Scans by iloveayu.com

—–

Life Emotion

Hamasaki Ayumi, On To The NEXT LEVEL

Hamasaki Ayumi has finally achieved her 11th anniversary. We talk to AYU about the direction she’s running to, with sensational album “NEXT LEVEL”.

An outcome is something which comes later. When you challenge something, before you take the first step out, you won’t find an answer no matter how much you think. If that’s the case, if my thoughts and feelings are “Let’s go!” That is my motivation. After that, whether I fall or laugh, that is surely my “NEXT LEVEL” It’ll be fine as long as I’m confident, and raise my head high.

—–

Quote: “Without Hamasaki Ayumi’s preferences, such as likes or dislikes, I hope you will try and listen to this music”

INTERVIEW

GO FOR NEXT LEVEL

The main thing is, I can’t stop, that’s why I’ll keep running

For the album this time, admirably titled “NEXT LEVEL”, words alone cannot describe it enough. “That’s terrific~! Absolutely terrific!” is all I can say. (laugh)

“Bancho said that too. (laugh) But, you know, I myself thought that “It’s terrific this time” too.”

When did you first come out with the whole concept for this album?

“The word “NEXT LEVEL” by itself has been in my mind from quite early on, but I kept thinking about what kind of NEXT LEVEL it’s going to be. Is it a symbolic return to basics, or is it an impossible speed-up from now on? However, I reached the conclusion that “the main thing is, I can’t stop, that’s why I’ll keep running”. After that, comes the normal challenges of choosing music, then my vocal style, arrangements and more…”

But listening to “GREEN”, I get the feeling that your NEXT LEVEL already began last year. Therefore, this album has to at least maintain the same level, right?

“That’s right. When I was singing “GREEN” during Countdown Live, the thought “and so I have broken through” crossed my mind, and it was shocking.”

Looking at Ayu’s blog, there were some pictures of you clutching at your head during recordings?

“Because I played around and tried new things more than ever, there were too many choices, like what level of uplifting feeling I should show and which vocal style I should use. And there were also times when I didn’t get results no matter how I tried. This time was really like this, till I wondered “do I have a split personality?””

But having many choices for your performance is great too, isn’t it?

“No, I wasn’t calm enough to feel it that way. I was just like a monk doing SHUGYO. (laugh) But I really got myself immersed in the music right from the start. All the recording staff each had their own NEXT LEVEL to achieve too, so everyone was highly motivated to take on the challenge. And all this burning passion is reflected in each and every song, so the production process was fun. That was what it was like.”

That PV also reflects this feeling, right?

“Yep. We probably never had the chance to do any filming in Hollywood before. So halfway through, the Japanese crew decided to do away with all the translators and interpreters, and everyone communicated through mutual understanding. This feeling of passion worked its way into the PV as well. I think that the result of this challenge was that good chemistry was born. Especially for “Curtain call”, which in spite of the no-cut filming technique, we managed to do a great take on the very first try, and that became the actual PV.”

Personally, the PV for “Sparkle” made a very big impact on me, kudos to that. (laugh)

“Ahaha. That one surprised me too. (laugh) The director Shimo-ko’s genius is truly explosive!”

With all this excitement, the tour, starting in April, is surely highly anticipated.

“I told everyone to not be “reserved at all, and exceed my expectations over and over”. The challenges we’re facing this time are all anticipated, and we’re not doing anything reckless, so I think we’ll be fine. That is something which we’ve built up from our confidence and trust. The album, as well as the stage, are both works befitting of the word “NEXT LEVEL”, and my heart was able to open and reach out. That made me really happy.”

—–

How do I want to do it? What should I do? The result, is always dependent on myself

Just like Ayu now, sometimes one wants to take a new step forward, but cannot do so. The readers also have many opinions about this, but what was the motivation that kept you going when you were stuck?

“Personally, I make my own decisions and understand my own intentions most of the time, sort of like standing tall with a “Just do it” spirit. But in general, when someone gives you a push on the back, that’s like a cue for you to go looking for your next new self. For those who just can’t take that first step out, it’s because they are so worried about what will happen that they can’t get over their hesitancy. But an outcome is something which comes later. No matter how much you think, you will never know what’s going to happen next. Nobody can know these things. So rather than worry, why not “if that’s the case, let’s just do it”?”

What kinds of things are considered new challenges for Ayu?

“I can either be satisfied or dissatisfied with myself, but it’s a really bad thing to convince myself that I have done something 100% perfectly. Like when I’m satisfied with a certain piece of music, or when I did something good at work, even when I’m feeling good, I’ll think “because I’m human, there will probably never be 100% perfection”, and then I will start to look for ways to improve. And there, in some undiscovered corner, I will find the motivation that helps me to move on to my next goal. That’s how it is for me. To further strengthen something which was not there at first, and that will convince me to be confident. So when I’m on a search for these things, I feel that it will come to me from my present circumstances. Honestly. When I’m too confident and believe that “I have done good things”, I feel that I’ve reached a blank. When I am clear of that, my horizons and reach becomes wider. So every time, with an expanded reach, I challenge myself to bury that blank.”

I see. Since her debut, Ayu has been expanding her reach, and with the confidence from 10 years of experience and accomplishments, NEXT LEVEL was set in motion with a bang from an Ayu caught in a blank.

“I finally managed to discover it in one breath. (laugh) But I think that it can be found in the everyday things that everyone does too. For example, when you go on a diet in hopes to become pretty, you’ll think “I can still go on” and “I’ll be able to keep up with fashion trends” and things like that. And when you have that confidence, your expectations for yourself will widen, and hopes of “more, more” will be born too. It’s the same thing.”

So it’s something like a positive feedback cycle. By the way, what things make Ayu positive?

“Now, it’s definitely my dear fans. But aside from that, probably when actual circumstances don’t drag my expectations down. Sometimes I have to do useless things which I dislike, and I really hate it, especially when it happens because of time constraints. I have to keep thinking about things which I don’t want to do, or things which irritate me. There are many people like that, who drag the mood down, which makes you wonder, “Eh? Don’t people ever get angry at them?” Personally, even when I’m irritated, it’s today’s problems which won’t matter tomorrow, so I cast them away. And when I wake up the next day, I feel that it’s best for myself if I can commit the many interesting and happy happenings to memory.”

There must be lots of unexpected times when, without meaning to, someone says something unpleasant.

“I’ve definitely heard some malicious ones. Some think that “I really don’t think so” is a good way to express their own opinion. But that’s not so, because it’s not a constructive comment, and when you keep saying it with abandon, it becomes unpleasant. So I feel that it’s better not to say it. The worst time I heard it was when someone whispered it into my ear.”

What do you think is the similarity between those people who enjoy themselves only when together with Ayu, and those who prefer to maintain a long-distance acquaintance?

“Though there are very few people whom I really treasure, the similarity is probably their generosity. I am a very emotional person, so when I have to work with other people who are like me, it is usually a mismatch. It’s like that annoying effect, when you have to wipe a glass table everytime you place a glass cup on it. (laugh) That’s why I like people with the opposite personality, with their crazy “gyahaha~” laughter.”

Is that also a circumstance that pushes you in a positive direction?

“Yep. Human relationships are also a part of my surroundings, after all.”

From now on, I’ll still run on with only my feelings

This NEXT LEVEL that Ayu is aiming for, what kind of place is it?

“Because Hamasaki Ayumi never stops and continues to progress, the destination isn’t as important as the fact that she will keep running on. Whatever she has decided on beforehand, she will probably end up running in a different direction. She’s always running because of what she’s feeling at that moment, and when she realizes that, she advances on to the next stage. Even so, she doesn’t think about things like “Hamasaki Ayumi wants to do _____”. Whatever she is feeling at that moment is the most important. In the past, when she chose to return to having black hair, it wasn’t because she wanted to surprise, or to challenge a new look. It was just what she felt like doing at that time, that’s the only reason why she did it. Looking back at the past, she has left many photos in S Cawa. At each of those times, she has left the past behind and proceeded on to the NEXT LEVEL as Hamasaki Ayumi the artist. Whatever she’s doing now is also the same. Doing things only because she wants to do them. In the future, when she looks back on this, she will probably think “that’s my NEXT LEVEL”.”

So how about the private Ayu?

“I often fail to reply mails and pick up the phone, and this trait of mine is infamous among many friends. Every now and then, someone will tell me to “please be more considerate. It’s so difficult to contact you that I’ve joined your fanclub”……. That’s a NEXT LEVEL by itself too, huh? (LOL)”

The fanclub’s diary is quite diligently updated, eh? There are even days with multiple entries. And it’s all very heartfelt too. Friends who can’t contact you and are worried can just read that, eh? (laugh)

“Ahaha! That’s right. I also always give details of everything that I do, and describe all my feelings, so it’s really easy to understand.”

So do you think that I can still write a report if I didn’t interview you, but just read the blog instead? (laugh)

“Maybe, since it’s the place which I treasure the most~ To a certain extent, there’s probably no mistaking that it’s the one place that is chock full of Ayu, with as yet undiscovered NEXT LEVELs.”

Quote: “The “NEXT LEVEL” is not an aim, or a destination, but is always what you are, right now”

Scans by Taki

—–

Beautiful Eyelashes! Curly! Bountiful!
Hamasaki Ayumi, the leader of “princess make-up”!

—–

Royal Road of A Princess

Resembling a Barbie doll, her blonde hair and black eyeliner emphasize her large eyes. She looks both sweet and cool at the same time…… Among today’s teenage girls, Hamasaki Ayumi is worshipped as their 「Princess Leader」. The trendy styles which ayu set 10 years ago have now taken on new shapes, and we have helped to collect them all. In this issue of Bea’s Up, ayu herself shows us this royal princess style once again. Furthermore, how does this leader define a 「princess」? For all those aiming to be 「princesses」, this interview is a must-read!

Quote: “Because I am strong, I can be gentle. I like the feeling of dignity. It’s important to be calm and strongly objective.”

—–

Quote: “If one is boyish and mischievous as a child, growing up into a woman may cause you to start liking dresses and long hair”

Quote: “No matter what happens, enjoy being the person you are right now. That, plus your behaviour is really important”

—–

She has never consciously aimed to become a princess. Could it be a natural behaviour since young!?

“I saw it! They really wrote that. It was awesome. A 「goddess」. (laugh) I totally didn’t know.”

This shocked outburst from ayu was caused by a ladies’ magazine that focuses on hair, make-up and fashion. One article compiled a list of 「princess」 characters, and they proclaimed our very own Hamasaki Ayumi as the leader of the princess style. They even termed her existence holy…

“Looking at it objectively, I was like 「Heh~ Is that so? So I’m a goddess now」. That day, my staff members all decided they had to treat me like a goddess for that one day. (laugh)”

She said calmly. As Asia’s pop princess who remained shining as top star for 10 years, ayu could have displayed just a little more pride…?

“I do not think of myself as a goddess or anything. I don’t.”

We laughed.

“Though I’ve been called a princess, it’s uncomfortable for me to face anyone directly as say things like “I, the princess, …” In my workplace, many people often refer to me as the princess, so I’ve become used to hearing it. Objectively, I think that 「Oh, so that’s the image they have of me」. In reality, when I wear pantsuits, I get asked 「Why not a dress?」. When I dye my hair a darker shade, or cut it short, I get told 「I don’t like it unless you have curly blonde hair」.”

So when did this “name-calling” start?

“I’ve never actually wanted to become a princess, or to even behave like one. And before I knew it, I’ve picked a dress, curled my hair and dyed it a Barbie shade. That’s why I don’t understand why people said I look like a princess. Why is that? Hmm. But I do like the feeling. Maybe that’s it. That’s how the world is like.”

Saying that, she looked down at the photoshoot she just did with the flowers.

“When I was young, I never played with Barbie dolls, so I’m probably unconsciously fascinated by them. It’s like I’m reflecting a response to the things I never had as a kid, the things I wanted to be.”

So saying, she looked back on her past.

Strong and gentle. Dignity defines a princess

“I totally didn’t have the princess personality. I was more boyish. I never mixed with others, and was always the loner. I was really bad at exhibiting that kind of girlish excitement, or the girlish mentality of “always sticking with each other”. I was cold, aloof, abrupt…”

Crossing her arms, she remained silent awhile, as if searching for the right words. “Something like dignified?” we offered, and her face lighted up.

“That’s good. I was like a dignified princess.”

And the words flowed.

“By looking at my showy outward appearance, people think that ayu will be like that inside too, but that is wrong. However, it’s useless to just say that. I believe that how I am like inside can only be discerned by how I portray myself. That’s why, what I wish to portray in today’s photoshoot is… probably a reliable gentleness. (laugh) This photoshoot appears to have a very beautiful, gentle and cute theme, but there is also a hidden resolution and strength. It shows that I’m neither an unreliable nor fickle person…”

“I liked it that way” After reminiscing, the 「current me」 is definitely still the best!

Even in the celebrity realm, not many stars look so good on a set decorated with drooping branches of large blooms.

Not losing out to the magnificent beautiful flowers, ayu stands firmly in their midst. Strong and beautiful like the flowers… But even more so, her dazzle unparalleled. As the photoshoot progressed, even the staff members cheered. They watched only her, let loose a sigh, and were truly overwhelmed.

The shots of her carrying the large flower on her shoulder were precious. The night’s light and mirrors created the image of the stage spotlight, it truly felt like a live show. How did it feel, to be treated like a princess?

“It was fun and interesting. I took a few shots of myself too, and I look like a manga character. (laugh) I was a little shocked at the size of the hair at first, but once I got used to it, it felt really natural. It made me sort of nostalgic. I used to like dressing like this. But, instead of going back to old styles, I want my current style to reflect these past styles. I feel like I’m a 『ruling princess』 now.”

Another characteristic of a 『princess』: The drive when aiming for a certain goal, all while holding onto the 「current me」

In the little time we had with ayu today, she repeatedly talked about the 「current me」 that she is now.

For example, she discusses her newest album, Single’s Best Collection.

“I did a rerecording for bonus track 「Who…」. Because this was supposed to be a collection of singles, I didn’t need to include this track… But I felt that this is a song that links the fans and I, like a bridge. So I wanted to sing the song again, as the person I am right now.”

While treasuring her “current” feelings, the next step will be to send out these “current” feelings to everyone…

“I think that I am really strong now, and really gentle too. Not that I was a scary, rough person in the past. (laugh) When the feelings from all the staff and fans come together, I am now able to truly feel it within me. It’s not about being all bossy and insisting things like “We must do it this way”, nor standing by and giving instructions and comments like “Do this more” or “It’ll be better like this”… It’s about partnership, about saying things like “Let’s do it this way”, and sharing one vision with the staff and fans. To achieve that, I have become more natural and forthright.”

A heart that offers partnership. Just like a beautiful princess and flower, blooming for everyone. ayu’s gentleness touched us like warmth, and we felt our hearts fill with the light of hope.

The album this time also includes a DVD containing all the precious videos from the past, similarly filled with secrets.

“For a fan of mine who is 20 years old now, he/she was probably only 10 years old when I debuted, right? That’s why, they may now be able to see things which they may not have noticed when they were younger, and it’ll be interesting. That’s why this is like a present for them.”

The highly-praised 10th Anniversary Tour is also left with just the Asia leg. This is the second time she’s venturing overseas for a concert.

“This tour has received many great reviews from lots of people, and everything is near perfect. The setlist, stage, band, dancers, hair, make-up, costumes, everything. It has become something which I’m personally satisfied with. And I wish to bring it even closer to perfection.”

Her insatiable aspirations reach all the way up to the sky. With that strength and gentleness, we’re sure that she will continue to shine wherever she goes.

Quote: “From a wish to share one vision with the staff and fans, strength and gentleness were born…”