[Kikaru]

Avex is a company, and they want to be less dependent of Ayu. Although it's kind of sad to see that they're somewhat "tossing" the older artist, from a business point of view it makes sense. As a company, their primary goal is to earn profit.

Most singers, especially pop, doesn't go beyond the age of 30 and strong. Ayu's considered pretty old in the pop world. Ayu done a pretty admiral feat of remaining strong after 7 years. Even Seiko Matsuda's status begins to fade after 5-6 years, as well as Namie Amuro. I figured that Avex probably thinks that Ayu's going to retire in a few years and when she does, the company won't suddenly collapse.

But Ayu has a pretty sturdy fanbase, and she can still sell, and I think Avex knows that. LIke Ayu_fan929 said, Ayu probably have few years ahead of her as a queen and there are younger artists with longer time. Strategically, it's a good move for Avex.

I think at a point Avex wondered if Ayu is too big for them to handle...but if they kick her out because she's too powerful, that's just kind of wierd...