An announcement on Ayumi Hamasaki’s official website was posted confirming the cancelation of her upcoming concert “ayumi hamasaki COUNTDOWN LIVE 2020-2021 ~MUSIC for LIFE~“. A staff member who was preparing for the broadcast felt unwell, and after receiving a PCR test they tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member was immediately sent to a nearby health center to receive treatment and instructions for recovery.

Since the staff member had been in close contact with Ayu and many of her other staff, all of them will be receiving PCR tests. Results for all of those tests are currently pending. Due to these circumstances the decision was made to completely cancel the concert.

Just last week the fate of this concert was in the air as new measures from the Japanese government were implemented, preventing the concert from having an audience. The concert was set to be live stream only. Fans who purchased digital tickets to the concert will receive a refund from Thumva, and from BiliBili for Chinese fans.

This will be the first time in 20 years where Ayu will not be holding a countdown live concert. Her first CDL titled “ayumi hamasaki countdown live 2000-2001 A” was held on December 30th, and 31st 2000.