Dearest (Ayumi Hamasaki song)

Background

The song was used in TV commercials of Japanese mobile company Tu-Ka, and also as the third ending theme of the YTV anime InuYasha. It became a massive hit in Japan, peaking at number one and being the 17th best selling single of 2001 according to Oricon. It also won the big prize at the Japan Cable Radio Awards and the Japan Record Awards.

Music Video

The music video of "Dearest" first aired on September 6, 2001. It begins with Ayumi in a lounge. In another room, businesspeople are at a table talking about her sales. The scene goes back to Ayumi, where she reaches for her glass, but one of her servants takes it and hands it to her. The song begins while she is singing at a mirror. Then, Ayumi and her bodyguards are walking and she change into another outfit. They walk outside to her car and its raining. Paparazzi are waiting and Ayumi covers her face as the guards try to get rid of paparazzi. Ayumi runs away from the paparazzi and guards and changes into a pink outfit. A little girl gives Ayumi candy and everyone looks around and smiles at her. She is then chased by her guards and she changes into a black outfit. One of the guards slip and the scene changes to one where Ayumi is in a field in front of windmills.

An alternative version of the video, featuring the Acoustic Piano Version of the song was also released. This time in the music video she is in the same field from the original version in front of the windmills.

Track listing

1. "Dearest" – 5:33
2. "Dearest" (Depth Nostalgic Windmix)
3. "Never Ever" (Jonathan Peters Radio Mix)
4. "Dearest" (Energized Mix)
5. "Dearest" (Huge 20011002 mix)
6. "Endless Sorrow" (Hex Hector Main Radio Mix)
7. "Dearest" (Laugh & Peace Mix)
8. "Dearest" (Fresh energy Mix)
9. "M" (Johnny Vicious Radio Vox)
10. "Dearest" (Instrumental) – 5:33
11. "Dearest" (Acoustic Piano Version)

Charts

Oricon Sales Chart (Japan)