Latest news with #AyumiHamasaki
AsiaOne
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Ayumi Hamasaki turns first solo Singapore concert into full-blown musical spectacle, Entertainment News
Ayumi Hamasaki lit up the Singapore Indoor Stadium in a rare one-night-only spectacle on Saturday (July 5), marking her long-awaited return after over a decade - and proving the queen of J-pop hasn't lost her crown. As the red curtains lifted on her first solo concert in Singapore, so did the roar from a sea of pink light sticks. The 360-degree arena setup for I am Ayu - Ep. II ensured that no seat was a bad one, and no moment felt out of reach. But this wasn't just a concert - it played more like a theatrical production, with choreographed transitions, cinematic interludes, and a narrative arc that turned the night into a pop-powered musical journey. A production beyond pop From the moment Ayumi opened with Inspire in her gold Cleopatra-like fit, it was clear this wasn't a typical pop concert, but more like a Broadway set. Each performance had its own mood and costume, ranging from high-gloss futurism to soft, string-led ballads. Songs like Moments and Voyage were reinterpreted with theatrical flair, with one sequence featuring dancers in flowing robes moving around her like a living sculpture. Between songs, short video interludes carried forward a loose storyline - part dream, part memory - giving the entire show a structured, almost operatic feel. J-pop reinvented While nostalgia was baked into the setlist - with staples like Heaven and Boys & Girls drawing the biggest reactions - Ayumi made room for new material too. Her 2025 single Mimosa was performed with stripped-back lighting and a minimalist arrangement, allowing her vocals to take centre stage. Long-time followers would know of the pop star's hearing loss and vocal challenges since 2008 and how she has scaled back her international performances in recent years. But the 46-year-old's performance on Saturday was steady and, at times, impressively restrained. Rather than overpower, she leaned into emotional delivery, especially during the encore ballads. In a brief address mid-show, she acknowledged the long gap and thanked fans in English, saying, "It's been too long. I've missed you." A one-night-only affair Despite demand, there are no additional Southeast Asia dates confirmed on this tour. That didn't stop fans from across the region - Malaysia, Thailand, even China - from flying in for the show, many dressed in official fanclub gear or recreations of her iconic outfits from past tours. Outside the stadium, merchandise queues snaked around the concourse hours before doors opened, and inside, pink light sticks blinked in sync - a sign of just how tightly knit the Team Ayu fandom remains. Ayumi's night in Singapore was pure J‑pop grandeur - and if this is episode two, we're already counting down to the next chapter. @ayu_19980408 #ayumihamasaki makes her grand entrance in Singapore! 😍#ayuasiatour2025#AyumiHamasakiinSG#浜崎あゆみ — AsiaOne (@asiaonecom) July 5, 2025 lynette@ No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Concert review: Ayumi Hamasaki's first S'pore solo show blends iconic songs with theatrical flair
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox 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 - 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 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. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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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.'
Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
J-pop star Ayumi Hamasaki says hi to fans before her first solo concert at S'pore Indoor Stadium
J-pop star Ayumi Hamasaki says hi to fans before her first solo concert at S'pore Indoor Stadium Lim Ruey Yan The Straits Times July 4, 2025 Another day, another international celebrity spotted in Singapore. J-pop star Ayumi Hamasaki, who is holding her first solo concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 5, arrived in town on July 3. Photos and videos of the 46-year-old were posted on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu, TikTok and Instagram on July 3. Dressed in black and wearing a hat and scarf, the Japanese singer was seen in one video with her entourage and staff members walking around The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and waving at fans who recognised her. She was also seen looking at the food stalls at Lau Pa Sat hawker centre. Ayumi Hamasaki (Official), an account run by her team, posted on Instagram Stories on July 3 a video of the singer toasting her staff after buying several glasses of beer. "Hello Singapore TA. I can't wait to see you all," said the caption. TA refers to Team Ayu, her official fan club. PHOTOS: CHINA_TA_SUPPORT/INSTAGRAM Hamasaki, known as Ayu to her fans, took to Instagram Stories on July 4 and posted a voice letter addressed to them. "I heard that you guys were waiting and all lined up at the airport today," she said in English. "I'm so sorry that I couldn't meet you guys. I just didn't know... Don't worry, I'll see you guys tomorrow (at the concert). Have a good rest." Her Singapore show is part of her Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2025: I Am Ayu - which kicked off in Tokyo on April 8. Her upcoming stops include Taipei, as well as Japanese cities Hiroshima, Osaka, Sendai and Fukuoka. Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Straits Times
J-pop star Ayumi Hamasaki spotted at Marina Bay Sands and Lau Pa Sat
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Ayumi Hamasaki is holding her first solo concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 5. SINGAPORE - Another day, another international celebrity spotted in Singapore. J-pop star Ayumi Hamasaki, who is holding her first solo concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 5, arrived in town on July 3. According to photos and videos posted on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu, TikTok and Instagram on July 3, the 46-year-old was spotted at Marina Bay Sands and Lau Pa Sat hawker centre. Dressed in black and wearing a hat and scarf, the Japanese singer was seen in one video with her entourage and staff members walking around The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and waving at fans who recognised her. She was also sighted looking at the food stalls at Lau Pa Sat. Ayumi Hamasaki (Official), an account run by her team, shared on Instagram Stories on July 3 a video of Hamasaki toasting her staff after buying mugs of beer. 'Hello Singapore TA. I can't wait to see you all,' said the caption. TA refers to Team Ayu, her official fan club. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Singapore Seller's stamp duty hike will curb short-term speculation; market effect likely minimal: Analysts Singapore NTUC says some foreigners taking on platform work illegally, calls for work group to address issue World Trump says countries to start paying tariffs on Aug 1, floats range of 10% to 70% Singapore Sengkang murder: Man accused of killing elderly mother escorted back to crime scene Singapore Tourism bump from Lady Gaga concerts raked in up to estimated $150m for Singapore economy Singapore Jail for man who recruited 2 Japanese women for prostitution at MBS Life Book review: OB Markers sequel Ink And Influence makes catch-22 proposal for The Straits Times Hamasaki, known as Ayu to her fans, also took to Instagram Stories on July 4 and shared a voice letter addressed to them. 'I heard that you guys were waiting and all lined up at the airport today,' she said in English. 'I'm so sorry that I couldn't meet you guys. I just didn't know... Don't worry, I'll see you guys tomorrow (at the concert). Have a good rest.' Hamasaki's Singapore show is part of her Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2025 A: I Am Ayu - which kicked off in Tokyo on April 8. Her upcoming stops include Taipei as well as Japanese cities Hiroshima, Osaka, Sendai and Fukuoka.
AsiaOne
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
'Let's do something fun together': Ayumi Hamasaki gives fan service after missing out on waiting fans at Singapore airport, Entertainment News
J-pop star Ayumi Hamasaki has responded after hearing about fans who waited for her in vain at Changi Airport. In an Instagram Story last evening (July 3), the 46-year-old recorded a voice letter to her fans while showing a view of Marina Bay Sands. "Hi my beautiful TA (fandom name Team Ayu), I heard that you guys were waiting and all lined up at the airport today. I am so sorry that I couldn't meet you guys, I just didn't know. "But, you guys might know where to meet me tomorrow. Let's do something fun together, okay? Don't worry, I will see you guys tomorrow. Have a good rest, okay? Goodnight Singapore. Goodnight beautiful TA, love you." In multiple Xiaohongshu posts yesterday, fans posted that they waited at Changi Airport for Ayumi, but didn't get to meet her. Despite that, all is well, as they gathered for a group photo holding banners and Ayumi's albums. A fan who posted the photo wrote: "This is my first time welcoming an idol at the airport. Although I didn't get to meet her in the end, I got to know new friends." Another fan, who is believed to have travelled from Hong Kong, thanked Singapore TA for treating them to drinks while they waited for their idol to appear. As promised, Ayumi gave fan service as she left Mandarin Oriental hotel this afternoon, believed to be for rehearsal for her concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium tomorrow evening. From multiple fancams posted on Xiaohongshu, Ayumi headed for the crowd of fans who had gathered at the entrance of the hotel to meet her. She took a marker pen and tried to give as many autographs as possible as fans swarmed around her and extended their albums and notebooks for her to sign. Ayumi even took a group selfie with some lucky fans. After that, she waved to them before swiftly boarding a black SUV waiting for her. [[nid:719831]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
