Concert review: Ayumi Hamasaki's first S'pore solo show blends iconic songs with theatrical flair

Straits Times

10 hours ago

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The concert's first half resembled a musical, with Ayumi Hamasaki and her dancers embodying characters in various storylines woven together by her songs.
Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2025 I Am Ayu -Ep.II- Singapore
Singapore Indoor Stadium July 5
Queen of J-pop Ayumi Hamasaki finally performed her first solo concert in Singapore on July 5 – and what an entrance she made.
As the red curtains rose, more than a dozen dancers in striking gold costumes were seen centre stage. The 46-year-old superstar then emerged, looking radiant in a Cleopatra-inspired Egyptian outfit and holding a sceptre.
The near-10,000-strong capacity crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium went wild as she opened the show with three rock-influenced numbers – Inspire (2004), Duty (2000) and Microphone (2010).
Hamasaki, or Ayu as she is known to her fans, debuted in 1998. Her rise to fame – from a flashy street-wise 'ah lian' to a polished pop princess to now the empress of pop – captivated a massive audience in Japan and beyond.
At the concert, Hamasaki's widespread appeal was evident. Many concertgoers were dressed in leopard-print outfits – her signature – or T-shirts bearing her iconic 'A' logo. There were also fans who flew in from China.
The singer-songwriter had kicked off her Asia tour – her first in 16 years – in Shanghai in November 2024. She later travelled to other Chinese cities – Chengdu, Ningbo and Guangzhou – and ended the tour in Japan's capital Tokyo in December 2024.
Her sequel tour, or Ep.II as she titled it, started in Tokyo on April 8. Her upcoming stops include Taipei, as well as Japanese cities Hiroshima, Osaka, Sendai and Fukuoka.
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The concert's first half resembled a musical, with Hamasaki and her dancers embodying characters in various storylines woven together by her songs.
Through expressive choreography and dynamic visual projections, one could sense a trajectory of life's highs and lows. There were moments of despair, betrayal, misunderstanding and distance, as well as courage, hope and love.
For instance, during Endless Sorrow (2001), Hamasaki's wrist was bound to a pillar surrounded by despondent dancers. The scene poignantly conveyed the anguish of being caught in grief and inner turmoil.
Then, as she performed her iconic 1999 hit End Roll, a song about accepting change and letting go of the past, she ultimately 'died' in the arms of her beloved.
But the mood lifted when she reappeared on stage in a bride-inspired ensemble. Her heartfelt delivery of lines like 'We are on this journey to be happy', from the 2002 ballad Voyage, had the audience singing along and waving their light sticks.
J-pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki opened the show in a Cleopatra-inspired Egyptian outfit and holding a scepter that exuded power.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Now a mother of two and having faced challenges like the loss of hearing in one ear, Hamasaki's songs felt more powerful and authentic than ever.
However, the transitions between sets felt awkward and confusing. The audience experience would also have been greatly improved if there were lyrics projected on-screen in romaji and with English translations.
As the 2½-hour show entered its second half, it transitioned to 'concert mode'. Dressed in a red hip-hop-inspired outfit, Hamasaki performed alternative dance-rock hits Evolution (2001) and Startin' (2006).
It was not until the encore that she addressed the concertgoers in fluent English, confessing her nervousness about their reaction to her debut solo show in Singapore. She had performed at the MTV Asia Music Awards here in 2002, when she was named Most Influential Japanese Singer in Asia.
She described their warm response to her solo gig as 'beyond her imagination' before exclaiming: 'I'm the happiest person in the world now.'
The crowd was captivated by her unique blend of commanding vocals and an endearingly anime-like speaking voice.
J-pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki's performance blends iconic songs with theatrical flair.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
After an emotional rendition of My All (2008), an ode to unwavering love and gratitude, she exited the stage in tears.
Many in the audience were inspired by her energy and resilience. For 47-year-old hairstylist Satoko Enomoto, who has lived in Singapore for six years, the concert exceeded her expectations. This was her first Hamasaki show.
'I was amazed by how Ayu's music still feels timeless yet fresh. It reflects her ability to honour the past while constantly innovating, always remaining stylish, strong and inspiring,' she says.
'I believe that's what makes her truly special and allows her to connect with fans across different generations.'