Independent (stylized in caps) is the ninth studio album by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Ai.

[3] Her first release under EMI, the digital single "Letter in the Sky" featuring The Jacksons, was the theme song for the event.

The album was recorded over a period of seven months in Los Angeles, New York City and Tokyo.

[7] Ai considered "Beautiful Things" as the most vocally challenging song she had recorded.

"Happiness" was written with the feelings and mindset Ai had in the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

Ai usually felt pressured to record a great number of songs before the album session deadline in the past.

The major promotions of the album centred on the song "Happiness," which was first released in November 2011, and later as a physical single in December 2012.

[16] The leading track, "Independent Woman," was released a week before the album on February 15, 2012.

[19] Ai appeared in a variety of magazines, and on many radio shows to promote her album.

[20] Ai supported the album during her Independent tour, held between April and June 2012 across Japan.

[25] CD Journal considered the album's "borderless strength and depth" impressive.

"[23][27] Listen Japan's Morio Mori thought "Happiness"' "catchy hook and autotuned voice" could make hearts dance.

[26] Tetso Hiraga of Hot Express, however, was more impressed by the album's lyrical themes of "the potential of mankind" and unity than the song.