[2006] Does AYU smoke?

[HiruNoKaze]

I think it's quite possible that she smokes a little. It would be in keeping with her self-proclaimed attitude, that she lives in the moment. (I think she mentioned it in one of the two articles on Masa's page? It's where she says if she wakes up one morning and feels like dancing, she'll do it. This is an old quote, but I think the sentiment is fundamental enough that she probably carries it to this day...) I'm sure there are moments when she feels weighed down by stress, and that smoking might make her feel better. On the flip side, I think another part of her, the part that takes care of her prettiness, checks herself so that she doesn't smoke very much.

Thus, if she does indeed smoke, I don't it's a big enough part of her life to warrant calling anything "hiding." It's not enough to differentiate between the public image and the private person by its own merit alone. If everyone knew that she smoked a little bit, I doubt people would think badly of her for it. I'd say they'd understand her and respect her for putting so much effort into doing what she loves while NOT smoking up a storm to relieve stress, especially in a society where so many people smoke. Empathy would not be scarce.

As to her being a fake doll, I'd have to disagree to a large extent. The appearance of sincerity on stage is a major part of her appeal, isn't it? Sure you can fake looks and actions, but can you fake the look of sincerity? That is, I think the central question is whether there exists a fundamental, universal quality of sincerity. Even if it doesn't exist, I think it's unlikely that she could fake sincerity itself that well.

Her stage personality and her private personality, though different, are both facets of her personality as a whole. Despite her saying that she is a product, I don't think anyone could completely fake everything we see of her. Moreover, a lovely, sincere personality can certainly be a product. In fact, I sincerely hope that no one has that kind of deceptive ability...the thought of it disturbs me profoundly.

I wonder, does she appear to be less sincere of late? Does she have to spit out a line of profound philosophy every so often to reassure the world that her mind and heart haven't been reduced to a hollow log? She's proven how profound she can be; I don't think that's something that's going anywhere. Besides, she said she's a spur of the moment kinda girl...

Call me gullible, but I think we're seeing the real deal here.

Still, does the general Japanese public think she's a fake doll? Do people really see her as some kind of "make-up monster"? (Doesn't she pull off make-up exceptionally well, though?) If that's the case, then I throw my hands up in consternation.