generasia:Featured article for 2010 week 39

Ayumi Hamasaki

Hamasaki Ayumi (浜崎あゆみ) is a Japanese pop star. She has had many chart-topping releases. With record sales of over 75 million copies, 50 million copies of which is in Japan alone, Hamasaki is one of Japanese music's highest earning performers and a legend in the industry. Her appearance and style has had a huge impact on Japanese fashion, even influencing countries in other parts of Asia. She is also an energetic performer, known for her intricate and flashy live shows.

After a rough childhood, Hamasaki was discovered by current avex trax president Matsuura Max. Ever since, she has had numerous number 1 releases and is consistently reinventing her image. In 2007 and 2008, Hamasaki expanded outside of Japan by holding 2 concert tours with show locations throughout Asia

Hamasaki will celebrate the release of her 50th single by leading up to the release in three parts. The three-single project begins with "MOON / blossom", followed by "crossroad", and finally concluding with her 50th single, "L".