O.o Sorry to butt in like this, but...
I don't think Ayu has a large amount of "cute" phases, or more of those phases than anything else. Maybe when it comes to photo-shoots, yes, but not when it comes to music or performances, which is really where it matters (to me, anyhow).
Japan is a country DEAD SET on "Cute". The general image women are supposed to have in Japan is "cute" and "pretty", not "classy" or necessarily "natural". So of course Ayu and her whole team has that idea in their heads since they mostly live and has grown up in Japan.
And I'd much rather have a cute Ayu (which I can find incredibly adorable many times!), than the sexualized and superficial works of some artists. When Ayu does it, I feel it more from the heart, "cute Ayu" doesn't mean "annoying Ayu" in my opinion. It always feels heartfelt in everything Ayu does, whether it's cute or sexy.
And to my last point, YES, AYU IS A 30+ WOMAN! Does that mean that she can't do "cute"? Why would "cute" have a set age? Probably all of us hold some of our innocent, cute and childish parts close to us through our whole lives, why is it so wrong to show some of those parts sometimes? Well, if Ayu started to cry like a baby and asking for a bottle, and throwing a tantrum when no one gives it to her, it wouldn't be all that nice, in fact it would have been rude and childish in a bad way. But the childish Ayu we have, is nothing like that. So what's so wrong with that? Cute Ayu (in fair amounts) is wonderful IMO!!
If you started to listening to Ayu for a constantly sexy and serious artist, well, you probably should find another artist.
Hopefully no one's taking offence? I don't mean to criticize, I just wanted to bring up my opinions and some points.
WELL, back to topic, while I do feel that cover has a certain innocence and childishness to it, I don't find it "cute-sy". I find it sophisticated and soft
