what made/makes ayu so famous o_o
 

I've always been questioning this.

is it her lyrics?
her songs?
her voice?
her as a person?
her fashion sense?
the way she looks?
all of the above?

I personally don't know myself why she's famous.. just that she is :shrug

so talk :)

Have no idea, i can tell you what drew me to her and eventually turn to a fan.

- it her lyrics - mainly
-her songs - mainly
-her voice - mainly
-her as a person
-the way she looks

hmm...difficult question
for me, i love her because her song, and then i know her as a person, then i know her lyrics meaning, and then i love her voice and her creativity, so she get a whole package

Tsunku!

XD..

... just in case

NOTE: this is a joke

Her songs,her lyrics,her hairstyles and her kawaiiness!

Lyrics and fashion.

Lyrics and image.

Deep lyrics and appearance .. catchy music too. She's hard working, which is admired a lot in Japan.

Her huge eyes lol

:laugh haha, those too

I think it has a lot to do with her upbeat music, appearance, cuteness, and lyrics....
Another good point that zoomzoom made was she's hardworking...and Japanese do in fact admire that.

fans who have been with her through the past 10 years would definitely say her lyrics

i would say it's her marketability
her ability to change
and her ability to make less-mainstream music even though she is mainstream

^yea, she has the ability to reinvent herself and come up with new stuff.

cos she is cute, charming, adorable, n she sing great songs

whole package i guess...

lyrics which people can connect
her looks
her everchanging fashion styles
her music
her sincerity

Mostly lyrics and her honesty.

I think a lot of artists don't succeed that well in Japan because they sing about stuff they haven't even been through..

The songs, melody, lyrics the whatnot xD Maybe it's all a conspiracy and they love her for her tummy cause I certainly love it!

I completely agree!

-- Her music videos
-- Her lyrics
-- Her honesty
-- Her outlook on life
-- Her image: a sexy yet classy look thats always "updated"

As said earlier, definitely her sincerity shown through her lyrics and her image and everything else that comes along with it. She's also really strong and hard-working, at least we are told that she is and I believe it. ^__^ Her appearance and style is also really great, and so is the fact that she is ever-changing, eheh~~

her music, her style her MUSIC VIDEOS

her songs are just great to listen to, even if you dont listen or understand japanese music, you will like what you hear.

her lyrics feel sincere and they tend to talk about things that everyday normal people can relate to

her personality seems so honest and down to earth. people really love artists who arent 'fake'

her music videos really boost her popularity. they are so abstract and people love spending the time trying to figure out the meanings behind them

girls can love her because of her sense of fashion. she wears a lot of clothing that can look good and be very conservative.

guys can love her because shes beautiful yet classy. she doesnt have to show skin like lots of sex symbols do in order to look good

Well she happens to be a role model, a fashion leader, writes lyrics which sound personal and she's got a strong personality. Plus she provides attractive imagery through music videos and concerts.

i said everything..
she is pretty
she is diligent
she is smart
she is cute
she can sing well
she is trendsetter
everything

I can't say what makes everyone like her but for me (and some things are repeated of course):

-- her lyrics are awesome... be it happy and upbeat or sad and slow, each song to me is so unique and so personal and I love that.

-- her diversity... for one, I love that she sings all kinds of songs, happy, sad, trance, dance, rock-sounding songs, bubbly.. that's great, I never get bored of her ever changing style.

-- her ever-changing style haha... I love the fact that she's changes and grows

-- her fashion sense... well of course I like her because she knows how to dress, and dress well and also that she changes her look every now and then... like regular people do.

-- her sincerity... I love the fact that she seems so sincere and down to earth. Even though she's a Pop Star, she's not the "holier than thou" type, and really knows how to connect with the people listening to her music.

-- her hardworking-ness... I admire the fact that she writes most of her lyrics, controls a lot of her musical direction and just all around works hard despite a lot of hardships. she really gives it her all, and we can see.

-- I also admire the fact that she's been able to get through a tough beginning and is really a great example of how a bad beginning doesn't mean a bad future.

-- Lastly (and I'm sure there are more but I just can't think of em xD) I love the fact that she is marketable. I like knowing that she has posters and all sorts of collectibles, that she's in CMs and all sorts of other stuff because, well, I just love that.

:)

Definitely...

- Lyrics
- Music
- Fashion
- Her eyes, hehe.

I saw a video where random people in Japan were asked about Ayu and a lot of them talked about how Ayu's lyrics touch them and how they can connect to them too. I think it might be the #1 thing that people love about Ayu and that makes Ayu so famous.

- Music,
unable to understand japanese back then, "M" was really good
- Lyrics
when i took the time to read through the translation of her lyrics
i've got to say that she's talented as she wrote everything.
In her lyrics I find comfort knowing that someone else feels the same.
- Her sincerity maybe ???
being the lyricist of all her songs, if she cried singing on stage I believe that
that's her truest emotions and not some "acting"
bcos she'd penned down her thoughts unlike other artists that crys for dunno wat
- Her fashion
i cant help being an ayu-clone

I think it's a combination of her lyrics and business sense.

It makes me really sad when I hear that a lot of people in Japan are really tired of Ayu, or that they don't listen to her simply because "she had stuff done to her face."

I'd guess that those people who all purchased Memorial address and MY STORY [200k?] weren't really fans? :<

You're not totally wrong you know. ;)

Everything stated.

Also she is very very cute. I don't think she'd become that big just because of lyrics/music/sincerity. She could've easily been a med-popular idol just because of her looks. Don't forget it was her looks that made her discovered in the first place, not her "deeper" aspects.

The Tsunku thing landed her the first #1 she'd gotten in her career.. :D

Although I think that his composition wasn't the only factor..

she got popular because of her songs, and she got famous because she was popular =)

her deep lyrics are what made me a fan of ayu. I guess what also makes her famous is her honesty, her songs,and her fashion statements ^^

lyrics, image, herself basically.

her meaningful, sincere lyrics!

though back then she was more creative, she desperately needs some time off to write amazing lyrics again, nowadays she's repeating herself far too often IMO

well, at least she's happier nowadays than back then

lyrics could be a big part of it since they are so real and relatable
her songs are either really catchy or moving
her voice... hmm... prolly not cuz she is not an amazing singer... i think her voice is an aquired taste...
her personality is prolly the biggest reason she's famous. like she said in that CNN interview, she thinks ppl like her b/c she tackles everything genuinely
her fashion sense is awesome- one of the reasons i love her
the way she looks- yes cuz she's gorgeous

so yeah, all of the above!

plus i love how theatrical her performances are! ^^

Me too! :)

I first got into Ayumi back when I heard "Depend on You", (from the Thousand Arms video game soundtrack) which is funny because that's a song I don't really care too much for anymore.

I think what really draws me to her is her as a person - she's a really great person, especially for being a celebrity, an international one at that. I agree that her voice is probably like drinking certain alcoholic beverages - an aquired taste. I like it, though. I also like how she (usually) doesn't just write about pointless ****, and instead most of her songs have meaning to them. I also really enjoy her show "AYU READY?" - I love how fun she is, and how the show is very relaxed and laid-back, just chilling with the guests. In almost every (if not literally every) episode I've seen, it's basically just Ayu hanging out with whomever she has as guests that day/night, eating different types of food, and playing little games. It's also a great way to learn some new japanese - just like listening to her sing is as well. I guess it doesn't hurt that she's been extremely adorable ever since she was sixteen years old on Idol, but you know.

Definitely her image. And how different she is from other artistes.

same here

Her lyrics is what got me into Ayu.
Then it'd be her songs and creativity. The others too XD like image, eyes, etc :P

The first thing I love about Ayu is of course her lyrics, she's one of the VERY few artists that has lyrics that can touch me and relate to me...I even sometimes cry when I read them O__O *sniff*T^T*sniff*
She got the whole package basically and I reckon she'll always be my favourite singer even when I'm eighty(if I live that long =D)

-her songs: I love how she has different styles and genres of music, she's meant to be the Empress of JPop but I also love all her rock(even though it isn't necessarily classified as rock=__=) and her ballads of course! Its great how her muusic ranges, even my friends who knew nothing about JMusic and only listen to rap and Hiphop thought Ayu was great...and this is with them not understanding a single word of what shes saying or even knowing who they were listening to XD(They were listening to evolution by the way=D)

-her voice: I just love Ayu's voice, basically my whole grade depises me for loving her voice, saying its not the best they've heard and all that stuff...but thats what I love about her. Her voice is different and if it was perfect I'd seriously get bored of it quickly cause its not quirky or cute AT ALL D<. I can tell Ayu's voice from every other J-Artist, she may be mainstream but she doesn't really fit into the mainstream types ya know?

-her as a person: She seems REALLY nice on her lives so I'm guessing Ayu's a great person in real life..sure she may have some bad sides but who doesn't. Even if she was a total *****(which I don't think she is cause she's like my Ayu=D), I'd still respect her cause shes still acting as a good role model for others and sending good messages across..umm do I make sense?

-the way she looks: This was the first thing that drew me to her when I was little and when my brother used to be a fanboy for Ayu lmfao..not really but yeah
I still remember watching the Boys and Girls PV and thiking OMG SO PWETTIII( This was like grade 1 and 2 so don't mind me)

-her style: she's my fashion icon, although I don't really copy her style, I admire her style A LOT...like I wonder how many dresses ayu's worn in her life O___O , well she can pull off almost anything and I still think she's SUPER PWETTI even tho I'm an old fart now=P

I think it's because of her unique performances . . Like M from A museum
and of course her songs

I was drawn by her voice, her music, her lyrics and the fact she's unique in many ways! In a good way of course!

Most importantly; her lyrics and songs...second will be her looks.

Her screeching singing style
HAHAHAHHA
that hurts ur ear =)

I think that Ayu is so famous because she is Ayu!
I like her personnality: To cry when she songs or to laugh when she forgets her lyrics!
I like all of her performance because they're all singular!
I like her songs because she tells us a part of her life as a friend!
I like her hairstyles because I can choose one of them when I want change my own hairstyle!
I like Ayu because when I listen to her songs I feel good. She gives me hope when I cry.

Love Ayu she's the best^^

it's simple
just her name : ayumi hamasaki

Haha, you're hilarious. XD But I think it's all of the above. =]

hmmm.. all these factors make her famous, but I think she was lucky she released Boys and Girls XD! If she never released that song I don't think she could've gotten to where she is today >_<! That song REALLY captured japan's attention XD and she still performs it today probably due to its popularity. I dunno maybe I'm wrong but I think that song is what made her famous XD

is it her lyrics? Yes, they're amazing
her songs? Yes, for the most part, I would say I love 97% of her songs
her voice? Yes, despite it's flaws, it's real, it's HER, and it's.. just.. it is..
her as a person? She is adorable, sweet, and just so strong. She inspires me and astonishes me
her fashion sense? sometimes she has terrible fashion TO ME, but she's always changing, always growing and it's amazing
the way she looks? Well, she is beautiful, and always different

Really it's the entire package, I look up to her so much, and as I said for the most part her music is amazing. I'm so happy to have had Ayu in my life since 2000
all of the above?

I first fell in love with her songs, then I got to know her lyrics. But what really made me love her was how sincere she was - in her work, in her songs and to us, her fans. I love the fact that she's human. (Just look at the NHK Interview)
Of course, her looks matter too. ^.^

ayu changed people's lives through her music, lyrics, personality and style...

And this is why she's different from other artist ...

http://www.time.com/time/asia/featur...aki/cover.html

She control everything about her own image as Ayumi Hamasaki.

I agree with basically everything everyone has said here - even the Tsunku joke XD - but I'd also like to add that I think the reason Ayumi has succeeded to such heights is that she has heart. There's more soul and more effort in her lyrics and the production of herself as an image (which she controls) than I think I've seen for any other pop act in either Japan or America. You can tell just by looking at her that she has more creativity and credibility than half the artists around today (with the obvious exceptions).

What drew me to her was that she still maintained herself as a full-fledged person without turning into a soulless product.

There are 3 things why Ayu is SO famous for me and around the world:

#1. Her talent:
She's really different from the female artist, Jpop or not, I've ever knew.
She writes her own lyrics for her songs which I like the most.
I like the way she sings, the song genre she used, and the way she portray her songs into a real art form not just a mere entertainment.


#2. Image:
For me, image is the most important thing for an artist to have.
She was so wholesome to everyone, even elementary kids will like her(I think).
Some people think of her as a role-model and a good example for the youth who wants to dream just to be like her.
She doesn't shed skin like some(or most) western pop artist to sell.

Instead, she uses her talent to draw attention to her.

Oh! One thing that I like about her is that she wasn't a "get-wild-and-crazy-to-get-attention-to-the-media" type of person like Britney Spears does which I hate the most.

But in Ayu's case, we can talk about her upcoming summer single(I hope) and her upcoming 10th year Asia tour and not the break-up between the TOKIO-guy(I can't remember his name >X-[).

You know what I mean:
People will tend look and focus at the negative side of the artist than the positive.

Lastly;

#3. Her Personality:
Ayu was just like an average funny-and-friendly girl except that she was an Icon of Japan's music industry.
She was so friendly towards her fans, her staffs, and to her Team Ayu members(I mean the back-up dancers, back-up singers, and her band).
I've never seen an artist who was so so sincere to the songs he/she sings.
Its very few who knew the genuine art of singing: singing through the heart and learning the content of the lyrics and not the usual singing we knew nowadays.

*whew*
That's was long.
And that's it! :)

For me, what makes Ayu famous is mosty her songs and personality, but also the lyrics, the impressive staging of her shows, the PV's, her looks and also the abitity to re-invent herself over the years and mantain active and popular.

I think it is ayu's music, beauty, fashion and her ability to compose unique lyrics...

Definitely:

- Her lyrics and the fact that they have depth
- Her ability to change images
- the different styles she tried
- her fashion sense
- her marketability

For me its almost everything everyones mentioned theres just something with Ayu that catches me....

she's a WHOLE PACKAGE...all in 1
everything about her is just awesome, I mean...she has that charisma and charm...
I dunno, everytime I see her I'm always amazed...

Her lyrics, eyes, fashion, and her concerts is what makes her famous

I think people in Japan fell in love with her for her lyrics.

everything else happened after and was just bonus lol

Memorial Address was the first album of hers i bought 'cos the cover was intriguing and some girl in my school got into trouble for having 'ayumi hamasaki' on her nametag. I was liking the album and watching the VCD when it went to A museum trailer and the songs (never mind costumes) of DoY and M just blew me away. Then she sang forgiveness in that rose dress. I think it's the whole package really. Great concerts and performances, great songs and that was even before i knew about the lyrics.

Advertising and the way she looks with her fashion styles. And then her non-cliche lyrics combined with well-composed music.

As the title states
o_o <--- makes her so famous. It's all about her eyes. ^^

All of the above, I can bet.

i think to be known in other countries, probably her voice and the music, we only love her more after learning the lyrics

I'm saying the lyrics, songs and voice. Mostly I believe it's her lyrics that makes her very famous. I mean, people can reflect their own feelings through Ayu's songs quite well because of the personal lyrics. Of course there's also the link we feel with Ayu as she sings. :)