The tributes started at the end of August in the capital of Okinawa Prefecture when Naha-based newspaper company the Ryukyu Shimpo posted a huge photo of Amuro, 17 meters high and 5 meters wide, on the front of its headquarters’ building. The site has since become a famous place for her fans and tourists to take “Instagram-worthy” photos of her.

The Ryukyu Shimpo is also running an exhibition of newspaper articles and photos of Amuro’s career at the headquarters’ building until Sept. 16, and more than 10,000 people have so far visited the venue. Nohana Kitajima, a 28-year-old resident of Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward, said, “I have an undying admiration for (Amuro). She’s given me so much.” Ikue Nakaima, who planned the exhibition as a member of the newspaper’s corporate strategy division, explained, “Her nationwide success gave confidence and courage to the residents of Okinawa Prefecture. We are expressing our gratitude through the exhibition.”

In addition, local TV and radio stations have broadcast a series of special programs on Amuro, and radio listeners have made many requests for her songs.

On Sept. 15, the day before her retirement, Amuro will appear at a music event in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture. As a lot of fans are expected to flock to Okinawa to see her final appearance, many hotels in Okinawa Prefecture around that time are mostly booked.