{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{About|the 2001 Ayumi Hamasaki album|people named A. Best|Best (surname)|similar uses|Best (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox album | name = A Best | type = greatest | artist = Ayumi Hamasaki | cover = A Best (Ayumi Hamasaki album - cover art).png | alt = A dark, black-and-white up-close shot of Ayumi Hamasaki looking into the camera, with a teardrop trickling down one cheek. | caption = The cardboard sleeve cover used to hold the standard jewel case. | released = {{Start date|2001|03|28}} | recorded = 1998–2000 | studio = *Prime Sound Studio (Tokyo) *Nowdays Studio *Studio Sound Dali (Tokyo) *Soundtrack New York (New York City) | genre = Pop | length = 76:01 | label = Avex Trax | producer = Max Matsuura | prev_title = Duty | prev_year = 2000 | next_title = I Am... | next_year = 2002 | misc = {{Singles | name = A Best | type = greatest | single1 = M | single1date = December 13, 2000 }} }} '''''A Best''''' (stylized as 15px '''''BEST''''') is the first greatest hits album by Japanese singer-songwriter Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released on March 28, 2001, by Avex Trax and Avex Music Creative Inc. Hamasaki had originally planned to release a greatest hits album after her 2002 studio album ''I Am...'', but this was declined by Avex head staff. Instead, Avex released the album in 2001, which caused conflict between the label and Hamasaki. The compilation was released in two different formats including a physical and a digital release. Seven different artworks were released in several editions of the album. The album includes one new track, three re-recorded tracks, and the all the rest of her previously released singles.
''A Best'' was lauded by contemporary music critics who noted the quality and memorability of the tracks. Many also labeled the album as one of the best representations of Japanese pop music. Released purposely on the same day as fellow Japanese musician Hikaru Utada's studio album ''Distance'' for direct competition, the compilation entered at number two on Japan's Oricon Albums Chart. It reached number one the following week, and sold over five million units in Japan. The album's lead single "M" was released on December 13, 2000, and reached the top spot on the Oricon Singles Chart.
In support of ''A Best'' as well as her third studio album ''Duty'' (2000), Hamasaki held two concerts at the Tokyo Dome. Despite setbacks related to Hamasaki's health, the tour was a success, and a live recording was released on home video. Since its release, the album brought Hamasaki a myriad of accolades and award nominations, as well as successful recognition throughout Eastern and Western publications. ''A Best'' is listed as the sixth best-selling album in Japan overall.<ref name="BestSeller">{{cite web | url=http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103001458/http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album.html | archive-date=2012-01-03 | title=歴代アルバムランキング }}</ref> In 2016, Hamasaki re-released the album on that same date as a 15th-anniversary celebration; this included new material and formats. Hamasaki promoted the reissue with a Japanese concert tour, entitled Made in Japan.
==Background and material== {{Quote box |quote = "Those songs from back then still exist in tangible form, so if you want to listen, you can keep doing so, right? But hearing Ayu sing those old songs now—unless you go to a live show or you’re a really devoted fan—you don’t really get the chance. With a best-of album, though, it might become an opportunity for people who weren’t interested before to listen. That’s why I wanted to perform the old songs again with my current vocals."<ref name="TheIchiban">{{cite magazine |title=浜崎あゆみの２０世紀が凝縮された超大作が遂に完成！！ |magazine=The Ichiban |publisher=Oricon Entertainment Inc. |location=Japan |language=Japanese |page=16 |date=April 2001}}</ref> |source =—Hamasaki on why she re-recorded her earlier songs for ''A Best''. |width = 30% |align = left }} Hamasaki had originally planned to release her first greatest hits after a "couple more albums" when she released her 2002 studio album ''I Am...''.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |last=True|first=Chris|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ayumi-hamasaki-mn0000758915|title=Ayumi Hamasaki – Biography|work=AllMusic|date=2012|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref> However, in early 2001, Hamasaki's record label Avex Trax announced the plans for the release of a greatest hits package with an undisclosed date at the time.<ref name="channelai">{{cite web |url=http://www.channel-ai.com/blog/2007/04/17/ayumi-hamasaki/|title=Ayumi Hamasaki – Biography|work=Channel Ai|date=2010|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref> Avex had contacted Hamasaki one day, and stated that they intended to release the album on a specific date unbeknownst to her.<ref name="ntv">{{cite AV media| people=Ayumi Hamasaki (performer)|title=Hamasaki Ayumi: Light and Shadow, Despair and Decision at age 25| medium = Documentary|publisher=Nippon TV|location=Fukuoka, Japan|date=2004}}</ref> Avex decided to purposely release the album against fellow Japanese recording artist Hikaru Utada's second studio album ''Distance'' on March 28, 2001, for direct competition of sales; Utada had previously sold over 9.91 million units of her debut album ''First Love'' (1999).<ref name="universal">{{cite web |title=「First Love」発売15周年を記念し、2014年3月10日に-15th Anniversary Edition-の発売決定！|trans-title=To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the release of "First Love," the 15th Anniversary Edition will be released on March 10, 2014! |url=https://www.universal-music.co.jp/utada-hikaru/news/2013-12-9/#:~:text=News-,%E3%80%8CFirst%20Love%E3%80%8D%E7%99%BA%E5%A3%B215%E5%91%A8%E5%B9%B4%E3%82%92%E8%A8%98%E5%BF%B5%E3%81%97%E3%80%812014,Anniversary%20Edition%2D%E3%81%AE%E7%99%BA%E5%A3%B2%E6%B1%BA%E5%AE%9A%EF%BC%81&text=1999%E5%B9%B43%E6%9C%8810,%E3%81%97%E3%80%81%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E8%A8%98%E9%8C%B2%E3%82%92%E6%A8%B9%E7%AB%8B%E3%80%82 |language=ja |publisher=Universal Music Japan |access-date=May 12, 2015}}</ref> {{Quote box |quote = "When people hear the title ''A Best'', it’s only natural to expect it would begin with “Poker Face.” But Ayu’s concept this time was to create a collection where every track feels instantly familiar to the listener. With songs like “Poker Face,” “You,” and “Trust” from her debut year, she was still experimenting and finding her footing. None of those early singles carried an absolute “must-include” weight—whichever one made the cut, the overall impression wouldn’t change much. So in the end, she chose “Trust” out of those three. That kind of thinking shaped the song selection across the whole album."<ref name="freak">{{cite web |last=Kazuki |first=Okabe |url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/beatfreak/159/artists/ayu.html |title=''A Best'' |work=Beat Freak |publisher=Avex Trax |access-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010628205537/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/beatfreak/159/artists/ayu.html |archive-date=June 28, 2001}}</ref> |source =—Hamasaki on how she conducted the album's track list. |width = 30% |align = right }} Hamasaki originally thought the statement was a "joke," but was against the overall idea. She felt that majority of her single material for the album was "insufficient" at the time.<ref name="ntv"/> She said, "It was too early for release. My 'best album' was something I dreamt of doing my way, but one day the company came to me and said 'your best album has to be released on this month and on this day."<ref name="allmusic"/> The date announcement was a widely controversial topic throughout Japanese and Western media, which claimed the two singers were "rivals" on both personal and professional circumstances.<ref name="scmp">{{cite web |last=Chow|first=Vivienne|url=https://www.scmp.com/article/344145/utada-hikaru|title=Utada Hikaru|publisher=South China Morning Post|date=April 13, 2001|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Villa|first=Lucas|url=http://www.axs.com/news/j-pop-queens-collide-ayumi-hamasaki-sings-utada-hikaru-s-movin-on-with-32064|title=J-Pop queens collide: Ayumi Hamasaki sings Utada Hikaru's 'Movin On Without You'|publisher=Axs.com|date=December 9, 2014|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McClure|first=Steve|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sBIEAAAAMBAJ&q=Ayumi+Hamasaki+Utada+Hikaru+rival&pg=PA51|title=Pop Queen Utada reigns in Japan|work=Billboard; published through Google Books|date=December 29, 2001|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref> Hamasaki denied the claims, but decided to take more control of her future material and asserted that she didn't want to be marketed as a "product" by Avex.<ref name="allmusic"/> At the time, Avex had forced her to release the compilation album, and Hamasaki herself sarcastically recalled in a 2004 interview on ''Super TV'' that “I felt I was an important product of Avex,” and that she was so disgusted with the idea that she even considered retirement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/E1507716243416/?p=2|title=「とにかく離れたかった」浜崎あゆみが引退を考えた出来事|work=Excite|date=2017-12-17|access-date=December 3, 2024}}</ref>
The songs on ''A Best'' were selected by Hamasaki herself from the singles and albums released in the 20th century from 1998 to 2000, three years since her debut, and her 20th single “Evolution” and 21st single “Never Ever,” which were already released in 2001, are not included.<ref name="cdalone"/> Both songs were eventually included in her next compilation ''A Best 2'' (2007).<ref name="Black1">''Black'' versions listed below: *{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-23264}} *{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: Black|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-23263}}</ref><ref name="White2">''White'' versions listed below: *{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: White|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-23266}} *{{cite AV media notes|title=A Best 2: White|author=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|type=liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-23265}}</ref> Also, among the singles released in the selected years, the songs “Poker Face,” “You,” “For My Dear...,” “Whatever,” “Love (Since 1999),” “Monochrome,” “Too Late," "Kanariya” and “Audience” were not included in the track list.<ref name="cdalone"/>
Knowing that the material was still insufficient, Hamasaki reluctantly re-recorded three tracks; "Trust," "Depend on You" and the non-single "A Song for ××." Hamasaki had to re-record the tracks whilst recording the material for ''I Am...''.<ref name="freak"/><ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=I Am...|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2002|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-17037|location=Japan}}</ref> Although not stated, the vocals on “End Roll” were newly recorded and mixed with a new arrangement; on “Boys & Girls,” the vocals were the same as on the original song, but the arrangement was changed to be closer to the live version.<ref name="cdalone"/> Hamasaki also selected the non-single "Who..." to be included on the album; "Who..." excluded the hidden track "Kanariya," which appeared on ''Loveppears''.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Loveppears|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=1999|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-11740 |location=Japan}}</ref>
==Release== ''A Best'' was released on March 28, 2001 in two formats; a standard compact disc, and a digital download.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/discography/detail.php?id=1003337|title=Ayumi Hamasaki – A Best|work=Ayumi Hamasaki's official website|date=March 28, 2001|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413184106/http://avex.jp/ayu/discography/detail.php?id=1003337|url-status=live}}</ref> Both the CD and digital download includes 16 tracks, with the physical editions housed in a cardboard sleeve.<ref name="cdalone">{{cite AV media notes |title=A Best|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2001|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-11950 |location=Japan}}</ref> The cardboard sleeve of the album was photographed by Keita Haginiwa, whilst the booklet was designed by Shigeru Kasai from RICE.<ref name="cdalone"/> The black-and-white cover features a close-up shot of Hamasaki, with a tear falling down her face. Hamasaki stated in an interview that she chose for the album cover to be monochromatic because she wanted to make a simple piece that would never go out of style or feel out of date.<ref name="freak"/> Several publications commented on the cover's design, with many believing it was a visual response to the album's release and reports of her and Utada's rivalry.<ref name="allmusic"/><ref name="channelai"/> For each six albums released had six different artworks, each having different close-up poses by Hamasaki.<ref name="cdalone"/> ''A Best'' is Hamasaki's first album to embody her "15px" logo on the front of the cover.
==Critical responses== {{Music ratings | rev1 = MTVChinese.com | rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="MTV">{{Cite web |date=2001-04-17 |title=Ayumi Hamasaki (濱崎步) - A Best (A精選) |url=http://www.mtvchinese.com/Music/Review/Regional/200104/12/265.html |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=MTV |archive-date=2001-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010417212004/http://www.mtvchinese.com/Music/Review/Regional/200104/12/265.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> | rev2 = ''Hot Express'' | rev2Score = (favorable)<ref name="HotExpressReview">{{cite web |url=http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/review/916/ |script-title=ja:A BEST 浜崎あゆみ |author=Tetsuo Hiraga |publisher=Hot Express |language=ja |access-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050248/http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/review/916/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> }} ''A Best'' received positive reviews from music critics. Ray Katsushi from MTVChinese.com gave the album a positive analysis, emphasizing how Hamasaki’s success is not just about idol appeal, but about her artistry, lyrical resonance, and her ability to evolve musically while shaping youth culture.<ref name="MTV"/> Tetsuo Hiraga of ''Hot Express'' was extremely positive on the album, highlighting how her music resonates beyond youth culture, touching anyone open to her message.<ref name="HotExpressReview"/>
Hiromi Yonemoto from Yeah!! J-Pop! was positive in his review. Yonemoto commended the album's quality, and commented that the album was the "centerpiece" of Hamasaki's sales success, concluding that the material is "memorable."<ref name="review1">{{cite web | url=http://music.yahoo.co.jp/jpop/cd_reviews/planet/20010328/plarvw003.html | script-title=ja:A Best |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040822133218/http://music.yahoo.co.jp/jpop/cd_reviews/planet/20010328/plarvw003.html |last=Hiromi|first=Yonemoto|publisher=Yahoo! Japan |date=March 28, 2002 |archive-date=August 22, 2004 | language=ja | access-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref> A staff reviewer for Tower Records commended the album's quality and felt that while the album featured more "heart" than her previous work. The reviewer called the album "familiar" and filled with "Ayu charm."<ref name="review2">{{cite web | url=http://music.yahoo.co.jp/rock/cd_reviews/tower/20010327/twrrvw003.html | script-title=ja:A Best |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040822133210/http://music.yahoo.co.jp/rock/cd_reviews/tower/20010327/twrrvw003.html |publisher=Yahoo! Japan |date=March 28, 2002 |archive-date=August 22, 2004 | language=ja | access-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref> Alexey Eremenko from AllMusic selected many tracks from the album as the album and Hamasaki's best moments in her career.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eremenko|first=Alexey|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ayumi-hamasaki-mn0000758915/songs|title=Ayumi Hamasaki – Song Highlights|work=AllMusic|date=2009|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905201329/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ayumi-hamasaki-mn0000758915/songs|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Commercial performances== Before its release, Hamasaki commented that she was anxious about the album's first week sales. She commented that she felt it might "be my last album... It's possible I'll may never get the chance again".<ref name="ntv"/> During a competitive week with Utada's album ''Distance'', ''A Best'' debuted at number two on Japan's Oricon Albums Chart. This resulted in ''Distance'' debuting atop the album chart, making it Hamasaki's second album after her 1999 remix album ''Ayu-mi-x'' not to enter the top spot.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=whMEAAAAMBAJ&q=Ayumi+Hamasaki+a+best&pg=PA54|title=Hits of the World – Japan Entries|work=Billboard; published through Google Books|date=April 14, 2001|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/246497/products/44934/1/|title=Ayumi Hamasaki – Ayu-mi-x|work=Oricon|date=1999|access-date=March 26, 2016|language=ja}}</ref> Hamasaki's album sold 2,874,870 units in its first week of sales, whilst Utada's album sold 3,002,720 units in its first week. This made ''A Best'' the second fastest-selling album in Japanese music history, just behind ''Distance'' at first place.<ref name="Oricon">{{cite web | url=http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/010409a.html | title=Japan's Top Selling Albums | date=9 April 2001 | access-date=25 October 2012|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106015133/http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/010409a.html|archive-date=November 6, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Music TV">{{cite web | url=http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album-syodo.html | script-title=ja:歴代アルバム初動ランキング | publisher=Music TV | access-date=2 November 2012 | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220030935/http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album-syodo.html | archive-date=2012-02-20 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The following week, ''A Best'' replaced ''Distance'' at the top spot and sold 510,160 units.<ref name="chart">{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/246497/products/435016/1/|title=Ayumi Hamasaki – A Best|work=Oricon|date=May 4, 2001|access-date=March 26, 2016|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="sales">{{cite web | title=オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」 | trans-title=Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Big Tree' | url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/ | language=ja | work=Oricon | url-access=subscription | access-date=May 21, 2014 | archive-date=April 21, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421062058/http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/010416a.html | title=Top Selling Albums | date=16 April 2001 | access-date=28 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106015133/http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/010416a.html|archive-date=November 6, 2018}}</ref> This became Hamasaki's first greatest hits album to reach the top spot on that chart, and her fourth album overall.<ref name="oricon-positions">{{cite web | script-title=ja:浜崎あゆみのリリース一覧 | trans-title=List of Ayumi Hamasaki's Releases | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/246497/products/release/ | language=ja | work=Oricon | access-date=August 17, 2014 | archive-date=October 14, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014151822/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/246497/products/release/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
The album stayed inside the top ten for nine weeks, the top 100 for 20 weeks, and eventually lasted 51 weeks in the top 300 chart.<ref name="chart"/> By the end of 2001, ''A Best'' placed second on the Annual Japanese Oricon Albums Chart, behind ''Distance''. Hamasaki's album had sold over 4.24 million units in Japan, whilst Utada's album sold 4.40 million.<ref name="annual">{{cite web | url=http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/2001a.html | title=Japan's Annual Albums Chart – 2001 | date=April 9, 2011 | access-date=March 26, 2016|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316051327/http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/2001a.html|archive-date=March 16, 2019}}</ref> Hamasaki's album sales reached an excessive ¥12 billion (approximately $77,284,200 US dollars) by the end of the year, which hugely effected the stock prices of the record company.<ref name="ntv"/> ''A Best'' was certified sixteen-times-platinum (adjusted to 4x Million by June 2006) by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) with physical shipments of four million units in Japan.<ref name="RIAJ-jun2001">{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2001年4月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. April 2001 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2001/2001_06.pdf |journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=November 10, 2001 |volume=499 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117062551/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2001/2001_06.pdf |archive-date=January 17, 2014 |access-date=January 17, 2014}}</ref> Additionally, the album is the second best-selling album of the 2000s decade in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fm20091218a1.html | title=The noughties played it nice | last=Brasor |first=Philip | publisher=The Japan Times | date=18 December 2009 | access-date=28 October 2012}}</ref>
==Promotion==
The promotion for ''A Best'' was extensive.<ref name="channelai"/><ref name="ntv"/> Between March and April 2001, Hamasaki appeared in over 40 Japanese magazines. She traveled to different areas in Japan to take part in photo shoots, but was told several times to wait before commencing.<ref name="ntv"/> Hamasaki appeared in several commercial advertisements, including the Takanoyuri Beauty Clinic print-only campaign "Pink Pink Festival". She also signed a deal with Japanese make-up company Kosé Visee as their spokeswoman.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://deliriumzer0.com/?p=160|title=Ayumi Hamasaki's Greatest Year: 2001|work=Deliriumzer|date=2001|access-date=March 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313153332/http://deliriumzer0.com/?p=160|archive-date=March 13, 2016}}</ref> Hamasaki became the spokeswoman for the KDDI Corporation subsidiary company Tu-Ka, which manufactured 2G PDC cellular operator's in three metropolitan areas (Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://deliriumzer0.com/?p=199|title=Ayumi Hamasaki's Greatest Year: 2001 (April)|work=Deliriumzer|date=2001|access-date=March 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313202008/http://deliriumzer0.com/?p=199|archive-date=March 13, 2016}}</ref>
Hamasaki confirmed that she would perform two concerts in Tokyo at the Tokyo Dome stadium. During rehearsals for the tour, Hamasaki had to stop due to problems with her hearing in her left ear. Because of this, specific songs had to be cut from the concert tour because of its high frequency levels.<ref name="ntv"/> Despite this, she did not postpone the rehearsals or concert dates due to tight scheduling.<ref name="ntv"/> Hamasaki had been hospitalized a few times for consultations, but a doctor confirmed that continuing to pursue music would result in permanent hearing loss.<ref name="ntv"/> During some stage rehearsals at Tokyo Dome, Hamasaki became ill due to her hearing problems and could not finish the performances. Because of this, the rehearsals had to be hurried.<ref name="ntv"/>
On July 6, 2001, the concerts' first tour date, over 30,000 fans lined up for the show. However, tour organizers asked them to wait longer due to Hamasaki's hospitalization.<ref name="ntv"/> Hamasaki returned from the hospital, and was escorted to the stage with a wheelchair. Both concerts were commercial successes, selling out on both tour dates, and made her one of few "top-drawer" Japanese artists to hold a concert at the Tokyo Dome.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/04/19/2007041961012.html|title=Rain to Perform at Prestigious Tokyo Dome|date=April 19, 2007|access-date=July 23, 2010|publisher=Chosun Ilbo Co|work=Chosun Ilbo|archive-date=June 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621235049/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/04/19/2007041961012.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With sales from both the concert and album, Hamasaki was recognized as the top selling artist of 2001 with over 24 billion yen.<ref name="ntv"/> In the aftermath of the tour, Hamasaki had become completely deaf in her left ear. She documented the condition, and publicly announced in January 2008 that she had been diagnosed with an inoperable ear condition (possibly tinnitus or Ménière's disease).<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7174893.stm | title=Japanese pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki deaf in left ear | publisher=BBC News Agency|date= January 7, 2008| access-date=January 7, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080110152658/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7174893.stm| archive-date= January 10, 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> Despite the setback, Hamasaki stated that she wished to continue singing, and that she would "not give up" on her fans and that "as a professional", she wanted to "deliver the best performance for everyone".<ref name="JTdeaf">{{cite news |url=http://archive.japantoday.com/jp/news/424352 |title=Singer Ayumi Hamasaki says she has lost hearing in her left ear |publisher=Japan Today |date=January 8, 2008 |access-date=January 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622160420/http://archive.japantoday.com/jp/news/424352 |archive-date=June 22, 2008 }} (Archived version)</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hNw4Md-JdCu6y2e8xsEGld1O41xg |title=Japan's pop princess 'Ayu' goes half deaf |agency=AFP |date=January 6, 2008 |access-date=February 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218102443/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hNw4Md-JdCu6y2e8xsEGld1O41xg |archive-date=February 18, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
A live DVD was released on December 12, 2001 through Avex Trax.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Dome Tour 2001 A|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2001|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVBD-91077|location=Japan}}</ref> A limited edition VHS and DVD was released with different artwork and packaging.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Dome Tour 2001 A|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2001|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVVD-90133|location=Japan}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Dome Tour 2001 A|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2001|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=VBD-91391|location=Japan}}</ref> Through an exclusive deal with Sony, a limited edition PlayStation 2 musical video game entitled ''Visual Mix: Ayumi Hamasaki Dome Tour 2001'' was released.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.play-asia.com/visual-mix-ayumi-hamasaki-dome-tour-2001/13/70bmo| title=Visual Mix: Ayumi Hamasaki Dome Tour 2001 | publisher=Play-Asia | date=December 13, 2001 | access-date=March 27, 2016}}</ref> The video game is split into three sections; the visual mix (where the player uses the controller to change and direct the respective music videos and concert tour, alongside special effects editing), the Ayu-Mi-x studio (where the player can create and edit music through her songs "Unite!" and "Endless Sorrow"), and Ayu Browser (which is an online browser using customized Ayu settings).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/visual-mix-ayumi-hamasaki-dome-tour-2001| title=Visual Mix: Ayumi Hamasaki Dome Tour 2001 | publisher=Moby Games | date=December 13, 2001 | access-date=March 27, 2016}}</ref>
===Singles===
"M" was released as the album's lead single on December 8, 2000 and was later included on her ''I Am...'' album in 2002.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=M|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2000|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-30197|location=Japan}}</ref> "M" was Hamasaki's first single she composed herself after her production team failed to compose a track in her liking.<ref name="MUSICCREATOR">The Music Creator 2001年4-5月号 Vol.5</ref> Upon its release, it garnered positive reviews from music critics. Many critics commended the song's composition, lyrical content, and highlighted the track as one of Hamasaki's best singles in her career.<ref >{{cite web|first=Michael|last=McCarthy|url=https://lollipopmagazine.com/2002/08/ayumi-hamasaki-i-am-review/|title=Hamasaki - I Am... - Review|magazine=Lollipop Magazine|date=August 2, 2002|accessdate=December 14, 2023}}</ref> "M" was successful in Japan, peaking at number one on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart by selling over 500,000 units in its first week of sales.<ref>{{cite web|author=Oricon Style Staff|url=http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/001225.html|title=Oricon Singles Chart – Chart Week December 25, 2000|work=Oricon; published through Yahoo! GeoCities|date=December 25, 2000|access-date=March 22, 2024|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331132001/http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/001225.html|archive-date=March 31, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> It became Hamasaki's seventh number one single on that chart.<ref name="oricon-positions"/> By the end of 2001, "M" sold over 1.32 million units and was certified million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for exceeding one million shipments in that region.<ref name="RIAJ-feb2001">{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2000年12月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. December 2000 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2001/2001_02.pdf | journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=February 10, 2001 |volume=495 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116140557/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2001/2001_02.pdf |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |access-date=January 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name="RIAJ-mar2001">{{cite journal |title=GOLD ALBUM 他認定作品 2001年1月度 |trans-title=Gold Albums, and other certified works. January 2001 Edition |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2001/2001_03.pdf |journal=The Record |type=Bulletin |language=ja |location=Chūō, Tokyo |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |date=March 10, 2001 |volume=496 |page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102231053/http://www.riaj.or.jp/issue/record/2001/2001_03.pdf |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |access-date=January 22, 2014}}</ref> The single charted at number 87 on the Japan Billboard Adult Alternative chart.<ref name="BillboardAD 2008/09/22">{{cite magazine | title=Japan Billboard Hot 100 | url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=adult_airplay&year=2008&month=09&day=22 | magazine=Billboard |language=ja | date=March 17, 2008 | access-date=August 17, 2014}}</ref> The single was certified platinum by the RIAJ for selling over 250,000 digital units in Japan, tallying the single's sales to 1.76 million units as of 2014.<ref name="RIAJ-jan2014digi">{{cite web|script-title=ja:レコード協会調べ 1月度有料音楽配信認定 |trans-title=Record Association Investigation: January Digital Music Download Certifications |url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w140228.html |publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan |language=ja |date=February 28, 2014 |access-date=March 4, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305015635/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w140228.html |archive-date=March 5, 2014 }}</ref> The accompanying music video for the single was shot in Tokyo by Wataru Takeishi;<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wataru01japan.com/profile-1/ | title=Music Video | language=ja | access-date=December 30, 2024 | archive-date=December 6, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206205019/https://www.wataru01japan.com/profile-1/ | url-status=live }}</ref> it features Hamasaki inside a church, with scenes of her wearing a wedding dress and singing with her backup band in the rain.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03y-KyezDS4|title = ayumi hamasaki / M|website = YouTube|access-date = December 4, 2024}}</ref>
"M" was re-released in Germany through Drizzly Records on November 3, 2003, with Hamasaki using her European stage name Ayu.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=M|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2003|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=DRIZ3002-CD|location=Germany}}</ref> The single was a triple re-release from the ''A Best'' and ''I Am...'' album, and the ''Ayu Trance'' compilation remix album, on a vinyl and CD Maxi single format.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=M|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2003|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Vinyl; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=DRIZ3002-LTD|location=Germany}}</ref> The re-released single was remixed by Above & Beyond, and was served as Ayu's second, first, and sixth international single in Germany, Spain, and North America.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=M|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2003|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Vinyl; Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=VLMX 1607-3|location=Spain}}</ref> The accompanying music video for the remix single was shot in Tokyo by Masato Okazaki; it features several images and video shots of Hamasaki's performances, whilst including different computer generated imagery.<ref>{{cite web|title=M (Above & Beyond remix) / ayumi hamasaki|url=http://www.spaceshowertv.com/search/detail.cgi?mu=0027123&ch=0|website=Space Shower TV|access-date=June 28, 2014}}</ref>
==Legacy== {{Quote box | quote = "..I had to. But I was just so shocked. I thought they had to be joking." | source = —Hamasaki answering a question on whether she wanted the album released; in retrospect, 2004.<ref name="ntv"/> | width = 20% | align = right | style = padding:8px; }} By 2007, ''A Best'' sold over 4.3 million units in Japan, making it the sixth best selling album in that region.<ref name="best">{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/tv/top40/ |title=動画:oricon TOP40-無料動画-ORICON STYLE |work=oricon.co.jp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080126210639/http://www.oricon.co.jp/tv/top40/ |archive-date=January 26, 2008 }}</ref> This makes Hamasaki the second female artist to claim the spot; the other two entries were both by Utada.<ref name="best"/> By 2010, Avex confirmed that it had sold 4.5 million units.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.avex.co.jp/ir/upload_file/library_05/7860_2010111715044103_P01_.pdf |title= 2010年版インベスターズ・ガイド |access-date= March 26, 2016 |archive-date= December 2, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101202081534/http://www.avex.co.jp/ir/upload_file/library_05/7860_2010111715044103_P01_.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> With additional sales from digital purchases, ''A Best'' has sold over five million units in Japan, making this Hamasaki's best selling effort as of today.<ref name="topsales">{{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/174089|title=Ayumi Hamasaki to release 15th Anniversary Edition of A Best|work=Natalie.mu|date=January 28, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref> Both Hamasaki and Utada's albums were the fastest-selling albums of all time globally, having each sold nearly three million units.{{Contradict-inline|date=March 2021}} The record was broken in 2015 by British musician Adele's studio album ''25'', which sold over 3.4 million units in the United States and reached number one on the US ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite magazine|title = Adele's '25' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart, '21' Returns to Top 10|url = https://www.billboard.com/pro/adele-25-debuts-no-1-billboard-200-albums-chart/|magazine = Billboard|access-date = 29 November 2015|archive-date = August 13, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170813114405/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6777926/adele-25-debuts-no-1-billboard-200-albums-chart|url-status = live}}</ref> The album was recognized as the third best selling album through digital store in 2014, and was placed second the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000110566|title=「レコチョク年間ランキング2014」は『アナと雪の女王』関連楽曲が5冠|work=Barks Japan|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=April 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407033505/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000110566|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ayu-vogue.net/post/134785656379/ayumi-hamasaki-a-best-recochoku|title=A BEST is Recochoku's second best selling album of 2015|work=Ayu-Vogue|date=December 2015|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=April 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407113603/http://ayu-vogue.net/post/134785656379/ayumi-hamasaki-a-best-recochoku|url-status=live}}</ref>
The album has been cited by several publications as one of Hamasaki's best work to date.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jpopasia.com/news/ayumi-hamasaki-to-re-release-best-selling-album-a-best::18979.html|title=Ayumi Hamasaki To Re-Release Best Selling Album A Best|work=Jpopasia.com|date=January 28, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref> Alexey Eremenko from AllMusic stated that, whilst the album was a success, he noted that ''A Best'' was the moment that there was the "serious friction" between Hamasaki and her label; this was one of the first publicized rifts between the parties in Japan music history.<ref name="allmusic"/> In honour of the album's release, Hamasaki continued embroiling her studio albums with her symbolic "15px" logo. It was issued on her compilation albums; ''A Ballads'' (2003),<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=A Ballad|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2003|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-17278|location=Japan}}</ref> the ''A Best 2'' (2007) black and white editions,<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=A Best 2: White|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-23266|location=Japan}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=A Best 2: Black|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2007|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-23264|location=Japan}}</ref> ''A Complete: All Singles'' (2008),<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=A Complete: All Singles|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2008|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-23673~5/B|location=Japan}}</ref> ''A Summer Best'' (2012)<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=A Summer Best|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2012|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|id=AVCD-38560~1|location=Japan}}</ref> and ''M(a)de in Japan'' (2016) where it's put in brackets. ''A Best'' also brought Hamasaki a number of accolades and award nominations. At the Annual 2001 Japan Gold Disc Awards, Hamasaki won Single of the Year for "M" and Domestic Artist of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan|url=http://www.golddisc.jp/award/15/index.html|title=15th Japan Gold Disc Awards|work=Japan Gold Disc Awards|date=2001|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=March 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301201208/http://www.golddisc.jp/award/15/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, she won Domestic Artist of the Year again and Pop Album of the Year for ''A Best''.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Recording Industry Association of Japan|url=http://www.golddisc.jp/award/16/index.html|title=16th Japan Gold Disc Awards|work=Japan Gold Disc Awards|date=2002|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=April 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407072715/http://www.golddisc.jp/award/16/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the 2001 World Music Awards, Hamasaki won the regional award for Best Japanese Act.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lucky 13 For Monaco's World Music Awards |work=Radio Caroline |publisher=Europa Productions |year=2001 |url=http://carolinesouth.com/wma.htm |access-date=February 11, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518042608/http://carolinesouth.com/wma.htm |archive-date=May 18, 2008 }}</ref> At the 2002 MTV Asian Awards, Hamasaki won a special award entitled the Most influential Japanese artist in Asia.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=ja: 浜崎あゆみ 初の海外音楽賞 | url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/kiji/2002/02/04/01.html | publisher=Sports Nippon |language=ja | date=February 4, 2002 | access-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020212165046/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/kiji/2002/02/04/01.html|archive-date=February 12, 2002}}</ref> At the first 2002 MTV Video Music Awards Japan, Hamasaki won the award for Best Female Artist, alongside nominations for Best Video of the Year and Best Pop Artist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtvjapan.com/vmaj/2007/videos/2002.html|title=2002 MTV Video Music Awards Japan|work=MTV Japan|date=May 24, 2002|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407155738/http://www.mtvjapan.com/vmaj/2007/videos/2002.html|archive-date=2016-04-07|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Hamasaki was interviewed in 2004 for the Nippon TV special documentary ''Light and Shadow: Despair and Decision at Age 25''. With regards to ''A Best'', she commented that she resented being recognized as a "product" rather than a real person, and that she was considered the most "important product" to Avex.<ref name="ntv"/> Hamasaki denied claims of retirement from the music industry, but threatened her position within Avex by wanting to separate from them. She further explained her staying with the company; "I knew that if I didn't stay with the company, I'd never be able to come back to it. I'd live very thoroughly here, but I thought 'I just want to live like a human.' I was significant to them [Avex Trax], so I felt like 'lets fight the man' I guess. I wanted to resist the company even though I felt like I was part of it."<ref name="ntv"/>
===Re-issue=== [[File:Shibuya_2016-03_(26124083992).jpg|thumb|250px|left|A concert poster for Made in Japan hanging near the center at Shibuya Crossing in 2016]] On January 28, 2016, Hamasaki announced via her official website the re-release of ''A Best''. Hamasaki confirmed that the album would be released on the same date as the original album, and was entitled the 15th Anniversary Edition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1031577|title=English Information: the 15th Anniversary Edition of the album A Best|work=Ayumi Hamasaki's official website|date=January 28, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=March 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330223335/http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1031577|url-status=live}}</ref> The reissue included the original 16 tracks, but have been remastered by American engineer and producer Stephen Marcussen. This is Marcussen's first collaboration with Hamasaki, and mastered the album at his own Marcussen Studio's in Hollywood, California.<ref name="rerelease">{{cite AV media notes |title=A Best: 15th Anniversary Edition|others=Ayumi Hamasaki|year=2016|first=Ayumi|last=Hamasaki|type=Liner notes|publisher=Avex Trax|location=Japan}}</ref> The original album cover is used on both the cardboard sleeve and jewel case. Initial promotion of the album offered T-shirt designs of the six alternative jewel case album covers, handwritten lyrics to the album lyrics, and a specialized anniversary book.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1033298|title=『 Best - 15th Anniversary-』Deluxe 盤に同封されるTシャツ全7種類を公開！|work=Ayumi Hamasaki's official website|date=March 9, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=March 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315124126/http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1033298|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1033525|title=『A(ロゴ) BEST -15th Anniversary Edition-』Deluxe Edition 展開イメージ公開！|work=Ayumi Hamasaki's official website|date=March 14, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=March 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321072308/http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1033525|url-status=live}}</ref> On one of Hamasaki's posts on her website, several Japanese public figures such as ice skater Mao Asada, Japanese model and actress Riisa Naka, music writer Mihi Fujii, and sociologist Noritoshi Furuichi took appreciation and retrospect in the collection and commended Hamasaki's longevity in the music industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1032096|title=「appears」制作時手書き歌詞公開！|work=Ayumi Hamasaki's official website|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=March 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309193856/http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1032096|url-status=live}}</ref>
The album is released in four formats; a standard CD, a CD and DVD bundle, a CD and Blu-ray bundle, and a digital release. All physical editions include the remastered 16 tracks, whilst the digital download includes three bonus a cappella versions of "A Song for ××", "Trust", and "Depend on You".<ref name="itunes">{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/a-best-15th-anniversary-edition/1094144042|title=A Best: 15th Anniversary Album – Album – by Ayumi Hamasaki|work=iTunes Store (New Zealand)|date=March 26, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref> The DVD and Blu-ray bundles are housed inside a special box packaging, and features the music videos to ten of the tracks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/discography/detail.php?id=1011405|title=A Best: 15th Anniversary Album|work=Ayumi Hamasaki's official website|date=March 26, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=March 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328023635/http://avex.jp/ayu/discography/detail.php?id=1011405|url-status=live}}</ref> On its opening day release, ''A Best: 15th Anniversary Edition'' debuted at number nine on the Oricon Daily Albums Chart with just over 2,000 units sold.<ref name="newdaily">{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/d/2016-03-24/|title=Oricon Daily Chart – Chart date; March 24, 2016|work=Oricon Style|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326153102/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/d/2016-03-24/|archive-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref> To promote the album, Hamasaki appeared on the Japanese music television show Music Station on March 25, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/schedule/detail.php?id=1040048|title=3/25 (金)ミュージックステーションスペシャル出演決定！|work=Ayumi Hamasaki's official website|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=March 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319230529/http://avex.jp/ayu/schedule/detail.php?id=1040048|url-status=live}}</ref> Hamasaki hosted a special website, where her fans used their Twitter accounts to "share" memories about the album; all entries were placed on the album cover's collage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1033992|title=皆の想い出をシェアして『 BEST』ジャケットを作ろう！|work=Ayumi Hamasaki's official website|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016|archive-date=March 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330224038/http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1033992|url-status=live}}</ref>
On the same day of the album's announcement, Hamasaki announced an arena concert tour in Japan entitled ''Made in Japan''. The concert tour is an expansion of her New Year's Eve Countdown live show with the same name, and is in support of ''A Best: 15th Anniversary Edition''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1031561|title=『"ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2016 ～MADE IN JAPAN～"』開催大決定！|work=Ayumi Hamasaki's official website|date=January 28, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2016|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303000637/http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1031561|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = | all_lyrics = Ayumi Hamasaki | extra_column = Arranger(s) | title1 = A Song for ×× | note1 = new vocal and mix | music1 = Yasuhiko Hoshino | extra1 = Akimitsu Honma | length1 = | title2 = Trust | note2 = new vocal and mix | music2 = Takashi Kimura | extra2 = Akimitsu Honma, Takashi Kimura | length2 = | title3 = Depend on You | note3 = new vocal & mix | music3 = Kazuhito Kikuchi | extra3 = Akamitsu Honma, Takashi Morio | length3 = | title4 = Love: Destiny | music4 = Tsunku | extra4 = Shingo Kobayashi, Yasuaki Maejima | length4 = | title5 = To Be | music5 = D.A.I | extra5 = Naoto Suzuki, D.A.I | length5 = | title6 = Boys & Girls | music6 = D.A.I | extra6 = Naoto Suzuki, D.A.I | length6 = | title7 = Trauma | music7 = D.A.I | extra7 = Naoto Suzuki, D.A.I | length7 = | title8 = End Roll | music8 = D.A.I | extra8 = Naoto Suzuki, D.A.I | length8 = | title9 = Appears | music9 = Kazuhito Kikuchi | extra9 = HΛL | length9 = | title10 = Fly High | music10 = D.A.I | extra10 = HΛL | length10 = | title11 = Vogue | music11 = Kazuhito Kikuchi | extra11 = Naoto Suzuki, Kazuhito Kikuchi | length11 = | title12 = Far Away | music12 = Kazuhito Kikuchi, D.A.I | extra12 = HΛL | length12 = | title13 = Seasons | music13 = D.A.I | extra13 = Naoto Suzuki | length13 = | title14 = Surreal | music14 = Kazuhito Kikuchi | extra14 = HΛL | length14 = | title15 = M | music15 = Ayumi Hamasaki | extra15 = HΛL | length15 = | title16 = Who... | music16 = Kazuhito Kikuchi | extra16 = Naoto Suzuki | length16 = }} {{Track listing | headline = ''A Best – 15th Anniversary Edition'' digital download bonus tracks<ref name="itunes"/> | all_lyrics = | extra_column = | title17 = A Song for ×× | note17 = acapella version | music17 = | extra17 = | length17 = | title18 = Trust | note18 = acapella version | music18 = | extra18 = | length18 = | title19 = Depend on You | note19 = acapella version | music19 = | extra19 = }} {{tracklist | headline = ''A Best – 15th Anniversary Edition'' DVD and Blu-ray editions<ref name="rerelease"/> | total_length =
| title1 = Trust | note1 = music video
| title2 = Depend on You | note2 = music video
| title3 = Love (Destiny) | note3 = music video
| title4 = To Be | note4 = music video
| title5 = Boys & Girls | note5 = music video
| title6 = Appears | note6 = music video
| title7 = Fly High | note7 = music video
| title8 = Vogue/Far Away/Seasons | note8 = music video
| title9 = Surreal | note9 = music video
| title10 = M | note10 = music video }}
== Credits and personnel == Credits adapted from the liner notes of the CD.<ref name="cdalone"/> {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} *Ayumi Hamasaki – vocals, background vocals, song writing, composer and arrangement (under the alias Crea) *Max Matsuura – producer, manager *Akimisu Honma – keyboards *Naoki Hayashibe – guitar *Hiroshi Kitashiro – programming *Takahiro Iida – programming *Naoto Suzuki – keyboards, programming *Masayoshi Furukawa – guitar *Hidetoshi Suzuki – guitar *Jun Kajiwara – guitar *HΛL – programming, keyboards, composing *Dai "D.A.I." Nagao – composing, arrangement {{col-2}} *Naoya Akimoto – guitar *Junko Hirotani – background vocals *Yasuhiko Hoshino – composing *Takashi Kimura – composing *Kazuhito Kikuchi – composing *Tsunku – composing *Takashi Kimura – arrangement *Takashi Morio – arrangement *Shingo Kobayashi – arrangement *Yasuaki Maejima – arrangement *Keita Haginiwa – photographer *Shigeru Kasai – designer *Avex Trax – Hamasaki's record label *Avex Music Creative Inc. – Hamasaki's record label {{col-end}}
== Charts == {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}
===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" !Chart (2001) !Peak<br />position |- !scope="row"|Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref name="chart"/> | style="text-align:center;"| 1 |- |}
===Monthly charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" !Chart (2001) !Peak<br>position |- !scope="row"|Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref name="monthly">{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.jp/darusta2004/rank/2001/apr.html|title=2001 4月売上ランキング|access-date=2010-09-24|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329041500/http://www.geocities.jp/darusta2004/rank/2001/apr.html|archive-date=2014-03-29}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"| 2 |} {{col-2}}
===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" !Chart (2001) !Position |- !scope="row"|Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref name="annual"/> | style="text-align:center;"|2 |- |}
===Decade-end charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" !Chart (2000–2009) !Position |- !scope="row"|Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://amigo.lovepop.jp/decade_a2000.html |title=2000年代アルバム売上ランキング |language=ja |access-date=2024-07-20}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|2 |- |}
===All-time chart=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" !Chart !Position |- !scope="row"|Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref name="BestSeller"/> | style="text-align:center;"|6 |} {{col-end}}
== Sales and certifications == {{Certification Table Top}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=album|award=Million|number=4|artist=浜崎あゆみ|title=A BEST|relyear=2001|certyear=2001|certmonth=4|salesamount=4,294,179|salesref=<ref name="sales"/>|access-date=July 4, 2024}} {{End}}
==Release history== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |- ! Region ! Date ! Format ! Catalogue number |- ! scope="row"| Japan | March 28, 2001 | CD | AVCD-11691 |- ! scope="row"| Taiwan | 2001 | CD | AVJCD-10008 |- ! scope="row"| Hong Kong | April 2001 | CD | AVTCD-95461 |- ! scope="row"| Indonesia | 2001 | CD | AVCD-0060601 |- ! scope="row"| Indonesia | 2001 | Cassette | AV-0060601 |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2"|Japan | rowspan="2"|March 28, 2016 | CD+DVD+Blu-Ray | AVZD-93409/B~C |- | CD | AVCD-93410 |- ! scope="row"| Taiwan | March 28, 2016 | CD, Reissue, & Remastered | AVJCD-10645/A *<small>(15th Anniversary Edition)</small> |}
==See also== *List of fastest-selling albums worldwide *List of best-selling albums in Japan *List of Oricon number-one albums of 2001
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *[http://avex.jp/ayu/discography/detail.php?id=1003337 ''A Best''] – Ayumi Hamasaki's official website. *[http://avex.jp/ayu/discography/detail.php?id=1011405 ''A Best: 15th Anniversary Edition''] – Ayumi Hamasaki's official website.
{{Ayumi Hamasaki}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Best, A}} Category:2001 greatest hits albums Category:Ayumi Hamasaki compilation albums Category:Avex Group compilation albums Category:2000s Japanese-language albums