from what I've heard is that Ayu doesn't have that much fans in Japan. I guess people are tired of her(she's been top of the pop for so many years, people just will get tired of the old and want something new. that's why there's always the neverending discussion of Ayu "losing her throne"). When you walk around the city, her face is pasted everywhere on the billboards, bus stations, train stations, yadda yadda yadda. You go home and turn on the radio and it's Ayu on the air. You turn on the tv and there she is again.
but I personally think, the Japanese people should be proud to have someone like Ayu-chan.
edit: did anyone notice how "cold" the applauding(sp?) was in the music station after Ayu's performance. come on, it was...like "yeah, okay, whatever... next song please"