“Even if there’s no audience, please let me perform.” These were the heartfelt words of Ayumi Hamasaki, Japan’s iconic pop diva, as she bowed in front of her staff before stepping onto the stage of an empty arena in Shanghai on November 29. According to her exclusive stylist Takahashi Mika, Hamasaki quietly shed tears as the concert began—a scene that moved the entire backstage team.
The Shanghai concert was abruptly canceled by the local Chinese organizer, leaving Ayumi and her team to face a heartbreaking reality: the show would go on without fans in attendance. Despite speculation from some Chinese media dismissing the situation as a hoax, Takahashi Mika took to social media—including IG, X, and Xiaohongshu—to share the emotional truth.
In her post, Mika recalled Hamasaki bowing to the entire crew, humbly pleading to be allowed to sing despite the lack of audience. “The one who felt the most frustrated and heartbroken was Ayu herself,” she wrote. As Hamasaki ascended the stage’s lift for the opening, silent tears rolled down her face.
“We all saw her crying, but we told ourselves, ‘We can’t cry here.’” Mika described how the staff held back tears and united in purpose to deliver a powerful live performance—one rehearsed and prepared for weeks. “From start to encore, she gave it her all. It was a performance full of love for the fans, for TA.”
Fans refer to Ayumi Hamasaki’s loyal followers as “TA”, and Mika’s message echoed the sentiment that this special concert—though unseen by a live audience—was a genuine display of love and professionalism.
Though her Chinese social media account on Xiaohongshu has remained inactive for six days, the singer continues to tour across other cities. On December 3, she appeared on Japan’s FNS Music Festival, reaffirming her resilient spirit by writing in English: “I keep moving forward, because I am Ayu.”
The Shanghai incident struck a chord with fans in China. “I didn’t know much about Ayu before, but I became a fan because of this,” wrote one netizen. Another praised her as “a perfect example of true dedication.”
For many, Ayumi Hamasaki’s silent tears spoke louder than any headline. And while fans couldn’t witness the performance live, her devotion was undeniably felt—across borders, languages, and even an empty concert hall.
Sources: ETtoday星光雲