Original article [here].

——

“My biggest mistake in 15 years”; Hamasaki Ayumi calls relationship with Maro “black history”?!
28 August 2013.

Singer Hamasaki Ayumi, who is celebrating her 15th debut Anniversary, revealed her private luxury residence for the first time in “Numero TOKYO”, released on 28th.

The article contains photos shot at seven locations, including a white wooden deck before a dazzling garden, a conspicuous marbled-paved living area with a huge mirror decorated with her own “A Logo”, a gorgeous room with walls decorated with Chanel and Hermes scarves, and a fairytale chic spiral staircase with a flower motif. Hamasaki appears in each location in a different style, be it a dress or lingerie, showing off her versatility.

This is the second house built by Hamasaki. She talks about the construction of the house, saying how she “cannot remember how many times she had things redone before the house was completed”, and how “no one pillar was compromised upon. [She] bought more than ten books on construction, read through them, came to the construction site and explained what [she] wanted to the builders using the correct, professional terms.” She also talks about the first time she came home to the “fortified house”.

In a previous article, negative comments about the magazine’s feature flooded the Internet even before it was released: “Who wants to see her house?”, “Selling your private life?”. When the feature was released, people who condemned her luxurious lifestyle continued the attack: “Speechless at how bubbly she is”, “It looks like the house of an overseas celeb”, “Is she living in that house all alone?….”

In the long interview, she reflects on the times from her debut till now, and speaks with a clear honesty about her thoughts.

Hamasaki used to speak about how her memory slipped during times when she was really busy, and it appears in this article too. She speaks of how “the few years after [her] debut were really so busy that [her] memories were patchy, especially for the period in 2003 when [she] was working on “ayu ready?”.

“ayu ready?” was a 30-minute music & talk variety show hosted by Hamasaki. With self-created content such as “ayu’s hospitality corner” when guests make requests for food, which Hamasaki makes for them to try, and “ayu’s cookie time” when guests answer questions inserted in fortune cookies, it is a “legendary programme” which fans still talk about today. However, Hamasaki herself does not seem to remember much from this period.

When probed about the reason behind her divorce with former husband Manuel Schwarz, she offers that “[they] were not in love, but only seeing a dream”, and when real married life began, “what had seemed new and refreshing suddenly became unmatchable differences”. The romance seemed to have turned into resentment.

She also confirms that the nude photobook released by Manuel was one of the reasons behind the divorce. Using the excuse of failing memory again, she speaks of how “the book was supposed to be a wonderful present, but it left [her] so shocked for days that [she] can’t even remember what happened”.

Furthermore, she reflects bitterly on her private life last year. “And then, last year—. It was probably the time when [her] private life strayed the most, and [she] cannot justify her own mistakes.”

In November last year, she announced on her fanclub that she was in a serious relationship with tour dancer Uchiyama Maroka, or “Maro”. However, the next day, magazines revealed that Maro was still undergoing divorce proceedings, and even has a child with a model, born out of wedlock. The two soon broke up after that.

“The “time when her private life strayed the most” is probably referring to her relationship with Maro. By affirming that it was “her own mistake”, she is probably trying to gloss over the “black history” which she wishes to seal away. However, Maro is now surfacing in the media time and again waving around his title of “ayu’s ex-boyfriend”, so ayu probably can’t relegate this as easily to her “forgotten memories” pile (laugh)

Also, aside from her flashing the tattoo she got together with ex-lover TOKIO’s Nagase Tomoya, most of her relationships seem to show her as someone unable to love. Together with her lack of hope for another marriage, the revealing of her private residence this time rings of a melancholic mood similar to Michael Jackson’s luxury home” (celebrity journalist)

At 34, Hamasaki is surrounded by her beloved dogs and 2 luxury residences. With her image ridden with gossip these days, will this feature on her luxurious lifestyle of a star help to reaffirm her charisma as a pop princess?

Original article [here].

——

<BARKS News Award> For July 2013, Hamasaki Ayumi (J-pop) and Blur (pop) wins No.1
28 August 2013. 16:29

As the scorching summer slowly eases, autumn’s presence can be felt along with the lingering heat. At this time, the “BARKS News Award” for July brought colour to this midsummer’s season. The article that attained the No.1 spot is the live report detailing Hamasaki Ayumi’s nationwide arena tour commemorating her 15th Anniversary.

From a crucified entrance on a cross suspended 10m above the stage, to the neverending “ayu call”, it was a report of a concert dream world that brought joy to many audience.

“BARKS News Award” July 2013 Monthly Award
● July 2013 J-pop No.1
[LIVE Report] Hamasaki Ayumi’s 15th Anniversary Tour ends. “Everyone, please smile until the day we meet again. Promise me!” (28 August)
http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000092747

“It’s a crucial tour celebrating her 15th debut Anniversary, and we’re glad that many are reading the article out of interest. Thank you. She will continue to run “in her own way”, so please continue to support her.” – Hamasaki Ayumi’s staff

1 September (Sun) Tokyo Ajinomoto Stadium

■ Prizmmy☆
1.BRAND NEW WORLD!!
2.EZ DO DANCE

■ FAKY
1.Better Without You
2.Girl Digger

■ act dancer stage

■ AAA
1.PARTY IT UP
2.Love Is In The Air
3.We Are
4.777 ~We can sing a song!~
5.Hurricane Riri Boston Mari

■ Sonar Pocket
1.Anata no uta
2.Getsu ka sui moku kin do nichi. ~Kimi no okuru uta~
3.Summer Days!
4.SonaPoke☆DISCO
5.Senkou hanabi ~Hachigatsu no yakusoku~
6.365nichi no Love Story.

■ SUPER☆GiRLS
1.MAX! Otomegokoro
2.Tokonatsu High Touch
3.Puripuri SUMMER Kiss

■ May J.
1.Hanamizuki
2.Precious
3.Garden
4.Beautiful Days
5.RAINBOW

■ RUNWAYchannel (Fashion show)
(BGM) May J.
(Models) Kojima Haruna (AKB48), Nanao, Michibata Angelica, Darenogare Akemi, Kawakita Mayuko, Kagami Seira, Ooya Kana etc

–break time–

■ Offical dancer stage

■ Dream5
1.We are Dreamer
2.EZ DO DANCE~CRAZY GONNA CRAZY Medley

■ m-flo
1.YEAH
2.She’s So (Outta Control)
3.CHANCE
4.All I Want Is You
5.Perfect Place
6.So Mama I’d Love Catch Up, OK?
7.Lotta Love

■ Koda Kumi
1.IS THIS TRAP?
2.Boom Boom Boys
3.Bling Bling Bling
4.Cutie Honey ~ Butterfly
–Secret guest: Watanabe Naomi–
5.Ai no uta
6.LALALALALA
7.BE MY BABY
8.Poppin’ love cocktail feat.TEEDA
(Watanabe Naomi + Harisenbon’s Kondou Haruna dance)

■ SHINee
1.Dream Girl
2.Breaking News
3.Fire
4.Dazzling Girl
5.Boys Meet U
6.Sherlock

■ Kishidan
0.BE MY BABY
1.Oretachi ni wa doyoubi shika nai
2.Koibito
3.SUPER BOY FRIEND
4.One Night Carnival 2013
5.BOY MEETS GIRL

■ Hamasaki Ayumi
1.INSPIRE
2.Rule
3.Moments
4.TO BE
5.HANABI
6.Summer Melody(Greatful days > Sunrise ~LOVE is ALL~ > Boys&Girls)
7.You&Me
8.July 1st

——

Continue reading →

Original article [here].

——

Hamasaki Ayumi “resorting to that?”, “hijacks” public blog
28 August 2013. 18:09

Revealing her 2nd “nude hand-bra” photoshoot, her private residence, and a confession of the reason behind her divorce with the Austrian actor. Hamasaki Ayumi (34), who welcomed her 15th debut Anniversary, is making the news much these days. After accusations of her “selling her privacy”, she has now “hijacked” a public blog.

The blog owner is Fukuoji Ayano (31), the owner of “tinkpinkJAPAN”, an apparel shop, and daughter of the CEO of famous jewellry brand “AHKAH”, popular amongst talents like Rinka (40).

“My very favourite obsession, the person I truly respect, Hamasaki Ayumi-san aka ayu-chan, came for my first exhibition,” she reported of the party she held on the 23rd for her brand “Oui, Ayano Ruban”, which Hamasaki gatecrashed with the help of friends.

Then, with the comment “Today’s entry will be full of special photos!!!”, she proceeded to upload more than 30 candid shots of Hamasaki, who was dressed up with red lipstick and a trendy one-piece suit, revealing the tattoo on her right shoulder. There were also photos of her posing with items in hand, and of her sticking her nose into a scented candle to sniff its fragrance. A “bellboy” could also be seen in the photos, carefully holding a Hermes Birkin bag thought to be Hamasaki’s and sticking close to her.

Online comments include: “Hamasaki-san is really going all out”, “Another selling of privacy?”, “She’s really going all out to make the news”, “I sympathize with Utada Hikaru’s life, but not one part of Hamasaki Ayumi’s life deserves any sympathy”.

This seems to be part of the consecutive release of Hamasaki’s great exposure promotion. Just how much publicity will she manage to garner?

Original article [here].

——

Revealing private residence! Former pop princess Hamasaki Ayumi’s worsening condition; resorting to selling privacy
25 August 2013.

In the October issue of “Numero TOKYO”, to be released on the 28th, singer Hamasaki Ayumi reveals her private residence for the first time, as well as an interview on shocking private issues, including the reasons behind her divorce.

“As a 15th debut Anniversary special campaign, the article contains a long interview reminiscing her past 15 years, and photos of the residence and her in lingerie. “No one pillar is compromised upon” in her carefully constructed residence, which resembles a luxury resort mansion (laugh)” (celebrity journalist)

In the interview, she reveals that the main reason she divorced ex-husband Austrian actor Manuel Schwarz in January last year was the nude photobook he released.

“When I read that, my thought was just “Seriously?” (laugh). She was apparently so shocked that she couldn’t eat or sleep for days. With that opportunity, she asserted that their values did not match up. However, she herself had released many semi-nude visuals of her own. Finally, the “publicity marriage” broke down over this trivial issue” (above-mentioned celebrity journalist)

Recently, Hamasaki appeared on the July issue of women’s fashion magazine “Majesty JAPAN” in the nude, with her hand as a makeshift bra. Now, with the revealing of her private residence and body, she has invited boo-ing from netizens.

Many online comments were posted. “Who wants to see her house?”, “Selling your private life? Are you Ishida Junichi?!”, “It’s the end of the road. Her actions are so painful to watch”, “The Hamasaki now seems to feel nothing but vanity. I feel sorry for her”, “It’s just so over for her…”

Faced with drastic decreases in CD sales and concert ticket audiences, is selling her privacy the only way out for Hamasaki?

Original article [here].

——

Hamasaki Ayumi… The mindset of women who treats younger men as disposable pets
24 August 2013. 10:25

Hamasaki Ayumi (34)’s former lover, Uchiyama Maroka (29), has made a re-debut as an “artiste”.

As Hamasaki’s former back dancer, their passionate relationship came to light November last year, but broke down at the beginning of this year. Quitting his job as back dancer, his career was rendered moot. For a month in January, he lived a homeless life in the city, a pathetic plight.

“When I met with Uchiyama, who is now a singer and actor, a few days ago, he said that he would rather die than be a back dancer again” (celebrity journalist)

On the other hand, Hamasaki seems to be cozying up to a young Caucasian male again. Last month, a women’s magazine exposed the existence of this new lover during their travels in Bali.

“The Austrian who Hamasaki divorced in January last year was also 1 year her junior. He was another unpopular actor and model. Kanda Uno denounced Hamasaki’s new lover as “no more than a pet”, and while that is not the truth, it is not far from it.” (above-mentioned celebrity journalist)

So is he just a temporary obsession? Satou Rumi, a journalist who knows career women, has a slightly different view.

“Women who bring younger men around like pets are like old men inside. These single career women, though rare, exist, and are like slightly rich old men who bring hostesses around. The men are not temporary obsessions, but are the ones who run from the relationship in the end because they feel suffocated. However, the proud women cannot see that, and pretend that they are the ones who had discarded the men.”

Just like an old man who insists that “I discarded her” when their hostess escapes, then soon starting to chase after the next hostess… If this is Hamasaki, then her plight is also one deserving of sympathy.

Original article [here].

——

Hamasaki Ayumi reveals luxury residence for the first time
23 August 2013. 00:00

Artiste Hamasaki Ayumi reveals her private residence for the first time in “Numero TOKYO” October issue, to be released on 28 August.

As a 15th debut Anniversary special campaign, Hamasaki granted permission for a precious photoshoot of her carefully constructed residence, of which “no one pillar is compromised upon”. Gardens spread with greenery, an immaculate living room with a pure white interior, a decorative spiral staircase; it is a luxurious living space designed like a holiday resort. In this space, she plays with her 4 beloved dogs and poses in lingerie, with a private and personal expression.

In a long interview reminiscing her activities for the past 15 years, she speaks of her emotions when deafness first befell her, and a true account of her feelings for avex CEO Matsuura. As this issue’s theme is “art”, 3 artists, including Tanaami Keiichi, represented “Hamasaki Ayumi’s 15th Anniversary” in the form of art pieces.

Original article [here].

——

Hamasaki Ayumi’s residence revealed for the first time! A photoshoot of her private residence and an interview
22 August 2013. 13:58

Hamasaki Ayumi welcomes her 15th debut Anniversary this year. After so long a reign as a pop princess, she finally lifts the veil surrounding her private life. In the October issue of Numero TOKYO, to be released on 28 August, Hamasaki’s residence is revealed for the first time. A special issue commemorating her Anniversary contains a photoshoot of her private home, proof of her success as a singer who had run non-stop for the past 15 years, as well as an interview.

To Hamasaki Ayumi, her home is not just someplace to return to at the end of the day, but a precious space where she spends “most of her life”. Home has held a special meaning for her ever since her teenage years. In the interview, she states that “discussions with her contractors are as detailed as those she holds with tour stage builders. No one pillar is compromised upon” as she talks about the process of building her home sweet home. She maintains a relaxed stance throughout the interview, while speaking of secrets regarding her debut days, memories throughout the tour and the production behind it. Following her own time, she cleared up details of past episodes of her life which she could only speak about now. It is a fruitful account of her private life over the past 15 years.

“Why did I choose this life? Can I escape from it? What can I do to end it? These are questions which I’ve asked myself.” Hamasaki Ayumi had led an amazing life, in which she had felt the above from time to time. Just what had supported her through these 15 years?

We just have to look at the photos of her private residence, at Hamasaki Ayumi herself, always possessing an innocence unlike others, and at the photo diary she had compiled herself. This is a special campaign composed of honest words and photos, speaking of “the present she took 15 years to arrive at”. It is definitely a must-see.

Original entry [here].

——

With ayu-san ♡
29 August 2013. 00:06

I’m in this month’s issue of VIVI.

Continue reading →