Japanese singer-songwriter Hamasaki Ayumi is back in town for a concert next Saturday. Since her debut in 1998, the 30-year-old singer has become known as the "Empress of Pop" in Japan for her long-lasting popularity.

She is famous not only for her hit songs and dance routines but also as a fashion trendsetter.

For the 10th anniversary of her debut, Hamasaki will perform all her hit songs.

"This will be a stage for the past 10 years of my career. I will show all of myself - the past, the present and the future," Hamasaki said.

"I hope to remember and recognize fans in Shanghai and hope we will meet them again in the next 10 years."

Organizers revealed that Hamasaki required a special large stage for her show, which reduced the VIP seats by half. The 1,000 VIP tickets were sold out within an hour, and more than 60 percent of all tickets were sold the first day.

(Shanghai Daily October 13, 2008)