Singer Ayumi Hamasaki, 32, was chosen among other world celebrities for the cover of “LOVE & HOPE,” a charity photo book created by renowned celebrity photographer Leslie Kee to raise money for the victims of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami. Hamasaki and Kee, longtime acquaintances, began sharing their thoughts on the March disaster and exchanged ideas on ways to help the victims via Twitter shortly after the March 11 disaster. According to organizers, the cover photo, taken in April, has Hamasaki posing with a short haircut and a diamond ring on her left hand. The photo is her first sexy shot after her January marriage to Austrian actor and model Manuel Schwarz. “I hope that this photo book will bring love and hope to many people around the world,” Hamasaki said in a statement. The photo book also features portraits of over 200 celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez. All the proceeds will go toward reconstruction of the stricken areas through the Japan Red Cross. The book, which costs 5,250 yen, goes on sale on June 1. A photo exhibition will open in Omotesando Hills in Tokyo starting on Friday, May 27. Source: Japantoday
