Articles & Interviews
Although constantly in the spotlight in Japan, Ayu occasionally pops on radar for English-speakers, as well. Although she very rarely gives interviews, there are a few English publications who have written about her influence, and she recently spoke with international news hub CNN. Translations of Japanese interviews can be found at Hamasaki Ayumi.
On-site articles & Transcripts
Teens - Return of the Queen
"...Ayumi, however, let her music do all the talking. Having steered her latest album, MY STORY, to another No. 1 slot on the Oricon charts, she's sparing no effort to push her career forward..."
An article from Singaporean publication Teens from March 2005.
Talk Asia - Japan Now
"I think feelings and words are of course similar but not the same. This is why I can't change my feelings into words. Because I have these feelings, that's why I can continue to sing."
A special interview with CNN in which Ayu discusses -- in both English and Japanese -- her latest album, her lyrics, and her plans for the future as of December 2006.
Off-site articles
TIME Magazine - Empress of Pop
"Like no J-pop star you've ever seen or heard, Ayumi Hamasaki rose to the top by controlling every aspect of her career and persona. Now she wants the world."
An in-depth article and rare interview with Ayu shortly after the release of I am... in 2002.
WIRED Magazine - Ayumi Inc
"What does it take to be queen of the J-pop scene? Twenty-eight hit singles, blond extensions, and a doughnut-endorsement contract..."
A small article of the Ayu phenomena from May 2003
Forbes - Big--But Not Here
"'Ayu' to her fans, this tiny phenom reigns supreme in the world's second-largest music market..."
A special blurb on Ayu to accompany Forbe's annual "Celebrity 100" list from July 2003.
