Ayumi Hamasaki
Sailor Moon creator draws band-new illustration of the manga heroine and best-selling vocalist.
The best-selling Japanese solo musical artist in history celebrates her 25th anniversary with a special sweet treat.
Even if you have only the barest passing knowledge of Japanese music, there’s a very good chance you know the name Ayumi Hamasaki. Arguably the queen of Japanese solo pop artists, between 1998 and 2012, she managed to move over 50 million units including both singles and full albums. That’s a number so big, I need all my fingers, toes and a calculator to keep track of everything! She’s even crossed international boundaries with numerous fans around Asia and managed to be a star for over a decade in a country where pop stars come and go like…well, pop stars.
But is her glory finally at its end? While we’d be loath to make any proclamations about the future, the sales for her newest single “Terminal” have been nothing short of dismal, apparently shocking many music industry insiders.







Bear meat noodles?!? Tokyo restaurant adds a new kind of niku soba to its menu【Taste test】
Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan super budget dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at McDonald’s?
Poké Ball cakes here for limited but long time to celebrate Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
7 reasons why you should visit Aomori Prefecture
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Foreign tourists blamed for Japan rice shortage as “Reiwa Rice Riots” leaves shelves bare
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Visiting Japan’s Gyarados Pokémon park in the city with a special connection to Magikarp【Photos】
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Poké Ball cakes here for limited but long time to celebrate Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
7 reasons why you should visit Aomori Prefecture
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Foreign tourists blamed for Japan rice shortage as “Reiwa Rice Riots” leaves shelves bare
Visiting Japan’s Gyarados Pokémon park in the city with a special connection to Magikarp【Photos】
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Old postcards reveal famous Japanese tourist spots as they appeared 100 years ago
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
Japan’s new Pokémon donut treat marks Ditto’s Mister Donut debut!
We asked: “What are the hardest and best things about dating a Japanese person?”