"Nonfiction" is a song by Japanese singer-songwriter Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released as a digital single only on April 22, 2022, to celebrate the singer's 24th anniversary of her debut on April 8, 1998.
The song debuted at number 1 on the Oricon Daily Digital Singles Chart upon release, and peaked at number 12 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles Chart.
Background
On April 6, 2022, it was announced that a new song called "Nonfiction" would be released as a digital single on April 22, 2022, following a surprise performance of the song during Hamasaki's 24th anniversary concert, which took place that same day.
Upon the announcement, the song was described to be "a dance tune with powerful lyrics" to commemorate the artist's 24th anniversary in the music industry.[1][2]
Writing and production
The song's lyrics were written by Hamasaki while the composition was handled by Hisashi Koyama. This marks their first time working together. Meanwhile, the arrangement was handled by long-time collaborator Tasuku.[3]
Release
The song was released on digital platforms and streaming services at midnight on April 22, 2022.[1]
Music video
The music video for the song was released on April 22, 2022 – the same day as the single's release date.
The video features two sets; one that is entirely in pink and one that shows Hamasaki in a presidential hotel suite.
The singer herself described the video as "a super-luxury masterpiece rarely seen in recent years" on her Instagram.[3]
Commercial performance
The song debuted at number one on the Oricon Daily Digital Single Chart with 2,596 copies sold. It dropped to number ten the following day, before placing at number 18 on the third day since its release.[4][5][6]
With three days worth of sales due to its being released in the middle of the charting week, it entered the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles Chart at number 12, having sold 3,665 downloads.[7]
"Nonfiction" also debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Japan Top Download Songs chart. In its second week, the song placed at number 79.[8][9]
^ ab4月22日（金）New Single「Nonfiction」リリース決定！ [April 22nd (Friday) New Single "Nonfiction" will be released!]. Avex.jp (in Japanese). April 6, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
^浜崎あゆみ、ライブ映像作品＆6年ぶりのアルバム発売決定 [Ayumi Hamasaki to release live video work & album for the first time in 6 years]. BARKS Japan Music Network (in Japanese). April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
^ ab浜崎あゆみ、デビュー24周年記念SG「Nonfiction」配信リリース＆360度ピンク一色のMV公開 [Ayumi Hamasaki releases her debut 24th anniversary Single "Nonfiction" for distribution and unveils a 360-degree music video in pink]. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
