1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?
I have been a fan since around early 2006, right after the release of (miss)understood. Ayu has changed my life in so many ways, but the most prominant reason is that she saved me from a very difficult time in my life with her lyrics in songs like RAINBOW, A Song for XX, etc. I can't thank her enough for that.
2.) Do you find yourself inspired/influenced by her? If so, can you name
some instances?
Of course!
She inspires me every day, with her "never give up" attitude, and her work ethic. She never gives up on any day, and so she inspires me every day. There are too many times she's inspired me for me to name a specific time. (^_^)
3.) What can you say about her fashion tastes and music style(s)?
Oh, definitely unique. Her costumes in concerts always amaze me, and her outfits in photoshoots are either fierce, adorable, or both! At times I wish that I could raid her closet and wear her clothes, if even for one day! Her music style is certainly unique as well. If I were to listen to three new songs sung by a person other than Ayumi, and would have to choose which was Ayu's song, I really think I'd be able to. Her music style is so defined and amazing, and I love her for it.
4.) What do you love the most about Ayu?
Oh, may I say
everything? Her amazing, touching, and beautiful lyrics, her gorgeous and touching songs, her fantastic sense of fashion and style, but most of all, her big heart, always reaching out to others and making them feel really lovely inside. She has such a beautiful personality, and that is what I love most about Ayu.
5.) How do you think Ayu presents herself to the world? Do you think she
has an "edge" over others (who are in the same industry as hers)?
Hm... I think she presents herself to the world as a hardworking singer who loves to have fun, but focuses on work too. On television shows, interviews, and even game shows, she will laugh, joke, and be funny, but when things get to serious talking, she will talk quite seriously. I think she might have a "diva" image as well. But I definitely think she has an edge over others in the industry. Like I said before, every single one of Ayu's lyrics are deep, meaningful, and beautiful. Ayu's songs are easily distinguished from other artists' songs. Her style is definitely unique, and that also sets her apart. In her concerts and tours, she goes above and beyond, too, so that also sets her apart.
6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?
Oh, you have no
idea how jealous I am of the people who got to meet her! I had to watch videos on YouTube instead. I must say, she just exuded warmth and love for all of her fans. I didn't experience this feeling firsthand, but I felt it almost as well secondhand.
7.) Can you describe what her music is like?
Do you know that feeling, when you are petting an adorable animal that's licking your nose, or when you're holding a newborn baby that's just opened her eyes? Or when you're watching a sunset with your family or dearly beloved? It's like that. It's like...a miracle, almost, that she is able to apply all of these feelings into her music and songs. I can't aptly apply that kind of feeling to words, so I'll leave you to try her songs for yourself, if you haven't already.
8.) What kind of personality do you think she has? (Is she warm, friendly, etc.)
She is the warmest and friendliest person that I can think of right now, actually. She is sweet, caring, and beautiful, too. She stands up for her friends when they are being harrassed, she takes the time to speak and hold hands with every fan who waits in the cold for her to arrive, and she takes the time to reply to as many questions from fans as she can. Ayu has a beautiful personality.
9.) What can you say about the people she works with? (The photographer,
director, etc.) They are like her family. She, her dancers, her director, her band, are all like one big family. She treats them like family and I believe that they love her very much too.
10.) If you've been a fan of hers for more than two years now, do you
believe that there has been a change in her personality in some ways over the
past years of her career? I think she has become a stronger person inside, due to the loss of her ear in 2008, and the loss of her friend in 2007. I have definitely noticed a change in her inner strength. Her warm personality hasn't changed, however.
11.) Lastly, can you name some of your favorite songs by Ayu?
My favorite song of all time is "A Song for XX." This is the song that saved me. My next favorite is "RAINBOW," which played a big part in that particular time of my life. Last, I really love "kiss o' kill." Aside from the touching lyrics, it really is an insanely catchy song.