Editing Ayumi Hamasaki (section)

== Other activities ==

===Philanthropy===
In March 2011, Hamasaki donated 30 million yen to relief efforts for the [[Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]].<ref>{{cite web |date=March 22, 2011 |title=Ayumi Hamasaki donates 35 million yen to relief efforts in Japan |url=http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/article@apa?ayumi_hamasaki_donates_35_million_yen_to_relief_efforts_in_japan_16535.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209132736/http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/article@apa?ayumi_hamasaki_donates_35_million_yen_to_relief_efforts_in_japan_16535.aspx |archive-date=February 9, 2014 |access-date=March 29, 2011 |publisher=Asia Pacific Arts |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2021, the artist donated 10 million yen to the Japanese National Center for Global Health and Medicine, receiving the Medal of Honor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nakai Masahiro, Katori Shingo, Hamasaki Ayumi & Nishijima Takahiro receive Medal of Honor with Dark Blue Ribbon |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2021/02/nakai-masahiro-katori-shingo-hamasaki-ayumi-nishijima-takahiro-receive-medal-of-honor-with-dark-blue-ribbon |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=tokyohive |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816141758/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2021/02/nakai-masahiro-katori-shingo-hamasaki-ayumi-nishijima-takahiro-receive-medal-of-honor-with-dark-blue-ribbon |url-status=live }}</ref> During the 2022 [[2022 Pacific typhoon season|typhoon]] aftermath in the Shizuoka prefecture, Hamasaki openly criticized the media for not reporting on the disaster thoroughly. Over a period of three days, she organized a donation point and visited Shizuoka to talk to survivors and coordinate resources.<ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ、台風被害が激しい静岡への支援呼びかけ トラックで現地へ向かう意向「日本人どうし力を合わせて」 |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/2209/29/news165.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208145958/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/2209/29/news165.html |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=ねとらぼ |language=ja}}</ref>

In May 2018, Hamasaki was the headliner for [[Pride parade|Tokyo Pride]], held in [[Yoyogi Park]]. During her performance, the singer spoke about her friends in the [[Shinjuku Ni-chōme|Ni-chōme district]] and the need to stand up for change: "Japan is still a conservative country, so there is a part of us that cannot shake off the idea that those in minority groups are wrong. If there are moments in the future when you feel small and want to give up, please remember this day—I hope that you will always be proud of who you are, and keep going. I will always be walking alongside you."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-07 |title=浜崎あゆみ、LGBTイベントで涙の熱唱「これからもマイノリティーの一人として歩みたい」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2110781/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716062936/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2110781/full/ |archive-date=July 16, 2020 |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref>

In 2023, Hamasaki adopted two dogs who had severe medical issues and a background of abuse. Speaking jointly with animal shelter representatives, Hamasaki highlighted the need to provide care for long-term residents of rescue homes, and encouraged awareness of [[puppy mill]]s and the impact adoption can have: "Saving an animal's life won't change the world, but you can change that animal's world forever".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-12 |title=浜崎あゆみに「イメージ変わった」「優しい方なんですね」 保護犬引き取りに称賛、団体側「女神様のようなご連絡でした」 |url=https://www.j-cast.com/2023/11/12472689.html |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=J-CAST ニュース |language=ja |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816144050/https://www.j-cast.com/2023/11/12472689.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===''Ayuready?''===
From October 2002 to March 2004, Hamasaki was the host of her own talk and variety TV show, named ''[[Ayuready?]]'', on [[Fuji Television]]. The talk show, which aired on Saturday nights from 11:30 to midnight, often featured her performing songs with guests. Among the names who appeared on the program were [[Goto Maki]], [[Puffy AmiYumi|Puffy]], and [[Akina Nakamori]]. To promote the program (and her album ''Rainbow''), Hamasaki opened the Rainbow House restaurant on [[Shōnan|Shōnan Beach]] on July 1, 2003, which was open until August 31, 2003.<ref name="NEP" /> After almost two years, the last episode of ''Ayuready?'' aired in March 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ayu ready? |url=http://www.fujiint.co.jp/AYU/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5XIYYil9t?url=http://www.fujiint.co.jp/AYU/ |archive-date=April 23, 2008 |access-date=January 24, 2008 |publisher=[[Fuji TV]] |language=ja |df=mdy}}</ref>

===Branded products and endorsements===
Throughout her early career under Avex, Hamasaki promoted products that ranged from electronics ([[Tu-Ka]] cell phones and [[Panasonic]])<ref name="Metropolis" /> to various snack foods.<ref name="Time2">{{cite magazine |last=Takeuchi Cullen |first=Lisa |date=March 25, 2002 |title=Empress of Pop |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/cover2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224235041/http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/cover2.html |archive-date=December 24, 2007 |access-date=January 26, 2008 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |page=2 |df=mdy}}</ref> Among the products she has advertised on television are the [[Honda]] [[Honda CHF50|Crea]] scooter,<ref>{{cite web |title=A |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/45106/1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201030429/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/45106/1/ |archive-date=December 1, 2008 |access-date=November 17, 2008 |publisher=[[Oricon]] |language=ja}}</ref> [[KOSÉ]] cosmetics,<ref name="Time2" /> [[Mister Donut]] donuts,<ref name="Wired">{{cite magazine |last=Lytle |first=J. Mark |date=May 2003 |title=Ayumi Inc |url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.05/play.html?pg=9 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |volume=11 |issue=5}}</ref> and [[Boss Coffee|Boss coffee]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Boss CM |url=http://www.suntory.co.jp/enjoy/cm/log/sd132.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007055010/http://www.suntory.co.jp/enjoy/cm/log/sd132.html |archive-date=October 7, 2008 |access-date=February 23, 2008 |publisher=[[Suntory Limited]] |language=ja}}</ref> Although Hamasaki initially supported the exploitation of her popularity for commercial purposes, saying that it was "necessary that [she is] viewed as a product",<ref name="TimeInterview2" /> she eventually opposed Avex's decision to market her as a "product rather than a person" from 2004. This began a significant hiatus from lending her name to product advertisements and endorsements.<ref name="NTVinterview">{{cite video |title=Hamasaki Ayumi: The Heartbreak and Decision in Light and Shadow |medium=Television |publisher=[[Nippon Television|NTV]] |year=2004 |location=Japan |people=Ayumi Hamasaki (interviewee)}}</ref>
[[File:Ayu symbol.svg|thumb|Hamasaki's "A" logo]]
In 2001, Hamasaki launched her own limited-run fashion brand, MTRLG (Material Girl); the clothes were sold at MTRLG boutiques and at Mise S*clusive stores.<ref name="NEP">{{cite news|last=Chang |first=Miharu |title=Ayumi Spells Big Bucks |work=[[The New Paper|The Electric New Paper]] |publisher=[[Singapore Press Holdings]] |location=Singapore |date=October 3, 2003 |url=http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/hey/story/0,4136,37008,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031003064701/http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/hey/story/0%2C4136%2C37008%2C00.html |archive-date=October 3, 2003 |access-date=February 5, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2002, Hamasaki created Ayupan, a cartoon version of herself that appeared in a line of merchandise (mainly figurines), and in a 2003 animation. For her 2007 tour ''Tour of Secret'', Hamasaki collaborated with [[Sanrio]] to create a line of merchandise, "Ayumi Hamasaki x Hello Kitty".<ref>{{cite web |date=March 9, 2007 |title=Ayumi Hamasaki x Hello Kitty Collaboration: The Dream Is Realized! |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/42797/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207173630/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/42797/ |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |access-date=November 17, 2008 |publisher=[[Oricon]] |language=ja}}</ref> The merchandise included cell phone straps and [[Lumix]] cameras decorated with a picture of [[Hello Kitty]] behind Hamasaki's "A" logo;<ref group="fn">This is the symbol: [[File:Ayumi_Hamasaki_A_Logo.png]]. It is used either as a substitute for the letter ''a'' or to represent Hamasaki's name. The titles of six albums, ''Rainbow'', ''A Best'', ''A Ballads'', ''A Best 2 -White-'', ''A Best 2 -Black-'', and ''A Complete'' use this symbol; the titles of these albums appearing as ''R[[File:Ayumi_Hamasaki_A_Logo.png]]INBOW'', ''[[File:Ayumi_Hamasaki_A_Logo.png]] Best'', ''[[File:Ayumi_Hamasaki_A_Logo.png]] Ballads'', ''[[File:Ayumi_Hamasaki_A_Logo.png]] Best 2 -White-'', ''[[File:Ayumi_Hamasaki_A_Logo.png]] Best 2 -Black-'', and ''[[File:Ayumi_Hamasaki_A_Logo.png]] Complete''. (Dashes are commonly used in Japanese script to enclose subtitles.)</ref> the former product was a result of a collaboration with Sanrio and Japanese fashion brand Ash & Diamonds, the latter a collaboration with Sanrio and Panasonic.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ayumi Hamasaki Collaboration is a Dream! |language=ja |work=Barks.jp |publisher=ITmedia |url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000031701 |access-date=July 23, 2008 |archive-date=March 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315034906/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000031701 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2019, author Narumi Komatsu released a novel about the early years of Hamasaki's career: ''[[M Aisubeki Hito ga Ite]].'' The book included a written endorsement from the artist as a part of its introduction. On social media, Hamasaki stated that the book "combined both fact and fiction" and had become its own story. A [[M Aisubeki Hito ga Ite#TV drama|television drama-series]] based on the novel aired from April to July 2020.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 28, 2019 |script-title=ja:浜崎あゆみ自伝的小説」が早くもドラマ化決定 ｛｛2019 |url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Tablo_tablo_14776/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828143858/https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Tablo_tablo_14776/ |archive-date=August 28, 2019 |access-date=August 28, 2019 |work=Excite News Japan}}</ref>

In March 2023, Hamasaki became a beauty brand ambassador for Rhythm Co., representing their R-Face BFT Pack product.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2023 |title=浜崎あゆみ「庭にサウナと水風呂」 8年ぶり記者会見でプライベートな一面明かす |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2273127/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328131911/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2273127/full/ |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref> The packaging included Hamasaki's signature "A" logo, and advertisements used "[[Remember You (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Mask]]" as the official collaboration theme. On October 2, Hamasaki was announced as a brand ambassador for Gem Castle, "[[Dearest (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Dearest]]" being used throughout their 45th anniversary campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ、総額128億円を超える超豪華ジュエリーを身にまとった新CM完成 |url=https://www.thefirsttimes.jp/news/0000332452/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816144053/https://www.thefirsttimes.jp/news/0000332452/ |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=2023-12-07 |website=THE FIRST TIMES |language=ja}}</ref>

In December 2024, Hamasaki announced an official collaboration with the [[Sailor Moon]] brand. Merchandise featured an illustration by [[Naoko Takeuchi]] of Ayu and titular character [[Usagi Tsukino|Usagi]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=KAI-YOU |date=2024-12-20 |title=浜崎あゆみ×『セーラームーン』 竹内直子が描き下ろしイラストを公開 ｜ KAI-YOU |url=https://nordot.app/1242708286325113059?c=1179248089549373591 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=KAI-YOU |language=ja-JP}}</ref> On the same day, the artist also launched her second design line with Sanrio: "Ayupan x [[My Melody (character)|My Melody]]".<ref>{{Cite web |title=ayu×My Melodyのコラボグッズが発売決定！！ |url=https://avex.jp/ayu/goods/detail.php?id=1002447 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=ayu×My Melodyのコラボグッズが発売決定！！ |language=ja}}</ref>