GINOWAN, Okinawa — J-pop star and fashion icon Namie Amuro has given her final live performance in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, on the eve of her retirement.

During the live show held Saturday at Okinawa Convention Center, Amuro smiled as she repeatedly said “Thank you” to her fans. She was to retire as a singer on Sunday.

About 3,500 fans who managed to get a ticket — demand far exceeded supply — flocked to her final performance, which began at about 6 p.m. Amuro appeared in a black T-shirt that read “I love music” with “love” written as a red heart, black pants and red boots. She passionately sang her songs while dancing with dancers and guest musicians.

She sometimes shouted while singing, and performed with her whole heart.

The lineup for the show included the bands Begin and Mongol 800, both from Okinawa Prefecture, and singer Ken Hirai. Their performances included covers of songs by Amuro, paying tribute to a woman who’s been active on the music scene since her debut in 1992.

After singing eight songs, Amuro raised her fist in the air at the end of her performance and said: “Thank you again, I’m so grateful to you all.” She finished with a smile, not tears.

The fans kept calling, “Namie, Namie” even after an announcement that the show had ended. Afterward, some fans tried to stem their tears with a towel.

“Amuro-san today put on a big smile, so I could enjoy the show. She’ll continue to be my idol. I want to continue singing her songs and dancing,” said a 41-year-old company employee from Naha. She said Amuro was in her same school year, and that they went to Okinawa Actors School at the same time.

A 45-year-old company employee from Nakagusuku in the prefecture who has been a big fan of Amuro since her debut said: “Amuro-chan promoted Okinawa to the nation and the world. She’s the pride of Okinawa.”

“After seeing her, who appeared to have no hesitation, I also thought I would move one step forward. I had a happy time [at the concert],” she said.

 

Taiwan fans gather for J-pop icon

TAIPEI — About 100 Namie Amuro fans gathered in Taipei on Saturday and sang her songs to express their gratitude to the J-pop icon.

In the drizzling rain, people wearing T-shirts they had bought at her concerts or holding hand-made posters sang the chorus of “Hero,” which is one of her best-known songs. At the end of the gathering, they shouted in Japanese, “Namie, arigato (thank you).”

“I’ve been a fan since I was in junior high school. I can sing all her songs in Japanese,” said a company employee, 35. “I like her songs, and I’m so attracted to the philosophy of Amuro, who made her dreams come true. She’ll continue to be our hero even after she retires.”