Obviously super happy for Ayu! I also thoroughly enjoy moments when a celebrity like her can pull off such a great surprise for the public in this day and age ♪（ｖ＾＿＾）ｖ

I do wonder about the contrast between her previously, highly publicized relationships and this pregnancy; isn’t she being managed by Max again now? As opposed to before when she was married the first time? Could be that he’s the one helping her strategize and manage the release of information. Distracting the public with the book and LOVEppears re-release makes a lot of sense and seems reminiscent of how they kept her onset deafness a secret back in 2001.

Also love that Ayu, Hikki, Namie, and Kumi all had boys. Maybe Ayu, Hikki, and Kumi’s sons can form a trio and Haruto can manage them when the time comes ヽ(´▽｀)/

Also LOVE that Ayu spoke out on the need for women to have longer parental leave periods before returning to work in Japan. She knew that her light speed return to the stage could serve as fodder for the patriarchy to point at and say, “See, women can bounce back from childbirth just fine!” so she spoke out on it immediately and revealed the vast resources required to get her to a point where that was possible. Not everyone has that and should obviously be allowed much more time to return to work.

So, so happy for and proud of Ayu and I’m wishing her all the happiness, health, and strength in this world for her growing family *･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*･'(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)'･*:.｡. .｡.:*･゜ﾟ･*

I have no reasons to think she's not happy, but it's a public statement. She can't say anything else unless she wants to destroy her career.

It's not that they magically improved because of the pregnancy, she was still going off-key a lot comparing to other artists . It either was a choice to sing in a soft way or she was too tired to scream like she normally does. I hope it's the former, but only time will tell.

It's Japan, it's all about following the rules.

I believe they are so well paid, that don't want to lose job and reputation because of one leak

Just returned here after years of absence to congratulate Ayu on her baby. I'm so happy for her. I didn't even know she was pregnant, but I hope she finds joy in motherhood!

Is this real? I ...can't..how...what?

exactly my reaction in the first place xD

https://twitter.com/syooo_ta/status/1212947858812334081

Someone posted this shot from A^3 and it kinda looks like a really small pregnant belly (her stomach is usually really flat) but who knows lol

I'm so shook, but I'm also so incredibly happy for Ayu - her comments on post-pregnancy care also cement why she remains a great role model. :heart

I’ve seen post on Instagram as well as some Japanese articles analyzing her appearance looking for the belly, and some of them are pics from 2018 even from JTB chapter 1 lol Like, she gave birth on November, for how long do they think she was pregnant? Not even an elephant. https://www.instagram.com/p/B6zF6kVn...=1v8dve34ntw90

I’m still processing the news.

Actually, yes, your vocals do "magically" improve during and just after pregnancy (you still get the pregnancy hormones for at least 6 months to a year after). Though in the third trimester singing becomes more difficult due to decreased lung capacity.

Or maybe change is a better word than improve, though usually, it's for the better.
There's been enough evidence of other singers saying that their voices changed, usually for the better during pregnanacy. Plus it makes sense. Pregnancy hormones change your bodies a lot. Also, all of your joints, ligaments, etc, become looser; I would imagine this applies to your diaphragm as well thus making it take less effort to open up and sing.

^yeah, but it works different for everyone. Some might not even get affected, others worsen. Was ist Kelly Clarkson who couldn't adjust ?

It may have been an unexpected pregnancy, but if she really didn't want that kid...she kept her pregnancy under wraps so perfectly, could have had an abortion early on and none would have known, too.

Plus she is pretty close with her dancers and band, maybe only a select group of people knew and she didn't need to threaten anyone to keep quiet. :laugh . We'll never know really, I'm just so proud that she pulled it off.

Yeah it's like s second family to her.

I just love how randomly she put the news out: happy new year and thanks for joining me to welcome it, oh and btw i had a baby in november 🤣🎅
It's just so casual lol

Lmao I know. Like she just threw that in there “luv you bye”

^it can be strong or careless - depending on how you see it.
She is living with her mom and she is rich, so I don't feel like it is bad for the baby, but maybe it was too sudden for her. I know she is a workaholic and she can pull it off, but maybe some rest could have her done good too - especially since she said adjusting isn't too easy.

But I' not here to judge - she knows what is best for her or maybe she reflects on it later and says it wasn't a good decision - but it's up ti her.

At first, I was like WHAT? But as long as she is happy then I am happy.

I arranged myself with the news, but I'm not buying that "unknown normal person" father story

Wow... congratulations to her! What a well hidden secret!