Startin'/Born to Be...

"Startin'/Born to Be..."
Single by Ayumi Hamasaki
from the album Secret
B-side"Teens (Acoustic Version)"
ReleasedJapan March 8, 2006
China March 14, 2006
Taiwan March 14, 2006
South Korea March 21, 2006
Recorded2005–2006
GenreStartin Pop rock, dance-rock, electro rock
Born To Be Pop rock, worldbeat, afrobeat
Length24:09
LabelAvex Trax
Songwriter(s)Ayumi Hamasaki (lyrics)
Kazuhiro Hara (music)
Producer(s)Max Matsuura
Ayumi Hamasaki singles chronology
"Bold & Delicious/Pride"
(2005)
"Startin'/Born to Be..."
(2006)
"Blue Bird"
(2006)
Official Music Video
"Startin'" on YouTube
Official Music Video
"Born to Be..." on YouTube

"Startin'/Born to Be..." is the 39th single released by Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released on March 8, 2006. "Startin'" is used as the opening theme of video game Shin Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams ("Rainy Day", a song from Ayu's earlier (Miss)understood album, is the game's ending theme). The 2nd track on the single, "Born To Be..." is the official theme song of Nittele's coverage of the 2006 Winter Olympics. "Born To Be..." is a happy, inspirational pop tune. The single debuted at #1 on the Oricon Charts beating off competition from Zard and Lead. This is Hamasaki's 14th consecutive number one single and 26th #1 single in total. The release of "Startin'/Born To Be..." makes Hamasaki the female singer with the most #1 singles in Japan, surpassing Seiko Matsuda. Lastly, the third track on the single, "teens ~acoustic version~" (a TRF cover) is also included.