[somethinglost]

I think the reason #1 streaks are so important in Japan is because it isn't only about marketing or measure of success, but it is something that seperates that artist from their competition. It's like saying Ayu and Koda are very popular music acts that follow the same formula (pop song, ballad, rock song), however Ayu has the national record for consecutive #1's, whereas Koda was nobody until a few years ago. So while Koda has high sales now, she doesn't have the guaranteed #1 debuts that Ayu is known for. (It isn't very effective using Koda as an example since she is Ayu's labelmate and the whole "Ayu vs. Koda" thing is waaay overdone, but she was the first artist I could think of that would be close to Ayu's level. Hikki isn't applicable because she has a more stable fanbase and wider appeal and there aren't many other superstar female acts out there who aren't Avex affiliated. :|)

So yeaaah, it's just about prestige - and it is a great honor to be able to have such a record to your name.