When it comes to wealth, it's only natural for some who've got it to flaunt it, but almost has-been pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki is proving to be almost un-bear-able in the way she flashes her cash, according to Asahi Geino (5/17).

The 28-year-old, who is slowly giving ground to the likes of Kumi Koda when it comes to being the country's most influential female singer, is still a welcome sight wherever she goes because of her yen to get rid of her yen.

"Whenever she goes out drinking, she makes sure she is surrounded by at least 10 men. They'll go to three or four bars before heading off to her favorite drinking places at (Tokyo's gay district of) Shinjuku Ni-Chome," a Tokyo-based TV network employee tells Asahi Geino. "She'll foot the bill for 14 or 15 guys in there, too."

Though Hamasaki's drinking sessions have long been well-known for their intensity and her generosity, less famous is the way she lavishes the lucre when it comes to planes.

"She went to Hong Kong for work once. On the way back, she realized she'd forgotten a denim jacket," a music business beat reporter says. "When her entourage arrived back in Japan, she ordered one of her underlings to immediately fly back to Hong Kong and find her denim jacket."

Hamasaki naturally flies First Class, but the diminutive diva goes to excessive when it comes to taking up space.
Asahi Geino (5/17)

"She always books four First Class seats every time she flies. Three of those seats are for her, so she can easily lie around and feel relaxed," the TV network worker tells Asahi Geino. "But you wouldn't believe who the fourth seat's for - her favorite teddy bear!!" (By Ryann Connell)