generasia:Featured article for 2010 week 39

Hamasaki Ayumi

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 two concert tours with show locations throughout Asia

Hamasaki celebrated the release of her 50th single by leading up to the release in three parts. The three-single project began with "MOON / blossom", followed by "crossroad", and finally concluding with her 50th single, "L", on September 29, 2010.