Promotional Videos
Thus far, Ayumi Hamasaki's musical career has spawned 30+ full promotional videos -- one of which inspired a short film -- and a handful of commercial-length "mini videos". A vast majority of Ayu's videos are directed by Wataru Takeishi, and several themes and consistencies can be identified.
For starters, one distinctly different aspect of her videos is how slow everything is paced. Not only are everyone's actions considerably decelerated, but there is a definite favoritism towards long pans of still scenery; scenery that she solely ornaments with her just as still and forlorn presence. This technique turns some people off to her videos, and I can see why -- as far as music videos go, they can be pretty boring. I personally am partial to her newer videos which have taken a liking to flashing images and lights combined with the subdued movements, making for an interesting juxtaposition that's a bit more entertaining to watch.
Another definitive characteristic is the use of colors; most scenes are shot in monochrome and used in contrast of one another. For example, her video debut "poker face" goes through the four seasons with little more than a basic backdrop and a barren tree full of television screens -- she first appears surrounded with vibrant green for spring, then moves against a lively, water-inspired background for summer, relies heavily on reds and coppers to portray fall, then falls under a deeper, darker blue for the dismal winter. Also similar is the video for "Endless sorrow" which is almost entirely in a dank gray until the end when the young hero reaches his revelation and is showered in golden light.
Complete PV Guide organized by chapter
Intrigued?
Although all of Ayu's PVs have been released on DVD, sample video files are periodically rotated at Ayumi Hamasaki at Eneabba.net, a fantastic fan resource that also offers a large archive of screen captures (among other things).
