Thanks. That is awesome!

I completely forgot about the inclusion of mannie and maro in her music videos. I believe that was the time when her personal life and career which used to be separate starting becoming intertwined

Her relationship with Nagase Tomoya was much longer than both her marriages. They dated for 7 years, if I remember correctly. That's a really long time.

From watching other people around me (online and offline) it always seems that the couples who are more private (particularly online) are the happiest and the closest.

Ayu wrote her best lyrics while she was dating him. He might be that one unforgettable love for her. I'm just speculating, of course. You can't date someone for that long without it making a big impression in your life.

I think he was a good fit for her. They had a lot in common: both Japanese celebrities living and working in Japan. And Nagase had plenty of money of his own so he didn't need Ayu's.

THIS IS AWESOME! I'm probably a bit too excited over this!

that's crazy. I saw the ranking but never knew about the numbers. thanks!

I always wondered how was the backstage of TV shows that both Ayu and TOKIO (Nagase's band) were present lol Wonder if they keep in touch... But I don't think so since there was an article saying that he removed their combined tattoo.

^I don't think his next significant others would like to see his ex tattoed on him... Removing the tattoo doesn't mean they are in bad terms or aren't keeping in touch.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...ed807a320c.jpg

Removing such a large tattoo must have been such a hassle.

They were cute together, maybe as some said, if she dated a japanese man, specially an artist as well the relationship could work better, since they probably will think likewise and have more similars points of views, but then again is just a suposition, it could be the other way around as well, idk :rolleyes single or not, foreign partner or not, I just want her to be happy, her personal life and choices are of her own, but yeah 7 years is a lot, maybe not in touch but I hope they are in good terms, I'm sure they have so many good memories and I really liked them as a couple :laugh

There was a sort of weird interaction I recall, on an episode of Music Station, I think around the Bold & Delicious time. The hosts had moved on from the previous guest to talk to ayu and just as she was saying "gozimasu" or something, I think Nagase or one of his band mates immitated her. There was a weird little sound, some giggling, and I remember ayu giving a real annoyed look in his direction.

I went to Tokyo Auto Salon concert on Saturday, that's when I realised again how bad Ayu vocals are. When you hear someone as genuinely good at singing as Aikawa Nanase there's no way you can say that Ayu's vocals are awesome. All 3.5 hour show artists line up was amazing, I forgot how amazing naturally talented singers are. I won't say that Ayu is very bad, but can't come close to them.

I never said she was a talented singer. When I say awesome it means either better or near the studio version. TBH the CDL this time seems to have sounded very mediocre.

Unfortunately, I think Japanese people would still hate her. Even if she was a very quiet person, if she had still married foreigners and divorced them, the media would bash every single move of hers. Also, ageing is a sin for women in general, especially if you're an artist/entertainer.

I think the only way for most people to like her would be if she had retired after her 10th anniversary, got married to Nagase, became a housewife and stayed at home taking care of their three beautiful children.

Is it the same episode that Utada performed Passion?

i saw a table on a japanese show on instagram.. do you know what this is all about ?


https://www.instagram.com/p/BPU0oeyg...=ayumihamasaki

Well yes, eventually I got around to looking into him.:laugh
I too find myself wondering if Ayu ever spends time outside of her career. Sometimes it seems like she has no private life and just spends every moment with avex and her dancers.:think

average age of the fans?
I saw description "utahime ranking"

So, Ayu is pretty much the only one topping 2 generations? And she also appears on 3 diferent generation rankings? Thats good.

Is this recent? I mean, I guess it is considering Kana Nishino appeared on the 20s.

Is it normal not to have any news from a pontential 2017 tour at this point? I never paid attention before to when she announces it but I'll be moving to Tokyo for 3 months in April and I'm getting a bit anxious that I will miss her, I've never seen her live after 11 years+ of being a fan x)

Tomoya, according to my friend who's a major TOKIO fan and follows their private social media, still had the A tattoo, but without the wings, in 2014-2015.