Ayumi moved to Tokyo at the age of 14 to pursue a career in acting. She began appearing in television dramas and commercials, gaining experience and building her confidence. In 1998, she signed with Avex Trax, a major Japanese record label, and released her debut single, "Poker Face."

Idols are media personalities trained in singing, dancing, modeling, and acting. Unlike Western pop stars who sell an image of untouchable perfection, Japanese idols sell growth, relatability, and accessibility. Fans buy multiple copies of CDs to get "handshake event" tickets, allowing them to meet their favorite stars for a few seconds. Groups like AKB48 and Nogizaka46 pioneered this hyper-interactive fan culture. The Boy Band Monopoly and Agency Power