On February 19, 1997, Namie Amuro released “Can You Celebrate?”, a timeless ballad that became the best-selling single by a female solo artist in Japanese history. Twenty-eight years later, fans still hold this song dear to their hearts. However, in recent months, a growing frustration has overshadowed this nostalgia: Namie Amuro’s entire discography has vanished from major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

A Sudden and Unexplained Disappearance

In November 2023, listeners were shocked to find that Amuro’s catalog had been removed from streaming services worldwide. No official explanation was given by Avex, her longtime label, or by Namie Amuro herself, who retired from the music industry in 2018. While some speculate that licensing issues or business negotiations might be at play, the lack of communication has only fueled fan confusion and disappointment.

The Growing Importance of Streaming

For an artist of Namie Amuro’s stature, the absence from streaming platforms is particularly puzzling. In an era where music consumption is increasingly digital, even artists who once resisted streaming, such as Hikaru Utada and Arashi, have embraced the format. Meanwhile, international fans, who relied on streaming to access her music, are now left with no legal way to listen to her hits unless they purchase physical copies.

Will Her Music Ever Return?

The question remains: will Namie Amuro’s songs return to Spotify and other services? While there have been instances of artists temporarily pulling their catalogs for contractual renegotiations—such as Taylor Swift’s well-documented disputes with streaming services—there is currently no indication that Amuro’s music will make a comeback anytime soon.

Some fans hope that this removal is only temporary, perhaps paving the way for a major anniversary re-release or an exclusive deal with another platform. Others worry that this silence signifies a permanent withdrawal, aligning with Amuro’s decision to retire and gradually distance herself from the public eye.

A Legacy at Stake

Namie Amuro’s influence on J-pop is undeniable, and her absence from streaming services risks diminishing her global reach, especially among younger audiences discovering her music for the first time. Whether this removal is a strategic move or a permanent decision remains uncertain. Until an official statement is made, fans can only wait—and hope—that “Can You Celebrate?” and the rest of her catalog will one day return to the platforms where music lovers can celebrate her legacy once more.