I was under the impression that Japan doesn't much discuss celebrities' personal lives, unless it's something scandalous like an affair.

^ That's not really true. I thought the same and then was watching a lot of talks lately (to practice my Japanese listening) and some times they asked Namie about her love life and I also saw an Aoyama Thelma talk in which they ask her if she's dating. But the answers are always kinda of in a low profile way, they never go into details.

^I think asking about dating is normal since it is a topic of most female songs and if the current song is about love, the usually ask questions in that direction. But I have rarely seen a Japanese Host address a certain "real2 relationship and ask how "xy" is doing.

Also after watching tons of talks, it's interesting to note that everytime she mentions that she never goes out of her home. Mostly because it's impossible for her (as being a huge celebrity) to enjoy outside activities. So sometimes the hosts would ask if she goes to the convenience store or if she has a nail clipper at home and she simply say no, that she don't cut her nails at home or that of course she won't go to the convenience store. So that's why she got this "princess" image but I don't think it was fair to label her like this because, in fact, she couldn't be a regular person, she became this huge celebrity from day to night and couldn't live a "regular life" since she was 18 years old.

I was also in shock that she mentions a few times that she only sleeps 3 to 4 hours a day!! This was during the A BEST 2 promotion...

At the one ayuready episodes they show ayu's insane schedule. I'm not surprided she had only few hours for sleep. Now without instant photoshooting and recordings she's more free

As a lover of 80s music I so wish Ayu would dip her toes into that decade and create an entire album with 80s aesthetic. I can see her pulling off the "city pop" sound perfectly.

Don't know if anyone here mentioned before. That isn't Ayu's M but PRINCESS PRINCESS.

https://youtu.be/CKTUMph__9s

Can't understand why she choose a Showa song to be included in this “Heisei” love song album. However I honestly think none of any Ayu's songs is representative nor influential for Heisei era and the Japan music industry.

^ SEASONS, evolution and Boys&Girls are very well-known Ayu songs here in Japan and I do think it represents a lot of the Heisei period. Even BLUE BIRD is a song that people really know and have this kinda of nostalgic vibes when listening to (and I'm not talking about Ayu fans but the people that maybe listened to it during the time it was released and got into the track).

which episode is that and where can i watch it please? *_____* I'm always interested in behind the scenes stuff like that

^If I remember right it was 2nd episode, anyway somewhere at the very beginning

That's true. Also A Song for xx gets mentioned often from my experience.

many thanks <3

If you find this episode, please share with you me <3 Really want to watch it.

Slightly offtopic, but you reminded me of what my university teacher told us, when we were learning one famous Japanese song. He said that there's no real rhyme in Japanese because of the language structure. I think he's right, there is no rhyme in traditional understanding, which makes Japanese lyrics sound less impressive.

Hu?! she is #4 on the most sold artist list for the Heisei-era. She is/was basically the epitome of what it is/means to be a J-pop star. Everything from 1998-2001 (up until A BEST) are well known songs and everyone above 20 can probably name you the tracklist of A BEST. There are probably a dozen of songs after that era too, as she only really started to "lose fame" around GUILTY (whatever that means, because she has build a legacy for herself that can't be taken away anymore).

One of the reasons might be that Ayu herself or avex simply doesn't give permission to cover her songs.

I hope that's because they going to make own release with cover songs

A song for xx is definetelly iconic and frequently covered, M got its own copycats attempts during its release... Voyage is a favorite when humorists play her... Saying Ayu's discography didn't had any cultural or industry impact is kinda absurd.

If they wanted to do it I think they would have done it for her 20th anniversary but it didn't happen :(

Yeah, specially considering the results of that recent poll about the most representative female singer form the Heisei.


I’ve been watching Ayu ready recently as well, she’s quite funny actually. Are there all the episodes available to watch online? I’ve only found some random ones here and there, i’d be grateful if someone had a link to all of them :)