Singapore Press Conference With Namie Amuro

On June 27th, Namie Amuro released her 20th anniversary album "Uncontrolled" to the delight of her fans. As part of her album promotions, the famous Japanese singer visited several countries around Asia, including Singapore.

While in Singapore, JpopAsia had the opportunity to sit down for a press conference with the singer. Check out the interview below:
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Q: What's your impression of Singapore since you arrived?

A: This is my first visit to Singapore and I am very touched by the warm and enthusiastic welcome that my fans gave me at the airport.
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Q: Is there any particular place that you'd like to see in Singapore or any food that you would like to try?

A: I will be having Chili Crab for dinner tonight. Is there any place that you can recommend that I can go sight-seeing? Many of us wanted to go to the Night Safari because we talked about it.
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Q: How are you and your team preparing for the concert in the 5 major cities in Japan?

A: I'm really excited about it being my 20th anniversary, but I'm really taking things at a relaxed pace and not putting in extra effort, but I’d really like to have an enjoyable and great concert with all my fans.
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Q: I understand that the fans can actually vote on the Namie Amuro website, so how did you come up with the voting idea?

A: I have performed many songs throughout my 20-year career, and I really want to sing the songs that my fans enjoy. I feel that this will be the first time that the fans can truly enjoy the concert.
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Q: Do you have any plans to hold a concert here in Singapore?

A: I'd really love to hold a concert in Singapore, and if that really comes true, I hope that all of you can come for the concert!
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Q: What is the biggest sacrifice you've made during your career?

A: These 20 years, it's thanks to my fans as well my staff really who supported me throughout and I only try my best to meet their expectations of me and it has been a very enjoyable time for me. There aren't really many sacrifices that I can think of, but I really hope that for my 21st anniversary I can continue to enjoy my time with everyone.
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Q: What are you going to do in the next 20 years of your career?

A: I would like to try my best to have live concerts and to bring great music to everyone.
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Q: How do you feel about the growing K-pop influence in Japan?

A: K-pop is also very popular in Japan and many amazing artists do have concerts in Japan and I also want to see their concerts because they have great music, so it's a great musical exchange for both sides.
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Q: It's been noticed that there are a few more English songs in your new album, so what are some of the new challenges in recording the songs, and does it mean that you have plans to expand your music career to the United States and other English-speaking countries?

A: At the moment, I have no plans to expand to the English-speaking world. Because it's my 20th Anniversary, I wished to have more people enjoy my songs, so that is why I decided to sing a few more English songs.
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Q: I heard that in conjunction with your 20th Anniversary, you will hold a 1-night only special concert in your birthplace (Okinawa), so was it your personal request to go back there for the 1-night special?

A: Yes. It really means a lot to me to be able to have a live concert on the day that I debut, so I'd like to go back to my hometown in Okinawa. I guess it's a little reward I give myself and for my staff because it's a dream come true.
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Q: What do you miss about Okinawa?

A: First of all, the people in Okinawa are very warm, and just looking at the beautiful sea, it's really something so relaxing. And I just like going there and feeling the air, it feels like really coming home.
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Q: You have a song entitled "Wonder Woman". Do you see yourself as one?

A: I don't see myself as a "Wonder Woman" because I am able to come this far because of the support of the people around me, and I really want to do my best for these people who have supported me for so long.
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Q: What has been the most difficult stage of your life in the past two decades?

A: Whether I was in my teens or in my twenties, I guess it was difficult to tell myself that there are good times and bad times, and it is with this attitude that I have managed to come this far.
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Q: What do you think of your fans?

A: Well, without my fans, I would not be able to hold any concert, so they are really important treasures in my life.
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Q: How do you keep in such good shape even after so many years? Is there a really tight and strict regime that you do every day?

A: When I'm tired, I take what you would call as a "half-bath" in a bath tub, so it gets my sweat out and it really relaxes me. And when I am not working, I just do nothing but relax at home. I feel it is really important for me to control your feelings.
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Q: Are you like other children, liking to eat junk food like fried chicken?

A: I love them!
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Q: This is your first visit to Singapore. What is your impression of it so far?

A: I think it's a very beautiful city, a vibrant one. I went to my hotel yesterday and it was nicely lit up. It’s a really beautiful country.
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Q: Would you like to say a few words to your fans?

A: I don't think I have advice for the young people living here in Singapore, but in fact I believe I should be the one receiving advice from them. I'm sure they have many experiences that I can learn from. I am sure they are beautiful and strong. I really hope to have a concert here and when I do I would like to invite them to listen to me.
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Q: What have you learned in your twenty years in the music industry?

A: I feel that encounters with people are very important and in my life. Many people have brought many experiences, so it is through music that I have been able to meet many wonderful people and that is really great to me.
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Q: Is there anything that you want to try but have not had the chance to?

A: Of course there are many things that I have not tried yet in my 20 years of career, but sometimes I think I hesitate to take the step forward. I have the heart to try something adventurous and I hope that I will be able to do that in the future.