Album: M(A)DE IN JAPAN

Album Background and Release
"M( A) DE IN JAPAN" is the seventeenth studio album by Japanese singer-songwriter Ayumi Hamasaki, launched on May 12, 2016. It is her first original full-length album given that "Colours" in 2014. The album was provided in several formats: as a digital album, a standard CD, a two-disc CD and DVD edition, and a CDBOX Limited Edition, which also consisted of a photobook and an extra CD with remixes.

Produced and composed by Hamasaki herself, "M( A) DE IN JAPAN" marks her twentieth anniversary in the music industry. The title is a wordplay on "Made in Japan", describing how the singer began her profession and became effective as a Japanese artist.

The album debuted on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart at number 2 and likewise managed to peak at position 2 on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart.

Musical Style and Themes
"M( A) DE IN JAPAN" is mostly a J-Pop record, with impacts from various categories like rock, electropop, and conventional Japanese music. The album includes a mix of uptempo dance tracks, emotional ballads, and nostalgic tunes. Throughout the record, Hamasaki explores styles like love, heartbreak, self-reflection, and empowerment.

A typical style in all the songs on the album is the concept of Japanese culture and customs, with Hamasaki paying homage to her roots and heritage. The album is a reflection of her connection to Japan and its customs, approaches, and her thankfulness for her fans' assistance over her two-decade profession.

Featured Tracks and Videos
"M( A) DE IN JAPAN" consists of 10 initial tracks, including two promotional songs, "Survivor" and "Shape of Love". The music videos for these songs were released separately, on a Virtual Reality Blu-ray disc called "ayumi hamasaki VR clip collection", marking her very first endeavor into virtual truth.

Some of the notable tracks from the album consist of:
1. "Tasky": The opening track is an instrumental piece that includes traditional Japanese instruments and a haunting melody, setting the tone for the remainder of the album. It transitions into the second track, "FLOWER".
2. "F.L.O.W.E.R.": This uptempo dance track includes a catchy piano riff, energetic beats, and powerful vocals from Hamasaki. The lyrics focus on love and the bonds she has actually cultivated over her profession.
3. "Shape of Love": A tender ballad, "Shape of Love" highlights Hamasaki's emotional singing efficiency. The tune talks to finding and accepting love despite its flaws and difficulties.
4. "Survivor": This rock-influenced track boasts driving drums, heavy guitars, and aggressive lyrics as Hamasaki sings about enduring hardships and coming out stronger.

Reception and Impact
"M(A)DE IN JAPAN" received positive reviews from music critics, who applauded the inclusion of traditional Japanese elements and the mix of different categories throughout the album. Some even considered it a return to form for Hamasaki after her previous ventures into electronic dance music with "Colours".

The album was favored by fans and enjoyed moderate industrial success. It offered over 31,000 copies in its first week, landing at number 2 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart.

"M(A)DE IN JAPAN" serves as a testament to Ayumi Hamasaki's withstanding existence and development in the J-Pop scene. It showcases her ability to constantly reinvent herself while staying real to her roots, which helped strengthen her status as a pop icon in Japan.