Ayumi Hamasaki was born October 2, 1978. She is a Japanese singer-songwriter and former actress. Also called Ayu by her fans, Ayumi Hamasaki has been dubbed the “Empress of Pop” due to her popularity and widespread influence in Japan. Since her 1998 debut with the single “Poker Face”, Ayumi Hamasaki has sold over 50 million records in Japan, ranking her among the best-selling singers in the country.