Japanese Pop Star Injures Hand

Japanese pop star AYUMI HAMASAKI has undergone surgery to her hand after injuring herself in a fall.

Hamasaki was scheduled to kick off 2009 by appearing on one of Japan's most-watched countdown TV programmes, aired by public broadcaster NHK.

But the highly-anticipated performance was thrown into jeopardy after she took a tumble last week (begs22Dec08).

In a post on her website, Hamasaki explains the accident was due to anaemia caused by overworking.

And although doctors have recommended she takes several weeks rest, the star is hoping to continue with her New Year schedule.

She writes: "I feel frustrated as this accident was due to my own poor self-management."

A statement released by the star's agency adds: "She is continuing treatment to recover from her injury, but her condition is still not good.

"Nevertheless, she strongly hopes to perform (on the New Year's Eve countdown)."

Hamasaki announced earlier this year (08) she was suffering from partial deafness due to tinnitus, a condition often caused by constant exposure to sound.