Editing Ayumi Hamasaki

{{Short description|Japanese singer, songwriter, and actress (born 1978)}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Ayumi Hamasaki
| image              = Ayumi Hamasaki 浜崎あゆみ (2024) (cropped).png
| caption            = Hamasaki in 2024
| native_name        = {{nobold|浜崎あゆみ}}
| native_name_lang   = ja
| birth_name         = Hamasaki Ayumi (濱﨑 歩)
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1978|10|02}}
| birth_place        = [[Fukuoka]], [[Fukuoka Prefecture]], Japan
| alias              = {{hlist|Ayu|Crea}}
| occupation         = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|record producer|actress|model|spokesperson|entrepreneur}}
| spouse             = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Manuel Schwarz|2011|2012|end=div}}
* {{marriage|Tyson Bodkin|2014|2016|end=div}}
}}
| works        = [[Ayumi Hamasaki discography|Discography]]
| children           = 2
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed        = yes
| genre        = {{hlist|[[J-pop]]|[[Pop music|pop]]|[[Dance music|dance]]|[[Electronic music|electronic]]|[[Rock music|rock]]}}
| years_active = {{hlist| 1993–present}}
| label        = {{hlist|[[Nippon Columbia]]|[[Avex Trax]]|[[Warner Music]] (Malaysia)|[[:id:Indo Semar Records|Pt. Indo Semar Sakti]] (Indonesia)}}
| website      = {{URL|www.avex.jp/ayu}}
}}
| signature          = Ayusign.png
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Ayumi Hamasaki'''|浜崎あゆみ|Hamasaki Ayumi|born October 2, 1978}} is a Japanese singer-songwriter and producer. Nicknamed the "Empress of Pop" on account of her influence throughout Asia, she is widely recognized for her versatile music production, songwriting, and live performances. Hamasaki is the [[List of best-selling music artists in Japan|best-selling solo artist in Japan]], and a [[cultural icon]] of the [[Heisei era]].

Born and raised in [[Fukuoka]], Hamasaki moved to Tokyo in 1993 to pursue a career in modeling and acting. In 1998, Hamasaki released her debut single "[[Poker Face (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Poker Face]]"<ref group=fn name="NFN">Oricon does not count ''[[Nothing from Nothing (EP)|Nothing from Nothing]]'', released by [[Nippon Columbia]], among Hamasaki's albums.</ref> and debut major-label album ''[[A Song for XX|A Song for ××]]''. The album debuted at the top of the [[Oricon]] charts and remained there for five weeks, selling over a million copies.<ref group=fn name="NFN" /> This rapid rise to fame was attributed to her lyrics, listeners praising her insight and relatability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-06-01 |title=浜崎あゆみ『デビュー10周年記念☆彼女の魅力を様々な角度から徹底解剖！！』-ORICON STYLE ミュージック |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/080910_04.html |access-date=2022-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601114243/https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/080910_04.html |archive-date=June 1, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-08 |title=浜崎あゆみが世紀末に示した確かな光ーー。『LOVEppears』に見る鮮烈な歌詞世界 {{!}} OKMusic |url=https://okmusic.jp/news/297626 |access-date=2024-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408063547/https://okmusic.jp/news/297626 |archive-date=April 8, 2020 }}</ref> Her next ten albums shipped over a million copies in Japan, with her third, ''[[Duty (album)|Duty]],'' selling nearly three million. ''[[A Best]]'', her first compilation album, further established her position as a crowning artist with more than four million copies sold in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/010409a.html | title=Japan's Top Selling Albums | author=Oricon | date=9 April 2001 | access-date=25 October 2012 | language=ja | archive-date=November 6, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106015133/http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/010409a.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album-syodo.html | script-title=ja:歴代アルバム初動ランキング | author=Oricon | publisher=Music TV | access-date=2 November 2012 | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220030935/http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album-syodo.html | archive-date=February 20, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> It was at this time that she represented more than 40% of her record label's income.<ref>{{Cite web |title=[INTERVIEW]Team Ayumi Hamasaki. DNA that always creates unprecedented |url=https://avex.com/jp/en/contents/team-ayu-dna/ |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=avex.com |language=en |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811013121/https://avex.com/jp/en/contents/team-ayu-dna/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

After ''A Best'', Hamasaki went on to experiment with her music style and lyricism, incorporating English into her work from [[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|''Rainbow'']] onwards. Later albums would range from electronic dream-pop to rock genres, the singer commenting that she focuses on what she wants to create "whether it is trendy or not".<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMj8w29tdC4 |title=Ayumi Hamasaki's biggest regret |date=December 1, 2014 |publisher=SPH Razor |access-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613171802/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMj8w29tdC4 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Hamasaki currently holds the record for the most albums to place in the top ten by a female artist in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TOMORROW X TOGETHER、7作連続「アルバム」1位【オリコンランキング】 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2265911/full/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=ORICON NEWS |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131101448/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2265911/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Hamasaki has sold over 50.708 million units in Japan, and has several domestic record achievements for her singles: the most number-one hits by a female artist (38); the most consecutive number-one hits by a solo artist (25),<ref name="record">{{cite news | script-title = ja:浜崎あゆみ、シングル25作連続首位で歴代単独1位 松田聖子の記録22年ぶり更新 | url = http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/80699/full/ | publisher = [[Oricon]] | date = October 5, 2010 | access-date = October 4, 2010 | language = ja | archive-date = October 22, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121022231550/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/80699/full/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and the most million-sellers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/46603/ | title=A Great Achievement&nbsp;— Hamasaki Ayumi Ties with Akina Nakamori for the Achievement of Five Crowns|publisher=[[Oricon]]| date=July 24, 2007|access-date=March 22, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080311042113/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/46603/| archive-date= March 11, 2008 | url-status= live|language=ja}}</ref><ref group="fn">This last record is shared with [[Pink Lady (band)|Pink Lady]], [[Namie Amuro]], and [[Hikaru Utada]].</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=【オリコン"平成セールス"ランキング】シングルはSMAP、アルバムは宇多田ヒカルが1位 "平成No.1"アーティスト別セールスのB'zからはコメント到着 2ページ目 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/confidence/special/52827/2/#link1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921181051/https://www.oricon.co.jp/confidence/special/52827/2/#link1 |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2023 |publisher=ORICON NEWS}}</ref> From 1999 to 2010, Hamasaki had at least two singles each year topping the charts.<ref name="fierce">{{cite news |date=April 15, 2008 |title=Ayu, Controlling a Fierce Battle, Is the First Female Singer to Have a Number-One Single for Ten Consecutive Years |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/53725/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420001405/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/53725/full/ |archive-date=April 20, 2008 |access-date=April 15, 2008 |publisher=[[Oricon]] |language=ja}}</ref> Hamasaki is also the first female recording artist to have ten studio albums since her debut to top the Oricon, and the first artist to have a number one album for thirteen consecutive years since debut.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/39829/ | title=Ayumi Hamasaki's Feat! First to Have Eight Consecutive Original Albums|publisher=[[Oricon]]|date=December 6, 2006|access-date=December 2, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081207173900/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/39829/| archive-date= December 7, 2008 | url-status= live|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="nextlevel">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/64689/full/|title=Unprecedented！Hamasaki Ayumi Has Attained a Number-One for Eleven Years Straight Since Her Debut!|work=[[Oricon]]|access-date=May 2, 2009|date=March 31, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090402145635/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/64689/full/| archive-date= April 2, 2009 | url-status= live|language=ja}}</ref> Hamasaki's remix albums ''[[Super Eurobeat Presents Ayu-ro Mix]]'' and ''Ayu-mi-x II Version Non-Stop Mega Mix'', are also recognized as two of the best selling remix albums of all time worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/artists/a/246497/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414033848/http://www.oricon.co.jp/artists/a/246497/|url-status=dead|script-title=ja:浜崎あゆみ-ORICON STYLE ミュージック<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=April 14, 2010}}</ref>

==Life and career==
===1978-1997: Childhood and early endeavors===
Born in [[Fukuoka]], Fukuoka Prefecture, Hamasaki was raised as an only child by her mother and grandmother.<ref name="Rockin">{{cite magazine | first=Atsushi | last=Shikano | title=Interview with Ayumi Hamasaki| magazine=[[Rockin'on Japan]]| date=February 20, 2001|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="Time">{{cite magazine | last=Takeuchi Cullen| first=Lisa| url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/cover3.html |title=Empress of Pop|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]| access-date=November 28, 2011 | page=3 | date=March 25, 2002 | url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020403135213/http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/cover3.html | archive-date=April 3, 2002 }}</ref> At age seven, Hamasaki began modeling for local institutions to supplement the family's income. She continued this career path by moving to Tokyo alone at fourteen, signing as a model under the SOS talent agency.<ref name="Rockin" /> Under the name "Ayumi", Hamasaki released a rap EP, ''[[Nothing from Nothing (EP)|Nothing from Nothing]]'', on the [[Nippon Columbia]] label in 1995.<ref name="allmusic" /> After her mother moved to Tokyo, Hamasaki began attending [[Horikoshi High School|Horikoshi Gakuen]],<ref name="Rockin" /> as well as taking on acting work in movies and television dramas.<ref name="Time" /><ref name="Metropolis">{{cite magazine |last=Wilce |first=Matt |title=Big in Japan: Ayumi Hamasaki |url=http://metropolis.co.jp/biginjapan/379/biginjapaninc.htm |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Metropolis (free magazine)|Metropolis Magazine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410103934/http://metropolis.co.jp/BigInJapan/379/biginjapaninc.htm |archive-date=April 10, 2008 |access-date=March 23, 2008 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> From August 1995 to March 1996, Hamasaki co-hosted the [[SoundLink]] show ''Hōkago no Ōsama'' (''After-School King'') for [[Satellaview|Nintendo Satellaview]] with [[Shigeru Izumiya]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 1995 |script-title=ja:スーパーファミコンアワー番組表8/1～8/31 ～スーパーファミコンアワー番組ガイド～ |magazine=[[Satellaview Tsūshin|サテラビュー通信]] |pages=33–66 |language=ja |volume=2}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=April 1996 |script-title=ja:スーパーファミコンアワー音声連動番組ガイド3/1→3/30 |magazine=サテラビュー通信 |pages=40–73 |language=ja |volume=10}}</ref>

Hamasaki struggled to adjust to student life, and described living aimlessly after dropping out in tenth grade.<ref name="Time" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-11-13 |title=浜崎あゆみ、高校時代「同じクラスだった」 意外な接点に驚きの声 – モデルプレス |url=https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/1298945 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=モデルプレス – ライフスタイル・ファッションエンタメニュース |language=ja}}</ref> It was during this time that she was introduced to [[Max Matsuura]] through an acquaintance, who offered her a record deal after hearing her sing at the [[Velfarre]] nightclub. Hamasaki suspected ulterior motives and turned the offer down, saying later "I'd never heard of Avex. When he asked if I wanted to pursue a singing career, I said, 'No way.' He was this older guy, and I thought the whole thing sounded fishy."<ref name="Time" />

Matsuura persisted, and Hamasaki eventually agreed to take voice lessons in 1996, most of which she would end up skipping due to reminding her of school.<ref name=":3" /> When Matsuura found out, he offered to send her abroad for one-to-one training instead. "I thought he was kidding" Ayu said later of this time, "I mean, I was seventeen".<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2007-12-15 |title=TIMEasia.com: Japan – Ayumi Hamasaki |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/cover.html |access-date=2024-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215041531/http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/cover.html |archive-date=December 15, 2007 }}</ref> Hamasaki stayed in New York for three months, corresponding frequently with Matsuura. Due to difficulties voicing her thoughts, that correspondence was usually through letter; impressed by her writing style, the producer asked her to try her hand at lyrics while they prepared for her debut through 1997.<ref name=":5" /> "No one had ever asked anything of me before, or expected anything," the singer said later. "He's the one who found me and drew me out."

===1998–1999: Musical beginnings, ''A Song for xx'', and ''Loveppears''===
Hamasaki made her debut on April 8, 1998 with the single "[[Poker Face (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Poker Face]]". Almost a year later, the singer released her debut studio album ''[[A Song for ××]];'' it was an unprecedented success, topping the Oricon charts for five weeks and selling over a million copies.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p430329/biography | title=Ayumi Hamasaki | website=Allmusic | access-date=April 17, 2008 | first=Chris | last=True | archive-date=August 16, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816141758/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ayumi-hamasaki-mn0000758915/biographyAjax#biography | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="YCTT" /><ref name="SCMP">{{cite news | title = Siege Mentality | page =1 |work=South China Morning Post | publisher = [[SCMP Group]] | location = Hong Kong, China | date=May 13, 2002}}</ref> Later in 1999, she received the [[Japan Gold Disc Award]] for "Best New Artist of the Year".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/e/data/gdisc/1999.html | title=The 14th Japan Gold Disc Award 1999 | access-date=April 17, 2008 | publisher=[[RIAJ]] | archive-date=December 20, 2003 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031220190720/http://www.riaj.or.jp/e/data/gdisc/1999.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Time" /><ref name="VillageVoice" />

''[[Ayu-mi-x]]'' (March 1999), the first of a series of remix albums, signaled Hamasaki moving beyond the pop-rock sound of ''A Song for ××''.<ref name="VillageVoice">{{cite news | last =Walters | first =Barry | title =Turning (Japanese) Point | newspaper =[[The Village Voice]] | date =March 5, 2002 | url=http://www.villagevoice.com/music/0209,168697,32804,22.html | access-date =April 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805144109/http://www.villagevoice.com/2002-03-05/music/turning-japanese-point/ |archive-date=August 5, 2008}}</ref> She began to experiment with musical style in her singles, releasing remixes which spanned [[reggae]] and [[house music|house]]. Later singles became milestones: Hamasaki earned her first number-one single ("[[Love (Destiny)|Love: Destiny]]") and first million-selling single ("[[A (EP)|A]]").<ref name="fierce" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/million_list/1999.html | title=Million-Selling Singles of 1999 | publisher=RIAJ | access-date=April 19, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080417233128/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/million_list/1999.html| archive-date= April 17, 2008 | url-status= live|language=ja}}</ref> Her second studio album, ''[[Loveppears]]'' (November 1999), topped the Oricon charts and sold nearly 3 million copies.<ref name="YCTT">{{Cite news| title =You Can't Top This |work = [[The Straits Times]] | publisher = [[Singapore Press Holdings]] |location=Singapore | date =November 25, 1999|agency=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> In support of ''Loveppears'', she held her first tour: ''Ayumi Hamasaki Concert Tour 2000 A''. Two DVDs of the tour were released: ''Ayumi Hamasaki Concert Tour 2000 Vol. 1'' on September 13, and ''Ayumi Hamasaki Concert Tour 2000 Vol. 2'' on September 27, 2000.

===2000–2002: ''Duty'', ''A'' ''Best'', ''I Am...'', and ''Rainbow''===
From April to June 2000, Hamasaki released the "despair trilogy": "[[Vogue (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Vogue]]", "[[Far Away (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Far Away]]", and "[[Seasons (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Seasons]]". Her subsequent studio album, ''[[Duty (album)|Duty]]'', reflected on the artist's feelings of loneliness, chaos, confusion, and the burden of responsibility; it resonated with fans, and became Hamasaki's best-selling studio album.<ref name="Rockin" /><ref name="cawaii10th">{{cite magazine |author=Tsuriya, Takako |date=May 2008 |title=Ayu 10th Year Career Anniversary |magazine=Cawaii |pages=15, 18 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ranking of Ayumi Hamasaki's Albums by Sales |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/246497/ranking/cd_album/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813023311/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/246497/ranking/cd_album/ |archive-date=August 13, 2010 |access-date=July 24, 2010 |publisher=[[Oricon]] |language=ja}}</ref> At the end of 2000, Hamasaki held her first [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2000–2001 A|New Year countdown concert]] at the [[Yoyogi National Gymnasium]].

In 2001, Hamasaki released her first compilation album, ''[[A Best]]''. In support of ''Duty'' and ''A Best'', Hamasaki held a [[Ayumi Hamasaki Dome Tour 2001 A|tour of Japan's domes]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/04/19/2007041961012.html|title=Rain to Perform at Prestigious Tokyo Dome|date=April 19, 2007|access-date=July 23, 2010|publisher=Chosun Ilbo Co|work=[[Chosun Ilbo]]|archive-date=June 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621235049/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/04/19/2007041961012.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2002, the singer released her fourth studio album, ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I Am...]]'', which featured her own compositions under the pseudonym "Crea".<ref name="TimeInterview2">{{cite magazine|first=Lisa |last=Takeuchi Cullen |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/int_ayumi2.html |title=I have very clear ideas of what I want |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=January 2, 2008 |page=2 |date=March 25, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212005108/http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/int_ayumi2.html |archive-date=December 12, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In light of the [[September 11 attacks]], Hamasaki revised her vision of the album, focusing on issues such as faith and world peace. "[[A Song Is Born (song)|A Song Is Born]]", a duet with [[Keiko Yamada]], was released as part of Avex's [[Song Nation]] project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/songnation/index.htm |title=Song+Nation |publisher=[[Avex Trax]] |access-date=January 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120210120/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/songnation/index.htm |archive-date=January 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |language=ja |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chosunonline.com/article/20050121000046 |title=BoA and Hamasaki Ayumi Join Song+Nation's South Korean Release |publisher=Chosun Ilbo Co. |work=[[Chosun Ilbo|Chosunonline.com]] |access-date=December 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207020747/http://www.chosunonline.com/article/20050121000046 |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |language=ja |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} (Paid access required to view article)</ref><ref group=fn>Original text: "このシングルは2001年9月11に米国で発生した同時多発テロを追悼するために企画され、リリースと同時に日本で話題を集めたチャリティーシングル『song+nation』の3枚だ。"<br />"まず、浜崎あゆみとKEIKOがデュエットした『a song is born』が2001年12月12日にリリースされた。"</ref> She also changed her idea for the album cover, opting instead to be portrayed as a "peace muse": {{blockquote|I had a completely different idea for the cover at first. We'd already reserved the space, decided the hair and makeup and everything. But after the incident, as is typical of me, I suddenly changed my mind. I knew it wasn't the time for gaudiness, for elaborate sets and costumes. It sounds odd coming from me, but I realize what I say and how I look has a great impact.<ref name="TimeInterview"/>}} In support of ''I Am...'', Hamasaki held two tours: ''Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2002 A,'' and ''Ayumi Hamasaki Stadium Tour 2002 A''.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=http://www.famitsu.com/entertainment/news/2002/02/25/n08.html| title=Ayumi Hamasaki Stadium Tour 2002 A| magazine=[[Famitsu]]| publisher=[[Enterbrain]]| date=February 25, 2002| access-date=October 7, 2008| language=ja| archive-date=May 30, 2002| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020530031242/http://www.famitsu.com/entertainment/news/2002/02/25/n08.html| url-status=live}}</ref> Live albums of both tours were released in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ayumi Hamasaki – Arena Tour 2002 A |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/335658-Ayumi-Hamasaki-Arena-Tour-2002-A |website=Discogs |access-date=4 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ayumi Hamasaki – Stadium Tour 2002 A |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/13292402-Ayumi-Hamasaki-Stadium-Tour-2002-A |website=Discogs |access-date=4 December 2024}}</ref> Later that year, Hamasaki performed at the [[MTV Asia]] music awards ceremony in Singapore, and received the award for "Most Influential Japanese Singer in Asia".<ref name="TimeInterview">{{cite news |last=Takeuchi Cullen |first=Lisa |date=March 25, 2002 |title=I have very clear ideas of what I want |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/int_ayumi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214075019/http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/int_ayumi.html |archive-date=February 14, 2008 |access-date=February 16, 2008 |work=[[Time Magazine|Time]] |page=1}}</ref><ref name="FacesofAyu7">{{cite magazine |last=Takeuchi Cullen |first=Lisa |date=March 25, 2002 |title=The Many Faces of Ayu |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/photoessay/7.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415210411/http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/photoessay/7.html |archive-date=April 15, 2008 |access-date=April 17, 2008 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |page=7}}</ref>   In November she released her first European single, "[[Connected (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Connected]]", under the name "Ayu". It was released in Germany on the Drizzly label.<ref>{{cite web |title=Japanische Pop-Diva meets Trance |url=http://www.dancecube.de/content.php?category=2&level=1&Path=-1&Category_ID=2&action=showArticle&Article_ID=75381&area=news |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070618115542/http://www.dancecube.de/content.php?category=2&level=1&Path=-1&Category_ID=2&action=showArticle&Article_ID=75381&area=news |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 18, 2007 | publisher=Raveline |language=de |access-date=July 25, 2010}}</ref> Hamasaki continued to release singles in Germany until 2005.<ref>{{cite web |title=Neue Single mit Remixen von Armin van Buuren & Kyau vs Albert |url=http://www.dancecube.de/content.php?category=1&level=1&Path=-1&Category_ID=1&action=showArticle&Article_ID=123420&area=news&subCategory=&ContextCategory_ID=4&ContextKeyword=Ayu&contextnavid=technology |publisher=Raveline |language=de |access-date=July 25, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

The singles  "[[Free & Easy (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Free & Easy]]". "[[H (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|H]]", and "[[Voyage (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Voyage]]"<ref name="2002million">{{cite web |title=Million-Selling Singles of 2002 |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/million_list/2002.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117095925/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/million_list/2002.html |archive-date=January 17, 2008 |access-date=January 28, 2008 |publisher=RIAJ |language=ja}}</ref> were released ahead of Hamasaki's next studio album, ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]'' (December 2002)''.'' <ref name="2002million" /><ref name="rainbow">{{cite web | url=http://avexnet.or.jp/ayu/en/special/rainbow/index2.html | title=Ayumi Hamasaki's director's notes on Rainbow | publisher= [[Avex Trax|Avex Marketing Inc.]]| access-date=April 9, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080327060445/http://avexnet.or.jp/ayu/en/special/rainbow/index2.html| archive-date= March 27, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

===2003–2006: ''My Story'', ''(Miss)Understood'', and ''Secret''===
[[File:Ayumi Hamasaki 2007.jpg|thumb|Hamasaki in [[Taiwan]] (2007)]]In 2003, Hamasaki released three singles, "[[& (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|&]]", "[[Forgiveness (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Forgiveness]]", and "[[No Way to Say]]". The singer then held the ''[[30th Single Collection Live (Ayumi Hamasaki)|A Museum]]'' concert at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Interview With Ayumi Hamasaki|magazine=Casa Brutus|date=September 2004|volume=54|pages=24–28|language=ja}}</ref> The singer's next release, the EP ''[[Memorial Address]],'' topped the Oricon chart and sold over a million copies.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/million_list/2003.html | title=Million-Selling Albums of 2003|publisher=RIAJ| access-date=January 25, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080117095927/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/million_list/2003.html| archive-date= January 17, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/041222_01.html|title=Yearly Album Rankings for 2004|publisher=[[Oricon]]|access-date=December 1, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081214060904/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/041222_01.html| archive-date= December 14, 2008 | url-status= live|language=ja}}</ref> Despite this, sales of Hamasaki's singles began to wane — although all three of the album's singles topped the Oricon charts, "&" was Hamasaki's last single to sell over 500,000 copies.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/ranking/22658/ | title=Ayumi Hamasaki: Newly Released Details of Her Singles| access-date=April 23, 2008 | publisher=[[Oricon]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080317021012/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/ranking/22658/| archive-date= March 17, 2008 | url-status= live|language=ja}}</ref> By the end of [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2003–2004 A|''Arena Tour 2003–2004'']], Hamasaki had grown disillusioned with her position in Avex.<ref name="MyStoryInt">{{cite magazine | title=The First-Time Stench of Being a Human|magazine=[[Oricon|Oricon Style]]|date=December 27, 2004|issue= 49–1275|pages=17–19|language=ja}}</ref> This period of reassessment led her to begin work on her next studio album, ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]],'' ahead of schedule.<ref name="CawaiiF2005">{{cite magazine |author=Tsuriya, Takako |date=January 1, 2005 |title=Ayumi Hamasaki: Always our Princess |magazine=[[Cawaii]] |pages=10–15 |language=ja}}</ref>

''My Story'' and its singles, "[[Moments (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Moments]]", "[[Inspire (song)|Inspire]]", and "[[Carols (song)|Carols]]", all topped the weekly Oricon charts; moreover, with sales of over 1,100,000 units, ''My Story'' became Hamasaki's last million-selling studio album according to Oricon.<ref group="fn" name="oricondiscrep">''(Miss)understood'' is listed as a million-seller by the RIAJ, but the RIAJ's certification is based on the number of albums shipped to retailers; Oricon gathers its tallies from the retailers themselves.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/million_list/2004.html |title=Million-Selling Albums of 2004 |publisher=RIAJ |access-date=April 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418094110/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/million_list/2004.html |archive-date=April 18, 2008 |url-status=dead |language=ja |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/051219_01_2.html|title=Yearly Album Rankings for 2005|publisher=[[Oricon]]|access-date=December 1, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081215165044/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/051219_01_2.html| archive-date= December 15, 2008 | url-status= live|language=ja}}</ref> From January to April 2005, Hamasaki held the nationwide [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2005 A|''Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2005 A: My Stor''y]] tour.<ref name="MyStoryInt" /> ''[[My Story Classical]]'', a classical version of ''My Story,'' was released in March 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/050323_01.html|title=A Classical Version of Hamasaki Ayumi's My Story Is Released!|last=Igeta|first=Satoru|date=March 23, 2005|work=[[Oricon|Oricon Style]]|publisher=[[Oricon]]|access-date=November 3, 2009|language=ja|archive-date=March 23, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050323090950/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/050323_01.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[(Miss)understood]]'', Hamasaki's seventh studio album, was released in January 2006.<ref name="GirlpopBD">{{in lang|ja}} {{cite magazine |last=Fuji |first=Miho ({{nihongo2|藤井美保}}) |date=January 5, 2006 |title=Ayumi Hamasaki: Bold & Delicious/Pride |magazine=Girlpop |pages=16–18 |volume=76 |issue=462}}</ref> In support of the album, Hamasaki held the [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2006 A]] tour, which spanned three months with thirty concerts.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ayu/news/060217.html | title= Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2006| publisher= [[Avex Trax|Avex Marketing Inc.]]| access-date=February 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060313141823/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ayu/news/060217.html |archive-date=March 13, 2006|language=ja}}</ref>

"[[Startin'/Born to Be...|Startin']]", Hamasaki's twenty-sixth number-one single, was released in March 2006.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/ranking/15343/ | title= Ayumi Hamasaki Completely Dominates in Three Major Areas | publisher=[[Oricon]] | date= March 13, 2006 | access-date=February 22, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080218060728/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/ranking/15343/| archive-date= February 18, 2008 | url-status= live|language=ja}}</ref> The subsequent studio album, ''[[Secret (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Secret]]'', was released in November 2006.<ref name="hpsecretinterview">{{cite web |title=Secret Special Interview |url=http://avexnet.or.jp/ayu/jp/special/secret/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019212432/http://avexnet.or.jp/ayu/jp/special/secret/ |archive-date=October 19, 2008 |access-date=October 8, 2008 |publisher=[[Avex Trax]] |language=ja}}</ref>

===2007–2008: ''A Best 2'', ''Guilty'', and ''A Complete''===

In February 2007, Hamasaki released ''[[A Best 2]]''. The two versions, ''[[A Best 2: White|White]]'' and ''[[A Best 2: Black|Black]]'', debuted at the first and second positions on the Oricon weekly charts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2007/03/06/03.html |title=Ayu Holds the Top Two Ranks! A Feat Unaccomplished in 36 Years! | work=Sponichi Annex | publisher=[[Mainichi Shimbun]] | date=March 6, 2007|access-date=January 7, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312021145/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2007/03/06/03.html|archive-date=March 12, 2007|language=ja}}</ref> ''[[Tour of Secret]]'' was then held from March to the end of June.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ettoday.com/2007/02/13/340-2054709.htm | title=Amazing Charm! Nine Thousand Seats at Hamasaki Ayumi's Taipei Concert Sold out in Less Than Two Hours| work=Nownews| date= February 13, 2007|access-date=February 12, 2008 | publisher=Chunghwa United Telecom Group |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071230222202/http://www.ettoday.com/2007/02/13/340-2054709.htm |archive-date = December 30, 2007|language=zh}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://enjoy.eastday.com/e/20070209/u1a2619858.html| title=Tickets to Hamasaki Ayumi's Show at the Red Hall Sold Out in Three Hours| newspaper=EastDay| date=February 9, 2007| access-date=February 22, 2008| language=zh| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304032628/http://enjoy.eastday.com/e/20070209/u1a2619858.html| archive-date=March 4, 2009| url-status=dead}}</ref>

Hamasaki released "[[Glitter/Fated]]", "[[Talkin' 2 Myself]]",<ref>{{cite news |date=September 25, 2007 |title=Chart Ranking for This Week！ |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/48305/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303105155/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/48305/ |archive-date=March 3, 2008 |access-date=February 12, 2008 |publisher=[[Oricon]] |language=ja}}</ref> and "[[Together When...]]"<ref>{{cite web |title=Record Association Monthly Download Charts for December |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w080120_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080122125955/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w080120_1.html |archive-date=January 22, 2008 |access-date=January 24, 2008 |publisher=RIAJ |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=November 20, 2007 |title=Ayu's New Song Is a Digital-Limited Release |url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/p-et-tp0-20071120-285402.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210181829/http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/p-et-tp0-20071120-285402.html |archive-date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=December 1, 2008 |work=[[Nikkan Sports]] |publisher=Nikkan Sports Newspaper |language=ja}}</ref> ahead of her ninth studio album, [[Guilty (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|''Guilty'']], released in January 2008. In April, Hamasaki released the single "[[Mirrorcle World]]" to commemorate her tenth anniversary since debut.<ref name="fierce" /> Between April and September 2008, Hamasaki held her second tour of Asia: ''[[Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2008: 10th Anniversary|Asia Tour 2008: 10th Anniversary]]''. On September 10, Hamasaki released ''[[A Complete: All Singles]]''.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 26, 2008 |title=Ayumi Hamasaki to release best-of album to mark 10th anniversary of debut |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/ayumi-hamasaki-to-release-best-of-album-to-mark-10th-anniversary-of-debut |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081118082720/http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment/view/ayumi-hamasaki-to-release-best-of-album-to-mark-10th-anniversary-of-debut |archive-date=November 18, 2008 |access-date=July 26, 2008 |newspaper=[[Japan Today]]}}</ref>

===2009–2011: ''Next Level'', ''Rock 'n' Roll Circus'', ''Love Songs'', and ''Five''===
[[File:Hamasaki ayumi 2010.png|thumb|Rock n' Roll Circus: 7 Days Special tour (2010)|left]]
Hamasaki's next two releases, "[[Days/Green]]" and "[[Rule/Sparkle]]", continued her streak of number-one singles.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/081210/gnj0812100505015-n2.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212031854/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/081210/gnj0812100505015-n2.htm |archive-date=December 12, 2008 |title=Ayu to Sing the International Theme Song of Dragonball |work=[[Sankei Sports]] |publisher=Sankei Digital Inc. |access-date=December 10, 2008 |date=December 10, 2008 |page=2 |language=ja |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> The subsequent studio album, ''[[Next Level (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Next Level]]'', was released on March 25, 2009.<ref name="USB">{{cite web |url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2009/02/13/04.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5eXxRHxKn?url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2009/02/13/04.html |archive-date=February 13, 2009 |title=Ayu's USB album |publisher=Sponichi Annex |access-date=February 12, 2009 |language=ja |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://avexnet.or.jp/ayu/jp/news/090212.html|title=Ayumi Hamasaki official website news and information|publisher=[[Avex]]|access-date=February 13, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090214224145/http://avexnet.or.jp/ayu/jp/news/090212.html| archive-date= February 14, 2009 | url-status= live|language=ja}}</ref> ''Next Level'' reached the top of the Oricon charts, making Hamasaki the only artist to have a number-one album every year for eleven years in a row since her debut.<ref name="nextlevel" /> On August 12, 2009, Hamasaki released "[[Sunrise/Sunset (Love Is All)]]". "Sunrise (Love Is All)" was used as the theme song for the [[Japanese television drama]] ''Dandy Daddy?''.<ref name="June 30, 2009">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/67305/full/|title=Ayumi Hamasaki, to sing first drama theme song in six years|publisher=[[Oricon]]|access-date=July 2, 2009|archive-date=July 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704080315/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/67305/full/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamasaki's third single of the year, "[[You Were.../Ballad]]", was used for [[Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure]] in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0020871|title=浜崎あゆみ、ディズニーの『ティンカー・ベルと月の石』のイメージソングを！｜シネマトゥデイ|date=November 18, 2009|website=シネマトゥデイ|access-date=May 10, 2024|archive-date=May 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503130457/https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0020871|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-11-19 |title=浜崎あゆみ、新曲はディズニー映画＆初NHKドラマのダブルタイアップ |url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000055525 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=BARKS |language=ja |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506132913/https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000055525 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=PIA |title=人気の妖精ティンカー・ベルがディズニーシーで春を祝う！ {{!}} チケットぴあ[映画 映画その他] |url=https://ticket.pia.jp/pia/newsDetail.ds?newsCd=201004050001 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=ticket.pia.jp |language=ja |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816141822/https://ticket-news.pia.jp/pia/news.do?newsCd=201004050001 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Hamasaki's eleventh studio album ''[[Rock 'n' Roll Circus]]'' was released on April 14, 2010. Hamasaki also began expanding her online presence, setting up accounts on [[Myspace|MySpace]], [[Ustream]], and [[Twitter]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://music.jp.msn.com/news/article.aspx?articleid=266772 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416163136/http://music.jp.msn.com/news/article.aspx?articleid=266772 |archive-date=April 16, 2010 |title=Hamasaki Ayumi, One New Web Experiment After Another |publisher=MSN |date=April 13, 2010 |access-date=April 20, 2010 |language=ja |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://house.sina.com.cn/overseas/japan/2010-04-15/1823342615.html|title=Hamasaki Ayumi Tries an Experiment on the Internet|publisher=[[SINA Corporation]]|work=[[Sina.com]]|access-date=April 20, 2010|date=April 15, 2010|language=zh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720022310/http://house.sina.com.cn/overseas/japan/2010-04-15/1823342615.html|archive-date=July 20, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In July, entertainment company Livespire announced that Hamasaki's [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2009 A: Next Level|2009 ''Next Level'' tour]] would be shown in 3D at Toho cinemas nationwide during August 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=2010 News |url=http://livespire.jp/movie/a3d.html |work=Livespire.jp |publisher=[[Sony Corporation]] |access-date=August 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818200506/http://livespire.jp/movie/a3d.html |archive-date=August 18, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Release Information: A3D ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2009 A ～NEXT LEVEL～ |url=http://www.livespire.jp/movie/a3d.html |work=Livespire.jp |publisher=[[Sony Corporation]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818200506/http://livespire.jp/movie/a3d.html |archive-date=August 18, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Screening Information Schedule & Theater: A3D ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2009 A ～NEXT LEVEL～|url=http://www.livespire.jp/schedule/a3d.html|work=Livespire.jp|publisher=[[Sony Corporation]]|access-date=August 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818195155/http://www.livespire.jp/schedule/a3d.html|archive-date=August 18, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later that year, Hamasaki released singles "[[Moon/Blossom]]", "[[Crossroad (song)|Crossroad]]", and "[[L (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|L]]".<ref>{{cite web |title=July 14 (Wednesday) New Single 'Moon/Blossom' [and] 'Blossom/Moon' |url=http://avexnet.or.jp/ayu/jp/news/100520a.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618185339/http://avexnet.or.jp/ayu/jp/news/100520a.html |archive-date=June 18, 2014 |access-date=August 18, 2010 |work=Ayumi Hamasaki Official Website |publisher=[[Avex]] |language=ja}}</ref> On December 22, Hamasaki released ''[[Love Songs (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Love Songs]],'' which debuted atop the Oricon album chart.

In February 2011, it was announced that her upcoming tour, ''Hotel Love Songs'', would start in April. It was later renamed to ''[[Power of Music 2011 A|Power of Music]]'' and delayed until late May due to the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]] disaster, Hamasaki instead focusing on charity efforts in the immediate aftermath.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-04 |title=浜崎あゆみ＆倖田來未が被災者へメッセージ あゆはチャリティーTシャツ発売 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/85757/full/ |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref>
[[File:Ayumi Hamasaki in London (cropped).jpg|thumb|299x299px|Hamasaki meeting fans in London (2010)]]
On April 20, 2011, Hamasaki simultaneously released four ''Ayu-mi-x 7'' remix albums: ''[[Ayu-mi-x 7 Version House|House]]'', ''[[Ayu-mi-x 7 Version Acoustic Orchestra|Acoustic Orchestra]]'', ''[[Ayu-mi-x 7 Presents Ayu Trance 4|Trance 4]]'', and ''[[Ayu-mi-x 7 Presents Ayu-ro Mix 4|Ayu-ro Mix 4]]''. On the same day, ''[[Rock'n'Roll Circus Tour Final: 7days Special|2010 Rock 'n' Roll Circus Tour]]'' and ''[[A 50 Singles: Live Selection]]'' topped the weekly chart at number one and two respectively. The simultaneous releases made Hamasaki the first artist ever to have four albums in Oricon's top ten, and also the first artist to hold the two top positions on the Oricon DVD chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20110426-00000330-oric-musi |title=浜崎あゆみ、史上初のアルバム4作同時TOP10入り|date=April 27, 2011|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430103230/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20110426-00000330-oric-musi|archive-date=April 30, 2011|url-status=dead|publisher=Oricon}}</ref>

On August 31, Hamasaki released her second mini album: ''[[Five (EP)|Five]]''. It topped the Oricon chart for two weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-09-06 |title=【オリコン】浜崎あゆみ、18作目のアルバム首位 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2001457/ |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref>

===2012–2013: 15th anniversary, ''Party Queen'', ''Love again'', and ''A Summer Best''===

On March 21, Hamasaki released her thirteenth studio album, ''[[Party Queen]].''<ref name="deliriumzer0.com">{{Cite web |title=February 23 – Party queen {{!}} Ayumi Hamasaki: A Beginner's Guide |url=https://www.deliriumzer0.com/ayu/daily-partyqueen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209090049/https://www.deliriumzer0.com/ayu/daily-partyqueen |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-09 |website=www.deliriumzer0.com}}</ref> During the press tour, Hamasaki would say that she had considered making the release her first [[double album]] due to "how easy" songwriting had been during production.<ref name="deliriumzer0.com" />

On August 6, 2012, Hamasaki released her sixth compilation album ''[[A Summer Best]]''. In September, it was announced that there would be new material for five consecutive months to celebrate the artist's fifteenth anniversary; these releases consisted of [[Love (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|''Love'']], ''[[Again (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Again]]'', ''[[A Classical]]'', ''[[Love Again (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Love Again]]'', and ''[[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2012 A: Hotel Love Songs|Arena Tour 2012 A: Hotel Love Songs]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=浜崎あゆみ 5ヶ月連続リリース記念特集|url=http://shop.mu-mo.net/a/st/event/ayu1211/|website=mu-mo Shop|access-date=15 June 2014|archive-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105000539/http://shop.mu-mo.net/a/st/event/ayu1211/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:浜崎あゆみ、「毎月8日」に5ヶ月連続新作発表 |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2017090/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153200/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2017090/full/ |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=15 June 2014 |publisher=Oricon Style |language=ja}}</ref>

In April 2013, Hamasaki began the ''[[Ayumi Hamasaki 15th Anniversary Tour: A Best Live|15th Anniversary Tour: A Best Live]]'' tour. Its setlist, selected by an online fan survey, was later released as her first live CD.<ref name="first live album">{{cite web|title=アルバム連続TOP10歴代1位を獲得した浜崎あゆみ|work=ニュース&エンタメ情報『めるも』 |date=February 28, 2014|url=http://news.merumo.ne.jp/article/genre/1678577|publisher=Yomerumo News|access-date=15 June 2014|language=ja|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714165316/http://news.merumo.ne.jp/article/genre/1678577|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2014–2015: ''Colours'', ''A One'', and ''Sixxxxxx''===
From May 30 to July 6, 2014, Hamasaki held her ''[[Ayumi Hamasaki Premium Showcase: Feel the Love|Premium Showcase: Feel the Love]]'' tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=LIVE – "ayumi hamasaki PREMIUM SHOWCASE ～Feel the love～"|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/live/tour.php?id=1000145|website=Ayumi Hamasaki Official website|access-date=15 June 2014|language=ja|archive-date=July 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713043421/http://avex.jp/ayu/live/tour.php?id=1000145|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamasaki's fifteenth studio album, entitled ''[[Colours (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Colours]]'', was released on July 2, 2014; recorded in [[Los Angeles]], it was the sole project the singer worked on entirely in the United States. Of its creative direction, Hamasaki said: "Now that I'm living in L.A., I thought 'I want to do work I could only do in L.A'... I was very proactive about it."<ref>{{Cite book |title=浜崎あゆみ: New Step! (interview) |date=April 2014 |publisher=SCawaii}}</ref>

''[[A One]],'' Hamasaki's sixteenth studio album, was released on April 8, 2015; during its press tour, the singer described the album as a return to "the 'Ayumi Hamasaki' of the past".<ref>{{Cite web |title="A ONE": A return to the royal road of J-POP! |url=https://www.avex.jp/ayu/discography/detail.php?id=1009626 |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=DISCOGRAPHY {{!}} ayumi hamasaki（浜崎あゆみ） official website |language=ja}}</ref> Between April and July 2015, Hamasaki embarked on her ''[[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2015 A: Cirque de Minuit The Final|Arena Tour 2015 A: Cirque de Minuit]]'' tour, followed by the released of ''[[Sixxxxxx]],'' her sixth EP.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:浜崎あゆみ史上最長3時間45分、徹底演出で魅せた"真夜中のサーカス" |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/152944 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104194857/http://natalie.mu/music/news/152944 |archive-date=January 4, 2016 |access-date=2 January 2016 |website=Natalie.mu |language=ja}}</ref> To promote the release, Hamasaki held her first [[Team Ayu|fanclub exclusive tour]] in twelve years.<ref>{{cite web |title=2015年秋、TA LIMITED LIVE TOUR 開催決定！！ |url=http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1024164 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104194857/http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1024164 |archive-date=January 4, 2016 |access-date=2 January 2016 |website=Ayumi Hamasaki Official Website |language=ja}}</ref> On December 23, 2015, Hamasaki released ''[[Winter Diary: A7 Classical]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=浜崎あゆみ冬のクラシック盤、小室哲哉と美人すぎるバイオリニスト参加|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/166986|website=Natalie.mu|access-date=2 January 2016|archive-date=January 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104194857/http://natalie.mu/music/news/166986|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2016–2020: ''Made in Japan,'' 20th anniversary, ''Trouble'' ===
A 15th anniversary edition of ''[[A Best]]'' was released on March 28, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=『A(ロゴ) BEST −15th Anniversary Edition-』|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1031568|website=Ayumi Hamasaki official website|access-date=22 February 2016|archive-date=February 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205041502/http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1031568|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2016, Hamasaki began the ''Arena Tour 2016 A: Made in Japan'' tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=『"ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2016 A(ロゴ) ～MADE IN JAPAN～"』開催大決定！！|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1031561|website=Ayumi Hamasaki official website|access-date=21 February 2016|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303000637/http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1031561|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Ayumi Hamasaki in Taipei 2015.jpg|thumb|Hamasaki during a 2015 press tour in Taipei]]

On May 11, 2016, ''[[Made in Japan (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Made in Japan]]'' was released on the streaming platform AWA.<ref>{{cite web|title=BIG NEWS!! 「AWA」にて、6月29日発売のニューアルバム「M(A)DE IN JAPAN」が、CD発売の1ヶ月半前の5月11日(水)より全曲独占先行配信決定!!|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1035694|website=Ayumi Hamasaki official website|access-date=15 May 2016|language=ja|date=11 May 2016|archive-date=May 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518060234/http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1035694|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:浜崎あゆみ再生100万回、新アルバム先行配信|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/1653144.html|website=Nikkan Sports|access-date=28 May 2016|language=ja|archive-date=May 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528150828/http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/1653144.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A year later in May 2017, Hamasaki embarked on her ''Just the Beginning Tour 2017'' tour.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2017/02/hamasaki-ayumi-to-hold-her-longest-tour-yet-consisting-of-60-shows|title= Hamasaki Ayumi to hold her longest tour yet consisting of 60 shows|date= February 14, 2017|access-date= February 18, 2021|work= tokyohive|publisher= 6Theory Media, LLC.|archive-date= February 25, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210225043556/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2017/02/hamasaki-ayumi-to-hold-her-longest-tour-yet-consisting-of-60-shows|url-status= live}}</ref> The second part of the tour, ''Just the Beginning Part 2: Sacrifice'', was held between September and November. On September 6, Hamasaki released "[[Words (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Words]]" as a free download for tour attendees.<ref>{{cite web |title=ayumi hamasaki 来場者限定｢WORDS｣ダウンロードサイト |url=http://sp-m.mu-mo.net/specials/sp/ayu1709/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122034858/http://sp-m.mu-mo.net/specials/sp/ayu1709/index.html |archive-date=January 22, 2018 |access-date=17 September 2017 |website=mu-mo}}</ref> The third chapter of the tour was held in December 2017 through February 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=ayumi hamasaki Just the beginning −20- TOUR 2017 |url=http://avex.jp/ayu/live/tour.php?id=1001001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201012847/http://avex.jp/ayu/live/tour.php?id=1001001 |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=17 October 2017 |website=Ayumi Hamasaki official website |publisher=Avex}}</ref>

The ''Power of Music: 20th Anniversary'' tour ran from April 7 to July 22, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1057714|script-title=ja:「ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2018 ～POWER of MUSIC 20th A(ロゴ)nniversary～」開催決定！|date=January 22, 2018|publisher=Ayumi Hamasaki Official|language=ja|trans-title="Ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2018 ~ POWER of MUSIC 20th A (logo)nniversary ~" will be held!|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915225738/https://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1057714|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Trouble (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Trouble]]'', her seventh EP, was released on August 15, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aramajapan.com/news/newrelease/ayumi-hamasaki-to-release-new-album-trouble-in-august-2018/90108/|title=Ayumi Hamasaki to release new album "TROUBLE" in August ｛｛2018|date=August 15, 2018|work=Arama Japan|access-date=August 26, 2019|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721163637/https://aramajapan.com/news/newrelease/ayumi-hamasaki-to-release-new-album-trouble-in-august-2018/90108/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October, Hamasaki began the ''Ayumi Hamasaki Live Tour: Trouble 2018–2019'' tour, which was then extended from May 2019 into ''Trouble Tour 2019–2020: Misunderstood''. Inbetween, Hamasaki held her annual New Year's Eve concert: ''[[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2019–2020: Promised Land A|Countdown Live 2019–2020: Promised Land.]]''

In February 2020, the singer began her ''[[Trouble Tour 2020 A: Saigo no Trouble – Final|Trouble Tour 2020: Saigo no Trouble]]'' tour; it was later canceled after two dates due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:浜崎あゆみ 全国ツアー全36公演中止発表「心がちぎれる想い」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2020/05/19/kiji/20200519s00041000302000c.html |access-date=July 4, 2020 |website=Sponichi Annex |language=ja |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613140236/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2020/05/19/kiji/20200519s00041000302000c.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In response, Hamasaki organized and took part in multiple online concerts: ''[[Team Ayu|Premium Limited Live A: Natsu no Trouble]]'' on July 25,<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=July 25, 2020 |script-title=ja:浜崎あゆみ、初の無観客配信ライブで約5ヶ月ぶりステージ 我が子へ捧げる「オヒアの木」初披露＜ライブレポ／セットリスト＞ |trans-title=Ayumi Hamasaki's first live broadcast without audience for the first time in about 5 months Debuting "Ohia no Ki" for her child <Live report/Set list> |url=https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/2157562 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200731182515/https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/2157562 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |access-date=July 25, 2020 |work=Modelpress |language=ja}}</ref> ''[[A-nation online 2020|A-Nation Online 2020]]'' on August 29'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Billboard Japan, 浜崎あゆみ、神セトリ＆背景スクリーンに花火で大団円【a-nation online 2020】 |url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/91705/2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214140839/https://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/91705/2 |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=December 14, 2022}}</ref>'' ''[[Trouble Tour 2020 A: Saigo no Trouble – Final|Trouble Tour 2020: Saigo no Trouble – Final]]'' on October 2,<ref>{{Cite web |title=【ライブレポート】浜崎あゆみ、ピンクの海の中でレア曲連発「サイゴノトラブル」を終わらせる（写真6枚） |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/399065 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214140830/https://natalie.mu/music/news/399065 |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=音楽ナタリー |language=ja |trans-website=Natalie}}</ref> and ''[[Team Ayu#Special Showcase Xmas Eve 2020 (2020)|Special Showcase Xmas Eve 2020]]'' on December 24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ayumi hamasaki LIMITED TA Special Xmas LIVE 2020 ～@Maihama Amphitheaterー～ |url=https://ayu-vogue.net/post/632767523072442368/ayumi-hamasaki-limited-ta-special-xmas-live-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214140834/https://ayu-vogue.net/post/632767523072442368/ayumi-hamasaki-limited-ta-special-xmas-live-2020 |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=Tumblr}}</ref> ''Countdown Live 2020–2021 A: Music For Life,'' two concerts for December 30 and 31, was canceled on December 29 due to a member of staff testing positive with [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19.]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kyle |date=2020-12-29 |title=Ayumi Hamasaki cancels Countdown Live 2020–2021 concert |url=https://aramajapan.com/news/concert/ayumi-hamasaki-cancels-countdown-live-2020-2021-concert/111048/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214140834/https://aramajapan.com/news/concert/ayumi-hamasaki-cancels-countdown-live-2020-2021-concert/111048/ |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=ARAMA! JAPAN |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ayumi hamasaki on Instagram: "このステージに立ち、パフォーマンスを観て頂く夢は叶わなかったけれど 同じゴールだけをひたすらに目指して、ミュージシャンチームが、コーラスチームが、クワイヤーチームが、ダンサーズが、そしてたくさんのスタッフが毎日一歩ずつ試行錯誤しながら夢をカタチにしようと挑んできたあの日々は決して無駄なんかじゃなく、想いや経験として胸に刻まれ残って行く 一見こんなにも華やかなのに、神妙な面持ちをしたスタッフの涙と共に取り壊されて行ったステージのように 一生忘れない チーム内で感染が確認された方々が、1日も早く回復される事を祈りながら、自主隔離中の今はただ、静かに、穏やかに、、 これまで、本当に有り難うございました #MusicForLife" |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CJbcaEkBV7F/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214140833/https://www.instagram.com/p/CJbcaEkBV7F/ |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=Instagram |language=en}}</ref> Two singles, "[[Ohia no Ki]]" and "[[Dreamed a Dream]]", were released in July 2020.

=== 2021–2022: ''A Ballads 2'' ===
Hamasaki released the compilation album ''A Ballads 2'', which peaked at number three in the Oricon top ten, and single "[[23rd Monster]]" on April 8, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oricon Chart Ranking |work=ORICON NEWS |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dis/d/2021-04-08/}}</ref>

In June 2021, Hamasaki held ''[[Team Ayu#Music for Life: Return (2021)|Music for Life: Return]]'', which used some of the concept and setlist initially planned for the canceled ''Countdown Live 2020 – 2021: Music For Life'' concert. ''[[Team Ayu#Summer TA Party (2021)|Summer Party 2021]]'' was held on August 23.<ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみが豊洲で一夜限りのFC限定イベント「忘れられない夏の思い出を」 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/437146 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214140833/https://natalie.mu/music/news/437146 |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=音楽ナタリー |language=ja |trans-website=Natalie}}</ref> Hamasaki then embarked on ''Asia Tour 2021–2022 A: 23rd Monster'' from October 2; despite the name, there were no confirmed dates outside of Japan due to COVID-19 restrictions.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Hamasaki Ayumi adds Aichi concert to Asia tour + to hold countdown live |url=https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2022/10/hamasaki-ayumi-adds-aichi-to-asia-tour-to-hold-countdown-live |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214140838/https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2022/10/hamasaki-ayumi-adds-aichi-to-asia-tour-to-hold-countdown-live |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=tokyohive}}</ref>

On November 4, it was reported that Hamasaki had fractured her ankle but that her concerts later that week would still be held.<ref>{{Cite web |title=滨崎步在公演结束后失去意识 被紧急送往医院救治--日本频道--人民网 |url=http://japan.people.com.cn/n1/2021/1108/c35421-32276773 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=japan.people.com.cn}}</ref> On November 6, the artist was found unresponsive after that evening's event, and was hospitalized for [[anaphylactic shock]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-07 |title=浜崎あゆみ、体調不良で７日公演中止発表 ６日公演後に救急搬送アナフィラキシーショックの診断 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20211107-OHT1T51048.html?page=1 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}}</ref> Hamasaki returned to work on November 13 for [[17LIVE|17LIVE 4th Anniversary meets Ayumi Hamasaki]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2021-11-13 |title=アナフィラキシーショックで一時意識不明に陥った浜崎あゆみが仕事復帰 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20211113-U73SJFDPPRP2DITJ2B7PPXCU54/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}}</ref> and later had surgery for her ankle on November 16.<ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ 骨折の右足首手術無事終了＆退院を報告 麻酔が切れた時「人生初の痛さ」 – スポニチ Sponichi Annex 芸能 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2021/11/16/kiji/20211107s00041000432000c.html |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}}</ref> At the end of the year, her ''Countdown Live 2021 – 2022 A: 23rd Monster'' concerts were held in Tokyo along with a livestream on dTV.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2022 |title=浜崎あゆみ、"聖地"代々木で2年ぶりカウントダウンライブ ファン歓喜「セトリが神すぎた」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2219946/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214140830/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2219946/full/ |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref>

Hamasaki held an anniversary concert titled ''Asia Tour: 24th Anniversary Special'' on April 6, 2022,<ref name="thefirsttimes.jp">{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ、ぴあアリーナMMで開催された24周年アニバーサリーライブ完全レポートが到着 |url=https://www.thefirsttimes.jp/news/0000104659/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160353/https://www.thefirsttimes.jp/news/0000104659/ |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=THE FIRST TIMES |language=ja}}</ref> and toured July through August for ''[[Team Ayu|Summer TA Party 2022]]''.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1542387770723016704 |user=ayu_19980408 |title=TA限定「Summer TA Party 2022」🌴 大阪公演開催決定‼️ 【会場/日程】 Zepp Namba (OSAKA) 8/8(月) 18:00/19:00 8/9(火) 18:00/19:00 🎫最速先行受付7/8(金)〜 今からのFC入会でも申込み可能😉 #teamayu への入会は👉 →https://t.co/H1Oh5Yjkpe #SummerTAParty #サマパアゲイン |first=Ayumi |last=Hamasaki |author-link=Ayumi Hamasaki |date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=January 15, 2023 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214140838/https://twitter.com/ayu_19980408/status/1542387770723016704 |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |url-status=live |trans-title=TA limited "Summer TA Party 2022" 🌴 Osaka performance will be held!! ️ [Venue/Schedule] Zepp Namba (OSAKA) 8/8 (Mon) 18:00/19:00 8/9 (Tue) 18:00/19:00 🎫Fastest advance reception 7/8 (Fri) ~ From now You can apply even if you join the FC 😉 Join #teamayu 👉 → #SummerTAParty #Samapaagain}}</ref> After announcing that work had begun on an upcoming studio album, singles "[[Nonfiction (song)|Nonfiction]]", "[[Summer Again]]", and "[[Mask (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Mask]]" were released, each debuting in the top five of the Oricon Daily Digital Singles Chart.

The final show for ''Asia Tour 2021–2022 A: 23rd Monster'' took place on December 10, 2022, in [[Nagoya]].<ref name=":4" /> ''Countdown Live 2022–2023: Remember You'' was held on December 30 and 31 at Yoyogi National Stadium.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ayumi hamasaki COUNTDOWN LIVE 2022–2023 A ～Remember you～LIVE {{!}} ayumi hamasaki（浜崎あゆみ） official website |url=https://avex.jp/ayu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010215405/https://avex.jp/ayu/ |archive-date=October 10, 2019 |access-date=2022-12-08 |website=ayumi hamasaki COUNTDOWN LIVE 2022–2023 A ～Remember you～LIVE {{!}} ayumi hamasaki（浜崎あゆみ） official website |language=ja}}</ref> It marked the singer's twentieth new year concert ahead of her 25th anniversary since debut.

===2023: 25th anniversary, ''Remember You''===
[[File:Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2024 (7).jpg|thumb|''Asia Tour 2024 A: I am Ayu'' (Shanghai)|left|280x280px]]
On January 25, Hamasaki released her eighteenth studio album: ''[[Remember You (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Remember You]].'' The album's subsequent performance earned her the distinction of becoming the female artist with the most albums to reach the top ten on the Oricon charts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TOMORROW X TOGETHER、7作連続「アルバム」1位【オリコンランキング】 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2265911/full/ |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=ORICON NEWS |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131101448/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2265911/full/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 28, Hamasaki was announced as a brand ambassador for Rhythm Co. Ltd. When asked about her 25th anniversary, the singer said: "I couldn't do all of this alone for 25 years, if I'd only done it for myself. I want to repay the people who took care of me. (...) I don't really feel like celebrating myself at all."<ref>{{Citation |title=浜崎あゆみ、2児の母になり苦労明かす「独身の頃はそんなことなかった」『リズム株式会社 新商品発表記者会見』 | date=March 28, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBVSJC-Zz8A |access-date=2023-03-28 |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328131638/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBVSJC-Zz8A |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ８年ぶり記者会見登壇「うわー！」笑顔であいさつ デビュー25周年、節目の１年 – 芸能 : 日刊スポーツ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202303280000862.html |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=nikkansports.com |language=ja |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328131640/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202303280000862.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The singer held her ''25th Anniversary Live'' concert on April 8 alongside a livestream hosted by [[Abema]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2021 |title=浜崎あゆみ「25th Anniversary LIVE」ABEMAにて独占生配信決定"最初で最後のビッグニュース"の発表も – モデルプレス |url=https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/3659238 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327111459/https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/3659238 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=モデルプレス – ライフスタイル・ファッションエンタメニュース |language=ja}}</ref> From April 7, the [[109 (department store)#Collaboration with Ayumi Hamasaki|25th Anniversary Shibuya109 Campaign]] took place to celebrate Hamasaki's milestone year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FASHIONSNAP |date=2023-03-30 |title=浜崎あゆみと渋谷109がコラボ 歌手デビュー25周年を記念 |url=https://www.fashionsnap.com/article/2023-03-30/ayumihamasaki-sibuya109/ |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=FASHIONSNAP [ファッションスナップ] |language=ja |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816143501/https://www.fashionsnap.com/article/2023-03-30/ayumihamasaki-sibuya109/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-30 |title=『ayumi hamasaki 25th Anniversary SHIBUYA109 Campaign』 |url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000220.000033586.html |access-date=2023-07-15 |website=プレスリリース・ニュースリリース配信シェアNo.1｜PR TIMES |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816143504/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000220.000033586.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 8, Hamasaki began her ''25th Anniversary Tour,'' announcing three different acts that ran until March 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-15 |title=浜崎あゆみ47都道府県ﾗｲﾌﾞﾂｱｰ2023–2024日程や会場どこ？ﾁｹｯﾄ発売についても調査 |url=https://www.totoya-hanbe.jp/ayumihamasaki-live-tour-2023-2024-date-place-ticket-1412 |access-date=2023-07-15 |website=ぽてと's Enjoy Life |language=ja |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816143449/https://www.totoya-hanbe.jp/ayumihamasaki-live-tour-2023-2024-date-place-ticket-1412 |url-status=live }}</ref> The scheduled dates included locations in all 47 prefectures of Japan, a first for the singer; Hamasaki would say later that this came from a wish to "see all of Team Ayu" for her 25th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=【完売しました】ayumi hamasaki 25th Anniversary Live Tour 9/2（土）大ホール 18:30開演 {{!}} ザ・ヒロサワ・シティ会館 ｜ザ・ヒロサワ・シティ会館はコンサートや演劇などの様々な催し物を行うための、大・小ホール、集会室、展示室、ギャラリーなどを備えた文化施設です。 |url=https://icf4717.or.jp/bunkacenter/event/%e3%80%90%e7%99%ba%e5%a3%b26-24-1000%e3%80%91ayumi-hamasaki-25th-anniversary-live-tour%e3%80%809-2%ef%bc%88%e5%9c%9f%ef%bc%89%e5%a4%a7%e3%83%9b%e3%83%bc%e3%83%ab-1830%e9%96%8b%e6%bc%94/ |access-date=2023-07-15 |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715085405/https://icf4717.or.jp/bunkacenter/event/%E3%80%90%E7%99%BA%E5%A3%B26-24-1000%E3%80%91ayumi-hamasaki-25th-anniversary-live-tour%E3%80%809-2%EF%BC%88%E5%9C%9F%EF%BC%89%E5%A4%A7%E3%83%9B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB-1830%E9%96%8B%E6%BC%94/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Hamasaki's new year concert, ''Countdown Live 2023–2024: A Complete 25,'' took place later that year at Yoyogi Stadium on December 30–31. A livestream of the final date was broadcast by [[Abema]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-07 |title=浜崎あゆみのカウントダウンライヴ 『ayumi hamasaki COUNTDOWN LIVE 2023–2024 A 〜A COMPLETE 25〜』を「ABEMA PPV ONLINE LIVE」にて 2023年12月31日（日）22時30分より独占生配信決定｜株式会社OEN |url=https://www.o-e-n.co.jp/works/releases/1426/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=OEN OFFICIAL WEBSITE |language=ja |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222065058/https://www.o-e-n.co.jp/works/releases/1426/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2024 (3).jpg|thumb|320x320px|''Asia Tour 2024 A: I am Ayu'']]

=== 2024–present: ''I am Ayu'' ===
In March 2024, Hamasaki released a cover of [[Miyuki Nakajima]]'s "[[Jidai (Miyuki Nakajima song)#Ayumi Hamasaki version|Jidai]]" as the theme song for ''Banpaku no Taiyo''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ、中島みゆきの名曲「時代」をカヴァー＆配信リリース 橋本環奈主演ドラマの主題歌に起用 – CDJournal ニュース |url=https://www.cdjournal.com/main/news/hamasaki-ayumi/109179 |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=www.cdjournal.com |language=ja |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816143503/https://www.cdjournal.com/main/news/hamasaki-ayumi/109179 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April, "[[Bye-Bye (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Bye-Bye]]" was used as the April–May theme for [[Minna no Uta]], becoming Hamasaki's first contribution to the program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=日本放送協会 |title=BYE-BYE |url=https://www.nhk.or.jp/minna/songs/MIN202404_01 |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=NHK みんなのうた |language=ja |archive-date=June 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619065603/https://www.nhk.or.jp/minna/songs/MIN202404_01/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 21, "[[Aurora (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Aurora]]" received a limited release as the theme for [[Azur Lane]]'s seventh anniversary; it was released internationally on June 26.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gameboy |date=2024-05-24 |title="Azur Lane" Seventh Anniversary Celebration: The sea is as blue as ever, let's go to the seventh anniversary together! |url=http://plygame.net/?p=2491 |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=GAME-TIME |language=en-US |archive-date=June 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619065600/http://plygame.net/?p=2491 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>

On September 1, Hamasaki performed on the main stage at [[A-Nation|A-Nation 2024]]. Other performers included [[Koda Kumi]], [[Red Velvet (group)|Red Velvet]], and [[TRF (group)|TRF]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=【ライブレポート】東方神起、浜崎あゆみら出演！4年ぶりの『a-nation』に5万人が熱狂 |url=https://www.thefirsttimes.jp/report/0000478240/ |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=THE FIRST TIMES |language=ja}}</ref> From September 2 to October 2, Hamasaki embarked on the ''[[Team Ayu#Team Ayu Limited: Thank U Tour 2024 (2024)|TA Limited: Thank U Tour]]'', holding seven concerts across four locations in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=moro413 |date=2024-10-02 |title=浜崎あゆみ ライブ 2024 大阪 セトリ 10/1-10/2 |url=https://live-setlist2.hatenablog.com/entry/ayu-osaka-2024-10 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=ライブ-セットリスト2 |language=ja}}</ref> Hamasaki's third Asia tour, ''[[Asia Tour 2024 A: I am Ayu]]'', began in Shanghai on November 1. The tour included dates for her annual Countdown Live concerts in Tokyo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ、ファンクラブ限定ツアーが無事終了！アジアツアーにも意気込み「絶対にまたやり切れるのだと信じて」（E-TALENTBANK） |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d448a8b5599d8726e3d3ef44aa53210f29628461 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=【ライブレポート】浜崎あゆみ、恒例カウントダウンでファンへ思い届ける「2025年もみんなと共に、新たな未来へ」 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/606300 |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=音楽ナタリー |language=ja}}</ref>

On April 8, 2025, the ''Asia Tour 2025: I am Ayu Ep. II'' tour began in Tokyo, Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ、アジアツアー初日を日本公演に決定！ファン歓喜 |url=https://sportsbull.jp/p/1987268/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=スポーツブル (スポブル) |language=ja}}</ref> "[[Mimosa (song)|Mimosa]]" was released on the same day to commemorate the singer's 27th anniversary, and was used for the third season of ''[[Second to Last Love]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ニュース 1 ｜ 続・続・最後から二番目の恋 |url=https://www.fujitv.co.jp/nibanmeno_koi/news/news01.html |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=フジテレビ |language=ja}}</ref> During the [[Weibo|2025 Weibo Culture Exchange Night]] event on April 15, Hamasaki received the Best Artist award for her contributions to the shared media culture between Japan and China.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-15 |title=浜崎あゆみ、胸元ざっくり衣装にお団子ヘア 『微博』イベントで「ウォーアイニー！」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2379474/full/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ、ウエスト部分がレースのパンツスタイル「今年も中国でたくさん公演」微博イベント（日刊スポーツ） |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/f933ade92aeb543ae929aa2c9647b531e91f5931 |access-date=2025-04-15 |website=Yahoo!ニュース |language=ja}}</ref>

==Artistry==
=== Lyrics ===
{{quote box
| quote = In the beginning, I was searching for myself in my music. My music was for me. I didn't have the mental room to be conscious of the listener; I wrote to save myself. I didn't understand what it was to write songs. But over time I began to see many things, my influence, the responsibilities that gave me.
| source = — Hamasaki on the new lyrical directions in ''I Am...''.<ref name="TimeInterview"/>
| width = 30%
| salign = left
}}

Having trouble voicing her thoughts out loud, Hamasaki began writing as an outlet; she draws inspiration from her own experiences and emotions, as well as from the lives of those around her.<ref name="AvexProfile">{{cite web |title=Ayumi Hamasaki's Profile (Avex) |url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/english/ayu/#profile |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051217103237/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/english/ayu/#profile |archive-date=December 17, 2005 |access-date=March 23, 2008 |publisher=[[Avex Trax|Avex Network]]}}</ref> She has stated that honesty is essential to her lyrics, saying, "If I write when I'm low, it will be a dark song, but I don't care. I want to be honest with myself at all times".<ref name="AvexProfile" />

In Hamasaki's debut years, Tetsu Misaki noted a large change in the lyrical style between ''A Song for ××'' and her following albums ''Loveppears,'' and ''Duty''. Misaki believed that Hamasaki's meteoric rise to fame had impacted her perspective, signaled by her using the words {{nihongo|''bokura''|僕ら||"we"}} and {{nihongo|''tsutaeru''|伝える||"convey/tell"}} more often; it gave the impression that she was thinking more on her influence as a public figure.<ref name="Jpopnonihongo1" /> Hamasaki's awareness of her fame went on to shape the lyrical direction of her albums ''I Am...'' and ''Rainbow,<ref name="Time" />'' only returning to a more autobiographical style with ''My Story''; in a 2004 interview, she stated that her goal was to return to making something "unmistakably human", instead of writing to give people hope or comfort.<ref>{{Cite book |title=NEW ALBUM [MY STORY] INTERVIEW |date=December 2004 |publisher=Avex: Team Ayu Magazine }}</ref>

Hamasaki's lyrics went on to define her public image; in two surveys conducted by Oricon, respondents voted Hamasaki's writing as their favorite aspect of her artistry.<ref name="10thoricon">{{cite web |date=September 10, 2008 |title=Ayumi Hamasaki 10th Anniversary Commemoration: Different Aspects of Her Charm! |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/080910_04.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601114243/https://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/080910_04.html |archive-date=June 1, 2009 |access-date=October 17, 2008 |publisher=[[Oricon]] |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Yuuki |first=Tai |date=February 28, 2007 |title=A Thorough Analysis! Her Best-of Albums and Approaching Her Charm! |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/070228_01.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302074028/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/070228_01.html |archive-date=March 2, 2007 |access-date=November 3, 2009 |work=[[Oricon Style]] |publisher=[[Oricon]]}}</ref> Steve McClure of ''[[The Japan Times]]'' noted that Hamasaki quickly developed a reputation as a "thoughtful, introspective lyricist";<ref>{{cite web |last=McClure |first=Steve |date=December 19, 2001 |title=2001 – A Sound Odyssey |url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20011219a1.html |access-date=November 4, 2009 |work=The Japan Times |publisher=The Japan Times Ltd.}}</ref> ''[[The Village Voice]]'' went further, complimenting her ability to sing of "the pain and happiness of millennial life".<ref name="VillageVoice" /> Subaru Tomioka, in regard to the singer's impact on the [[LGBTQ]] community, appreciated how she "replaced love songs between men and women with ones between people of the same sex, in a world where role models hadn't previously existed outside of your own imagination."<ref name=":6" /> Tomioka also highlighted her ability to bring emotion into her work, specifically the enmity Hamasaki has conveyed through songs such as "[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Name's Women]]", "[[Rock 'n' Roll Circus|Lady Dynamite]]", and "[[Remember You (album)|Vibees]]".<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみが表明する社会への「怒り」。フェミニズムの視点で歌詞を紐解く {{!}} CINRA |url=https://www.cinra.net/article/202302-ayumihamasaki |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=www.cinra.net |language=ja}}</ref>

A notable aspect of Hamasaki's discography is her consistent use of English for her song, album, and tour titles; in an interview for her fifteenth anniversary, the singer stated "The meaning would be more restricted in Japanese—for example, if I use 'red' instead of 'aku' (赤), wouldn't you wonder, "What's the meaning? It's not simply 'aku', right?" I want to evoke more ideas (from the reader)."<ref>{{Cite book |title=ayu x TA INTERVIEW: 15 years of history |publisher=Team Ayu Magazine |year=2014}}</ref>{{Listen
|filename=Ayumi_Hamasaki_-_Evolution.ogg
|title="Evolution" (2001)
|description=Many of Hamasaki's songs are dance tunes, such as "Evolution" (2001), a self-composed single that also has rock elements.
|filename2=Ayumi_Hamasaki_-_M.ogg
|title2="M" (2000)
|description2="M", the first song composed by Hamasaki under the pseudonym "Crea", shifts to a [[relative key]], like most of her self-composed songs.<ref name="sheet">''Ayumi Hamasaki&nbsp;— Piano Solo&nbsp;— New Piano Sounds Top 25''. Volume 7. {{ISBN|978-4-89638-944-9}}</ref>
|filename3=Ayumi_Hamasaki_-_Bold_&_Delicious.ogg
|title3="Bold & Delicious" (2005)
|description3=Hamasaki took new directions on ''(Miss)understood'', as epitomized by the single "Bold & Delicious", a [[funk]]-influenced song that used a gospel-style chorus.
|pos=right
}}

=== Musical style ===
Hamasaki has released almost three hundred original songs; through them, she has covered a wide range of musical styles, such as [[dance music|dance]], [[Heavy metal music|metal]], [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]], [[progressive rock]], [[pop music|pop]], and [[classical music|classical]]. Hamasaki has cited Madonna, [[Babyface (musician)|Babyface]], [[En Vogue]], [[Led Zeppelin]], and [[Deep Purple]] among her early influences, and has openly appreciated the works of [[Seiko Matsuda]], [[Michelle Branch]], [[Yumi Matsutoya]], [[Rie Miyazawa]], [[Hikaru Utada|Utada Hikaru]], [[Joan Osborne]], [[Miyuki Nakajima]], and [[Keiko Yamada]].

Hamasaki began commissioning remixes of her songs early in her career, and this practice also influenced the diversity of her music.<ref name="VillageVoice" /> These remixes span a variety of genres such as [[Eurobeat]], [[house music|house]], and [[trance music|trance]], as well as [[acoustic music|acoustic]] mixes, classical and [[Music of China#Traditional music|traditional Chinese music]]. The musicians and acts she has worked with directly include [[Above & Beyond (band)|Above & Beyond]], the [[Lamoureux Orchestra]],<ref group="fn">
For a comprehensive list of Hamasaki's Avex-sanctioned remixes released in Japan, see Hamasaki's discography at [http://music.mu-mo.net/DispDetailArtist.php?id=%E6%B5%9C%E5%B4%8E%E3%81%82%E3%82%86%E3%81%BF&subgenre=0&filetype=0 mu-mo.net] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20090116163809/http://music.mu-mo.net/DispDetailArtist.php?id=浜崎あゆみ&subgenre=0&filetype=0 |date=January 16, 2009 }}. 
</ref> [[Tom Holkenborg|Junkie XL]], and the Princess China Music Orchestra.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avex.com.tw/4th/artist/artist.asp?aid=306871&aname=pcmo&main=1&cateid=2 |title=Artist profile of Princess China Music Orchestra |access-date=May 2, 2008 |publisher=[[Avex Trax|Avex Taiwan]] |language=zh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009103208/http://www.avex.com.tw/4th/artist/artist.asp?aid=306871&aname=pcmo&main=1&cateid=2 |archive-date=October 9, 2008 }}</ref>

In addition to writing her own lyrics, Hamasaki has involved herself in other aspects of production throughout her career. Though Max Matsuura is officially credited as the producer of her records, he said of Hamasaki, "Ayu is a very meticulous worker behind the scenes. A lot of the work she does by herself is more in the producer's arena. I think really we should say 'Produced by Ayumi Hamasaki'."<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040820032901/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/beatfreak/142/artists/ayumi.html|archive-date=August 20, 2004|url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/beatfreak/142/artists/ayumi.html|title=Loveppears|last=Kazuki|first=Okabe|work=Beat Freak Online|publisher=[[Avex]]|access-date=November 6, 2009}}</ref> In 2022, Matsuura stated that he stepped away from the lead producer role in 2000 as Hamasaki took on more responsibilities.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=July 22, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwbW2ifrwEs |title=【松浦勝人】 浜崎あゆみの歌を作らなくなった理由を語る‼︎【切り抜き/avex会長/ayu /エイベックス /生放送】 |publisher=松浦勝人の切り抜き君【avex】 |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109080434/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwbW2ifrwEs |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Hamasaki began to pen her own compositions in 2000, beginning with her single "[[M (song)|M]]".  During its production process, she struggled to find a melody that matched what she had in mind, and decided it would be faster to compose it herself.<ref name="TimeInterview2" /><ref name="Rockin" /> In a 2001 interview, she stated that 'I never thought it was important for me to start writing original songs... with "M", it just so happened that the melody I wrote fit the best.' In the same interview, Hamasaki said she felt no pressure to continue composing, and that she felt she could 'only go so far' with it due to her lack of formal knowledge.<ref>{{Cite web |last=kimonobeat |title=MUSIC CREATOR April–May 2001: Hamasaki Ayumi "A BEST" & "NEVER EVER" (translation) |url=https://ko-fi.com/Blog/Post/MUSIC-CREATOR-April-May-2001-Hamasaki-Ayumi-A-BE-H2H5KU8D}}</ref> Her final published composition was "Will", the b-side track to the 2005 single "[[Heaven (Ayumi Hamasaki song)|Heaven]]".

=== Videos and stage ===
[[File:Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2008 Mirrorcle World.jpg|thumb|A performance of "[[Mirrorcle World]]" (2008)]]
Hamasaki is often involved in the artistic direction of her music videos.<ref name="hpsecretinterview" /> The themes of the videos are varied; many contain short storylines, some of which use symbolism to convey their respective messages.<ref name="10thoricon" /> Additionally, the videos of "Fairyland", "[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Name's Women]]", "Jewel", "Green", and "[[L (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Virgin Road]]" are among the top twenty or so [[List of most expensive music videos|most expensive music videos]], making Hamasaki the only non-American artist to hold such a distinction.<ref name="Welt">{{cite news | url=https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article836335/Die_teuersten_Musikvideos_aller_Zeiten.html | title=The Most Expensive Music Videos of All Time| publisher=[[Axel Springer AG]]| access-date=November 6, 2009 | work=[[Die Welt]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091126054209/http://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article836335/Die_teuersten_Musikvideos_aller_Zeiten.html| archive-date= November 26, 2009 | url-status= live|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Hurley | first= James| url=http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/music/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3917826&imageindex=7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524060616/http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/music/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3917826&imageindex=7 |archive-date=May 24, 2008 | title=Ayumi Hamasaki – "fairyland"| publisher= [[MSN]] | access-date=January 24, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Hurley | first= James | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822082000/http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/music/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3917826 |archive-date=August 22, 2008 | title= The Most Expensive Music Videos Ever Made|publisher=MSN|url=http://entertainment.uk.msn.com/music/features/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3917826}}</ref>

Hamasaki is also involved in the production and artistic direction of her live performances; they, like her videos, are often lavish productions and use a variety of props, extravagant costumes, and choreographed dances. She has used large video screens, fireworks, simulated rain drops, trick stage floors, and suspended devices.<ref name="RelaxedSmile">{{cite magazine | author=Tsuriya, Takako | title = Relaxed Smile| magazine = [[Cawaii]]| pages = 15–16|date=August 2006|language=ja}}</ref>

==Public image and legacy==
Hamasaki's lyrics and image initially gained a following predominantly among young [[Generation X]] and [[Millennials]], often referred to as "the voice of the lost generation".<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last1=鈴木 |first1=智之 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yJlwDgAAQBAJ |title=失われざる十年の記憶 一九九〇年代の社会学 (A Decade of Unforgettable Memories: Sociology in the 1990s) |last2=西田 |first2=善行 |publisher=Seikyusha Co. |year=2012 |access-date=January 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816163321/https://books.google.com/books?id=yJlwDgAAQBAJ |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみは僕ら「ロスジェネ」世代の代弁者！｜沢矢 寅馬｜note |url=https://note.com/maemuki2/n/nfd70d8bf3717 |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=note（ノート） |date=June 20, 2021 |language=ja |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816141758/https://note.com/maemuki2/n/nfd70d8bf3717 |url-status=live }}</ref> Music critic Tetsu Misaki believed that the juxtaposition of her fashionable appearance and her personal lyrics was one of her most important selling points, helping shape the 2000s pop scene in Japan.<ref name="Jpopnonihongo1">{{cite book |author=Misaki, Tetsu |chapter=浜崎あゆみ～共感はどこまで可能か |trans-chapter=Ayumi Hamasaki: How far can empathy go? |title=Jポップの日本語―歌詞論 |trans-title=J-Pop Japanese: Lyricism |language=ja |location=[[Chiyoda, Tokyo]] |publisher=Sairyuusha |date=July 20, 2002 |pages=23–40 |isbn=4-88202-752-6}}</ref> Teresa Nieman of ''[[The Guardian]]'' wrote that Hamasaki's willingness to take on unusual subject matter is what made her noteworthy among her peers, naming her as the 'undisputed Queen of J-pop'.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |last=Nieman |first=Teresa |date=March 25, 2010 |title=Why Japanese Pop Matters |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/mar/25/japanese-pop-women |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322182034/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/mar/25/japanese-pop-women |archive-date=March 22, 2014 |access-date=August 31, 2010 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> According to publications, it was that ability to contrast striking visuals and vulnerability that went on to inspire an entire generation across Asia.<ref name="TalkAsia">{{cite web |title=Talk Asia&nbsp;— Program Descriptions |url=http://www.cnnasiapacific.com/programs/en/program/15/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405185601/http://www.cnnasiapacific.com/programs/en/program/15/ |archive-date=April 5, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2008 |publisher=[[Turner International|Turner International Asia Pacific]]}}</ref><ref name="washingtonpost">{{cite news |last=Pan |first=Philip P. |date=November 27, 2000 |title=Taiwan's Teens Take Style Cues From Tokyo |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine credits some of Hamasaki's early success to her "by-the-bootstraps climb to pop royalty" journey, her perspective resonating with the general public.<ref name=":5" /> Tomoyuki Hokari of ''OKMusic'' agrees, considering her lyricism as a "reaction against the customs and culture of the previous generation", and a "terrifyingly calm, objective view" on the social turmoil of turn-of-the-century Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-08 |title=浜崎あゆみが世紀末に示した確かな光ーー。『LOVEppears』に見る鮮烈な歌詞世界 {{!}} OKMusic |url=https://okmusic.jp/news/297626 |access-date=2024-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408063547/https://okmusic.jp/news/297626 |archive-date=April 8, 2020 }}</ref> In addition, her history of supporting [[LGBTQ]] rights has led to widespread recognition as a [[gay icon]], and remains a defining element of her image.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-07-31 |title=浜崎あゆみがLGBTフレンドリーなアーティストとして発信し続けてきたこと – wezzy｜ウェジー |work=wezzy｜ウェジー |url=http://wezz-y.com/archives/54186 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731023954/http://wezz-y.com/archives/54186 |archive-date=July 31, 2018 |access-date=2024-10-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=popmusik3141 |date=2018-05-04 |title=浜崎あゆみがゲイに人気らしいので久しぶりに聞いてみた感想 |url=https://www.nejimakiblog.com/entry/hamasaki-ayumi-gay-lgbt-homo-avex |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=世界のねじを巻くブログ |language=ja}}</ref>

In the 2000s, her frequent changes in image greatly impacted the course of fashion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-01-13 |title=TIMEasia.com: Japan – Ayumi Hamasaki |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/cover.html |access-date=2024-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113090838/http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/cover.html |archive-date=January 13, 2008 }}</ref> Described as a "chameleonic style icon",<ref name=":2" /> Hamasaki was known for being fully involved in every aspect of her work, displaying an unprecedented degree of ownership over her image; the control she had over the market drove stores to buy [[black market]] [[paparazzi]] shots of magazine shoots pre-publication, hoping to get ahead of the next "Ayu-instigated trend".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-12-24 |title=TIMEasia.com: Japan – Ayumi Hamasaki |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/cover2.html |access-date=2024-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224235041/http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/cover2.html |archive-date=December 24, 2007 }}</ref> Mishal Varna of ''[[MTV]]'' compared her influence to that of Madonna, reflecting on the singer drawing in over 150 million viewers to her performance on ''[[MTV Asia]]''.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2008-03-08 |title=TIMEasia.com: Photo Essay – The Many Faces of Ayu |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/photoessay/5.html |access-date=2024-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308175111/http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/ayumi_hamasaki/photoessay/5.html |archive-date=March 8, 2008 }}</ref> A regular face on publications such as ''[[Vivi (magazine)|Vivi]]'', ''[[Popteen]]'', and ''[[Cawaii!]],'' Hamasaki herself considered her constantly changing image essential to her craft. That process is credited for the creation of the ''hime-kei'' wave, along with influencing returning Y2K ''[[kogal]]'' and ''gyaru-kei'' trends.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-03-02 |title=Princesses Preen in a Pauper Economy – TIME |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1876620,00.html |access-date=2024-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302184844/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1876620,00.html |archive-date=March 2, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2022 |title=浜崎あゆみ、パリス・ヒルトンがお手本？Z世代がハマる「Y2Kファッション」をご存知ですか（松本 英恵） @gendai_biz |url=https://gendai.ismedia.jp/articles/-/94379 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707113251/https://gendai.ismedia.jp/articles/-/94379 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=現代ビジネス |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-06 |title=44歳｢浜崎あゆみ｣に若者たちが心奪われる背景 |url=https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/683534 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=東洋経済オンライン |language=ja}}</ref>

Hamasaki's career has become the subject of [[Media studies|academic study]], and is considered to have had a profound impact on how the Japanese music industry manages and promotes female artists.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=辻 |first=幸恵 |date=2002 |title=浜崎あゆみを科学する |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/senshoshi1960/43/1/43_1_38/_article/-char/ja/ |journal=繊維製品消費科学会誌 |volume=43 |issue=1 |pages=38–42 |doi=10.11419/senshoshi1960.43.38}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kitazawa |date=2008 |title=Ayumi Hamasaki vs the Japanese music industry |url=https://www.yesasia.com/global/yumcha/0-0-0-arid.163-zh_TW/featured-article.html}}</ref> Zhan Hongzhi of ''Inter-Margins'' magazine named her success as a type of "identity economy", explaining: "Japan spends 33.3 billion yen a year on Hamasaki. She is no longer just an idol. She has become "Hamasaki Industries", a media in her own right."<ref>{{Cite web |last=詹宏志 |date=2002 |title=Identity Economy: Marketing Techniques to Cultivate the Next Generation of Consumers (認同感經濟 ：培育下一批消費世代的行銷手法) |url=http://intermargins.net/intermargins/YouthLibFront/news/nw16.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210011311/http://intermargins.net/intermargins/YouthLibFront/news/nw16.htm |archive-date=February 10, 2009 }}</ref> In the wider media industry, various artists have spoken of being influenced directly by Hamasaki; these include [[Tomomi Itano|Itano Tomomi]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=編集部 |title=浜崎あゆみ、"あゆ超え"報道で炎上の板野友美を励まし「謝ったりしなくてい〜んだよ」 |url=https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/16179/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=MusicVoice |language=ja}}</ref> [[Mao Asada|Mao Asado]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-10 |title=浅田真央、浜崎あゆみのおかげで「今がある」 中学時代の夢かなえ感謝 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2256397/full/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref> [[Maximum the Hormone]], [[Tsubasa Masuwaka]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=益若つばさ、長年あこがれてきた浜崎あゆみと涙の初対面で"最悪"の事態も「生きててよかった」 – 芸能 : 日刊スポーツ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202304190000258.html |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=nikkansports.com |language=ja}}</ref> [[Sayaka Kanda]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-17 |title=神田沙也加があこがれあゆ遭遇に感激涙/デイリースポーツ online |url=https://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/gossip/2013/05/13/0005984649.shtml |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=デイリースポーツ online |language=ja}}</ref> [[Ken Hirai]], [[Ayaka Sasaki|Ayaki Sasaki]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-27 |title=浜崎あゆみ、ファッションアイコンとして駆け抜けた25年「最初は何かを流行らせなきゃって気持ちはあったかも」 |url=https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20230327-2636933/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=マイナビニュース |language=ja}}</ref> [[Chiharu Niiyama]], [[Riisa Naka]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-18 |title=仲里依紗、浜崎あゆみへの"愛"が爆発「やっぱり天才」「センスよすぎ」 |url=https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20240218-2885858/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=マイナビニュース |language=ja}}</ref> [[Lin Yu-chun]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=WEBザテレビジョン |title="台湾のスーザン・ボイル"リン・ユーチュンが再来日！「関ジャニの仕分け∞」でMayJ.にリベンジなるか!? |url=https://thetv.jp/news/detail/37538/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=WEBザテレビジョン |language=ja}}</ref> [[Rinka (model)|Rinka]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rinka Happy Life |url=http://rinka-blog.jp/2010/07/10/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=rinka-blog.jp}}</ref> [[Asako Ito]], [[Mana Sakura]],<ref name="asahi.com">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-14 |title=浜崎あゆみに見るフェミニズム 紗倉まなさんが影響を受けた歌姫：朝日新聞デジタル |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR4G6FMWR4DUCVL04G.html |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=朝日新聞デジタル |language=ja}}</ref> [[Misono]], Rina ([[Scandal (Japanese band)|Scandal]]), [[Rie Tanaka]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=五輪選手が好きな歌手を一挙紹介！田中理恵は浜崎あゆみファン |url=https://www.zakzak.co.jp/entertainment/ent-news/news/20120808/enn1208081537010-n1.htm |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=ZAKZAK |language=ja-JP}}</ref> and [[Rina Kawaei]].<ref name="asahi.com"/>

In her early years Hamasaki referred to herself as a product, often speaking about the "Ayumi Hamasaki" brand as a separate person: "We're similar, in some respects. It's my own image. It is necessary that I am viewed as a product. (...) I understand it's my role to realize people's dreams."<ref name="TimeInterview2" /> This approach, despite Hamasaki later opposing it, led to conflict between her artistry and her economic influence; accusations of the singer having lost her relatability, or presenting an overly cultivated image, have continued throughout her career.<ref name="NTVinterview" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2019-09-04 |title=浜崎あゆみ再ブレークなるか！？ 大ヒットの自伝的小説がドラマ化へ…業界内からは批判の声も ファン直訴騒動との因果関係が取り沙汰され |url=https://www.iza.ne.jp/article/20190904-5UK3FMD2FVK2JAZWGEURN6GGVY/ |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=イザ！ |language=ja}}</ref> A renewed sense of appreciation for Hamasaki's work was covered by media outlets during her 25th anniversary, ''[[The First Take|The First Times]]'' writing: "Involved in the Japanese pop scene for over 24 years, she has never stopped touring, never stopped releasing new music, and has never taken a break to recharge her batteries. How many artists can we say we have like that?"<ref name="thefirsttimes.jp" />

== 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>

==Personal life==
Hamasaki had a romantic relationship with her producer, [[Max Matsuura]], from 1998 to 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=浜崎あゆみのブレイクの裏側にあった松浦勝人との熱愛と破滅が「金スマ」で明かされる |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/351113 |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=音楽ナタリー |language=ja}}</ref>

Hamasaki began dating actor [[Tomoya Nagase]] in 2000, with their relationship ending in 2007. The pair had known each other since co-starring in a TV drama together in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hamasaki Ayumi, Nagase Tomoya Split |url=https://www.japan-zone.com/news/2007/07/16/hamasaki-ayumi-nagase-tomoya-split/ |website=Japan Zone |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=July 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701003400/https://www.japan-zone.com/news/2007/07/16/hamasaki-ayumi-nagase-tomoya-split/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 1, 2011, Hamasaki announced her engagement to Austrian actor and model Manuel Schwarz, whom she had met on the set of "[[L (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)|Virgin Road]]". On January 2, her office announced that she and Schwarz had married in the [[United States]] the day before.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2011/01/03/national/pop-music-idol-hamasaki-gets-married-in-u-s/ | title=Pop music idol Hamasaki gets married in U.S.|work=The Japan Times |date=January 3, 2011|access-date=January 3, 2011}}</ref> On January 16, 2012, Hamasaki announced her divorce through her fan club website, [[Team Ayu]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-11-05 |title=あゆ、わずか1年スピード離婚「原因は私にある」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2005807/full/ |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref>

On December 13, 2013, it was announced through a fan club blog post that Hamasaki was engaged. In the announcement, the singer said "As my partner is an ordinary student, I would be very happy if you could watch over us quietly."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-14 |title=浜崎あゆみ、10歳年下米国人と“婚約” ハイテンションで幸せ報告 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2031975/full/ |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref> On March 3, 2014, the singer announced her second marriage. The couple filed for divorce in September 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://global-fc.net/teamayu/life/detail/?id=7125|title=2016-09-11 13:21(JST) {{!}} ayu 伝えたいこと。{{!}} TeamAyu|last=TeamAyu|date=2016-09-11|newspaper=TeamAyu|access-date=2016-10-11|archive-date=August 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816142306/https://fc.avex.jp/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=浜崎あゆみが年下アメリカ人男性と離婚へ「私は私の想う道を」 |url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/201566 |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=音楽ナタリー |language=ja}}</ref>

On January 1, 2020, Hamasaki revealed that she had given birth to her first child, a son, at "the end of last year".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-06 |title=浜崎あゆみ、昨年末に出産していた「天使を産みママになりました」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2152488/full/ |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-01 |title=浜崎あゆみが第２子出産「大切な家族がひとり増えて新しい生活がスタート」と報告 |trans-title=Ayumi Hamasaki gives birth to her second child, announcing, "A new member of our family has joined us and a new life has begun" |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20210501-VQBQ2UWYPRI7ZMXCV3GJ4YEXIE/?outputType=amp |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}}</ref> On October 2, 2020, Hamasaki announced her second pregnancy through the Team Ayu website, and in May 2021 confirmed that her second child had been born "sometime in spring".<ref>{{Cite web |title=最上もがさん、浜崎あゆみさんも!2021年5月に出産を発表した芸能人・有名人一覧｜eltha(エルザ) |url=https://beauty.oricon.co.jp/article/1537140/ |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=eltha}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ、第２子妊娠報告「大家族になるのが楽しみです！」 |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/38de0f4aa1dd11f33592813c1c239329a8b0c68f |website=Yahoo! News Japan |access-date=22 October 2020 |language=ja |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026173854/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/38de0f4aa1dd11f33592813c1c239329a8b0c68f |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Hearing loss===
In January 2008, Hamasaki announced on her blog that an inoperable condition, possibly [[tinnitus]] or [[Ménière's disease]], had caused complete [[Hearing loss|deafness]] in her left ear.<ref name="bbcayumi">{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7174893.stm | title=Japanese pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki deaf in left ear | work=[[BBC News|BBC News Agency]]|date= January 7, 2008|
access-date=January 7, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080110152658/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7174893.stm| archive-date= January 10, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Mainichi">{{cite news |last=Connell |first=Ryan |date=January 27, 2008 |title=Pushing 30, rivals circling, and now deaf in one ear: it's tough at the top for Ayu |url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/culture/waiwai/face/news/20080118p2g00m0dm005000c.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206150944/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/culture/waiwai/face/news/20080118p2g00m0dm005000c.html |archive-date=February 6, 2008 |access-date=February 5, 2009 |work=[[Mainichi|Sunday Mainichi]]}}</ref> While the diagnosis was made in 2006, the symptoms reportedly dated back to 2000, originating from continued stage performances while having an ear infection.<ref name="JTdeaf" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpopasia.com/feed/21417/ayumi-hamasaki-becoming-completely-deaf/|title=Ayumi Hamasaki is Going Completely Deaf|last=Bengero|first=Jepoy|date=2017-05-21|work=JpopNews|access-date=2017-05-21|language=en|archive-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522225518/http://www.jpopasia.com/feed/21417/ayumi-hamasaki-becoming-completely-deaf/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamasaki stated in the blog post that she wished to continue singing, and that she wanted to "continue delivering the best performance I can".<ref name="JTdeaf">{{cite news 
 |url=http://archive.japantoday.com/jp/news/424352 
 |title=Singer Ayumi Hamasaki says she has lost hearing in her left ear 
 |newspaper=Japan Today 
 |date=January 8, 2008 
 |access-date=January 8, 2008 
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622160420/http://archive.japantoday.com/jp/news/424352
 |archive-date=June 22, 2008
 |df=mdy 
 }} (Archived version)</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hNw4Md-JdCu6y2e8xsEGld1O41xg |title=Japan's pop princess 'Ayu' goes half deaf |agency=AFP |date=January 6, 2008 |access-date=February 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218102443/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hNw4Md-JdCu6y2e8xsEGld1O41xg |archive-date=February 18, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On May 20, 2017, Hamasaki revealed that she had begun losing hearing in her right ear, as well as experiencing severe bouts of dizziness and nausea. She vowed to continue performing, writing: "The stage is where I belong. It's the only place I really, truly exist. I don't know anything else."<ref name=":0" /> In 2023, the singer ended a performance on ''NHK Music Special'' by signing "Don't give up on your dreams" in [[Japanese Sign Language|JSL]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=浜崎あゆみ、熱唱からの手話に反響 「沁みます」 「誰かに寄り添いたい気持ちを感じた」：中日スポーツ・東京中日スポーツ |url=https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/783658 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=中日スポーツ・東京中日スポーツ |language=ja}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Ayumi Hamasaki discography|Ayumi Hamasaki videography}}
<!-- Do not change the capitalization to Hamasaki's original capitalization, per Wikipedia's guidelines at WP:Mos-ja. (For example, leave Loveppears as Loveppears; do not change to LOVEppears.) -->

* ''[[A Song for ××]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Loveppears]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Duty (album)|Duty]]'' (2000)
* ''[[I Am... (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|I Am...]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Rainbow (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Rainbow]]'' (2002)
* ''[[My Story (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|My Story]]'' (2004)
* ''[[(Miss)understood]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Secret (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Secret]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Guilty (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Guilty]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Next Level (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Next Level]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Rock 'n' Roll Circus]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Love Songs (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Love Songs]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Party Queen]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Love Again (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Love Again]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Colours (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Colours]]'' (2014)
* ''[[A One]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Made in Japan (Ayumi Hamasaki album)|Made in Japan]]'' (2016)
* ''[[Remember You (album)|Remember you]]'' (2023)

==Concert tours==
<!-- Do not change the capitalization to Hamasaki's original capitalization, per Wikipedia's guidelines at WP:Mos-ja. (For example, leave Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2007 A: Tour of Secret as is; do not change to ayumi hamasaki ASIA TOUR 2007 A ~Tour of Secret~) -->

{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

=== Japan tours ===
* Concert Tour 2000 Vol. 1 (2000)
* Concert Tour 2000 Vol. 2 (2000)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Dome Tour 2001 A|Dome Tour 2001 A]] (2001)
* Arena Tour 2002 A (2002)
* Stadium Tour 2002 A (2002)
* [[Team Ayu#Limited Team Ayu Live Tour (2003)|Limited Team Ayu Live Tour]] (2003)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki A Museum: 30th Single Collection Live|A Museum: 30th Single Collection Live]] (2003)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2003–2004 A|Arena Tour 2003–2004 A]] (2003–2004)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2005 A|Arena Tour 2005 A: My Story]] (2005)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2006 A|Arena Tour 2006 A: (Miss)understood]] (2006)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2009 A: Next Level|Arena Tour 2009 A: Next Level]] (2009)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Rock 'n' Roll Circus Tour Final: 7 Days Special|Rock 'n' Roll Circus Tour Final: 7 Days Special]] (2010)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Power of Music 2011 A|Power of Music 2011 A]] (2011)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2012 A: Hotel Love Songs|Arena Tour 2012 A: Hotel Love Songs]] (2012)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki 15th Anniversary Tour: A Best Live|15th Anniversary Tour: A Best Live]] (2013)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Premium Showcase: Feel the Love|Premium Showcase: Feel the Love]] (2014)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Arena Tour 2015 A: Cirque de Minuit – The Final|Arena Tour 2015 A: Cirque de Minuit – The Final]] (2015)
* [[Team Ayu#Team Ayu Limited Live Tour 2015 (2015)|Team Ayu Limited Live Tour 2015]] (2015)
* Arena Tour 2016 A: Made In Japan (2016)
* [[Team Ayu#Team Ayu Limited Live Tour 2016 (2016)|Team Ayu Limited Live Tour 2016]]  (2016)
* [[Trouble (Ayumi Hamasaki EP)#Track listing|Just the Beginning 20 Tour 2017]] (2017–2018)
* [[Team Ayu|Arena Tour 2018: Power of Music 20th Anniversary]] (2018)
* Trouble Tour 2018–2019 A (2018–2019)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki 21st Anniversary: Power of A^3|21st Anniversary: Power of A^3]] (2019)
* Trouble Tour 2019 A: Misunderstood (2019)
* Asia Tour 2021–2022 A: 23rd Monster (2021–2022)<ref group=fn name="Asia Tour 2021-2022">As there were no concerts held outside of Japan due to pandemic restrictions, it is listed as a national tour.</ref>
* [[Team Ayu|25th Anniversary Live Tour]] (2023–2024)
* [[Team Ayu#Team Ayu Limited: Thank U Tour 2024 (2024)|Team Ayu Limited: Thank U Tour 2024]] (2024)

=== Promotional concerts ===
* [[Team Ayu|Premium Limited Live A: Natsu no Trouble]] (2020)
* [[Trouble Tour 2020 A: Saigo no Trouble – Final]] (2020)
* [[Team Ayu#Special Showcase Xmas Eve 2020 (2020)|Special Showcase Xmas Eve 2020]] (2020)
* [[Team Ayu#Music for Life: Return (2021)|Music for Life: Return]]  (2021)
* [[Team Ayu#Summer TA Party (2021)|Summer TA Party]]  (2021)
* Asia Tour: 24th Anniversary Special (2022)
* [[Team Ayu#Summer TA Party 2022 (2022)|Summer TA Party 2022]]  (2022)
* 25th Anniversary Live (2023)
{{col-2}}

=== Asia tours ===
* [[Tour of Secret|Asia Tour 2007 A: Tour of Secret]] (2007)
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2008: 10th Anniversary|Asia Tour 2008: 10th Anniversary]] (2008)
* [[Asia Tour 2024 A: I am Ayu]] (2024)
* Asia Tour 2025 A: I am Ayu Ep. II (2025)

=== New Year's Eve concerts ===
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2000–2001 A|Countdown Live 2000–2001 A]] 
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2001–2002 A|Countdown Live 2001–2002 A]] 
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2002–2003 A|Countdown Live 2002–2003 A]] 
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2004–2005 A|Countdown Live 2004–2005 A]] 
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2005–2006 A|Countdown Live 2005–2006 A]]
* [[A Best 2: White#DVD track listing|Best of Countdown Live 2006–2007 A]]
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2007–2008 Anniversary|Countdown Live 2007–2008 Anniversary]] 
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Premium Countdown Live 2008–2009 A|Premium Countdown Live 2008–2009 A]] 
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2009–2010 A: Future Classics|Countdown Live 2009–2010 A: Future Classics]] 
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2010–2011 A: Do It Again|Countdown Live 2010–2011 A: Do It Again]] 
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2011–2012 A: Hotel Love Songs|Countdown Live 2011–2012 A: Hotel Love Songs]] 
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2012–2013 A: Wake Up|Countdown Live 2012–2013 A: Wake Up]]
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2013-2014 A|Countdown Live 2013–2014 A]] 
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2014–2015 A: Cirque de Minuit|Countdown Live 2014–2015 A: Cirque de Minuit]] 
* Countdown Live 2015–2016 A: Made In Tokyo 
* [[Team Ayu|Countdown Live 2016–2017 A: Just The Beginning 20]] 
* [[Team Ayu|Countdown Live 2018–2019 A: Trouble]]
* [[Ayumi Hamasaki Countdown Live 2019–2020: Promised Land A|Countdown Live 2019–2020: Promised Land A]]
* Countdown Live 2021–2022 A: 23rd Monster
* Countdown Live 2022–2023 A: Remember You 
* Countdown Live 2023–2024 A: A Complete 25
* [[Asia Tour 2024 A: I am Ayu#Countdown Live 2024-2025 A: I am Ayu|Countdown Live 2024–2025 A: I am Ayu]] 
{{col-end}}

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" | Notes
|-
|rowspan="2"| 1993 || ''Twins Teacher'' || Momo Tachibana ||
|-
| ''[[Art of Fighting (anime)|Battle Spirits Ryūko no Ken]]'' || [[Yuri Sakazaki]] || Voice role
|-
|rowspan="4"| 1995 || ''Sumomo mo Momo'' || Kuriko ||
|-
| ''Miseinen'' || Hitomi Tabata ||
|-
| ''Ladys Ladys!! Soucho Saigo no Hi'' || Misaki ||
|-
| ''[[Like Grains of Sand]]'' || Kasane Aihara ||
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Gakko II]]'' || ||
|-
| 2002 || ''Tsuki ni Shizumu'' || Minamo || Hamasaki's song "Voyage" was the theme song for this movie.
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Glitter/Fated#Short film Distance Love|Distance Love]]'' || Herself || Short film based on her songs "Glitter" and "Fated".
|}

== Video games/software ==
*Visual Mix Ayumi Hamasaki Dome Tour 2001 (PlayStation 2)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20011107/sony.htm | title=ソニー、360度映像制作サービス「FourthVIEW」を開始 | access-date=January 21, 2023 | archive-date=January 21, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121042929/https://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20011107/sony.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
*A-TYPE ayumi hamasaki touch typing software (March 29, 2002, e frontier, Windows)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://shadow.cside1.com/typing/s_a-type.htm | title=A TYPE ayumi hamasaki touch typing software | access-date=January 21, 2023 | archive-date=July 30, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730093900/http://shadow.cside1.com/typing/s_a-type.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

== Awards ==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Ayumi Hamasaki}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Asia|Biography|Japan|Pop music}}
*[[List of awards received by Ayumi Hamasaki]]
*[[List of best-selling music artists]]
*[[List of best-selling music artists in Japan]]
*[[List of J-pop artists]]

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|group=fn|30em}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book | author=Ayu Press Crew ({{nihongo2|あゆ報道班}})| title=Secrets of Ayumi Hamasaki ({{nihongo2|浜崎あゆみの秘密}})| publisher=Data House ({{nihongo2|データハウス}})| year=2005 | isbn=978-4-88718-851-8}}
*{{cite book | author={{nihongo2|富坂 剛}}| title=Ayumi Hamasaki Pure Stories ({{nihongo2|浜崎あゆみ}}Pure Stories)| publisher=R's Publishing ({{nihongo2|アールズ出版}})| year=2005 | isbn=978-4-901226-99-8}}
*{{cite book | author={{nihongo2|本郷陽二}}| title=Ayumi Hamasaki Stories ({{nihongo2|今輝く歌姫たち 浜崎あゆみ物語}})| publisher=Chobun ({{nihongo2|汐文社}})| year=2003 | isbn=978-4-8113-7623-3}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
<!--Please NO fansites or anything similar. Fansites, forums, etc. will be removed, per Wikipedia's policy on external links. -->
{{Sister project links|wikt=no |commons= |b=no |n=no |q=Ayumi Hamasaki |s=no |v=no |species=no| voy=no |d=Q188111}}
*{{Commons-inline}}
* {{Official website|avex.jp/ayu}} {{in lang|ja}}
<!--Please NO fansites or anything similar. Fansites, forums, etc. will be removed, per Wikipedia's policy on external links. -->
{{Ayumi Hamasaki}}
{{Ayumi Hamasaki singles}}
{{Japan Gold Disc Award for Artist of the Year}}
{{Authority control}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hamasaki, Ayumi}}
[[Category:Ayumi Hamasaki| ]]
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese actresses]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese businesswomen]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese businesspeople]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese composers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese women singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese women composers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese businesswomen]]
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[[Category:21st-century Japanese women singers]]
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[[Category:Dancers with disabilities]]
[[Category:Deaf actresses]]
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Nippon Columbia artists]]
[[Category:Actresses from Fukuoka]]
[[Category:Singers from Fukuoka]]
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[[Category:World Music Awards winners]]