Disappointing 10th anniversary.

[truehappiness]

I know it's only halfway through the year but DANG.

I always dreamt that Ayu's 10th anniversary was going to be filled with amazing things, like new singles every few months, and amazing looks and tons of magazine covers and Ayu just looking AMAZING... but it seems as though this year has been the total opposite of that. Sure, we've had a few good looks once in a while, but 2008 is looking to be a really REALLY bad year for Ayu. She's only had one single when she should've had two by now, she barely promoted Mirrorcle World with only like two TV performances and like 4 or 5 magazines [her smallest amount since her debut I'd say] and it's just been... not very 10th anniversary-like. [though I know she's been working hard at the tour, but come on now. She's done it before.]

Does anyone else feel that Ayu just isn't delivering right now in the "WOW" department? It seems like her 10th anniversary should be her STRONGEST year or at least, she should be pulling all the stops, but it's looking to be one of her quietest and least interesting years with less appearances at a-nation and a super-extended ASIA TOUR.

Basically this year is a mirror image of last year except with MW [a half single imo] in the place of A BEST 2 and a "September" [assumed, not confirmed] single coming in the place of t2m along with an ASIA TOUR. All of this of course with like 95% less promotion.. Agh! She's basically saying: "I'm sort of uh, not into my anniversary. Sorreh! kthx4thesupport!."

WHY DOESN'T AYU WORK IT?

-end rant-

To rename this year similarly to EXILE'S PERFECT YEAR..
Ayu's 10th IMPERFECT YEAR [so far...].

[GRACE]

I don't know what avex is up too.

I think she should have done A BEST 2 this year instead of last year.

[milky_way]

I agree. Not that I'm saying that I want her to overwork herself, but I expected more. I hate to bring up comparisons, but look at EXILE and their 'Perfect Year' with Best albums and Dome Tours. I thought that she would do something like that, but maybe not with so many Best albums

IMO, she should've waited to release A BEST 2 this year that way AVEX could package more stuff with it, and you know people would've still bought it.

[GRACE]

The only way she can salvage this year, imo, is to not release anymore singles, and just burst out with a completely new album with several 10th anniversary bonuses(maybe a re-issue of poker face, or a new recording of the ASFXX album.)

[ImpactBreaker]

It's about time for a new single. she should stop the tourings for a while honestly

[truehappiness]

I believe the reasoning for A BEST 2's release in 2007 was because it would've probably killed her to do the "10th anniversary tour of her dreams" right after promoting A BEST 2.

Other than that, there's no real reason for her to have done it in 2007. Same goes for the BEST of CDL. Sorta strange.

[[taskin.ayu]]

This year has been very disappointing. :/ I agree, A BEST 2 last year was stupid, it would have made much more sense to release it this year. I don't know why she's being so inactive this year, maybe she's running out of steam?

We basically got 0.5 music releases this year. I expected much more, a 4 a-side summer single and a good winter single. But now we don't even know what she's going to release. Sure she may be tired and working hard, but she should be putting effort into what matters for her 10th anniversary. Doing what she does best: recording music.

This was the year I was expecting her to reclaim her popularity, but it just seems to be declining as usual. D: I dunno, most artists do a lot of things in their 10th years, but Ayu has done nothing but tour.

I hope she releases a re-arranged and re-recorded version of ASFXX, that would make it a lot better. :3

[Ayumi_lover]

I think we will have surprises because of CDL 2008-2009? new single and new album. Maybe some box. Maybe ASIA TOUR 2008 will be released right after overseas part of it.

[Zeke.]

Yeah but I think Ayu's 10th Anniversary Tour this year is really for the fans that are still with her after all these years. I mean, AT08 is huge. It's amazing. I guess avex or I'd say Ayu just really wanted to focus on the current fans that really love and support Ayu rather than trying to suck new ones in.

[SunshineSlayer]

Originally Posted by all.night.raver

Yeah but I think Ayu's 10th Anniversary Tour this year is really for the fans that are still with her after all these years. I mean, AT08 is huge. It's amazing. I guess avex or I'd say Ayu just really wanted to focus on the current fans that really love and support Ayu rather than trying to suck new ones in.

I agree with truehappiness. And I wouldn't say AT08 is huge or amazing. I saw the show with my Mom and her exact words were, "Ayu scaled back this year." I definitely wouldn't put it on the same level hugeness wise with many of her past tours. And it definitely didn't scream out "10th Anniversary tour" to me. I think a lot of people were expecting another A-Museum. I still loved the show (I always love seeing Ayu), but it's certainly not one of her top tours I don't think.

People are saying it because she is on tour but, Ayu has toured waaaaay more in the past and done a lot more singles, magazines, tv appearances etc at the same time. The main work that Ayu has to put into a tour is the preparation and planning of it. Once it actually starts, her only jobs for the tour are to show up to sound check and the performance - that leaves 5-6 days of rest in between. It may just be me, but Ayu always seems healthier and happier when she has more work to do. You could argue that much of this year has been a break for her.(and parts of last year and the year before as well). The 2 DVDs this year and 2 remix albums required no work from Ayu herself with the making and release and the mirrorcle world single had very little promotion and it was a recut album track anyway (which could have even been recorded at the time of the album).

This has by far been Ayu's least busiest year. I also think that Ayu is at her best when she is busiest. Surprisingly, I usually think the quality of her products seem to be at their highest when she is busy busy rather than when she is relatively inactive.

[Ayumiko]

Originally Posted by SunshineSlayer

People are saying it because she is on tour but, Ayu has toured waaaaay more in the past and done a lot more singles, magazines, tv appearances etc at the same time. The main work that Ayu has to put into a tour is the preparation and planning of it. Once it actually starts, her only jobs for the tour are to show up to sound check and the performance - that leaves 5-6 days of rest in between. It may just be me, but Ayu always seems healthier and happier when she has more work to do. You could argue that much of this year has been a break for her.(and parts of last year and the year before as well). The 2 DVDs this year and 2 remix albums required no work from Ayu herself with the making and release and the mirrorcle world single had very little promotion and it was a recut album track anyway (which could have even been recorded at the time of the album).

This has by far been Ayu's least busiest year. I also think that Ayu is at her best when she is busiest. Surprisingly, I usually think the quality of her products seem to be at their highest when she is busy busy rather than when she is relatively inactive.

I totally agree. When ayu was at her peak...that's when she produced the best songs. Besides having such a busy schedule, she still managed to compose her songs. I hope ayu won't waste these 2 months doing just photoshoots...>.> Please work on new songs!

[se7entheaven]

maybe since her ear problem she starts to slow down? like starts to cut down TV live perfs...but its so ridiculous that there's no summer single this year

[Zachery!]

maybe it was like, 10TH YEAR -prelude-

[Ayumi_lover]

i think she's just too concentrated on her tour wich started right after MW release
and WACOAL campaing is a part of 10th anniversary promotion

[Jeremy911]

It is only july, and she is busy with this really long tour this year. Afterall with all the tragedy she has had lately we are lucky she is this active. I think we will still be getting a summer single, and perhapes something else around CDL. i think Ayu has some surprises instore for us this othere half of year. besides her 10th anv isnt really until Jan 1st 2009.

[Chibi_Venus]

...

You guys are kidding, right?

She needs a BREAK and you guys are expecting, like, magic to come flying out of her butt!

Okay, let me start over.

We've had an album at the beginning of 2008. Okay, so it didn't hit the number one spot like her other albums. So? Big deal. A lot of people seemed to like it anyway.

She's released two (TWO!) remix albums after a whopping six years! In my opinion, a lot of people were very impressed with them (even with the bad "Greatful days" remix! XD).

The ASIA TOUR 2007 package was finally released after practically a year. This tour was filled with amazing performances and tons of behind-the-scenes footage that was just incredible to see.

She released the extended version of the miraculous "Mirror" into "Mirrorcle World" (no pun intended) exactly ten years after the release of "poker face." Sure, I've heard both positive and negative reviews, but a majority seem to love this song.

She's holding a SECOND ASIA TOUR; not only that, but it's extended throughout the year with Japan in the spring/summer and the rest of Asia in the fall. I'm sure a lot of people in Asia (outside of Japan) are thrilled. Not only that, but the tracklist, the costumes, the set, all of it seems to be getting high and positive reviews.

As for magazines, she's appeared in not only regular issues, but ones such as VoCE and Kodokawa (after three years!). She had a photoshoot in two issues of Bea's Up, Cawaii, SCawaii, Sweet, and two issues of ViVi!

Think that was enough? Our dear Ayu even squeezed in a date for a-nation '08 even when she wasn't initially going to perform!

And Ayumi_lover reminded me of another thing by mentioning WACOAL promotion. That was such a huge (well, big) step of something new from Ayu. I must say I admire her bravery yet pride in her beauty.

The girl's lost a boyfriend, a close friend, and her hearing all before her tenth anniversary, yet she is staying strong! She could've easily dropped everything and said, "I need a break!" But no, my friends. Ayumi Hamasaki has worked her butt off in not only staying strong, but trying to continue to keep her fans (and staff!) happy. I must say, brava for her!

Yes, this is my opinion. And, no, you may not agree with it. But I just want to state my opinion(s) and raise my voice. I've received more from Ayu than I honestly expected. Sorry if anything sounds harsh, but I just want people to realize all that she's done so far (and the year's only half over!). You can stick with your opinions, for I don't expect anyone's to change after reading mine. Once again, I just wanted to state them.

[DA1SUK1DAY01691]

I REALLY wanna stress what Chibi_Venus said earlier!

Originally Posted by Chibi_Venus

We've had an album at the beginning of 2008. Okay, so it didn't hit the number one spot like her other albums. So? Big deal. A lot of people seemed to like it anyway.

Which is TOTALLY true. Together When... is still one of my ringtones. I thought that album was truly something that only Ayu can pull off (sure, some songs may have been weaker than it should have been, but think about it. She put A LOT more time and effort than Secret, so it must have much more feeling in it, too.)

She's released two (TWO!) remix albums after a whopping six years! In my opinion, a lot of people were very impressed with them (even with the bad "Greatful days" remix! XD).

Again, TOTALLY true. Every year for six years, countless people complain that they wanted more remixes. Then when she finally releases them, those same people (that are loud enough) COMPLAIN about them. I mean, give her (and her remixers) a break! She put out top-notch material (aren't they the highest charting remix albums in a while?), so suck it up and deal with it.

The ASIA TOUR 2007 package was finally released after practically a year. This tour was filled with amazing performances and tons of behind-the-scenes footage that was just incredible to see.

My ONLY complaint would be the inability to view the concert, then view the documentary. The concert loses steam with the clips shoved inbetween, so an option to remove/insert it would have been nice, along with an option to view the documentary seperately in its entirety. But other than that, the concert was AMAZING (the 1 LOVE, until that Day..., and Boys & Girls performances were stuck in my head for the longest time), and it was refreshing to see her boundless energy mirror the energy given from her crowds (not to mention seeing her dance!).

She released the extended version of the miraculous "Mirror" into "Mirrorcle World" (no pun intended) exactly ten years after the release of "poker face." Sure, I've heard both positive and negative reviews, but a majority seem to love this song.

Mirrorcle World is the PERFECT song for her 10th anniversary. The lyrics match PERFECTLY with the theme of her career: sorrow. Just think about it, that last part of the song. IT'S FREAKIN' PERFECT.

She's holding a SECOND ASIA TOUR; not only that, but it's extended throughout the year with Japan in the spring/summer and the rest of Asia in the fall. I'm sure a lot of people in Asia (outside of Japan) are thrilled. Not only that, but the tracklist, the costumes, the set, all of it seems to be getting high and positive reviews.

AND TO THOSE THAT COMPLAIN THAT SHE'S ONLY FOCUSING ON HER TOUR: remember that she was based solely in Japan. She caters to her loyal Japanese fans because that's where she is, that's where 99% of her important sales come from. Only recently has she spread herself (on her terms, basically) into other regions of the world, so she's putting an importance to her expansion. She knows about us other countries, but she doesn't feel ready to cater to us yet.

As for magazines, she's appeared in not only regular issues, but ones such as VoCE and Kodokawa (after three years!). She had a photoshoot in two issues of Bea's Up, Cawaii, SCawaii, Sweet, and two issues of ViVi!

I never really cared about magazines myself unless she's on the cover. Ahaha, then I'll buy it. But without much to promote, it's amazing that she's doing this much at all. Right?

Think that was enough? Our dear Ayu even squeezed in a date for a-nation '08 even when she wasn't initially going to perform!

Which is AMAZING, considering she would need to make more costumes and may be even routines.

And Ayumi_lover reminded me of another thing by mentioning WACOAL promotion. That was such a huge (well, big) step of something new from Ayu. I must say I admire her bravery yet pride in her beauty.

I think that it really was a big step in her career to do the WACOAL promotion. Of course, it's for "Mama", so she would do it to start with, but to do it internationally will really jettison her into the spotlight around the world. She's not gonna be one of those models that try to sing or do other things; SHE ALREADY DID IT. It's really good that she's doing this, since she can pull off a Madonna and start taking over the world.

Chibi_Venus' comment was one of the most level-headed posts I've seen in my three years here, since it was based on many different factors, not just releases and other physical stuff. Thanks for your insight, it brought a lot of stuff to my attention, and made me think more as if I was in Japan, compared to if I really was in Hawaii; it made me realize that Ayu must be ALL OVER Japan right now.

[ayumisrael]

Originally Posted by Chibi_Venus

...

You guys are kidding, right?

She needs a BREAK and you guys are expecting, like, magic to come flying out of her butt!

Okay, let me start over.

We've had an album at the beginning of 2008. Okay, so it didn't hit the number one spot like her other albums. So? Big deal. A lot of people seemed to like it anyway.

She's released two (TWO!) remix albums after a whopping six years! In my opinion, a lot of people were very impressed with them (even with the bad "Greatful days" remix! XD).

The ASIA TOUR 2007 package was finally released after practically a year. This tour was filled with amazing performances and tons of behind-the-scenes footage that was just incredible to see.

She released the extended version of the miraculous "Mirror" into "Mirrorcle World" (no pun intended) exactly ten years after the release of "poker face." Sure, I've heard both positive and negative reviews, but a majority seem to love this song.

She's holding a SECOND ASIA TOUR; not only that, but it's extended throughout the year with Japan in the spring/summer and the rest of Asia in the fall. I'm sure a lot of people in Asia (outside of Japan) are thrilled. Not only that, but the tracklist, the costumes, the set, all of it seems to be getting high and positive reviews.

As for magazines, she's appeared in not only regular issues, but ones such as VoCE and Kodokawa (after three years!). She had a photoshoot in two issues of Bea's Up, Cawaii, SCawaii, Sweet, and two issues of ViVi!

Think that was enough? Our dear Ayu even squeezed in a date for a-nation '08 even when she wasn't initially going to perform!

And Ayumi_lover reminded me of another thing by mentioning WACOAL promotion. That was such a huge (well, big) step of something new from Ayu. I must say I admire her bravery yet pride in her beauty.

The girl's lost a boyfriend, a close friend, and her hearing all before her tenth anniversary, yet she is staying strong! She could've easily dropped everything and said, "I need a break!" But no, my friends. Ayumi Hamasaki has worked her butt off in not only staying strong, but trying to continue to keep her fans (and staff!) happy. I must say, brava for her!

Yes, this is my opinion. And, no, you may not agree with it. But I just want to state my opinion(s) and raise my voice. I've received more from Ayu than I honestly expected. Sorry if anything sounds harsh, but I just want people to realize all that she's done so far (and the year's only half over!). You can stick with your opinions, for I don't expect anyone's to change after reading mine. Once again, I just wanted to state them.

I agree with you so much.

We still don't know what will happen next too!
She might end up this year with another single (or two) and a new album.

[Sweet_Ai]

Originally Posted by Chibi_Venus

...

You guys are kidding, right?

She needs a BREAK and you guys are expecting, like, magic to come flying out of her butt!

Okay, let me start over.

We've had an album at the beginning of 2008. Okay, so it didn't hit the number one spot like her other albums. So? Big deal. A lot of people seemed to like it anyway.

She's released two (TWO!) remix albums after a whopping six years! In my opinion, a lot of people were very impressed with them (even with the bad "Greatful days" remix! XD).

The ASIA TOUR 2007 package was finally released after practically a year. This tour was filled with amazing performances and tons of behind-the-scenes footage that was just incredible to see.

She released the extended version of the miraculous "Mirror" into "Mirrorcle World" (no pun intended) exactly ten years after the release of "poker face." Sure, I've heard both positive and negative reviews, but a majority seem to love this song.

She's holding a SECOND ASIA TOUR; not only that, but it's extended throughout the year with Japan in the spring/summer and the rest of Asia in the fall. I'm sure a lot of people in Asia (outside of Japan) are thrilled. Not only that, but the tracklist, the costumes, the set, all of it seems to be getting high and positive reviews.

As for magazines, she's appeared in not only regular issues, but ones such as VoCE and Kodokawa (after three years!). She had a photoshoot in two issues of Bea's Up, Cawaii, SCawaii, Sweet, and two issues of ViVi!

Think that was enough? Our dear Ayu even squeezed in a date for a-nation '08 even when she wasn't initially going to perform!

And Ayumi_lover reminded me of another thing by mentioning WACOAL promotion. That was such a huge (well, big) step of something new from Ayu. I must say I admire her bravery yet pride in her beauty.

The girl's lost a boyfriend, a close friend, and her hearing all before her tenth anniversary, yet she is staying strong! She could've easily dropped everything and said, "I need a break!" But no, my friends. Ayumi Hamasaki has worked her butt off in not only staying strong, but trying to continue to keep her fans (and staff!) happy. I must say, brava for her!

Yes, this is my opinion. And, no, you may not agree with it. But I just want to state my opinion(s) and raise my voice. I've received more from Ayu than I honestly expected. Sorry if anything sounds harsh, but I just want people to realize all that she's done so far (and the year's only half over!). You can stick with your opinions, for I don't expect anyone's to change after reading mine. Once again, I just wanted to state them.

AMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!! Let her rest please! You all act like she is super woman! I really have nothing else to add to this comment! :applause:

[music_*]

Originally Posted by Chibi_Venus

...

You guys are kidding, right?

She needs a BREAK and you guys are expecting, like, magic to come flying out of her butt!

Okay, let me start over.

We've had an album at the beginning of 2008. Okay, so it didn't hit the number one spot like her other albums. So? Big deal. A lot of people seemed to like it anyway.

She's released two (TWO!) remix albums after a whopping six years! In my opinion, a lot of people were very impressed with them (even with the bad "Greatful days" remix! XD).

The ASIA TOUR 2007 package was finally released after practically a year. This tour was filled with amazing performances and tons of behind-the-scenes footage that was just incredible to see.

She released the extended version of the miraculous "Mirror" into "Mirrorcle World" (no pun intended) exactly ten years after the release of "poker face." Sure, I've heard both positive and negative reviews, but a majority seem to love this song.

She's holding a SECOND ASIA TOUR; not only that, but it's extended throughout the year with Japan in the spring/summer and the rest of Asia in the fall. I'm sure a lot of people in Asia (outside of Japan) are thrilled. Not only that, but the tracklist, the costumes, the set, all of it seems to be getting high and positive reviews.

As for magazines, she's appeared in not only regular issues, but ones such as VoCE and Kodokawa (after three years!). She had a photoshoot in two issues of Bea's Up, Cawaii, SCawaii, Sweet, and two issues of ViVi!

Think that was enough? Our dear Ayu even squeezed in a date for a-nation '08 even when she wasn't initially going to perform!

And Ayumi_lover reminded me of another thing by mentioning WACOAL promotion. That was such a huge (well, big) step of something new from Ayu. I must say I admire her bravery yet pride in her beauty.

The girl's lost a boyfriend, a close friend, and her hearing all before her tenth anniversary, yet she is staying strong! She could've easily dropped everything and said, "I need a break!" But no, my friends. Ayumi Hamasaki has worked her butt off in not only staying strong, but trying to continue to keep her fans (and staff!) happy. I must say, brava for her!

Yes, this is my opinion. And, no, you may not agree with it. But I just want to state my opinion(s) and raise my voice. I've received more from Ayu than I honestly expected. Sorry if anything sounds harsh, but I just want people to realize all that she's done so far (and the year's only half over!). You can stick with your opinions, for I don't expect anyone's to change after reading mine. Once again, I just wanted to state them.

Brava! You said all that I wanted to all. (:

I think that she should take a short break (maybe 2-3 months?), rest (her ear!!! O: ) and get refreshed after her tour.
She may be Ayu, but she's still human afterall.
(And she can come back, swoop us off our feet with a great new single! )