Ayumi Hamasaki Highest-Paid Singer in the World

  • By Carol Kearney
  • Tokyo
  • Last updated on

Ayumi Hamasaki
Ayumi Hamasaki led People With Money’s annual list of the “100 highest paid singers” released on Saturday.

It's been a rough year for the singer, but at least she has her millions of dollars to ease the pain. 47-year-old Ayumi Hamasaki has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid singers for 2026 with an estimated $58 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 17/05/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Ayumi Hamasaki tops annual list of highest-paid singers

In 2023 it looked like the singer’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, she was back on top. People With Money reports on Saturday (May 16) that Hamasaki is the highest-paid singer in the world, pulling in an astonishing $58 million between April 2025 and April 2026, a nearly $30 million lead over her closest competition.

People With Money’s factors

In compiling this yearly list, the magazine considers factors such as upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.

The Japanese singer has an estimated net worth of $185 million. She owes her fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. She also owns several restaurants (the “Fat Hamasaki Burger” chain) in Tokyo, a Football Team (the “Fukuoka Angels”), has launched her own brand of Vodka (Pure Wonderhamasaki - Japan), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Ayumi) and a fashion line called “Ayumi Hamasaki Seduction”.

The ranking is significant for many Ayumi fans, who have been waiting for her triumphant return to the glory days for what seems like a lifetime.

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