Scans by wincci@iloveayu.com

—–

THE SHOW GIRL

The things accomplished by one girl

She has always been sending out messages—. From the time she ceased being a teen, till now, when she has passed the 30th mark. The 50th’s message, her heart’s wavering, the reason for living, all put into words and attached to a melody. But it isn’t just her inner heart and voice, her beauty has also been said to represent the times, from when she was a girl and all through her transition into an adult. And the energy source of that is probably her “innocence”. No matter what record she breaks, no matter how charismatic others say she is, she truly believes that deep down, she is just a normal girl. Saved by music, she still remembers the whole experience of being saved. Born in the same age, hurt by the same things, crying, but being encouraged by it all. Such a common life, and because she treasures it, she will not be interrupted when she has something to say. And because there are people she wishes would treasure themselves, she continues to sing. And now, the message she is sending out is one of unwavering love.

—–

Interview

Running on and on, without rest for 12 years, holding on to the top status. And the source of power behind it all, above anything else, are the smiling faces of her fans.
“When I went to Hong Kong during the break between tour dates, I was filming, picking new songs, and writing lyrics all at the same time. Though I was tired out by this hard schedule, everytime I went outside, hundreds of fans would be there, always waiting for me. No matter how hot it was, and even when it was raining, they were always waiting. And because they came just to see me, they were all smiling and waving their hands with all their might. Seeing their faces, all negative thoughts, like “I’m tired” or “I’m hungry” or “It’s so bothersome” were forgotten. My heart became glad, and I just wanted to smile back. I told myself “You’re really a lucky girl”. The same thing happens during concerts. There are more than 40 performances altogether in the tour, and there were naturally days when I felt bad. I would be all anxious and thinking things like “Will I be alright?” But once I got on stage, and everyone’s smiling faces seemed to be saying “We finally meet again!”, all my tiredness and anxiety just get blown away!”

An exchange of smiles. The courage and energy from her songs bring pure smiles onto the faces of grateful fans. Hamasaki Ayumi, back when she was in her teens and still a nobody, used to cry while listening to songs. They comforted her and let her see a sweet dream. Now, 12 years after her debut, she decided to release her 49th and 50th singles in quick succession. While listening to some backup samples for fun, she came across one song which gave her courage when she was just a girl. She remembers the experience and feeling of being saved.
I knew it once the song started playing. “Ah, it’s Komuro (Tetsuya)-san’s song!” I’ve heard that the producer had added Komuro-san’s song into the backup sample list, but I didn’t know which one it was. But when I heard it, it was the feeling of “Hey, I know this”… It was full of that TK sound, from that era when I still bought my own CDs. At first, it was just so nostalgic, and I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I could just say “Oh–“. Then, I somehow panicked. (laugh)”

Listening to that backup sample once through, then again, Komuro-san’s piece naturally brought up lyrics in her mind. Naming that song [crossroad], it signified how she herself stood at a crossroads, choosing which path to follow. Then, the song follows her as she walks the path, and tells of the moment when her past and present collide.
“Everyone has to make choices in life, right? And after making a choice, people often feel lost and wonder “Did I make the right choice?”. For me, I often think about what could have happened if I didn’t make the choices I made. However, life only goes forward, you can’t go back, right?”

Throughout the interview, she often uses the phrase “because we’re all together”. People can relate to her lyrics in their society and lives. However, can an icon such as herself ever claim to be “together” with everyone? Since she debuted, she has been true to herself, making choices because she liked things, or because it made her feel good. She never made choices because she was an artist, she made choices because she was a girl alone.
“If there is one part of me that’s stronger than the average person, it’s my faith. Because I can’t come into direct contact with my fans, I have to believe that the things which I want to say can reach them. If I keep worrying about things like “What if people misunderstand me?” or “My message won’t reach them” or “People will see through to the real me”, I don’t think I would have been able to go on.”

In contrast to that, when she has decided something, she will follow it through without help from anyone. And she does not give up with an “Oh well…” either.
“When I make choices? I believe in intuition. Think hard, and reason will sway your judgement, so I don’t. “I like this” or “This feels good to me”, I think that you have already decided right from the very start. And when you make a decision, haven’t you already had an answer in mind from the beginning?”

“Even if I really can’t do something, even if my friends tell me to give up, you won’t hear the words “I give up” coming from me. It may seem childish, but it’s a part of me which hasn’t changed.”

After 12 years, what changed her most as an artist is her feelings towards her fans. In the beginning, what was important was that she sang for herself. Somewhere along the way, “things people can relate to”, “things I want to say”, “things I want to convey” become more important than anything else. Screams become prayers— Her expressions have also become deeper, stemming from a love that she wishes to convey.
“It’s good if my songs can become someone’s motivation to move on. Though I have always thought this, it seems to have become more important to me lately. If I had been singing only for myself, I won’t have come this far. I believe that with all my heart.”

Given courage and a conveyed smile, faith will always link her to tomorrow. She believes that “nobody is truly alone”. And when she smiles at you, know that she loves you from the bottom of her heart.

—–

Q&A

Hamasaki Ayumi-san, ever since your debut, you have always represented the times, especially in terms of the visual through your beauty and cuteness. So where do you think your skill for catching and understanding the changing times come from?
I myself don’t think that I understand the times. I’m just a girl. I live in the same age as everyone, and just like everyone, I like to eat delicious food, wear cute clothes, put on pretty make-up… Those are mostly things which any girl enjoys, right? It’s the same with music. If we are from the same age group, we listen to the same music, are touched, then energized to go on, right? Lots of other things too, I can relate to everyone else, and I realize that maybe it’s because of that that I can continue singing today. The normal girl that I am allows me to relate to everyone even now. That’s why I like the same things as everyone else at the same time, I dream of the same things. That’s all there is to it, I think.

Any advice you can give to confused girls who “want to fall in love, but have no one to fall in love with”?
That’s the problem everyone has. (bitter laugh) Even the people around me, everyone’s all so powerful and energetic, and they’re all superwomen who have everything, but why do they fail only in the love department? (laugh) I think that it’s impossible for a person to truly have everything. If she has everything, won’t life become very boring? And when the superwoman meets someone worthy and falls in love, she will quit her job, right? So if you haven’t met anyone good enough yet, it probably isn’t time yet. That’s what I feel.

Now that you’re in your 30’s, what about you has changed?
My situation. For each situation, I seem to switch from not caring at all to focusing on it 100%. Even if I used to think “anything goes”, but then I somehow find that I can’t let it go. For example, I used to care so little about make-up and skin care, it was a little frightening. I didn’t think about them at all. But now that I’m 32, to say things like “What is moisturiser? When do I apply it?” is really too hopeless. Now, I’m really meticulous about this. And once I start to notice, I become obsessive about my care regime. (laugh) And though I keep my habit of not wearing make-up at home, I’ve become more knowledgeable about it too.

There are many people who live for the unseen future, but wonder “What will tomorrow be like?” How do you think we should overcome this uneasiness?
I think about this everyday. Before I go to sleep, I’ll think about things like “What will happen when I open my eyes tomorrow?” This depends on age, the older you get and the more you know, the more serious your thinking becomes. We can’t continue to act innocent and go “Hehe~” everytime something goes wrong, like how we did in the past. (laugh) But I think that this is good too. Some people say it out, some people don’t, but we all feel the same inside. Nobody is truly alone, everybody feels uneasiness. So it’s alright! Because I think about it everyday too.

Credits to iloveayu.com

—–

I want to tell everyone in my troupe “You are not alone!”

During ayu’s concerts, she is not a solo artist. That is because she is supported by the members of her “troupe” in all aspects, be it audio or visual. All the records she has held and broken so far, all the awards, are not an evaluation of ayu alone. “That is the result of the hard work of my staff and fans.” This is how ayu feels. Even if the audience of ayu’s show consists of only a single person, she does not feel lonely. That is because she is able to let go of all her emotions and share her “hope” with anyone who is there—-

—–

What I wish to convey with my show now is a wish that you can believe in yourself more. The life you are living now is the only one you have. It is never too late to start doing something. No matter how old you may be, if you are interested and want to give it a try, I think you should go for it. If my stage can act as a push in the back for those who are lost, it’ll be really great.

—–

Because everyone holds onto loneliness, they will wish for “hope in the form of companions”.

Records and awards are not an evaluation of me alone. I always see it as an evaluation of the hard work of all my fans and staff.

—–

Like individual cells awakening one by one, this was a powerful live. In this era where stability, extremity and gentleness are in excess, this came as a strong provocation. Inspiring a wonderful desire to rock out, the body and mind are purified—– For 「Rock’n’Roll Circus」 tour’s final 「7days Special」, ayu bewitched all with her superb elegance and her powerful attacks.

For last year’s tour, we just did what was neccessary, and focused on having fun instead. But this year, I wanted to make a provocative show that packs a punch. My senses were already stimulated when I was making the album, so the show was created based on that same stimulation. However, before the tour began, I was really worried. To what extent will the audience let go and rock with me? When I say rock, I mean that, even girls who don’t normally bob their heads to music will just let go and bang their heads to the music, even if it messes up their hair. (laugh) After seeing this happen at lots of places, I was relieved because it told me that my audience are rockers at heart. It’s the same for my members and I. After each live, we all feel like we’ve been released, that we have become free, and come into contact with a part of ourselves previously unknown. After realizing that my audience can share these feelings with me, I was glad. That it was not just us, our audience also possess a strong energy to rock out……

Ayu continued making discoveries as the 「Rock’n’Roll Circus」 tour progressed. With that as a base, new songs were added to make the 「7days Special」 show. During the rehearsals for this final leg, she witnessed her troupe members crying with emotion.

That was the first time I saw my members like that. It gave me confirmation that this show will definitely reach out to the audience.

“Becase we are living in this age”. These words have often been repeated, and seemed indicative of a message ayu wishes to bring across. However, it does not mean that she made this 7days show just to be “more proactive, more provocative!” in the face of depression.

What I want to say is, I wish people will believe in themselves more. We only have the one life which we’re living now, right? The time we have is limited, but no matter how old you are, if there is something that interests you and you wish to give it a try, just go ahead. There is no such thing as “too late”. That’s what I feel. However, I don’t want to force anyone to just “go for it!”. I just want my show to give that gentle push to all those who are currently feeling lost and confused.

During the concerts, ayu often mentions about her “troupe”. Even though Hamasaki Ayumi is a solo artist, one will definitely sense the bonds and atmosphere of a team when watching ayu interacting with her band members and dancers during a concert. Here, ayu talks once again about how “Hamasaki Ayumi is not a single entity during lives, but an entire troupe”.

For example, if Yo-chan wasn’t there, I wouldn’t want to do a live. If the current staging director wasn’t there, I wouldn’t be challenging this show… This is something I will say for every member in my troupe, and a Hamasaki Ayumi live will only be thus if we’re all there. Like the dancers who have appeared together with me in this Vivi’s issue. They’re all wonderful dancers in their own right, and they look good, but what underlies all that is an amazing self-discipline to maintain their bodies, their looks, their condition. Even I am in awe of their discipline. They know how they want to be, and what to do to get there. Furthermore, they have also sacrificed so much for my show. That’s why I’m always so touched by them, and wish to tell of their hard work to all my audience.

Because of this mutual trust, one can feel the power of companionship in ayu’s lives.

We often hear that “Humans cannot live alone”, but what makes me happy is that, at the end of the day, “Humans are never alone”. Humans place emphasis on and are attracted to concepts like friends and family. Because everyone holds onto loneliness, they will wish for hope in the form of companions or family. No matter how lonely a person feels, he is never truly alone. For example, when that person comes to watch my show and feels happiness or pain or whatever, he will be sharing his emotions with me, and is thus released from loneliness. This is a form of hope that everyone in our troupe wishes to convey with our show.

In the maxi-single 「L」 released last month, ayu managed to set a new record for consecutive top singles by a solo artist, after 22 long years. Just by looking at the numbers, it is evident that ayu has always been on top, running non-stop for the past 8 years. Once again, ayu talks about what records mean to her.

Records and all the awards I’ve been receiving all this while, either trophies or recognitions, are in truth not my own. My works are judged by charts and numbers, and while I am the representative accepting the awards, I am not the person who won. All my fans and my staff are the ones. Records and awards are an evaluation of the hard work of all my fans and staff.

What record will I aim for next? I have never been aiming for any in the first place, so I can’t answer that… I’ve always been doing my best for the present, and evolving as I go along. For me, any vision that I come up with is in danger of being dumped in the next instant. (bitter laugh) That’s why, with the passion of living from one moment to the next, I wish to face anything that comes my way and continue moving forward.

After each live, we all feel like we’ve been released, that we have become free, and come into contact with a part of ourselves previously unknown.

From now on, with the passion of living from one moment to the next, I wish to face anything that comes my way.

Credits to http://ayufan.blogbus.com/

Continue reading →

Credits to HULU@A Fanblog.

—–

—–

From Love to Power! Holding On to Hope in Japan!

Because of the Eastern Japan Earthquake which shook the eastern side of the country on 11 March 2011, a wide region including the Tohoku, Kantou and central areas have been struck by the disaster.

Right after the quake, starting with her Twitter account and moving on to other kinds of media, ayu has been continuously providing victims with useful updates, strong messages, courage ans power!

Along with this strong appeal from ayu, there will be a sale of ayu X Vivi collaboration charity T-shirts in order to help all those affected by the quake this time!
By accessing Hamasaki Ayumi’s official site (http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ayu/index.html/) or NEW Vivi (http://vivi.tv/) and buying this shirt, the profits from the sale will go fully as a donation to the Eastern Japan Earthquake Fund!

We are praying for all those who have been affected by the quake and their families to recover as soon as possible.

—–

To all Vivi readers, how is everyone doing now?

I will be presenting this month’s issue of Deji Deji diary in a totally irregular way.

As mentioned in the previous Deji Deji diary, I’ve just spent some time living in LA.

I came back to Japan to take part in tour rehearsals, which had already begun. I just can’t use words to explain the feeling I had when I landed at Narita Airport after several months away, it’s just so shocking, even to myself. I still remember very clearly, that crazy happiness I felt. The nostalgic, familiar smells, the sound of spoken Japanese, the shining smiling faces…

Because there was just so much “love”, my eyes started burning. Of course, all the foreign lands were unique and charming, and the fact that I love those places doesn’t change. However, this Japan where I was born and raised in is ultimately, forever my homeland.

This time, I thought about what I could do as a single entertainer, and out of all the answers I came up with, one was to include the fashion world, together with Vivi, by organizing a charity event.

Let us send our Girls’ Power to Japan!!

Hamasaki Ayumi

—–

Credits to Luna62@AHS and AyuChina for the scans.

——

Continue reading →

Credits to wincci@iloveayu.com for the scans

—–

AYUMI HAMASAKI: What I want to wear in winter

Hamasaki Ayumi prepares for winter ♥

Commemoration for the release of 50th single [L], personal challenge of Yoyogi 7Days Live, 2010 is shaping up to be a memorial year. And adding to that full list is Ayu’s first appearance on JELLY! A personal explanation of [Virgin Road], which she wishes JELLY readers to listen to, her private take on fall/winter fashion, and latest Ayu news that everyone wants to know, we have it all!

Q. What is this fall/winter’s stand-out fashion?
Whatever it is, it will be layered! The recent spring/summer fashion hits like lace vests, fur vests and loose big cardigans are coming into fashion again ♪

Q. Popular patterns this fall: “leopard print”, “Nordic print”, “checkered”. Which ones do Ayu like?
I often wear checkered or Nordic prints. I like leopard print too, but when I wear them, it feels like “It’s ayu, of course she’ll wear leaopard print!” so I feel really shy, and though I like them, I never dare to wear them outside. (laugh)

—–

Q. This fall, fur is all the rage! Has Ayu gotten any yet?
I’ve gotten quite a few vests, but I definitely have more fur boots. Those from Alexander Wang are popular this season, and I normally buy their fur or fringe boots for filming or shooting purposes. My stylist Okei-chan also likes me wearing them. She’ll be like “That’s right”. (laugh)

Q. Winter is for knitwear, so what does Ayu like?
This year, I like the rough cardigan type which I’m wearing in this shoot, as well as the types that have a “torn look” design.

Q. Socks are the in thing now, even at JELLY. Has Ayu adopted this fashion too?
Actually, I’ve always preferred socks to tights. By the way, I like those that have lots of padding, and I always wear them when I want to make a statement. Up till last year, I had lots of black ones, but this year I’ve mainly been wearing socks with Nordic prints, or those brown or khaki-coloured ones. I always have lots of socks on stand-by.

Q. Is there a shop you’ve been frequenting lately? Any picks?
TOP SHOP! I was so happy when I went to London. I remember the time when the shop at 109 was all decked out and selling Western clothes. Fans who went there were so excited about it, so I went and looked and bought lots of clothes. (laugh)

Q. “Military-style” is popular this fall/winter. What are Ayu’s recommendations?
I have been going military-style during fall/winter for quite some time. Every year at this time, I’ll buy khaki-coloured stuff like hooded coats and jackets!

—–

Hippie style

“I’ve been going Hippie-style. I like to mix and match small leather, silver and feathered accessories to my dressing, as well as hats and vintage scarves.”

—–

I’m gonna wear Knit

“Black knitted stuff which looks a little ripped and torn feels new! I guess it’s a knack to wear what looks like a piece of junk with trailing bits with style.”

—–

Special Interview from Ayumi Hamasaki to JELLY

“Hamasaki Ayumi’s real voice, just for JELLY readers”

Fashion has a way of reflecting your mind sometimes

Most readers of JELLY are relatively headstrong, and love cool styles. What about Ayu, how has your personal dressing been like lately?
“My style used to be well-coordinated with JELLY’s generation, but recently, I seem to have gone off in a different direction. It wasn’t like I had to fit in then, just that I was weak, and without confidence, so I needed to emphasize on my clothing to cover it up. I was often sad, and didn’t want to get hurt, that’s why I dressed like that then.”

So you wanted to show people that you were strong?
“Yes. I dyed my hair blonde, tried on hair extensions of various different colours, all for this. Fashion is something fun, but actually, it also has the strong implication of “armor”. (laugh) In reality, when someone asks me “So what do you like?”, my reply will be “cute things”. But when I had to make a choice, I went for the “things which will not hurt me” instead of the “things I like”.”

But you’ve grown now, such that you’ll be alright even without that kind of armor?
“That’s right. Sort of like my fashion sense has also become an adult? (laugh) In other words, I’ve tried out all kinds of fashion, and finally found a style which is the most like me.”

Have people asked you “If you like cute things, then why are you dressed like that?” (laugh)
“Yes yes! Fashion has a way of reflecting your mind sometimes. I’m sure the JELLY generation, who possess vigor and wish to become stronger people, understands this well. Fashion nowadays is something enjoyable, and everyone has become brave enough to bring it on~”

Fashion as a reflection of the mind, maybe Ayu’s music is like that too. Many of your old songs were filled with pretension and impatience…
“[L] is my 50th single, and it contains songs which I can only sing now because I am the person I am, because I was born and lived this way. I experienced the same age as the JELLY generation, and this is reflected especially in the new songs in 49th single [crossroad] and 50th single [Virgin Road].”

Seems like Yuuki and I have have travelled on the same road (laugh)

JELLY readers have just received news that Yamamoto Yuuki-chan and Mori Maya-chan (JELLY models) are both getting married. Seems really timely, what with your song title.
“Seems like it. Congratulations~ About Yuuki, I knew her long before this, when she was still a rebel girl, so I was surprised when she told me “I’ll be a mother soon!”. Actually, Mika John used to tell me that the two of us girls were really alike, that “the road Yuuki is travelling on now is the same road that rebel Ayu travelled on in the past”. (laugh) I’m sure Yuuki is not the only one, many JELLY readers have probably become rebels through fashion. Those girls have also surely experienced quarrels with their parents, as well as running away from home. When people hear the title [Virgin Road], they imagine that it’ll be a story about a lovestruck ayu and her hubby, but I wrote this song about the relationship I have with my parent. During [A song for XX] era, I couldn’t come to terms with my family or my situation. Since then, I’ve become an adult, and am of an age when it’s not weird to marry. Now, I can take on anything that comes my way. “In the end, you were the one who took the most care of me”, because it’s embarassing and I can’t say it face-to-face, I put it down into song…”

I see, it’s to thank your parent. It’s an understandable feeling, words of gratitude are always hard to say.
“If my past songs are a reflection of JELLY generation as it is now, I’m sure [Virgin Road] will be just right for the readers when they eventually get married someday. I also think that the song will help the older generation to understand that it is not easy to say the words “thank you” without sounding awkward. That’s why, please feel free to use this song for your weddings~ Maybe when you pass your written letter to your parents?”

That won’t work, everyone will be too busy listening to the song. (laugh)
“That’s right, Ayu will be too much in the spotlight! Then, maybe at a more appropriate time… (laugh)”

Talking about that, you wore a bridal gown for [Virgin Road]’s PV?
“And I fired off a machine gun too. (laugh) The PV was filmed in LA, with the help of an expert local crew, so we managed to make a really really good work. Everyone, please do watch it~”

About PVs, Jaejoong as the protagonist for [blossom] PV in 49th single [crossroad] was also refreshing. So how do you feel about this 3 singles project, starting with [MOON/blossom] and ending with [crossroad] and [L]?
“All the songs were collected and recorded during the same time period. Although that wasn’t really the plan at first, it just turned out like this in the end. They were all connected inside me, and they held a special meaning, so if you can, please listen to the 48th and 49th singles together with the 50th, I’ll be really grateful.”

And for JELLY readers, [A Song for XX] should also be thrown in, right?
“Of course, do!! I’ll be waiting for your responses on Twitter~ (laugh)”

Credits to wincci @ iloveayu.com

—–

Hamasaki Ayumi Romantic

Slowly, step by step, the pop princess has landed aflutter out of the sun rays bearing the hint of the coming of spring. Her gaze is strong, beautiful. Hamasaki Ayumi, whom many girls yearn to be like, is the cover girl for this issue. Receiving lots of love from her fans, she now returns that love to us. She talked to us about the different forms of love.

“For work, for family, for friends, for lovers… There are many forms of love, but the love I recall now is love for my comrades”

—–

“Everything will be so much easier if I can compromise on things. But I can’t, so maybe that’s what others don’t like about me”

—–

HOW TO MAKE UP
Adult ayu-styled cuteness depends on the balance between the eyes and the lips
The secret to looking like an adult is the eye make-up. Simple eyeliner, curving up at the very end of the eye like a wing. Starting from the fold of the eyelid, apply a brown gradient along the socket depression. Colour the lips with beige as a base, followed by pink-beige. The highlight is the balance between the neat eye make-up and the sweet lips.

—–

“I wanted to take all the love I’ve received, make them into songs, and give them back to everyone as a present.”

White translucent skin and blonde hair. With those large eyes that could suck you right in, pop princess ayu is back at Bea’s Up. Her appearance resembles a painting, or a scene out of a movie. She puts on many expressions, following the beat set by the camera shutter. For a moment, she looks just like a foreigner. ayu talks to us about this.
“Everyone seems to be telling me that nowadays. (laugh) Maybe it’s because my hair colour has become super light lately. The colour is so light, that in the middle of dye-ing, there was a moment when my hair looked totally white. (laugh) My skin is really pale now too.”

For this album, she spent a month overseas at LA, recording and filming PVs.
“I often release albums at the beginning of spring, and very few at the end of the year. But I’ve always felt that it would be wonderful if I could make an album and give it to all my fans as a Christmas present. However, the tour went on for really long last year, so even though I wanted to make an album then, there were so many other things that I needed to do. I was so busy then, I didn’t even have time to go shopping. (laugh)”

The title for this album “Love songs” seems to have been born during last year’s 7-days live.
“The 7-days live last years held much meaning for me. Though I have always put all my energy into lives, that 7-days was a battle which involved my whole body and soul. From the preparation, through the live, and even after. I felt duty, and accomplishment too. Of course, it’s not only about me. The whole troupe (band, dancers, staff) too. Now, my memories are of “smiling faces” and “comrade love”. That’s why, when I was thinking of the album in LA, this title naturally came to mind. It’s not something superficial, but represents all the love which I received last year.”

The new album shows how ayu loves and accepts herself, so we asked her about times when she hated herself.
“If there are moments when I love myself, I will want to do my best. But you may say that that’s my nature anyway. (laugh) I probably dislike myself when others point out my faults, like when I’m not being serious enough, or when I’m trying to cut corners.”

Is there any part of yourself which you cannot bring yourself to love?
“That I can’t accept help from anyone. Sometimes, I don’t have the ability to achieve things, and I know it, but because I want everything to be perfect, I continue trying way past my limit. Everything would be easier if I could just learn to say “I can’t do that.””

That is just like ayu, who told us “I just have to keep running” in a past issue. And as she said, from the start of the New Year of 2010, a new tour, 50th single commemoration, 7-days live at Yoyogi Gymanasium, and then Countdown Live, she has never stopped. And as a result, she has broken the record for most consecutive No.1 singles for solo female artists, at 25 singles, and became a true champion. Furthermore, she has a digital 3D movie featuring her live concert, a first for Japanese artists. On top of that, she has also moved out of her own sphere, to produce a single for AAA member URATA NAOYA.
“I take pride in the fact that, no matter what the results are, I alone am responsible for it. It’s just different when someone else that is not me takes the responsibility. I want to be in charge of everything, right down to the details.”

And only ayu, who is self-produced, right down to her nails, clothes and make-up, can say that. The last time, we asked her “So who would you like to be producer for?” and her answer was “If I do it, I want to produce male artists.” And maybe she needs to do that. So, what new things will ayu bring to us in this new year?

—–

“If I can love myself, I may discover parts of me which I’ve never known before”