. 
But that's what the Soundcloud and YouTube incorporation is for, making new stans. 
Can't wait for her new album, "LOVE" and "again" are flawfree! 
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