Ayumi Hamasaki, born in Fukuoka in 1978, is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and pop icon. Rising to fame in the late 1990s with her debut single "Poker Face," she quickly became the best-selling solo artist in Japan, achieving numerous chart-topping records and selling millions of records. Throughout her career, she released a prolific amount of music, including hit albums like Loveppears (1999), Duty (2000), and I Am... (2002), showcasing a transition from electronic dance-pop to incorporating rock and R&B influences. Despite a decline in sales in the 2010s, Hamasaki continued to dominate the charts with releases like Next Level (2009) and Love Again (2013), culminating in her 18th studio album, Remember You, in 2023.

Hamasaki's journey to stardom began with a humble upbringing and early struggles as a model and aspiring actress. Discovered by producer Max Matsuura in the late '90s, she signed with Avex Trax and quickly rose to fame with her chart-topping singles and albums. Over the years, she gained control over her career, becoming the primary songwriter and expanding her musical style. Despite personal setbacks, including a hearing condition, Hamasaki continued to push boundaries, experimenting with different genres and collaborating with international producers. With a career spanning decades, she remains a prominent figure in the Japanese music industry, celebrated for her enduring success and influence.