Pop Japan

Hailed as the Queen of Japanese Pop, Namie Amuro retired from the stardom this year, on September 16 to be exact.

Going back to her music career, at 14 years old, she started her fame as the frontwoman of the JPOP idol group, Super Monkeys. In 1995, she began a solo career and signed with Avex Trax company. Two years later, in 1997, she released "Can You Celebrate?," which has since been etched in the Japanese music history as the best-selling single by a solo female artist. 

Another record was set when she won the Grand Prix Award in 1996, making her the youngest singer to ever receive the recognition. 

Photo by Avex Group.  Licensed under Creative Commons. 

Tags: namie amuro, queen of japanese pop, JPOP, super monkeys, avex trax, idol group, can you celebrate, solo female artist, grand prix award, music