Popstar: I'm deaf in one ear

2008-01-07 21:09

Tokyo - One of Japan's most famous singing stars, Ayumi Hamasaki, has revealed that she has gone deaf in her left ear, Japanese media said on Monday.

Hamasaki, 29, is a pop icon in Japan and influential across other parts of Asia, with dozens of number one hit singles and albums to her name.

"Last year I had a hearing test and found out my left ear was not functioning at all and that there was no way of curing it," the Sankei Sports newspaper quoted her as saying in her blog, which is open only to registered members of her fan club.

"But I want to keep singing as long as my right ear holds out," the paper quoted her as adding.

The singer, who is also a hugely successful model whose fashion sense has inspired many imitators, is celebrating 10 years since she reluctantly launched her career after being persuaded by a music producer she met by chance.

She has a string of concerts set up for the spring, according to her official website.

- Reuters