Namie Amuro

Namie Amuro was born on September 20, 1977, at Okinawa Red Cross Hospital in Naha, Okinawa.{{Cite web|url=http://ai.2ch.sc/test/read.cgi/x1/1262831254/l50|title=【子供より男の】 安室奈美恵 【シングルマザー】}} She is one of four children of Emiko Taira.{{cite web |author=Japan Times Staff|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/1999/03/17/national/amuros-mother-slain-brother-in-law-suspected/#.VyAVHDB97IV|title=Amuro's mother slain; brother-in-law suspected|work=The Japan Times|date=March 17, 1999|access-date=April 27, 2016}} Through her mother, Amuro is a quarter Italian.{{cite web|title=Everlasting Diva – Namie Amuro – 20 Years on the Road of a Superstar|url=https://www.gooume-jp.com/works/373|publisher=Gooume JP|date=January 18, 2016|access-date= August 26, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Musicians – Amuro Namie|url=http://www.japan-zone.com/modern/amuro_namie.shtml|publisher=Japan Zone|access-date=August 27, 2018}} Having divorced when Amuro was only 4 years old, Taira raised her children solely in Okinawa – she worked as a nursery school employee and a bar hostess to support her family.{{cite web|title=All About the Dramatic Life of Namie Amuro|url=http://jpninfo.com/36275|publisher=Japan Info|date=December 11, 2015|access-date= August 26, 2018}} Although Amuro had no ambition to become a singer, she was discovered at age 12, while visiting a friend. One year later, Amuro was scouted by Masayuki Makino, the owner of Okinawa Actors School, and eventually she was enrolled there.{{cite web|title=スーパーモンキーズのメンバー一覧！動画・曲・画像まとめ|url=http://gotouchiidol-lab.com/386.html|publisher=Gotouchi Idol|access-date=August 27, 2018|language=ja}} In 1991, Makino placed her in an idol group named Super Monkey's, with four other girls: Anna Makino, Hisako Arakaki, Minako Ameku and Nanako Takushi.{{cite web|title=SUPER MONKEY'S|url=http://tower.jp/artist/1288311/SUPER-MONKEY'S|publisher=Tower Records|date=March 23, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|language=ja}} The sixth member, Rino Nakasone, joined the group one year later. On September 16, 1992, Super Monkey's released their debut single, "Koi no Cute Beat/Mr USA".{{cite AV media notes|title=Koi no Cute Beat/Mr USA|others=Super Monkey’s|year=1992|type=Mini CD Single|publisher=Toshiba EMI|id=TODT-2878}} However, Anna Makino left the group at the end of that year. In 1993, the remaining members of Super Monkey's moved to Tokyo.

Super Monkey's did not gain much success and the group went through constant lineup changes. In 1994, the group changed their name to Namie Amuro with Super Monkey's to reflect Amuro's rising popularity as an upcoming actress and fashion model. Aside from group's musical activities, Amuro had bit parts in Japanese television series and small films. Super Monkey's experienced a large amount of success with their single "Try Me (Watashi o Shinjite)", produced by Italian eurobeat producer Dave Rodgers, and Japanese businessman Max Matsuura. Released on January 25, 1995, the song reached number eight on the Oricon Singles Chart, and stayed in the top 200 chart for 25 weeks.{{cite web|title=TRY ME ~私を信じて~|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/271617/1/|publisher=Oricon|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}} Despite the beginning success as a group, the other four members of the Super Monkey's formed their own sub-group, MAX, under the Japanese record label Avex Trax.{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/p-et-tp0-20081028-423486.html|title=ミーナMAX復帰オリジナル4人で再始動|publisher=Nikkan Sports|date=October 28, 2008|access-date=November 1, 2008|language=ja}} As a result, Amuro released two more solo singles under Toshiba-EMI before moving to Avex Trax herself.{{cite web|url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/news/article/309170062|title=100 Japanese pops Artists – No.53|publisher=HMV Japan|date=October 9, 2003|access-date=October 28, 2008|language=ja}}

After signing with Avex Trax in 1995, the corresponding record company Avex Group enlisted Japanese musician Tetsuya Komuro to work with Amuro on her then-upcoming album. Amuro made her solo debut with Avex, releasing the single "Body Feels Exit" on October 25, 1995.{{cite AV media notes |title=Body Feels Exit |others=Namie Amuro |year=1995 |type=CD Single |publisher=Avex Trax |id=AVDD-20107}}{{cite web |date=October 25, 1995 |title=Namie Amuro – Body Feels Exit |url=http://music.mu-mo.net/album/?distribution_id=ABS1-20107 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202232057/http://music.mu-mo.net/album/?distribution_id=ABS1-20107 |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |access-date=October 28, 2008 |publisher=Mu-Mo |language=ja}} It became a huge success in Japan, peaking at number three on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold over 882,000 units in Japan.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/45995/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Body Feels Exit|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1995年11月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. November 1995 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199601.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=January 10, 1997 |volume=434 |page=6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610110822/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199601.pdf |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=June 10, 2014}} Amuro's second single with Komuro, "Chase the Chance", became her first number-one single on the Oricon Singles Chart and her first single to sell over 1 million units in Japan.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/45997/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Chase the Chance|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1996年1月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. January 1996 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199603.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=March 10, 1997 |volume=436 |page=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610110156/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199603.pdf |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=June 10, 2014}} For Amuro's success with those singles, she won the Golden Arrow Award in 1995.{{cite web|url=http://www.tsutaya.co.jp/item/artist/view_a.zhtml?artid=A049647|title=Namie Amuro Profile|publisher=Tsutaya|access-date=August 10, 2008|language=ja|archive-date=December 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231153830/http://www.tsutaya.co.jp/item/artist/view_a.zhtml?ARTID=A049647|url-status=dead}}

File:MTV VMAJ 2014 Tetsuya Komuro (cropped).jpg produced Amuro's first four studio albums.]]

After a brief hiatus, Amuro released two more singles in 1996: "Don't Wanna Cry" and "You're My Sunshine". Both singles were successful in Japan, bringing her second and third consecutive number one singles, and both sold over one million units there.{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1996年5月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. May 1996 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199607.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |publisher=RIAJ |date=July 10, 1997 |volume=440 |page=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610105014/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199607.pdf |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=June 10, 2014}}{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1996年6月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. June 1996 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199608.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |publisher=RIAJ |date=August 10, 1997 |volume=442 |page=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610104902/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199608.pdf |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=June 10, 2014}} Amuro achieved huge success after the release of her first solo studio album, Sweet 19 Blues (1996). Released on July 22, it reached number one on the Oricon Albums Chart in Japan, and has sold over 3.6 million units.{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1996年8月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. August 1996 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199608.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |publisher=RIAJ |date=October 10, 1997 |volume=443 |page=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610130931/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199610.pdf |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=June 10, 2014}}{{cite web|author=Mills, Ted|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/sweet-19-blues-mw0000920036|title=Namie Amuro – Sweet 19 Blues (album review)|publisher=AllMusic|date=July 22, 1996|access-date=June 20, 2017}} She released the album's final single, the title track, on August 21, 1996; it achieved success by peaking at number two on the Oricon Singles Chart, and shifted over 400,000 units in Japan.{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1996年10月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. October 1996 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199612.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |publisher=RIAJ |date=December 10, 1997 |volume=446 |page=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604121325/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1996/199612.pdf |archive-date=June 4, 2014 |access-date=June 4, 2014}} On November 27, 1996, she started work on her second solo studio album with Komuro, and released its lead single "A Walk in the Park".{{cite AV media notes |title=A Walk in the Park|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=1996|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVDD-20161|location=Japan}} It gave Amuro her fourth number one single on the Oricon Singles Chart, and her fourth single to sell over one million units there.{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1997年1月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. January 1997 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1997/199703.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |publisher=RIAJ |date=March 10, 1997 |volume=449 |page=9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306111501/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1997/199703.pdf |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |access-date=June 10, 2014}} At the end of 1996, she was awarded the Grand Prix Award for her song "Don't Wanna Cry", the highest honor at the Japan Record Awards, making her the youngest artist to have won the award.{{cite web | url=http://starbulletin.com/2000/03/31/features/story3.html | title=Singing sensation plans Hawaii concert | access-date=September 30, 2008 | publisher=Honolulu Star Bulletin | date=March 31, 2000}} On February 19, 1997, she released her single "Can You Celebrate?", which became her fifth number one single.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/46050/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Can You Celebrate?|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}} The single became a huge success in Japan, eventually selling 2,750,000 units there, making it the best-selling single by a solo female artist in Japan. After releasing her sixth consecutive number one single "How to Be a Girl" on May 21, 1997, Amuro released her second album Concentration 20 in July of that year.{{cite AV media notes |title=Concentration 20|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=1997|type=CD album; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-11581|location=Japan}}{{cite AV media notes |title=How to Be a Girl|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=1997|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVDD-20185|location=Japan}} It became her third number one album in Japan, and sold over 1.9 million units there.{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1997年8月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. August 1997 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1997/199710.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |publisher=RIAJ |date=October 10, 1997 |volume=456 |page=9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928160000/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1997/199710.pdf |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |access-date=April 27, 2014}} For additional promotion, she embarked her Concentration 20 Dome Tour in Japan, which achieved commercial success.{{cite AV media notes |title=Concentration 20 Japan Dome Tour|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2000|type=DVD live; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVBD-91024|location=Japan}} By early August 1997, the total sales of Amuro's records reached 20 million units in Japan. During a press conference on October 22 of that year, Amuro confirmed her marriage to Japanese musician and TRF band member Masaharu "Sam" Maruyama. During the conference, she announced that she was three months pregnant with their first child.{{cite web|author=Kashiwase, Haruna|url=http://www.prb.org/Publications/Articles/2002/ShotgunWeddingsaSignoftheTimesinJapan.aspx|title=Shotgun Weddings a Sign of the Times in Japan|work=Population Reference Bureau|date=July 2002|access-date=April 27, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=http://www.pathfinder.com/Asiaweek/97/1107/feat5.html |title=Lightning Strikes Once |access-date=September 3, 2009 |first=Alexandra A. |last=Seno |date=November 7, 1997|publisher=AsiaWeek |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060313235918/http://www.pathfinder.com/asiaweek/97/1107/feat5.html |archive-date=March 13, 2006}} At the end of the year, she won the Grand Prix Award at the Japan Record Awards again for "Can You Celebrate?"{{cite web|url=http://www.jacompa.or.jp/rekishi/d1997.htm|script-title=ja:第39回日本レコード大賞|publisher=Japan Record Awards|access-date=October 28, 2008|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219044647/http://www.jacompa.or.jp/rekishi/d1997.htm|archive-date=December 19, 2007}} and made her final appearance on the annual Japanese television music show 48th Kōhaku Uta Gassen before beginning her one-year hiatus from the music industry.{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/news2/entert2/2001kouhaku/history-48.html|script-title=ja:第48回紅白歌合戦|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=October 28, 2010|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412055328/http://www.nikkansports.com/news2/entert2/2001kouhaku/history-48.html|archive-date=April 12, 2010}} She legally changed her name to Namie Maruyama, but continued to use her maiden name as her professional name.{{cite web|title=武井咲より若かった！ 人気絶頂の20歳で"デキ婚"した安室奈美恵|date=September 7, 2017 |url=https://www.excite.co.jp/News/90s/20170907/E1504500650949.html|publisher=Excite|access-date= August 26, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵 人気絶頂20歳での電撃デキ婚|url=https://www.nikkan-gendai.com/articles/view/geinox/146206/3|publisher=Nikkan Gendai|date=November 27, 2013|access-date= August 26, 2018|language=ja}}

Amuro's first compilation album, 181920, was released on January 28, 1998, and covers twelve singles which were released prior to her hiatus.{{cite AV media notes|title=181920|others=Namie Amuro|year=1998|type=CD Album|id=AVCD-11624}} The total sales of the album were around 2 million units in Japan. Four months later, on May 19, Amuro gave birth to her son, Haruto Maruyama at Maruyama Memorial General Hospital.{{cite web|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20020804pb.html|title=Can you celebrate? Not yet, Amuro-chan|author=Japan Times Staff|date=August 4, 2002|work=The Japan Times|access-date=April 27, 2016}} She returned to the music industry by releasing the single "I Have Never Seen" on December 23, 1998.{{cite AV media notes|title=I Have Never Seen|others=Namie Amuro|year=1998|type=CD Single|id=AVDD-20301}} It became her eighth number one single on Oricon, and sold over 650,000 units in Japan.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/46171/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – I Have Never Seen|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1999年1月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. January 1999 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1999/199903.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |publisher=RIAJ |date=March 10, 1999 |volume=472 |page=9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928160008/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1999/199903.pdf |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |access-date=July 31, 2018}} She made her first televised appearance on 49th Kōhaku Uta Gassen days later, performing a tearful rendition of her single "Can You Celebrate?".{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/news2/entert2/2001kouhaku/history-49.html|script-title=ja:第49回紅白歌合戦|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=October 29, 2008|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207212001/http://www.nikkansports.com/news2/entert2/2001kouhaku/history-49.html|archive-date=December 7, 2008}}

Working on the album Genius 2000 with Komuro and American producer Dallas Austin,{{cite AV media notes |title=Genius 2000|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2000|type=CD album; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-11756|location=Japan}} after releasing its first single "I Have Never Seen" in 1998, Amuro released its second single "Respect the Power of Love" on March 17, 1999.{{cite AV media notes |title=Respect the Power of Love|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=1999|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVDD-20315|location=Japan}} On the same day, news publications in Amuro's hometown, Okinawa, reported that her mother, Emiko Taira, had been murdered. According to staff editors at The Japan Times, Emiko and her second husband, Tatsunobu Taira, were hit by an axe, owned by Kenji Taira, Emiko's ex-husband's brother. While her second husband survived with moderate injuries, Emiko was taken to hospital, and pronounced dead after noon on March 17. Kenji was then found dead in his car, after consuming insecticide. Upon hearing the news, Amuro postponed all promotional activities and flew back to Okinawa in order to identify her mother's body. A week later, the single debuted at the number two on the Oricon Singles Chart, beaten by the single "Dango 3 Kyodai".{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/search/result.php?kbn=js&types=rnk&year=1999&month=3&week=5&submit4.x=24&submit4.y=10|title=Oricon Weekly Single Charts for the first week of April 1999|publisher=oricon|access-date=October 28, 2008|language=ja}} A third single, "Toi et Moi", was used for the Japanese animation movie Pokémon: The Movie 2000.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/46196/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Toi et Moi|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}} Both singles proved successful, selling over 400,000 and 200,000 units in that region, respectively.{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1999年3月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. March 1999 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1999/199905.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=May 10, 1999 |volume=474 |page=9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122064612/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1999/199905.pdf |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |access-date=January 22, 2014}}{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1999年7月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. July 1999 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1999/199909.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=September 10, 1999 |volume=478 |page=9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116130756/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1999/199909.pdf |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |access-date=January 18, 2014}} Amuro made her first single debut with Austin on "Something 'Bout the Kiss", released on September 1, 1999.{{cite AV media notes |title=Something 'Bout the Kiss|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=1999|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-30053|location=Japan}} It became a success in Japan, reaching number three on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold over 390,000 units there.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/46197/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Something 'Bout the Kiss|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 1999年9月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. September 1999 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1999/199911.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=November 10, 1999 |volume=480 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118033644/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/1999/199911.pdf |archive-date=January 18, 2014 |access-date=January 18, 2014}} In January 2000, Amuro released her fourth studio album Genius 2000; it reached number one on the Oricon Albums Chart, and shifted over 800,000 units there.{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2000年2月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. March 2000 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2000/200004.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=April 10, 2000 |volume=485 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102225426/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2000/200004.pdf |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |access-date=January 22, 2014}} That same month, Amuro confirmed her separation from husband Masaharu. For the first half of 2000, Amuro embarked on her Genius 2000 Tour throughout Japan.{{cite AV media notes |title=Genius 2000 Tour|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2001|type=Live DVD; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVBG-91017|location=Japan}} She then released the single "Never End", in July, confirming work on her fifth studio album with Komuro and Austin. The single was used as part of the G8 Summit taking place in Okinawa, Japan that year.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/jul/24/4|title=Okinawa diary|publisher=guardian.co.uk|date=July 24, 2000|access-date=October 30, 2008 | location=London | first=Jonathan | last=Watts}} It was commissioned by late Prime Minister Keizō Obuchi, who asked Tetsuya Komuro to write a song conveying "a vision of harmony and interaction in the world in the 21st century".{{cite web | url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/summit/2000/outline/eng/pdfs/reception.pdf | title=Kyushu-Okinawa Summit 2000 Reference Materials | access-date=January 16, 2007}} Obuchi later asked Amuro to perform the single at the summit.{{cite news | url=http://cgi.cnn.com/ASIANOW/time/features/interviews/2000/07/18/int.amuro0718.html | work=Time ASIA | title='There Were Times I Nearly Gave Up' Japanese pop diva Namie Amuro grows up | access-date=January 17, 2006 | date=July 18, 2007 | author=Larimer, Tim, Tashiro, Hiroko | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213085251/http://cgi.cnn.com/ASIANOW/time/features/interviews/2000/07/18/int.amuro0718.html | archive-date=February 13, 2007 }}

File:Yoshiro Mori, Tetsuya Komuro and Namie Amuro 20000711.jpg for "Never End" to Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori at the Prime Minister's Office on July 11, 2000]]

Amuro's fifth studio album Break the Rules was released on December 20, 2000, and is her final full-length produced album with Komuro.{{cite AV media notes |title=Break the Rules|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2000|type=CD album; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-11876|location=Japan}} It became her first studio album to miss the top spot, peaking at number two on the Oricon Albums Chart. Amuro's sales started to decline from this release, as the album only shifted 335,000 units in Japan.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/410317/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Break the Rules|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2000年12月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. December 2000 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2001/2001_02.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=February 10, 2001 |volume=495 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116140557/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2001/2001_02.pdf |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |access-date=January 17, 2014}} To promote the studio album, Amuro toured Japan in March 2001, and finished in May that same year.{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe-net.com/news/?news=0002088|script-title=ja:安室奈美恵 ニュー・アルバム・リリース＆コンサート・ツアーが決定|publisher=Vibe Net|date=December 15, 2000|access-date=October 28, 2008|language=ja|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220103533/http://www.vibe-net.com/news/?news=0002088|archive-date=December 20, 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://music.goo.ne.jp/cd/DVDORID524902-1/index.html|title=Namie amuro Tour 2001 Break the Rules|publisher=Goo|access-date=October 28, 2008|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208183520/http://music.goo.ne.jp/cd/DVDORID524902-1/index.html|archive-date=December 8, 2008}} In August, she released the single "Say the Word"; it was her first single that she contributed to songwriting.{{cite web|url=http://tvstation.jp/special/artist/old/amuro03.html|script-title=ja:安室奈美恵～2003|publisher=TV Station|access-date=November 5, 2008|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220053733/http://tvstation.jp/special/artist/old/amuro03.html|archive-date=December 20, 2008}} This was her first single to be released after departing with Komuro, until years later, and was released in part of her upcoming greatest hits album.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/interview/080730_01.html|script-title=ja:安室奈美恵『超豪華なベスト盤とセルフプロデュースの軌跡を語る！』|publisher=oricon|date=July 30, 2008|access-date=October 29, 2008|language=ja}} Since then, she started to produce her own activities. However, in December she worked with Komuro for the last time on "Lovin' It", a single released as part of Avex's Song+Nation charity project. The single featured Japanese rapper Verbal from the music group M-Flo.{{cite web|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20020123sm.html|title=Forgiven but not forgotten|publisher=The Japan Times|date=January 23, 2002|access-date=October 28, 2008}}

File:Namie Amuro MAA.JPG in Bangkok in February 2005]]

Amuro released her second compilation album, Love Enhanced Single Collection, on March 13, 2002.{{cite AV media notes |title=Love Enhanced – Singles Collection|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2002|type=CD album; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-17102|location=Japan}} The album reworked nearly every single released after her return from hiatus in 1998, with new vocals, mixes or rearrangements.{{cite web|url=http://www.bounce.com/interview/article.php/3528/3/|title=10年以上の〈FOREPLAY〉 その１|publisher=bounce.com|date=July 5, 2007|access-date=October 30, 2008|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223232145/http://www.bounce.com/interview/article.php/3528/3/|archive-date=December 23, 2008}} The single "I Will" was released a month before the album and became Amuro's first single below 100,000 units in sales. Although the album was moderately successful, peaking at number three and shifting over 300,000 units, it only sold a fraction of its predecessor 181920 (1998).{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2002年3月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. March 2002 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2002/200205.pdf |journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=May 10, 2002 |volume=510 |page=12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117061452/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2002/200205.pdf |archive-date=January 17, 2014 |access-date=January 17, 2014}} In July 2002, Amuro divorced Maruyama, and legally changed her name back to Namie Amuro, having cited irreconcilable differences. According to reports, her divorce was due to her personal issues with Maruyama's family.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_19-7-2002_pg9_2|title=Pop idol Namie Amuro divorces|publisher=Daily Times|date=July 19, 2002|access-date=October 28, 2008}} Retrospectively, The Times attributed her loss in popularity during this era to the attention surrounding her personal struggles, while The Japan Times cited the rise of newer artists Hikaru Utada and Ayumi Hamasaki, who achieved great success in the wake of her hiatus.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/asia-travel/japan/comeback-queen-of-j-pop-ksth79qb9nz|title=Comeback queen of J pop|last=Lewis|first=Leo|date=2005|work=The Times|access-date=December 23, 2017|issn=0140-0460}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2002/08/04/national/media-national/can-you-celebrate-not-yet-amuro-chan/|title=Can you celebrate? Not yet, Amuro- chan|last=Brasor|first=Philip|date=August 4, 2002|work=The Japan Times Online|access-date=December 23, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0447-5763}} In a 2005 interview, Amuro said: "Even my closest friend said I was finished, but I think I may be a little different from the others. My popularity plunged three years ago and I didn’t try to court publicity. It was a real challenge forcing myself to be consistent in not playing up to my fans." Amuro started work on her sixth studio and third collaboration album with Dallas Austin, releasing Diane Warren-written single "Wishing on the Same Star" on September 11, 2002.{{cite AV media notes |title=Wishing on the Same Star|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2003|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-30379|location=Japan}} The single saw a large slip in Amuro's sales, only shifting 95,000 units by the end of the year. In December 2002, Amuro was part of the musical project Suite Chic, involving several Japanese artists like Verbal, Zeebra, Dabo and DJ Muro.{{cite web|url=http://www.bounce.com/article/article.php/608/ALL/|title=SUITE CHIC|publisher=Bounce|date=February 20, 2003|access-date=August 10, 2008|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223230739/http://www.bounce.com/article/article.php/608/ALL/|archive-date=December 23, 2008}} The project released two singles, one studio album and one remix album before dissolution in 2003.{{cite AV media notes |title=When Pop Hits the Fan|others=Suite Chic|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2003|type=CD album; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-17233|location=Japan}}{{cite AV media notes |title=When Pop Hits the Lab|others=Suite Chic|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2003|type=CD album; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-17288|location=Japan}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bounce.com/interview/article.php/4458/ALL/|script-title=ja:安室奈美恵|publisher=Bounce|date=July 31, 2008|access-date=October 29, 2008|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201112042/http://www.bounce.com/interview/article.php/4458/ALL/|archive-date=December 1, 2008}}

Amuro returned to solo activities in mid-2003, releasing the singles "Shine More", "Put 'Em Up", and the double A-side singles: "So Crazy" and "Come". The single's saw an exploration of westernised musical styles with American producers, including R&B producers Full Force and the work of Austin.{{cite AV media notes |title=Style|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2003|type=CD album; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-17372|location=Japan}} "Come" was used for the Japanese anime InuYasha,{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002L4DK0/ |title=The Best of Inuyasha, Vol. 2|website=Amazon|access-date=October 29, 2008}} and is a re-arranged song that was originally recorded by Australian recording artist and TV personality Sophie Monk.{{cite web|url=http://www.bigtakeover.com/top-ten/Steve-Holtje-070204|title=Steve Holtje's Top Ten — February 4|publisher=The Big Takeover|date=February 4, 2007|access-date=October 30, 2007}} At the end of the year, she released her sixth studio album and first album in three years, Style.{{cite web|url=http://www.tsutaya.co.jp/item/music/view_m.zhtml?pdid=20168931|title=Namie Amuro – Style|publisher=Tsutaya|access-date=October 29, 2008|language=ja}} The album became her lowest chart album on the Oricon Albums Chart, peaking at number four. It is also her lowest selling studio album, shifting only 222,000 units in that region.{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2004年2月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (February 2004) | url=https://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200402.html | publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |language=ja | date=March 10, 2004 | access-date=January 22, 2014}} To promote the studio album, Amuro conducted her So Crazy Tour Featuring Best Singles on November 29.{{cite web|url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=52328379|title=安室奈美恵、ニュー・シングルは本格R＆B！ 全国ツアーも決定|publisher=Bark News|date=October 28, 2008|access-date=October 29, 2008|language=ja}} The tour concluded in Japan on April 11, 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/ns/entertainment/f-et-tp0-040411-0018.html|script-title=ja:安室奈美恵が台北、ソウルでライブ|publisher=Nikkan Sports|date=April 11, 2004|access-date=October 29, 2008|language=ja}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} She extended the concert tour, marked as a promotional appearance, in Taiwan,{{cite web|url=http://tvstation.jp/special/artist/old/amuro05.html|script-title=ja:安室奈美恵～2005|publisher=TV Station|access-date=October 29, 2008|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220053740/http://tvstation.jp/special/artist/old/amuro05.html|archive-date=December 20, 2008}} and South Korea.{{cite web|url=http://contents.innolife.net/culture/cu_event.php?cs_id=5&cu_id=1722|title=J-POPスター安室奈美恵、初来韓コンサート|publisher=Innolife|date=April 2004|access-date=October 29, 2008|language=ja}} Shortly after the tour, she released the single "All for You" on July 22, 2004, confirming work on her seventh studio album.{{cite AV media notes |title=All for You|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2004|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-30587|location=Japan}} This was followed by the double A-side single "Girl Talk" and "Girl Talk/The Speed Star", released on October 14, 2004.{{cite AV media notes |title=Girl Talk/The Speed Star|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2004|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=2004.10.14|location=Japan}} It was successful in Japan, peaking at number two, and sold over 107,000 units in that region; it became her first top three single in two years.{{cite web|url=http://contents.oricon.co.jp/news/ranking/5014/|title=安室奈美恵、約2年ぶりのTOP3！|publisher=Oricon Style|date=October 19, 2008|access-date=August 9, 2008|language=ja}} Amuro decided not to appear on 55th Kōhaku Uta Gassen, although she had been invited to perform at the event.{{cite web|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/kiji/2004/11/25/06.html|script-title=ja:安室奈美恵も辞退！出演交渉前に通知|publisher=Sponichi|date=November 25, 2004|access-date=October 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041127023210/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/kiji/2004/11/25/06.html|archive-date=November 27, 2004 |language=ja}} She had previously attended the event nine years in a row.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/culture/update/1124/006.html|script-title=ja:ＳＭＡＰ辞退 紅白出場歌手決まる|publisher=Asahi Shimbun|date=November 27, 2004|access-date=October 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041210215240/http://www.asahi.com/culture/update/1124/006.html|archive-date=December 10, 2004|language=ja}}

File:Namie AmuroatMAA.JPG" at MTV Asia Aid in Bangkok in February 2005]]

In April 2005, Amuro released the single "Want Me, Want Me".{{cite AV media notes |title=Want Me, Want Me|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2005|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-30717|location=Japan}} The song was a success in Japan, reaching number two on Oricon Singles Chart, and sold over 103,000 units in that region.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/589993/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Want Me, Want Me|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2005年5月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (May 2005) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200505.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=June 10, 2005 | access-date=June 10, 2014}} In May, following a three-year split from Maruyama, Japanese publications reported that she would take back full custody of their child, Haruto.{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/ns/entertainment/p-et-tp0-050512-0005.html|title=安室奈美恵に長男親権移行、 SAMも同意|publisher=Nikkan Sports|date=May 12, 2005|access-date=October 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050514022402/http://www.nikkansports.com/ns/entertainment/p-et-tp0-050512-0005.html|archive-date=May 14, 2005|language=ja}} In August, she was granted full custody of Haruto with visitation rights by Maruyama.{{cite web|url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200508/gt2005082311.html|script-title=ja:安室、ＳＡＭから長男の親権取り戻していた|publisher=Sanspo|date=August 23, 2005|access-date=October 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060218131940/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200508/gt2005082311.html|archive-date=February 18, 2006|language=ja}} On May 29, Amuro performed at MTV Video Music Awards Japan for the fourth consecutive year in a row. She won two awards, "Best R&B Video" and "Most Impressive Performing Asian Artist", making her the first artist to win MTV VMAJ awards four years in a row (she won "Inspiration Award" in 2002, "Best Collaboration" in 2003 and "Best R&B Video" in 2004).{{cite web|url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200505/gt2005053004.html|script-title=ja:安室４年連続受賞！オレンジレンジも３冠－ＭＴＶ ＶＭＡ|publisher=sanspo|date=May 30, 2005|access-date=August 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050530232336/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/top/gt200505/gt2005053004.html|archive-date=May 30, 2005|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/geinou/may/o20050529_10.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050601034545/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/geinou/may/o20050529_10.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 1, 2005 |script-title=ja:安室２冠 ４年連続受賞|publisher=Sports Hochi|date=May 29, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2008|language=ja}} Internet Archive copy. Amuro released her seventh studio album Queen of Hip-Pop in July 2005.{{cite AV media notes |title=Queen of Hip-Pop|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2005|type=CD album; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-17692|location=Japan}} The album includes four singles: "Alarm", "All For You", "Girl Talk/The Speed Star" and "Want Me, Want Me". Queen of Hip-Pop was a success, reaching number two on the Oricon Albums Chart, and sold over 455,000 units in Japan.{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2005年12月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (December 2005) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200512.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=January 10, 2006 | access-date=January 23, 2014}} In collaboration with MGM Studios, Amuro was granted permission to use Pink Panther in the album. A female panther counterpart was created for the album as well.{{cite web|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/geinou/jul/o20050705_10.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20050831002715/http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/hochi/geinou/jul/o20050705_10.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 31, 2005 |script-title=ja:そっくり!可愛い!!ナミエパンサー|publisher=Sports Hochi|date=July 6, 2005|access-date=November 5, 2008 |language=ja}} Internet Archive copy. Both panther characters appeared in the music video of "WoWa".{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/music/2017/09/20/namie-amuro-retiring-japanese-singer-facts/|title=Namie Amuro is retiring: 8 things to know about popular Japanese singer|magazine=EW|date=September 20, 2017|access-date=August 26, 2018}} In September 2005, Amuro embarked on her Space of Hip-Hop concert tour in Japan.{{cite AV media notes |title=Space of Hip-Pop Tour|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2006|type=Live DVD; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVBD-91403|location=Japan}} Shortly after the commencement of the tour, she announced that she would contribute to the Japanese theatrical release of the film Sin City (2005). After viewing the movie, Amuro made an offer to the Japanese distribution company to sing its theme song; the company, feeling that her image fit the movie, accepted her offer.{{cite web | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/5217/ | script-title=ja:安室奈美恵、初の洋画イメージソングを歌う! | work=Oricon Style | date=September 9, 2005 | access-date=September 5, 2008|language=ja}}{{cite web | url=http://www.rbbtoday.com/news/20050930/25942.html | title=OnGen、安室奈美恵「Violet Sauce」を先行配信～シン・シティ日本版イメージソング | work=RBB Today | date=September 30, 2005 | access-date=September 5, 2008|language=ja}} The theme song, "Violet Sauce", was later released as part of a double A-side single, "White Light/Violet Sauce", in November 2005.{{cite AV media notes |title=White Light/Violet Sauce|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2006|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-30889|location=Japan}} It achieved moderate success in Japan, reaching number seven on the Oricon Singles Chart, and sold over 72,000 units there.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/626298/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – White Light/Violet Sauce|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2005年11月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (November 2005) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200511.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=December 10, 2005 | access-date=December 23, 2013}} The movie's director, Robert Rodriguez, was impressed by the song and asked to be a part of it; he can be heard saying "Welcome to Sin City" towards the end of the song.{{cite web|url=http://www.ongen.net/serial/cinema/sincity/index.php |title=シン・シティ映画サントラ配信中!【OnGen：国内最大級の音楽ダウンロードサイト】 |publisher=Ongen |access-date=September 5, 2008 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725073827/http://www.ongen.net/serial/cinema/sincity/index.php |archive-date=July 25, 2008 }} Shortly after the single, she released Filmography 2001–2005' (2006), a compilation of twelve of her music videos between the years 2001 to 2005.{{cite AV media notes |title=Filmography 2001–2005|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2006|type=Live DVD; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVBD-91359|location=Japan}} Amuro collaborated with Japanese recording artists Zeebra, Ai, and Mummy-D on Zeebra's album, The New Beginning, released in February 2006, in a song called "Do What U Gotta Do".{{cite web|url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000017334|title=ZEEBRA、AI、安室奈美恵、Mummy-Dとのコラボ曲をニューアルバムで披露|publisher=Barks News|date=January 13, 2006|access-date=October 31, 2008|language=ja}} In May, she released the double A-side single "Can't Sleep, Can't Eat, I'm Sick/Ningyo", which peaked at number two on the Oricon Singles Chart and shifted over 80,000 units in Japan.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/650318/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Can't Sleep, Can't Eat, I'm Sick|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2006年5月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (May 2006) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200605.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=June 10, 2006 | access-date=January 1, 2014}} In August 2006, Amuro conducted her first annual tour Best Tour Live Style 2006, spanning between August and November 2006.{{cite web|title=namie amuro BEST tour "Live Style 2006"|url=http://www.livefans.jp/groups/2120|publisher=Live Fans|access-date=August 26, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=namie amuro BEST tour "Live Style 2006"|url=http://www.namiestyle.jp/live/w_2006_livestyle.html|publisher=Namie Style|access-date=August 26, 2018|language=ja}} Released in February 2007,{{cite AV media notes|title=Namie Amuro Best Tour Live Style 2006|others=Namie Amuro|year=2007|type=Live DVD|id=AVBD-91466}} the Live DVD of the tour was placed on the second position by Oricon.{{cite web|title=NAMIE AMURO BEST TOUR "LIVE STYLE 2006"|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/694038/1/|publisher=Oricon|date=March 5, 2007|access-date=August 26, 2018|language=ja}} Its total sales exceeded 90,000 units in Japan.

File:Frisdrank automaat bij de vestiging van elektronica-winkelketen Nojima te Roppongi 7-chōme in Tokio, -9 november 2009.jpg on the side of a Coca-Cola vending machine in November 2009]]

Amuro released the third single from her upcoming eight studio album, "Baby Don't Cry" on January 24, 2007; it was used as the theme song for the Japanese television series Himitsu no Hanazono.{{cite AV media notes |title=Baby Don't Cry|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2007|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-31176|location=Japan}} It was successful in Japan, reaching number three on the Oricon Singles Chart, and sold over 144,000 units in that region, her highest selling single since "Say the Word".{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/693317/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Baby Don't Cry|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2007年2月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (February 2007) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200702.html | publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |language=ja | date=March 10, 2007 | access-date=January 23, 2014}} Based on ringtone sales, it became her first single to shift over one million units since "How to Be a Girl".{{cite web | script-title=ja:レコード協会調べ 5月度有料音楽配信認定 |trans-title=Record Association Investigation: May Digital Music Download Certifications | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w070620_3.html | publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |language=ja | date=June 20, 2007 | access-date=December 13, 2013}} Alongside this, she achieved the distinction in having a top ten single each year for 13 consecutive years, breaking the solo female artist's record in Japan by Kyōko Koizumi and Shizuka Kudō.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/41627/|title=Amuro Namie, Kyon Kyon, Shizuka Kudo! #1 Female Successive Top 10 Placing|date=January 30, 2007 |publisher=Oricon|access-date=October 29, 2008|language=ja}} At the end of 2007, it ranked at number seven on the RIAJ yearly ringtone sales charts.{{cite web|url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/release/2008/chart2007_1.html|title=2007年有料音楽配信チャート（通称：レコ協チャート）（「着うた（R）」）|publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan|access-date=November 29, 2008|language=ja}} She then released the fourth and final single, "Funky Town", on April 4, 2007.{{cite AV media notes |title=Funky Town|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2007|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-31216|location=Japan}} It achieved moderate success on the Oricon Singles Chart, peaking at number seven, and shifted over 54,000 units.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/703654/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Funky Town|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2007年4月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (April 2007) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200704.html | publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |language=ja | date=May 10, 2007 | access-date=February 8, 2014}} She was also featured on Japanese group, M-Flo's album, Cosmicolor, in a song titled "Luvotomy".{{cite web|url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2001445647/|title=M-Flo – Cosmicolor|publisher=HMV Japan|access-date=October 29, 2010|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071120005434/http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/2001445647|archive-date=November 20, 2007|url-status=dead}} Her eighth studio album, Play, was released on June 27, 2007.{{cite AV media notes |title=Play|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2007|type=CD album; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-23343|location=Japan}} The album charted atop of the Oricon Albums Chart, becoming Amuro's first number-one album in more than 7 years.{{cite web |date=July 3, 2007 |title=安室奈美恵、7年5ヵ月ぶりに首位返り咲き |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/46029/full/ |access-date=March 15, 2021 |publisher=Oricon News |language=ja}} To promote the album, Amuro conducted her concert tour in Japan, titled Play Tour 2007, spanning between August 18, 2007, and February 27, 2008.{{cite web|title=namie amuro PLAY tour 2007–2008|url=http://www.livefans.jp/groups/2121|publisher=Live Fans|access-date=August 26, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/amuro/tour07.html|title=namie amuro PLAY tour 2007【SCHEDULE】|work=Avex Group|access-date=December 3, 2008|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220103155/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/amuro/tour07.html|archive-date=December 20, 2008}} Originally consisting of 53 performances, it increased by 12 performances to 65 performances, making this Amuro's longest spanning tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/45213/|script-title=ja:安室奈美恵が大胆なコスプレに挑戦!?|work=Oricon Style|date=June 5, 2007|access-date=August 9, 2008|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/news/show/id/4679|title=安室奈美恵、過去最長のロングツアーがDVD化|publisher=Natalie|date=December 20, 2007|access-date=August 10, 2008|language=ja}} On the day when Play Tour 2007 concluded, Amuro released the Live DVD of the tour.{{cite AV media notes|title=Namie Amuro PLAY Tour 2007|others=Namie Amuro|date=2008|type=Live DVD|id=AVBD-91533}} It was placed on the second position by Oricon.{{cite web|title=NAMIE AMURO PLAY TOUR 2007|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/749490/1/|publisher=Oricon|date=March 10, 2008|access-date=August 26, 2018|language=ja}}

In early 2008, Amuro confirmed that she would promote Japanese hair company Vidal Sassoon through their new marketing campaign Fashion x Music x VS, with a new single.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/cute/cute_news/20080118_02.html|script-title=ja:安室奈美恵、夢のコラボで新曲初披露|language=ja|publisher=Oricon Style|date=January 18, 2008|access-date=October 30, 2008}} The single, though marketed as an extended play, was titled 60s 70s 80s, and consisted of three songs: "New Look", "Rock Steady", and "What A Feeling".{{cite AV media notes |title=60s 70s 80s|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2008|type=Extended Play; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id= AVCD-31394|location=Japan}} The songs feature samples from The Supremes's "Baby Love" (1964), Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady" (1971) and Irene Cara's "What A Feeling" (1983), respectively.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、ニュー・シングル"60s 70s 80s"にMURO、大沢伸一（MONDO GROSSO）ら大物プロデューサー陣が参加|url=http://tower.jp/article/news/2008/02/28/100012473|publisher=Tower Records Online|date=February 28, 2008|access-date=August 24, 2018|language=ja}} 60s 70s 80s became a huge success in Japan, reaching number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, and sold over 293,000 units in that region, becoming Amuro's first number-one single since "I Have Never Seen" and her highest selling single since "Baby Don't Cry".{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/750932/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – 60s 70s 80s|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2008年3月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (March 2008) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200803.html | publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |language=ja | date=April 10, 2008 | access-date=December 31, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/2008/03/25/0000889160.shtml |script-title=ja:安室９年３カ月ぶりにオリコン１位獲得 |publisher=Sports Daily Online |date=March 25, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409222726/http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/2008/03/25/0000889160.shtml |archive-date=April 9, 2008 |language=ja |url-status=dead }} On March 25, 2008, Amuro was awarded "Best Female Video" for "Hide & Seek" (from the album Play) at Space Shower Music Video Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000038613|title=SPACE SHOWER TV : ＜MVA08＞、BUMP OF CHICKENが史上初の３冠|work=Bark News|date=March 16, 2008|access-date=August 10, 2008|language=ja}} "Hide & Seek" also won the award for "Best R&B Video" at MTV Video Music Awards, which was held at the Saitama Super Arena on May 31.{{cite web|url=http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/3674232/|title=マライアからファーギーまで、MTV VMAJ08授賞式|publisher=Livedoor|date=June 2, 2008|access-date=August 7, 2008|language=ja}} In the same month, Amuro recorded a collaboration with Japanese musician Double in a song called "Black Diamond".{{cite web | url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20080516a1.html | title=R&B queen Double adds jewel to crown | work=The Japan Times | date=May 16, 2008 | access-date=July 1, 2008 | first=Robert Michael | last=Poole}} Despite lacklustre success on the Oricon Singles Chart, it sold over 500,000 ringtone units.{{cite web | script-title=ja:レコード協会調べ 7月度有料音楽配信認定 |trans-title=Record Association Investigation: July Digital Music Download Certifications | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w080820_3.html | publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |language=ja | date=August 20, 2008 | access-date=December 13, 2013}} On July 26, Amuro participated at the 2008 A-nation music concert; an estimated 25,000 people attended her performance.{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/p-et-tp0-20080727-388647.html|title=安室奈美恵a－nation初参加２万5000人悩殺|work=Nikkan Sports|date=July 27, 2008|access-date=August 7, 2008|language=ja}} This was the first time she was invited to perform in seven years.{{cite web|url=http://music.jp.msn.com/news/5678.htm |title=ベスト盤が話題の安室､a-nation初参戦で新曲を初披露 |work=MSN |date=July 30, 2008 |access-date=August 9, 2008 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808012553/http://music.jp.msn.com/news/5678.htm |archive-date=August 8, 2008}} On July 30, she released her third greatest hits album, Best Fiction.{{cite AV media notes |title=Best Fiction|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2008|type=CD album; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-23651|location=Japan}} Featuring tracks between 2003 and 2008, Best Fiction sold 681,000 copies in the first week and debuted at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/56981/full/|script-title=ja:安室ベスト盤が今年最高の初動売上68.1万枚でアルバム通算7作目の首位|publisher=Oricon Style|date=August 5, 2008|access-date=December 4, 2008|language=ja}} Within its third week, Best Fiction sold over one million units, making her the first artist to have one million certified album in three consecutive decades.{{cite web|url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/080819/gnj0808190433001-n1.htm |script-title=ja:安室、史上初３年代ミリオンアルバム達成！ |publisher=Sanspo |date=August 19, 2008 |access-date=August 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822022201/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/080819/gnj0808190433001-n1.htm |archive-date=August 22, 2008 |language=ja |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20080819-OHT1T00048.htm |script-title=ja:安室しか出来ない！史上初３年代ミリオン！ |publisher=Sports Hochi |date=August 19, 2008|access-date=August 19, 2008|language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821002123/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20080819-OHT1T00048.htm |archive-date=August 21, 2008}} Best Fiction eventually spent six consecutive weeks at the number-one position, becoming the first album to do so in more than 14 years since the Dreams Come True's 1993 album Magic.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/57997/|script-title=ja:安室奈美恵の勢い衰えず！ドリカム以来14年8か月ぶりの6週連続首位|publisher=Oricon Style|date=September 9, 2008|access-date=September 9, 2008|language=ja}} By the end of 2008, Best Fiction became the second best-selling album behind Exile's Exile Love.{{cite web|url=http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/special/081211_01_03.html|title=2008 Yearly Album Rankings|publisher=Oricon Style|date=December 11, 2008|access-date=December 11, 2008|language=ja|archive-date=November 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129213950/http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/special/081211_01_03.html|url-status=dead}} In addition, it became the second best selling digital-format album by a Japanese artist behind Hikaru Utada's Heart Station.{{cite web|url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000045376|title=2008年、「iTunes Store」で最もダウンロードされた楽曲が発表|publisher=Barks|date=December 3, 2008|access-date=December 3, 2008|language=ja}} Best Fiction was awarded the Album of the Year award at the 50th Japan Record Awards.{{cite web|url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20081201-OHT1T00302.htm |script-title=ja:安室奈美恵がレコ大最優秀アルバム賞 |publisher=Sports Hochi |date=December 1, 2008 |access-date=December 3, 2008 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204063840/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20081201-OHT1T00302.htm |archive-date=December 4, 2008}} To promote the album, Amuro conducted her Best Fiction Tour, spanning between October 25, 2008, and July 12, 2009.{{cite web|title=namie amuro BEST FICTION TOUR 2008–2009|url=http://www.namiestyle.jp/live/w_2009_bestfiction.html|publisher=Namie Style|access-date=August 26, 2018|language=ja}} The Live DVD and Blu-ray of the tour were released on September 9, 2009.{{cite AV media notes|title=Namie Amuro Best Fiction Tour 2008–2009|others=Namie Amuro|date=2009|type=Live DVD|id=AVBD-91736}} Amuro was invited again to the 59th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, but she declined.{{cite web|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/2008/11/26/0001584896.shtml |script-title=ja:ドリカム辞退...フラれたＮＨＫ |publisher=Daily Sports |date=November 26, 2008|access-date=December 15, 2008|language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220113125/http://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/2008/11/26/0001584896.shtml |archive-date=December 20, 2008}}

On January 20, 2009, Amuro begun working on her ninth studio album, and featured a new track entitled "Dr." through a Vidal Sassoon commercial.{{cite web|author=Sanspo Staff|url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/090121/gnj0901210503008-n1.htm|title=New Vidal Sassoon Commercial|work=Sanspo|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410081436/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/090121/gnj0901210503008-n1.htm|archive-date=April 10, 2009|url-status=dead}} She then released the album's lead double A-side singles, "Wild/Dr.," on March 18, 2009.{{cite AV media notes |title=Wild/Dr.|others=Namie Amuro|first=Namie|last=Amuro|year=2009|type=CD single; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-31612|location=Japan}} The song was a success, peaking at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart, and sold over 119,000 units in that region.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/808113/1/|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Wild/Dr.|work=Oricon Style|access-date=April 27, 2016|language=ja}}{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2009年3月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (March 2009) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200903.html | publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |language=ja | date=April 10, 2009 | access-date=January 1, 2014}} As a result, she also broke her own record of having all of her singles debut in the top 10 (on the Oricon Daily Singles Chart) for the last 15 years.{{cite web|url=http://namienewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/03/wilddr-week-1-sales.html |title=Namie News Network: "Wild/Dr." Week 1 Sales |publisher=Namienewsnetwork.blogspot.com |date=March 24, 2009|access-date=April 25, 2014}} Amuro collaborated with Japanese music group Ravex on a song for their album Trax (2008), entitled "Rock U". On October 1, Vidal Sassoon released new commercials featuring Amuro, and two tracks from her ninth studio album, "My Love" and "Copy That".{{cite web|url=http://www.bounce.com/news/daily.php/20722/headlineclick|title=マガジン|publisher=Bouce|access-date=April 25, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005212304/http://www.bounce.com/news/daily.php/20722/headlineclick|archive-date=October 5, 2009}} On December 16, 2009, Amuro released her ninth studio album, Past.{{cite web |title=安室奈美恵、ニューアルバムを12月16日リリース – OOPS! |url=http://oops-music.com/info/view_news.html?nid=51154 |access-date=November 12, 2009 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727015906/http://oops-music.com/info/view_news.html?nid=51154 |archive-date=July 27, 2011 }}{{cite web |title=安室奈美恵:2年半振り、オリジナルアルバム発売決定！安室12月16日新專輯曲目 @ ~NAMIE 安室奈美惠 AMURO~ 不安於室~ :: Xuite日誌 |url=http://blog.xuite.net/sunnymisaki/namieamuro/27912866 |access-date=November 12, 2009|language=ja}} The album was a success on the Oricon Albums Chart, reaching number one, and sold over 600,000 units in that region, slightly higher than the sales of Play.{{cite web |author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/848452/1/|title=Oricon Albums Chart – Past{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2009年12月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (August 2009) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200912.html | publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |language=ja | date=January 10, 2010 | access-date=February 8, 2014}}

File:Dresses at the Namie Amuro exhibit at Paseo in Sapporo.jpg era; these selections are taken from the music videos Hot Girls and Only You.]]

To promote Past, Amuro travelled throughout 26 cities in Japan to conduct her PastIchihara, Chiba and concluded on December 15, 2010, in Nagoya, Aichi.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、声帯炎で急きょ公演中止 開演直前ドクターストップ|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/81049/full/|publisher=Oricon|date=October 15, 2010|access-date=August 24, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、自身最多80本の超ロングツアー笑顔で完走|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/42148|publisher=Natalie|date=December 16, 2010|access-date=August 24, 2018|language=ja}} On the day when Past{{cite AV media notes |title=Namie Amuro Past On May 18, 2010, Amuro won the Best Asian Artist award at World Music Awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵「WORLD MUSIC AWARDS」でアジアのトップに|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/32069|publisher=Natalie|date=May 20, 2010|access-date=August 24, 2018|language=ja}} There, she performed her track "Hide & Seek" from her album Play. Two months later, she released her double A-side single "Break It/Get Myself Back", which performed well on several record charts in Japan.{{cite AV media notes|title=Break It/Get Myself Back|others=Namie Amuro|date=2010|type=CD Single|id=AVCD-31898}}{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2010年7月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (July 2010) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201007.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=August 10, 2010 | access-date=January 1, 2014}} On December 15, 2010, together with the premiere of Live DVD and Blu-ray of Past{{cite AV media notes |title=Space of Hip-Pop -Namie Amuro Tour 2005–|others=Namie Amuro|year=2010|type=Blu-ray|id=AVXD-91831}}{{cite AV media notes |title=Namie Amuro BEST Tour Live Style 2006|others=Namie Amuro|year=2010|type=Blu-ray|id=AVXD-91832}}{{cite AV media notes |title=Namie Amuro PLAY Tour 2007|others=Namie Amuro|year=2010|type=Blu-ray|id=AVXD-91833}}

File:Crossing @ Shibuya 2013 (9238103262).jpg on a billboard in Shibuya in July 2013.]]

On March 6, 2013, Amuro released her double A-side single "Big Boys Cry/Beautiful".{{cite AV media notes|title=Big Boys Cry/Beautiful|others=Namie Amuro|year=2013|type=CD Single|id=AVCD-48603}} Although both tracks appeared in the commercials for the make-up brand Kosé, its commercial experience resulted in being the singer's worst-performing single to date, barely shifting 30,000 units in Japan. Amuro returned to sole-digital releases with her single "Contrail", which was used as the theme song for the Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) series Flying Public Relations Office, and sold over 250,000 digital copies in Japan. Additionally, two more songs were released on the iTunes Store to promote her then-upcoming album: "Hands on Me" and "Heaven".{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/hands-on-me-from-album-feel-single/id665805040|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005114125/https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/hands-on-me-from-album-feel-single/id665805040|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 5, 2017|title=Hands on Me – Single by Namie Amuro|publisher=iTunes Store (Japan)|date=July 10, 2013|access-date=October 5, 2017|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/heaven-from-album-feel-single/id665805290|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706051339/https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/heaven-from-album-feel-single/id665805290|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 6, 2015|title=Heaven – Single by Namie Amuro|publisher=iTunes Store (Japan)|date=July 10, 2013|access-date=October 5, 2017|language=ja}} On July 10, 2013, Amuro released her 11th studio and second bilingual album Feel.{{cite AV media notes|title=FEEL|others=Namie Amuro|date=2013|type=CD Album|id=AVCN-99003}} This was her first studio release through her own record label Dimension Point, which was operated under Avex Trax. Despite offering the track "Beautiful" as a single, it did not appeal on the final track list of the album. It was commercially successful on the Oricon Albums Chart,{{cite web|title=【オリコン】安室奈美恵、今年ソロ1位の初週24.8万枚|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2026639/full/|publisher=Oricon|date=July 16, 2013|access-date=August 29, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=最新アルバム『FEEL』がオリコン週間ランキングで1位獲得！！|url=https://namieamuro.jp/news/2013/1017840/|publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website|date=July 18, 2013|access-date=August 29, 2018|language=ja}} debuting at the top spot and was certified platinum by RIAJ.{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2013年7月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (July 2013) | url=https://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201307.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=August 10, 2013 | access-date=June 4, 2014}} In support of the album, Amuro conducted her FEEL Tour 2013, spanning between August 16 and December 23, 2013.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵ホール＆アリーナツアーに東名阪福の追加公演|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/99755|publisher=Natalie|language=ja|date=September 19, 2013|access-date=August 25, 2018}} The Live DVD and Blu-ray of the tour were released on February 26, 2014.{{cite AV media notes|title=Namie Amuro FEEL Tour 2013|others=Namie Amuro|date=2014|type=Live DVD|id=AVBN-99006}} During the course of Amuro's digital releases, she was offered to feature in the remake of "Waterfalls", a song originally recorded by American girl-group TLC. Amuro—who knew the group during the singer's sessions with producer Dallas Austin, and whose fellow Okinawa Actors School alumni Speed had been huge fans of TLC—accepted the role, and re-recorded the rap segment as a homage to previous member Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes, who had died in a car accident in La Ceiba, Honduras in 2002. Despite being a Japan-only release, Amuro's version was criticized due to the announcement of her involvement without the knowledge of Lopes' family, though Lopes' sister later stated she had no objections to Amuro's inclusion.{{cite web|last=Crossan|first=Jamie|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/tlc-8-1264133|title=TLC defend decision to re-record 'Waterfalls' with Japanese pop singer|work=NME|date=June 30, 2013|access-date=October 5, 2017}} However, TLC defended Amuro's involvement as neither member had access to Lopes' master recording rights and they "were forced to use creative ways to honor Lisa's memory and celebrate this milestone with the fans".{{cite web|last=Sean|first=Denver|url=https://www.lovebscott.com/news/tlc-explains-why-left-eye-was-replaced-with-namie-amuro-on-waterfalls-remake|title=TLC explains why Namie Amuro replaced Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes on "Waterfalls" remake|publisher=LoveBScott.com|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=October 5, 2017}}

In 2014, Amuro released her single "Tsuki", including the title track and two previous digital compositions – "Ballerina" and "Neonlight Lipstick".{{cite AV media notes|title=Tsuki|others=Namie Amuro|date=2014|type=CD Single|id=AVCN-99005}}{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/ballerina-single/id721544253|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606204258/https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/ballerina-single/id721544253|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 6, 2014|title=Ballerina – Single by Namie Amuro|publisher=iTunes Store (Japan)|date=October 23, 2013|access-date=October 5, 2017|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/neonlight-lipstick-single/id718070591|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606205941/https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/neonlight-lipstick-single/id718070591|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 6, 2014|title=Neonlight Lipstick – Single by Namie Amuro|publisher=iTunes Store (Japan)|date=October 16, 2013|access-date=October 5, 2017|language=ja}} The physical single was successful in sales, while the title song achieved a platinum award by the RIAJ.{{cite web | script-title=ja:レコード協会調べ 6月度有料音楽配信認定 |trans-title=Record Association Investigation: June Digital Music Download Certifications | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w140718.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=July 18, 2014 | access-date=July 18, 2014}} On June 4, 2014, Amuro released Ballada, her first conceptual greatest hits compilation.{{cite AV media notes|title=Ballada|others=Namie Amuro|date=2014|type=CD and DVD Album|id=AVCN-99010/B}} 15 tracks were all selected via a fan poll on the singer's website, and a few selection were re-recorded with new vocals and arrangements by Amuro. Additionally, a bonus DVD package included new music videos for her 1990's singles "Sweet 19 Blues" and "Can You Celebrate?", and two newly established videos for "Himawari" and "Four Seasons". It was placed on the first position by Oricon,{{cite web|title=Ballada|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/1075047/1/|publisher=Oricon|date=June 16, 2014|access-date=August 29, 2018|language=ja}} and shifted under 500,000 units in Japan.{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2014年6月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (June 2014) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201406.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=July 10, 2014 | access-date=July 11, 2014}} In support of the album, Amuro conducted her second nationwide tour Live Style 2014, spanning between August 22 and December 23, 2014.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、ツアーのオフィシャルライブフォトをレコチョクで販売決定|url=https://www.musicman-net.com/artist/39329|publisher=Musicman-net|date=December 26, 2014|access-date=August 26, 2018|language=ja}} The Live DVD and Blu-ray of the tour were released on February 11, 2015, through her label Dimension Point.{{cite AV media notes|title=Namie Amuro Live Style 2014|others=Namie Amuro|date=2015|type=Live DVD|id=AVBN-99019}} In November 2014, Amuro released her first stand-alone single titled "Brighter Day", which featured a total of three different tracks and instrumentals.{{cite AV media notes|title=Brighter Day|others=Namie Amuro|date=2014|type=CD Single|id=AVCN-99015}} It was moderately successful on the Oricon Singles Chart,{{cite web|title=Brighter Day|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/1100489/1/|publisher=Oricon|date=November 24, 2014|access-date=August 29, 2018|language=ja}} whereas the titular track sold over 250,000 digital copies in Japan.{{cite web | title=レコード協会調べ 1月度有料音楽配信認定 |trans-title=Record Association Investigation: January Digital Music Download Certifications | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w150220.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=February 20, 2015 | access-date=February 20, 2015}} That same month, Amuro collaborated with Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai on a song titled "I'm Not Yours", which was released as a track on Tsai's album Play (2014).{{cite AV media notes|title=PLAY|others=Jolin Tsai|date=2015|type=CD Album|id=5054196423926}} The music video of the song was published on YouTube on February 2, 2015.{{cite web|title=台湾の歌姫 ジョリン・ツァイとのコラボMV公開！|url=https://namieamuro.jp/news/2015/1018637/|publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website|date=February 2, 2015|access-date=August 29, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=蔡依林 Jolin Tsai – I'm Not Yours Feat. 安室奈美惠 NAMIE AMURO (華納official 高畫質HD官方完整版MV)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7wRb9adQUc|publisher=Jolin Tsai Official YouTube Channel|date=February 2, 2015|access-date=August 25, 2018}}

On June 10, 2015, Amuro released her 12th studio and third bilingual album Genic.{{cite AV media notes|title=Genic|others=Namie Amuro|date=2015|type=CD Album|id=AVCN-99026}} It marked her first record with her own management company Stella88, which she founded after leaving Vision Factory.{{cite web |date=June 9, 2015 |title=安室奈美恵、個人事務所「stella88」始動 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2054076/full/ |access-date=March 15, 2021 |publisher=Oricon Music |language=ja}} Despite there being five music videos from the record, the entire collection of tracks were newly recorded and featured no singles. However, it was a commercial success, peaking atop of Oricon Albums Chart and sold 250,000 copies in Japan alone.{{cite web | title=ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2015年6月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (June 2015) | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201506.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=July 10, 2015 | access-date=July 12, 2015}} In collaboration with Google, the music video of "Anything", one of the songs from Genic, was produced as an extension of Google Chrome.{{cite web|title=New Album「_genic」収録曲「Anything」ミュージックビデオ公開！|url=https://namieamuro.jp/news/2015/20150524anymv/|publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website|date=May 24, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、世界初のGoogle Chrome版MV公開「新しい映像体験を」|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2053814/full/|publisher=Oricon|date=June 4, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}} To promote the album, Amuro conducted her Livegenic 2015–2016 tour, spanning between September 5, 2015, and February 10, 2016.{{cite web|title=事務所から独立・移籍した安室奈美恵がまさかの金欠地獄に！？|url=https://www.asagei.com/excerpt/43127|publisher=Asagei|date=September 8, 2015|access-date=August 26, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=エンタがビタミン♪】歌姫・安室奈美恵が魅せた！ 筋肉美に大人の色気 キレキレダンスにファン熱狂|url=http://japan.techinsight.jp/2016/02/11tomoko543amuronamie.html|publisher=Techinsight|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=August 26, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、美麗ステージで魅せた音と光のパフォーマンス|url=https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/20160218036780/|publisher=Music Voice|date=February 18, 2016|access-date=August 26, 2018|language=ja|archive-date=August 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080747/https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/20160218036780/|url-status=dead}} During the course of her December concert dates, Amuro released her second independent maxi-single "Red Carpet" on December 2, 2015.{{cite AV media notes|title=Red Carpet|others=Namie Amuro|date=2015|type=CD Single|id=AVCN-99028}} The B-side track of the single, "Black Make Up", was used as the ending soundtrack of the anime series One Piece.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、『ワンピース』と2度目のタッグ 冬SPのメインテーマ|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2062610/full/|publisher=Oricon|date=November 20, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}} Despite reaching number two on Oricon Singles Chart,{{cite web|title=Red Carpet|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/1157022/1/|publisher=Oricon|date=December 14, 2015|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}} the sales of "Red Carpet" slumped and only shifted 36,000 units in Japan, making it one of Amuro's lowest-selling singles to date. The Live DVD and Blu-ray of LIVEGENIC 2015–2016 were released on March 2, 2016.{{cite AV media notes|title=Namie Amuro LIVEGENIC 2015–2016|others=Namie Amuro|date=2016|type=Live DVD|id=AVBN-99029}}

File:「namie amuro 25th ANNIVERSARY LIVE in OKINAWA」.jpg in September 2017]]

On May 18, 2016, Amuro released her third independent maxi-single "Mint",{{cite AV media notes|title=Mint|others=Namie Amuro|date=2016|type=CD Single|id=AVCN-99034}} which was used as the theme song of Fuji TV series Bokuno Yabai Tsuma (2016).{{cite news|url=https://www.fujitv.co.jp/b_hp/yabatsuma/|title=僕のヤバイ妻|publisher=Fuji TV|access-date=August 21, 2018|language=ja}} Despite reaching number four on the region's single chart,{{cite web|title=Mint|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/1176870/1/|publisher=Oricon|date=May 30, 2016|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}} the digital sales skyrocketed with the music video of the song, and achieved platinum status months later.{{cite web | title=レコード協会調べ 12月度有料音楽配信認定 |trans-title=Record Association Investigation: December Digital Music Download Certifications | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/f/data/cert/hs.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=January 20, 2017 | access-date=January 20, 2017}} The same year in June, Amuro accepted an offer by NHK to record the theme song for the Japanese broadcast of 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、NHKリオ五輪テーマ曲担当「応援の気持ちを込めて」|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2068971/full/|publisher=Oricon|date=March 23, 2016|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、新曲「Hero」リリックビデオ公開 NHKリオ五輪放送テーマ|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2074340/full/|publisher=Oricon|date=June 30, 2016|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}} The single was titled "Hero" and saw a rise in its physical sales, achieving a gold certification by RIAJ.{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2017年1月 |trans-title=Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (January 2017) | url= http://www.riaj.or.jp/f/data/cert/gd.html | publisher=RIAJ |language=ja | date=February 10, 2017| access-date=February 10, 2017}} On October 26, 2016, Amuro released two songs "Dear Diary" and "Fighter" as a double A-side single "Dear Diary/Fighter".{{cite AV media notes|title=Dear Diary/Fighter|others=Namie Amuro|date=2016|type=CD Single|id=AVCN-99040}} Both songs were used in Death Note: Light Up the New World, a 2016 movie adaption of the manga of the same name.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、新作『デスノート』主題歌 世界観盛り上げる壮大バラード|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2077302/full/|publisher=Oricon|date=August 25, 2016|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}}

Amuro conducted her fourth annual tour Live Style 2016–2017, spanning between August 19, 2016, and May 3, 2017.{{cite news|title=安室奈美恵が全国ホールツアーを開催、自身初の全100公演！|url=https://www.fashion-press.net/news/23416|publisher=Fashion Press|date=January 30, 2017|access-date=August 25, 2018|language=ja}} The tour initially scheduled 88 dates, but due to a higher demand and further promotional activities with singles and the unreleased track "Christmas Wish", Amuro added 13 dates.{{cite news|title=安室奈美恵、自身初の100本ツアーに 13公演追加|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2085229/full/|publisher=Oricon|date=January 30, 2017|access-date=August 25, 2018|language=ja}} The Live DVD and Blu-ray of the tour were released on May 3, 2017, and certified gold by RIAJ.{{cite AV media notes|title=Namie Amuro Live Style 2016–2017|others=Namie Amuro|date=2017|type=Live DVD|id=AVBN-99046~7}} On May 31, 2017, Amuro released her single "Just You and I",{{cite AV media notes|title=Just You and I|others=Namie Amuro|date=2017|type=CD Single|id=AVCN-99045}} which sold over 100,000 digital units according to RIAJ.{{Cite web|url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/f/data/cert/hs.html|title=一般社団法人 日本レコード協会|publisher=RIAJ|access-date=August 19, 2017|language=ja}} The following month, Amuro announced her 25th anniversary concert in her hometown Okinawa, which redeemed her cancelled 20th anniversary concert on September 16, 2012, due to typhoon warnings in the region.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵25周年、故郷・沖縄で5年越し凱旋ライブ 2日間5万2000人熱狂|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2097428/full/|publisher=Oricon|date=September 18, 2017|access-date=August 29, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、25周年記念日に沖縄凱旋ライブ「心から感謝しています」|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/249267|publisher=Natalie|date=September 19, 2017|access-date=August 29, 2018|language=ja}} She opened the show on September 16 and 17, with 52,000 attenders totally (26,000 attenders each day), resulting in being one of the largest for a Japanese concert. Additionally, Amuro announced her third-time collaboration with One Piece.{{cite web|title=新曲「Hope」が、フジテレビ系アニメ「ワンピース」主題歌に決定!!|url=http://namieamuro.jp/news/2017/20170912_onpcinfo/|publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website|date=September 12, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=Namie Amuro Performs New Opening Theme for One Piece Anime Starting on October 1|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-09-11/namie-amuro-performs-new-opening-theme-for-one-piece-anime-starting-on-october-1/.121225|publisher=ANN|date=September 11, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2018}} The anime's theme song, "Hope", premiered on October 1, 2017.

File:Japan Transocean Air JA07RK Boeing 737-8Q3 Amuro Jet (Starboard-tail).jpg

On September 20, 2017, Amuro's 40th birthday, she announced her plan to retire from the music industry on September 16, 2018.{{cite web|url=http://namieamuro.jp/news/2017/20170920_msg/|title=ファンの皆様へ|date=September 20, 2017|publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website|language=ja|access-date=September 20, 2017}} Her final compilation album, Finally, was released on November 8, 2017.{{cite AV media notes |title=Finally |others=Namie Amuro |date=2017 |type=CD Album |id=AVCN-99055~7}} The album includes new recordings and re-recordings of her selected singles from 1992 to 2017.{{cite web |date=November 8, 2017 |title=本日発売！オールタイム・ベストアルバム「Finally」 |url=http://namieamuro.jp/news/2017/20170921_finallyinfo/ |access-date=August 21, 2018 |publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website |language=ja}}{{cite web |title=Finally |url=https://contents.namieamuro.jp/discography/album/album18.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223315/https://contents.namieamuro.jp/discography/album/album18.html |archive-date=August 21, 2018 |access-date=August 22, 2018 |publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website}} Finally became a huge success in Japan – it was placed on the first position by Oricon and sold in 2,250,000 units by the end of 2017.{{cite web|title=Finally|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/191925/products/1252422/1/|publisher=Oricon|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=August 27, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=エイベックス、４～12月期の営業益22％増の46億円 安室引退アルバム好調|url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXMZO26695660Y8A200C1DTD000/|publisher=Nikkei|date=February 8, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|language=ja}} In support of the album, Amuro conducted Final Tour 2018 ~Finally~ as her farewell tour, spanning between February 17 and June 3, 2018.{{cite web|title=namie amuro Final Tour 2018 〜Finally〜|url=https://contents.namieamuro.jp/live/index.html|publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website|access-date=August 21, 2018|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821062610/https://contents.namieamuro.jp/live/index.html|archive-date=August 21, 2018|url-status=dead}} The tour took place in Nagoya Dome, Fukuoka Dome, Sapporo Dome, Osaka Dome and Tokyo Dome. During this tour, Amuro conducted another tour, named Final Tour 2018 ~Finally~ In Asia, to perform in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.{{cite web|title=namie amuro Final Tour 2018 〜Finally〜 in ASIA|url=https://contents.namieamuro.jp/live/finally_in_asia.html|publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website|access-date=August 29, 2018|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829110340/https://contents.namieamuro.jp/live/finally_in_asia.html|archive-date=August 29, 2018|url-status=dead}} Taking place in Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, Hong Kong Coliseum and Taipei Arena, Final Tour 2018 ~Finally~ In Asia began on March 17 and concluded on May 20, 2018.

On May 23, 2018, Amuro was awarded "Okinawa's National Honor Award" at Okinawa Prefecture Government Office in Naha.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵さんに県民栄誉賞 「平成の歌姫」称賛され涙|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASL5R5D58L5RTIPE01Y.html|publisher=The Asahi Shimbun|date=May 24, 2018|access-date=August 23, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=Pop singer Namie Amuro's accomplishments honored by home prefecture of Okinawa|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/05/23/national/pop-singer-namie-amuros-accomplishments-honored-home-prefecture-okinawa/|publisher=The Japan Times|date=May 23, 2018|access-date=August 23, 2018}} By August 21, the total number of pre-ordered Live DVD and Blu-ray of Final Tour 2018 (the concerts in Japan only) exceeded 1 million units in Japan.{{cite web|title=LIVE DVD&Blu-ray「namie amuro Final Tour 2018 ～Finally～」、予約でミリオン突破！|url=https://namieamuro.jp/news/2018/20180821_dvd/|publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website|date=August 21, 2018|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}} On August 25, One Piece featured the anime version of Amuro at the end of one of its episodes to bid a farewell to her.{{cite web|title=安室奈美恵、コンサート限定『ワンピース』コラボ映像をTV初公開 アニメ化した"安室"登場|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2118137/full/|publisher=Oricon|date=August 24, 2018|access-date=August 28, 2018|language=ja}}{{cite web|title=One Piece Sends Off Amuro Namie With Special Collab Clip!|url=https://otakumode.com/news/5b7f9c9d5959562d6db775be/One-Piece-Sends-Off-Amuro-Namie-With-Special-Collab-Clip!|publisher=Tokyo Otaku Mode|date=August 27, 2018|access-date=August 28, 2018}} The Live DVD and Blu-ray of Final Tour 2018 (the concerts in Japan only) were released on August 29, 2018.{{cite web|title=本日発売！LIVE DVD&Blu-ray「namie amuro Final Tour 2018 ～Finally～」|url=https://namieamuro.jp/news/2018/201806032100_dvd/|publisher=Namie Amuro Official Website|date=August 29, 2018|access-date=August 29, 2018|language=ja}} On September 15, Amuro made her final appearance as an entertainer at the "We ♥ Namie Hanabi Show: I ♥ Okinawa / I ♥ Music" at the Okinawa Convention Center, a commemoration of Amuro's career and other cultural and musical aspects in Okinawa. She officially retired from the entertainment industry on September 16, 2018.{{cite magazine |date=August 28, 2018 |title=Japanese Superstar Namie Amuro Announces Final Performance in Okinawa |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8472718/japan-namie-amuro-final-concert-okinawa |magazine=Billboard |access-date=September 15, 2018}} On September 30, 2018, her official website, official fanclub, official Facebook page, and official online store officially terminated service. On June 16, 2019, Amuro released her entire music collection onto the iTunes store (most of which was previously restricted to Japan), through her label Dimension Point. Her records published by her own label were also released through Apple Music, Apple's streaming service, on the same day.{{cite web|title=Namie Amuro's discography is coming to Apple Music|url=https://aramajapan.com/news/music/namie-amuros-discography-is-coming-to-apple-music/99167/|publisher=Arama Japan|date=June 15, 2019|access-date=June 17, 2019}} In November 2023, 5 years after her continued silence after her retirement, Amuro's creative content including her full discography on streaming services, music videos, online stores, and her official YouTube channel were removed from official internet sites.{{cite news |last1=Oldereide |first1=Andréa |last2=Babenok |first2=Karina |title=Fans Speculate As "Queen Of Japanese Pop" Namie Amuro Disappears, Wiping Out 30 Years Of Music |url=https://www.boredpanda.com/japanese-pop-star-namie-amuro-completely-disappears-from-streaming/ |access-date=27 June 2024 |work=Bored Panda |publisher=BoredPanda |date=23 November 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Bond |first1=Nick |title=Fans panic as huge pop star Namie Amuro completely disappears |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/fans-panic-as-huge-pop-star-namie-amuro-completely-disappears/news-story/fe7252eb3bcee9cf224441e0a58ed820 |access-date=27 June 2024 |publisher=www.news.com.au |date=November 20, 2023}} As of January 2025, her official content is still absent from streaming services.

{{Listen|filename=Namie Amuro - Can You Celebrate.ogg|title="Can You Celebrate?" (1997)|description=Amuro's best-selling single, Can You Celebrate?, represented a J-pop style that she experimented with during the 1990s.|format=Ogg

|filename2=Namie Amuro - Fight Together.ogg|title2="Fight Together" (2011) |description2=Near the end of her career, Amuro transitioned into electronic dance music, as heard through her dance-pop track "Fight Together".|format2=Ogg}}

Amuro has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. By 2000, the English language started to heavily mix in with her music, starting with Genius 2000. In several tracks, Amuro would record her vocals in Japanese (and additionally in English), whereas back-up vocalists would provide English translations and marry the two together. By Play, the singer would start to record tracks with less electronic synths and beats, particularly with the album track "Baby Don't Cry". According to Mills, he felt that the song focused more on her vocals than the production.{{cite web|author=Mills, Ted|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/play-mw0001544412|title=Namie Amuro – Play (album review)|publisher=AllMusic|date=June 26, 2007|access-date=June 20, 2017}} Her final three studio albums, Uncontrolled, Feel and Genic, had multiple full-length English tracks and, although it received positive remarks for experimentation, she was frequently lambasted for her incomprehensible deliveries in most songs.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rollingstonejapan.com/articles/detail/14234|title=Namie Amuro – Uncontrolled|magazine=Rolling Stone Japan|date=June 8, 2012|access-date=October 4, 2017|language=ja}}{{cite web|author=Martin, Ian|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2013/08/14/music/cd-reviews/namie-amuro-feel/#.VZ9N4fmqqkp|title=Namie Amuro "Feel"|work=The Japan Times|date=August 14, 2013|access-date=October 4, 2017}}{{cite web|author=St. Michel, Patrick|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2015/11/20/music/namie-amuro-returned-form-year-_genic/#.WdSIAmiCzIW|title=Namie Amuro returned to form this year with '_genic'|work=The Japan Times|date=November 20, 2015|access-date=October 4, 2017}}

Throughout her career, Amuro has covered a wide range of musical styles and genres. Her music through the 1990s were influenced by eurobeat and the rise of J-pop music.{{cite web|url=http://artist.cdjournal.com/d/-/1195120551|title=Namie Amuro / Dance Tracks Vol. 1|work=CD Journal|access-date=June 20, 2017}} Additionally, she identifies Madonna and Janet Jackson as her inspirations, despite constant comparisons with sound and imagery by critics and publications alike.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/namie-amuro-mn0000362954/biography|title=Namie Amuro|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=October 4, 2017}} Sweet 19 Blues stuck with J-pop elements, but she began to experiment with Western genres such as R&B, jungle, acid house, house and jazz. From Genius 2000, she worked with American producer Dallas Austin, resulting in a fully adapted hip hop record with elements of J-pop. She carried this sound on with Style (2003), another record produced by Austin, and eventually onto Queen of Hip-Pop (2005). Amuro's transition from J-pop to "more mature, transatlantic" R&B was noted by critics, and the aforementioned title "Queen of Hip-Pop" was used by the Japanese media to identify her (the term "Hip-Pop" is Amuro's combination of hip-hop and pop).{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=my4sBwAAQBAJ&q=Namie+Queen+of+Hip-Hop&pg=PA83|title=Rethinking the Humanities: Paths and Challenges|first1=Ricardo Gil|last1=Soeiro|first2=Sofia|last2=Tavares|date=November 15, 2011|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing|isbn=9781443835558|via=Google Books}}

In 2007, Amuro released Play, which was highlighted as one of her key re-inventions of her entire career. Sonically, the record relied on R&B and hip hop elements, but started to involve contemporary dance-pop music. To an extent, Tills from AllMusic compared the effort to the works of Jennifer Lopez and En Vogue. Uncontrolled (2012) saw yet another transition with her sound, leaving R&B and focusing on electronic dance music. Additionally, this saw her first experimentation with full-length English language tracks.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/review/3586/|title=Uncontrolled / Namie Amuro|work=Hot Express|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004140058/http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/review/3586/|archive-date=October 4, 2017|url-status=dead}} Unlike her previous records, Uncontrolled ventured into Western practitioners to helm the collection, including the likes of The Nervo Twins, Henrik Nordenback, Christian Fast and Peter Mansson. This trend also moved onto her follow-up album Feel, where she worked with artists such as Hook n Sling, Dsign Music and Zedd. Her final studio album, Genic (2015), was her first record not handled by Japanese producers, and her second record to include almost all tracks entirely in English (after her 2013 album Feel).

File:HungUpFresno (cropped).jpg, hence she has been called "Japanese Madonna".]]

Ever since her debut, Amuro has been classified as one of Japan's most prominent and successful singers.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2016/09/25/music/hikaru-utada-iconic-women-japanese-pop-came/#.Wdq-6WiCzIU|title=Hikaru Utada and the iconic women of Japanese pop who came before her|work=The Japan Times|date=September 15, 2016|access-date=October 9, 2017}} In an opined article published by The Japan Times, writer Ian Martin encompassed the singer alongside superlatives Yumi Matsutoya, Hikaru Utada, Seiko Matsuda and Hibari Misora as the leading female figures in Japanese music history. Although Martin identified Utada as one of the "only contemporaries" to break the Western society, he felt Amuro was her "most immediate predecessor," based solely on the fact that "[Amuro] represented a period when Japanese pop was learning to see itself as something that could stand alongside the Western music from which it took many cues." Additionally, Amuro's career has been constantly compared to the likes of Matsuda's, both whom grew up in the idol routine and having achieved commercial resilience ever since; music author Motti Regev regarded the musicians as part of the "golden age of J-Pop", before records declined due to the rise of the digital market in the mid-2000s.{{cite web|author=Grunebaum, Dan|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/arts/08iht-Idols.html|title=As Japan Ages, Pop 'Idols' Aren't as Spry as They Used to Be|work=New York Times|date=October 7, 2010|access-date=October 9, 2017}}{{cite book|author=Regev, Motti|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=daIRAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT50|title=Pop-Rock Music: Aesthetic Cosmopolitanism in Late Modernity|date = July 10, 2013|publisher=Polity Press|isbn = 9780745670904|access-date=October 9, 2017}} Because of her longevity and the numerous musical and imagery re-inventions, numerous publications have referred her as the "Queen of Japanese Pop" and the Japanese equivalent to American singers Janet Jackson and Madonna.

Throughout her years active as a singer, Amuro has sold more than 36 million records in Japan according to Oricon. According to a report by Entertainment Weekly announcing her retirement, she has sold more albums in Japan than Lady Gaga, Katy Perry or Kesha have in the United States combined. As of 2017, this makes her the fifth highest-selling female act, and fourth best-selling female solo act overall, just behind Yumi Matsutoya, Ayumi Hamasaki, Hikaru Utada, and Japanese all-girl idol group AKB48 (see total list here). Additionally, Amuro was ranked the 12th best-selling digital artist according to Japanese digital site Recochoku.{{cite web|url=http://recochoku.jp/special/100530/|title=Mobile Artist Ranking|publisher=Recochoku|access-date=October 9, 2017}} The singer has achieved nine number-one studio albums with an additional five compilation/collaborative inclusions, and 10 number-one singles.{{cite web |script-title=ja:安室奈美恵のリリース一覧 |trans-title=List of Namie Amuro's Releases |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/191925/products/release/ |access-date=June 4, 2014 |publisher=Oricon News |language=ja}} She is one of the only female solo artists to achieve the most accumulations of million-certified physical singles, with a total of five ("Chase the Chance", "Don't Wanna Cry", "You're My Sunshine", "A Walk in the Park" and "Can You Celebrate?" – see her discography for more). "Can You Celebrate?" still remains the best-selling physical release by a female singer—with estimate sales of 2.750 million copies sold in Japan alone. For a brief period in 1996, her second studio album Sweet 19 Blues was the best-selling album in Japanese music history.{{cite web|url=http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album.html|title=Highest Ranking Studio Album Sales|publisher=Music TV Program|access-date=June 20, 2017|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103001458/http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album.html|archive-date=January 3, 2012|url-status=dead}} Additionally, she held the record for the highest-opening sales for a female or solo artist until it was challenged by Hikaru Utada's 1999 studio album First Love, which to this day stands as the best-selling album in Japan.

With her sudden rise to stardom, Amuro was noted by journalists and commentators as a trendsetter to the Japan and across Asia. She eventually became the most prominent figure in fashion magazines and the general press for changing the typical Japanese idol image and styles of women in Japan, in favour of "dyeing their hair brown, plucking their eyebrows... thick-soled/long boots, a miniskirt, tanned-skin and tattoos". This made her a fashion icon, and created a phenomenon fan base known as Amuraa in the 1990s, with many young girls and women looked up to her fashion, hairstyle and makeup. Additionally, her style has been noted for paving the way for kogal fashion trends in Japan, as well as for the gyaru subculture.{{Cite news|url= https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/09/5bff8871c4ea-japanese-pop-divas-fashion-legacy-lives-on-in-memory-youth.html|title = Japanese pop diva Namie Amuro's fashion legacy lives on in memory, youth |work =Kyodo News |access-date=September 12, 2018|language=en-US}} Anthropologist Hiroshi Aoyagi said in 2003 that Amuro changed the stereotypical idol culture.{{cite book|title=Japan at the Millennium: Joining Past and Future|last=Aoyagi |first=Hiroshi|editor-last=David W. |editor-first= Edgington |chapter=7, Pop Idols and Gender Contestation|year=2003|publisher=The University of British Columbia|isbn=9780774808996|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=El9Lj_EKzBAC&pg=PA156}} Writer Marwan Kraidy described Amuro in 2005 as part of "Japan's rising cultural power" towards the world.{{cite book|last=Kraidy |first=Marwan|title=Hybridity, Or the Cultural Logic of Globalization|year=2005|publisher=Temple University|isbn=9781592131457|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3Ms7azOI8UgC&pg=PA169}} Nichi-Bei Josei Jānaru, writing for the U.S.-Japan Women's Journal, believed the success of Sweet 19 Blues was the reason many people emulated her as a role model between 1996 and 1997.{{cite book|last=Jānaru|first=Nichi-Bei Josei|title=U.S.-Japan Women's Journal|year=2000|publisher=U.S.-Japan Women's Center}}

{{Main|Namie Amuro discography}}

• Dance Tracks Vol. 1 (1995)
• Sweet 19 Blues (1996)
• Concentration 20 (1997)
• Genius 2000 (2000)
• Break The Rules (2000)
• Style (2003)
• Queen of Hip-Pop (2005)
• Play (2007)
• Past (2009)
• Uncontrolled (2012)
• Feel (2013)
• Genic (2015)

{{col-start}}

{{col-2}}

• A Walk in the Park Tour (1997)
• Summer Stage Concentration 20 Live (1997)
• Genius 2000 Tour (2000)
• Break the Rules Tour (2001)
• Tour "AMR" 01 (2001)
• Fan Space 04 Tour (2004)
• Space of Hip-Pop Tour (2005)
• Namie Amuro Best Tour Live Style (2006)
• Past
• Namie Amuro Live Style (2011)
• Feel Tour (2013)
• Namie Amuro Live Style (2014)
• Namie Amuro Live Style 88 (2016–2017)

{{col-2}}

• So Crazy Tour (2003–2004)
• Play Tour (2007)
• Best Fiction Tour (2008–2009)
• 5 Major Domes Tour 2012 ~20th Anniversary Best~ (2012)
• Namie Amuro Asia Tour (2013)
• Namie Amuro Livegenic (2015–2016)
• Namie Amuro Final Tour 2018 ~Finally~ (2017–2018)

{{col-end}}

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Namie Amuro}}

• Digital Dance Mix Vol. 1 Amuro Namie (1997, Sega Saturn){{cite web |publisher=Excite |title=ダウンタウンを圧倒！ 安室奈美恵のゲームの腕前とは？ |url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/E1539229429511/?p=2 |date=2018-10-12 |access-date=2023-01-03 |language=ja}}{{cite web |publisher=Inside |title=【特集】あの安室奈美恵だって出てたんだぜ…青春を捧げたセガハードが集結ー忘れられない"伝説"を、もう一度！ |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2017/11/08/110744.html |date=2017-11-22 |access-date=2023-01-03 |language=ja}}

• J-pop
• Japanese popular culture
• Honorific nicknames in popular music
• List of best-selling music artists in Japan
• List of best-selling singles in Japan
• List of best-selling albums in Japan
• Japan Record Awards
• MTV Video Music Awards Japan
• Billboard Japan Music Awards

{{reflist|3}}

• {{cite book | first=Emiko | last=Taira | title=約束―わが娘・安室奈美恵へ (Promise―To my daughter Namie Amuro) | year=1998 | publisher=Fusosha | location=Japan | isbn=978-4-594-02483-3 | url-access=registration | url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9784594024833 }}

{{Commons category|Namie Amuro}}

• [https://namieamuro.jp/index_pc.html Namie Amuro Official Site]
• {{IMDb name|0025480}}

{{Namie Amuro}}

{{Namie Amuro singles}}

{{Super Monkey's}}

{{Japan Gold Disc Award for Artist of the Year}}

{{Portal bar|Japan|Asia|Music|Biography}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Amuro, Namie}}

Category:1977 births

Category:Living people

Category:Actors from Okinawa Prefecture

Category:Avex Trax artists

Category:English-language singers from Japan

Category:Japanese dancers

Category:Japanese female dancers

Category:Japanese idols

Category:Japanese mezzo-sopranos

Category:Japanese people of Italian descent

Category:Japanese contemporary R&B singers

Category:Japanese synth-pop singers

Category:Japanese women in electronic music

Category:Japanese women pop singers

Category:20th-century Ryukyuan people

Category:Singers from Naha

Category:Universal Music Japan artists

Category:20th-century Japanese actresses

Category:21st-century Japanese actresses

Category:20th-century Japanese singers

Category:21st-century Japanese singers

Category:20th-century Japanese women singers

Category:21st-century Japanese women singers