What is "kanariya"

"Kanariya" ( Japanese: translated to "Canary") is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released by Avex Trax in Japan and Hong Kong on December 8, 1999, and through Avex USA in North America in early 2000. It also served as Hamasaki's second limited edition single, limiting physical sales units to 300,000 copies. The track was written by Hamasaki herself, while production was handled by long-time collaborator Max Matsuura. There are two versions of "Kanariya"; a radio edit that was produced by DJ Jonathan Peters, and an album version composed by Yasuhiko Hoshino. Lyrically, the song was written in third person perspective.

Upon its release, "Kanariya" received mixed reviews from music critics. Some praised the original and radio edit, while reviews generally criticized the amount of remixes. Commercially, the single was a success in Japan, peaking at number one on the Oricon Singles Chart and TBS' Count Down TV chart. It sold just below its restricted 300,000 unit, and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of 200,000 units. An accompanying music video was directed by Wataru Takeishi, which featured Hamasaki in a dark laboratory, surrounded with keyboards and electronic devices. To promote the single, it appeared on several remix and greatest hits compilation albums conducted by Hamasaki.