A Research Paper on Ayu

[zellyx]

1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?
I've been a fan of hers for about 4 years. She's made me interested in foreign music and language, and now my passion is to become a translator/interpreter! I've realized my passion for language, and I know what I want to do with my life.
2.) Do you find yourself inspired/influenced by her? If so, can you name some instances?
Yes. When I'm feeling angry or down, I always go to her lyrics and realize that I'm not alone. Someone else has felt this way before! She gives me strength through her music, and that she keeps singing through her troubles (especially with one ear deafness) I should be able to carry on as well.
3.) What can you say about her fashion tastes and music style(s)?
They are ever-changing, and I can find something about her music style I like every day. Don't want to listen to rock? I have all of these other genres to choose from! Whether I'm in the ballad or instrumental mood, ayu has a little bit of something for me.
4.) What do you love the most about Ayu?
I love how genuine she is. She genuinely loves her job. She loves to sing and perform, and you can really see it in her lyrics, the passion in her concerts, and the emotion in her vocals for the songs. I find it easy to connect with her, and feel that she really cares about her fans!
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)?
I think she presents herself openly, and fights to get away from the Barbie Doll, cookie-cutter image with her changing style. She doesn't want to be a product anymore. She has an edge because she's been around for so long that she needs less promotion to get good sales. She still is a fashion icon and a hit with many #1 albums and singles, and when that is attatched to her name, she has an edge over others in her industry. Her name is a household one to the people of Asia and Japan, and that alone has the connotation of her production of good music and videos.
6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?
I haven't talked to Ayu before.
7.) Can you describe what her music is like?
Like reading a series of diary entries; lyrics are things you can easily connect with in her music, and she's known for that. Her music style is ever-changing, but I think it reflects what she feels towards herself or others. Her music is genuine. Rock, Pop, Ballad, whatever it may be, it's usually some kind of crossover (Memorial Address is a rock, piano ballad crossover, Microphone is a rock piece with organ and orchestral styles).
8.) What kind of personality do you think she has? (Is she warm, friendly, etc.)
I think she has a bubbly personality. Extroverted, friendly, and open about her emotions and feelings. Through TA entries, concerts, song lyrics, etc. a person can really see her thought process and what she's going through.
9.) What can you say about the people she works with? (The photographer, director, etc.)
They occasionally make mistakes, but Ayu works great with them to create a piece she has envisioned. PVs and tour videos are affected by the lyrics and ayu's emotions toward the songs. I think she uses her staff/team to channel these emotions to make us(the viewers) pick up on them.
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 little more mature, and grown a little farther away from the bad things in her past (her father leaving, grandmother's passing, etc.). She seems more hopeful since GUILTY, and this is reflected in NEXT LEVEL and Rock'n'Roll Circus. Her past has shaped her to be who she is now, but I think she has learned to leave those things in the past.
11.) Lastly, can you name some of your favorite songs by Ayu?
Boys&Girls, SURREAL, Because of You, Memorial Address, hanabi, Don't Look Back, Microphone, Talkin' 2 Myself, Mirrorcle World to name a few.

[LydenLeaf]

Originally Posted by Lizzyboo

wow!!!! you are so lucky!! i wish i could write a paper like this! i would do it in a heartbeat (the one assignment i would actually do lol)

Why, thank you! Ayu was the only person who came to mind as soon as my teacher said "write about someone you admire or look up to". Ayu is such an inspiration and I'm dedicating my assignment to her. When presentation time comes, I'm going to give all my best!

Originally Posted by Lizzyboo

if you havent seen Ayus interview with CNN i suggest that!! ^_^

I've watched it several times already but still, thank you for bringing it up. There are just so many wise things Ayu I could quote from her and she really was presenting herself to the world in the way she wanted to be known -not in a superficial kind of way but naturally as the 'Ayu' she really is. When I was a 'beginner' to her music, her interview with CNN made me learn more about her and I felt the connection she wanted to have with her fans. It was so touching.

Originally Posted by AngelSenshi

I'd like to do this too, whether its too late or not!! =] It's definitely interesting!!

Thanks a lot and it's definitely not too late.

Originally Posted by AngelSenshi

I'd like to add this but I really wasn't quite sure where it'd fit in those questions since it's a bit of everything and I didn't want to write too much (I failed at that, I know!)

She's the only pop artist I ever listen to; ever. Western or not; she's the only pop artist I listen to and I actually enjoy. Every where female artists, especially solo artists, are being marketed as these beautiful untouchable sexy things that dance and sing about romance, relationships, parties, dancing, drinking and stuff like that.

When Ayu first started people were really loving and accepting of feelings in music. Emotions in music at that time was more common than it is these days, but Ayu could always touch peoples hearts with her emotions better than any other person at that time.

It's interesting to note, that as time went by and all this changed, and the market of female solo artists changed, Ayu hasn't at all. Her range of music has widened, but she never lost the honest feelings in her music that made her famous. She also didn't drastically change her image. Yes, she looks a bit more mature now but that's purely because she's gotten a bit older, but nobody told her this image had to change, and her shows are packed with action, intensity, passion, emotions, cuteness, and sexiness, and all to convey the songs well unlike some other female artists (particularly in the West) who will make a sexy performance out of a soft ballad. This isn't to say she doesn't have any sex appeal, or sexy performances; but it's more "time and place" which I've got to admire her for.

It's always been proof, I think, that she wasn't going to budge, and to change everything, just for her records to sell and that'd she'd remain putting feelings into her music because her music was for her, and for us, and we'd keep listening as long as those feelings were there.

As she's once said, people are free to listen to music on their own; and to decide what they like on their own.

Wow..that was really such nice input. I love how you shared your view about her personality. It seems really right on and I agree with most of the things you said. You know, I really hope to meet Ayu one day and be able to get to know her more. She's such an inspiration to me and no matter how much I listen to other artists, Ayu was the only one who kept me coming back for more and loving her. I eventually realized that no other musician could compare to her nor give me the same feelings Ayu did through her music. I love her so much. ^^,)

Originally Posted by ayumisrael

Sure! I'll be glad to help! Psychology is such an interesting subject.
I took it at high school along with Sociology. =D

It really is! There are only a few people who know about psychology (where I'm living) but I aim to make it something people should not fear nor have negative thoughts about. I was expecting an assignment like this to come one day and now that it's here, I'm determined to pour all of my heart into it since I've already decided from the start that I shall write about the special person who is in my heart.

[LydenLeaf]

Thank you so much for your responses captain-kawaii123, AngelSenshi, LacusClyne, ownsarai, ayurainbow, ayumisrael, zellyx ! Many of you also included very insightful ideas. Thank you so much for sharing and taking your time to respond to my thread. Credit will be given to whom credit is due.

[ayufan-]

1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?
I know her since 2008 and also in that year i becasme a fan of her. Because of her i start posting in lyrics and poetry thread. I learned to express my thoughts and feelings into lyrics, no sing lyrics but read lyrics.
2.) Do you find yourself inspired/influenced by her? If so, can you name some instances?
Of course i read her lyrics, and her lyrics are an influence for my ones. And because of Ayu i became more how do you say it, more adult for my age(i am 15)
3.) What can you say about her fashion tastes and music style(s)?
Her fashion is changing, but always very good. I think fashion is a way for her to express herself without words. Her musicstyle is also changing, but always you can hear it is ''ayu music''. And that is something i like, even when she is doing something completely new i can hear it is ''ayu music''.
4.) What do you love the most about Ayu?
This is a very hard question for me because i love her completely. It is her look, her voice herself what makes Ayu Ayu. I love her for beiing herself and being honest in her lyrics, i just love all of her.
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)?
She present herself in my opinion as a pretty comercial singer. But doing that she don't lose herself in selling her songs. And because hse is always herself nobody is like her. Not only because she si unique in her voice and music and fashion style, but also because of her lyrics.
6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?
No, but i realy want to.
7.) Can you describe what her music is like?
Her style is emotional and personal. she writes very personal and emotional songs, not like others do. Her music style is always changing, what makes her so not boring. It is music who don;t get bored like other sometimes have.
8.) What kind of personality do you think she has? (Is she warm, friendly, etc.)
In my opinion she is a very nice, frienly adn good-taking-care-about-friends/family person. She is always happy and funny.
9.)What can you say about the people she works with? (The photographer, director, etc.)
She works with people who are pretty good in their job, but sometimes I don;t like the peoples style. Like the person who created ''Sparkle'' and ''Lady Dynamite'' musicvideos, i really disliek his style. But things she create with these people is in commom very very good.
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 not a really ols fan so i don't awnser this question.
11.) Lastly, can you name some of your favorite songs by Ayu?
This is always changing, especialy when she ahs new songs, but now: MOON, Carols(always), Startin,rainbow,memorial adress. Mostly ballads, but i also love the faster songs. and i really like her cover of ''Hary Yo Koi''.

[C+R+E+AYUMI]

1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?
It has been fate..I downloaded "depend on you" by mistake and after one listening i was overcome and absolutely in love with this voice. From the very first second I felt a strong attraction to the singer, her charismatic aura was very perceptible.
After that first meeting, I began collecting everything about her, buying albums, translating songs..her experience throughout her sung words encouraged me for at least 11 years.
2.) Do you find yourself inspired/influenced by her? If so, can you name some instances?
I think our life experiences during childhood and teenage were pretty similar so i always found my self easily in her story-telling lyrics. The lost of our father and the controversial relationship with our mothers were important associations to with her.
Actually I got inspired from her in the genuine attitude in spite of her success.
Her look influenced me for many years.
3.) What can you say about her fashion tastes and music style(s)?
She is always surfing the highest fashion wave! Her fashion and music style change from album to album and influence all the japanese and asian taste. She's definetely leading.
4.) What do you love the most about Ayu?
Her sense of renovation, her informality, her desire of communication.
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)?
She's half a diva and half the girl next door..that's her recipe of success to the world.
I believe that still after 12 years nobody can be compared to her or take over her.
The star that will shadow ayu must be given to birth yet.
6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?
LOL that's a dream
7.) Can you describe what her music is like?
Is like a feeling flow that overcomes you, that embraces you. Is something like you cannot not feeling involved.
8.) What kind of personality do you think she has? (Is she warm, friendly, etc.)i think she's friendly, really sweet and open-hearted..but I still believe she has a deep dark side, something she didn't resolve yet. And I believe she's full of people but very lonely at the same time.
9.) What can you say about the people she works with? (The photographer, director, etc.)They're all great professionists, I believe she could afford to choose only the best.
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?Yeah, totally. 12/7 years ago she was totally a different person. She was really hurted by her childhood, by her feeling very different from other guys.
Now she is a mature woman, she overtake those moments but i still perceive something sad in her. She efforts to appear happy and strong, but i think her loneliness it's really heavy.
11.) Lastly, can you name some of your favorite songs by Ayu?
Dearest, SURREAL, monochrome, HEAVEN, As if.., A song for XX, I am.., ever free, HANABI, Who.., rainy day, teddy bear

[asmAyumi1992]

1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?
5 years ago when I was 13.

2.) Do you find yourself inspired/influenced by her? If so, can you name some instances?
Yup. I keep my nails long like Ayu and cut them asap if only Ayu cut them. I also became addicted to twitter because Ayu also tweets.

3.) What can you say about her fashion tastes and music style(s)?
Love all her fashion. She's not tall but everything she wore reli suit her perfectly. Her music styles are not following the mainstream much imo. but more to her choice at that time.

4.) What do you love the most about Ayu?
Her songs, face, fingers, husky voice, eyes.. I think, everything about her.

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)?
She presents with her brilliant words in lyrics. The edge between others is HUGE imo.

6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?
NEVER. But I got a reply from her in Twitter. She is so nice. In my observations, she's reli nice to her fans.

7.) Can you describe what her music is like?
Like circus. Everything is mixed up perfectly. Her songs if combined is like a story and also like her diary. Full of secret.

8.) What kind of personality do you think she has? (Is she warm, friendly, etc.)
Warm, friendly, funny, nice, a bit annoyed when she's angry (imo), crazy friend.

9.) What can you say about the people she works with? (The photographer, director, etc.)
GOOD. reli GOOD.

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?
Urm.. I don't think so.. But I think, she's more matured now or old? idk...

11.) Lastly, can you name some of your favorite songs by Ayu?
atm, all in RnRC.

[Delirium-Zer0]

1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?

I've been a fan of Ayu since Spring 2000, so just over 10 years. Ayu hasn't changed my life herself, and I like to try to keep a realistic head on my shoulders about that kind of thing. But she has definitely dictated purchase decisions. She's also been an artistic muse - I've drawn more pencil portraits of her than anyone else, retouched more photos of her than anyone else, designed more fanart CD covers for her than anyone else. She's also provided a soundtrack for some of the biggest events of my life - high school graduation, first boyfriend, first child, et cetera. Sometimes I feel like her lyrics are cheering me on.

2.) Do you find yourself inspired/influenced by her? If so, can you name some instances?

Ayu got me interested in Japanese music to begin with, and now I'm co-creator and cohost of a J-music podcast that's quite successful. I've become a J-music journalist because of Ayu, really! That podcast is a huge part of my life, as are the two amazing friends I do it with, and I have Ayu to thank for that really. I'm also learning Japanese because I want to understand her. And I take cues from her workaholism - I'm an incredibly lazy person, but lyrics like "hajimenakya hajimaranai" from "Fly high" remind me that I have to be the one to make progress happen.

3.) What can you say about her fashion tastes and music style(s)?

Her fashion taste is awesome. Not because it's always perfect, but because she wears what she wants and almost always manages to pull it off. Sure, she's worn some utterly ridiculous outfits, but the fact that she even takes the risk is awesome to me. As for her music style, I listen to TONS of music in TONS of different genres and I'd be lying if I said she was anything but pop. However, her pop does incorporate various styles of music from all over the world, so it's certainly not all bubblegum pop, not all dance pop, not all techno pop, not all rock-pop. But she's done all of that, and then some.

4.) What do you love the most about Ayu?

How human she is.

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)?

I don't think she does anymore. What gave her an edge in the late 90's was how unique her approach was. No one was writing lyrics that personal or that sad in the J-pop music market in the 90's, and listeners finally felt they had someone who was speaking for them, someone they could identify with. Music worldwide has taken a turn away from that approach, unfortunately, and it's the slick production and catchy melodies that win - ayu's melodies just aren't memorable enough anymore. Her trendy fashion sense also is no longer a marketing point. She doesn't really have "looks" and temporary trademarks the way she used to (i.e. Duty's leopard print, Dome Tour 2001's camoflage). Her clothes are a bit more normal now, and she doesn't have "uniforms" for specific single releases (i.e. M's wedding dresses) as often as she used to. She's not trying as hard to be a product anymore though, so that's good.

6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?

Unfortunately not, but from what I've seen in videos and heard from other people she's very polite (almost to the point of being cold sometimes).

7.) Can you describe what her music is like?

Epic. Her music conveys emotion but with a pop sensibility behind it. Her music is dynamic, but slick; honest, but not alienating.

8.) What kind of personality do you think she has? (Is she warm, friendly, etc.)

Workaholic. Probably has an on/off switch - work mode, she's probably cold, to the point, efficient, control freak is entirely likely. Play mode, she's probably fun, friendly (but only to those she's already friends with), and I bet she's a really entertaining drunk.

9.) What can you say about the people she works with? (The photographer, director, etc.)

I'm glad fans can sort of get to know these people. Ayu presents them at the forefront more often than most artists seem to, so we get to know names like Yocchan and Armageddon and Shimo-kun and Stan and Midoring... They're all creative and hard working people, most of them are really talented but I get the feeling Ayu has a hard time letting them go even when they've failed her repeatedly. Every now & then she needs a reboot among her creative crew and it is disappointing when she sticks with people who aren't doing their jobs properly.

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?

After her visit to HK in 2002, Ayu's approach to the "RAINBOW" album wasn't what anyone expected. There was a swift, marked change in her presentation, her world outlook, her lyrics, everything about her. It was kind of jarring. "RAINBOW" disappointed ALOT of fans at the time, I remember. The ayu we fell in love with was GONE, and it was the only real mass exodus of Ayu fans that I ever saw personally. She started writing songs about US and to US, when all we wanted were songs about HER, you know? It wasn't the Ayu we wanted to support. Even my fandom waned slightly, but I came back on board after the RMX WORKS series came out in sept. 2003.

11.) Lastly, can you name some of your favorite songs by Ayu?

M, HANABI, until that Day..., (miss)understood, evolution, JEWEL, TO BE, STEP you, criminal, alterna, Heartplace, About You, INSPIRE, fairyland, UNITE!, monochrome, POWDER SNOW, P.S II, I am..., SURREAL, NEVER EVER, ever free, Far away... oh man there are alot. I will say that I'll listen to all of LOVEppears and Duty without skipping any tracks, and (miss)understood and Rock'n'Roll Circus skipping only one track on each.

[C+R+E+AYUMI]

Originally Posted by Delirium-Zer0

1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?

6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?

Unfortunately not, but from what I've seen in videos and heard from other people she's very polite (almost to the point of being cold sometimes).

I think it's the typical japanese attitute

[aura~]

I don't know if you still need this... but anyway I want to colaborate ^^

_____________________________

1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?

I know Ayu since December 2003. I can't really think of how Ayu changed me because of course I don't know how would I be without her. But I'm sure she has done something. She gave and still gives me something to dream and hope for... I don't know in how many ways, but I'm sure Ayu has something to do in the person I've become.

2.) Do you find yourself inspired/influenced by her? If so, can you name some instances?

Yeah, sure. First of all, Ayu has a great fashion taste, so of course she is a great reference in that aspect. In other ways too. Her lyrics are inspiring and are easy to relate to them. I find myself searching for advice in her lyrics, or listening to them to help me go through something.

3.) What can you say about her fashion tastes and music style(s)?

She is chameleonic! In both aspects, she is able to wear girly, pink dresses or a dark rockish look and still be "Ayu". And music-wise too. She is known for trying a lot of styles, rock ballads, pop ballad, rock, pop, electronic, etc...

4.) What do you love the most about Ayu?

That even though she looks so divaish, she's still so human, like all of us, and that she cares a lot about her fans, she wants to be close to us, and that makes me love her more and more everyday!

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)?

Mmm... After her peak in the music industry I think Ayu avoids to act like artist often do, and I think she focused her career on satisfying her fans and keep doing what she loves instead of searching for more fame. And I don't think she has "edge" to other artists, but I'm pretty sure Ayu already knows who are her friends in this industry and also tends to be surrounded always by the same people of her staff... So more than edge I think she just wants to be around the ones she trusts.


6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?

I still can't believe it, but yes! In London I was able to talk a bit with her. I can't descrive that feeling. She was so close with us, it was winter and she touched our hands saying "Oh! You are so cold!". She was really kind and funny, she talked to us so naturally that it shocked me!

And well.. if that counts she has answered me many times in twitter, she is just so kind and friendly hahaha.

7.) Can you describe what her music is like?

Wow... mmm... Difficult question... Her music is Ayu, and Ayu is feelings, emotions... Her music is not to listen as background, all her songs are meaningful.

8.) What kind of personality do you think she has? (Is she warm, friendly, etc.)

I think she is really friendly and warm, funny and sensible, but also really intelligent and mature.

9.) What can you say about the people she works with? (The photographer, director, etc.)

After all these years Ayu created her own "Ayu family". She is working with friends and people she feels comfortable with. I fidn amazing how we all know the names of her band, dancers, bodyguards, nail artists, photographers...

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?

Yes, I think so. Everyone changes even within 1 year. ayu is not the same Ayu she was 12 years ago, not even 6 years ago. Even though Ayu is still Ayu, she is more mature now and she went from writting about her and for her, to wrtie about other people problems, world issues such as freedom, and then to write for other about her experiences. Her lyrics in each album show us the Ayu at the moment, now Rock'n'Roll Circus album's lyrics show us who is Ayu now.

11.) Lastly, can you name some of your favorite songs by Ayu?

Memorial Address, Marionette, Talkin' 2 myself, Last Links, GAME, Because of You, A song for XX, teddy bear, walking proud, Decision, (miss)understood, HEAVEN, criminal.. (ok I stop here hahaha)

[LydenLeaf]

Hello again everyone! I'm sorry I couldn't drop by here so soon. I was too busy with other things at school. Nevertheless, I've read your responses. Additionally, I'd like to thank ayufan-, C+R+E+AYUMI, asmAyumi1992, Delirium-Zer0, and aura~. Thank you very much for taking the time to respond to my thread! I'll give credit to whom credit is due. Thank you everyone for being a part of my research. This will definitely aid me in my research paper. You all have my deepest thanks.

[k21sh3n]

1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?
early 2006.. so it's been 4++ years now.. the longest period I have ever had to be someone's fan. My friend offered his I Am album to me years before that, but at that time I just turn it off after listening to a song, coz I don't like it. In 2006 after watching her AT 05, I was addicted to her songs and starting to look for information in the internet, then I stopped at this site and read all of her lyric translation (thanks to Masa) after that.. I just can't stop listening to her music and the funny thing is I Am is one of my all time favorite now..

she made me interested to Japanese culture and I'm learning Japanese language now because of her..

2.) Do you find yourself inspired/influenced by her? If so, can you name some instances?
She helped me.. going through a lot of things.. she made me understand in order to achieve something you have to work hard, she also inspires me to stand for something even if it's different with others, to be myself and to be stronger.

3.) What can you say about her fashion tastes and music style(s)?
she has a wide variation of music and fashion tastes.. she's dare to try new things. I personally love it when she sings a lot of rock songs, luv it luv it.. her fashion style, I love her style in the LOVEppears, I Am, Rainbow era.. and when she's trying to dress up more maturely in the My Story, (miss)understood and Secret era.

I don't really like it when she's trying to dress up sooo cute in her concert/magazine.. I mean come on.. you're 30 YO already.. she doesn't look weird though.. but I don't know, just don't like it

4.) What do you love the most about Ayu?
her personality, creativity, and she knows what she wants, how she focus and willing to work hard to achieve it.

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)?
in the early years she regarded herself entirely as a product, and she worked hard as a product until a point when I guess she could take no more of it. It's no longer about how she presents herself to the world.. It's more like she's using her music as a prove of her existence in this world, as she has stated before, "music is my life" and how she will be dead if she's no longer a musician..


Do you think she has an "edge" over others (who are in the same industry as hers)? --> I think half of the young entertainers in Japan are influenced by her.. music wise, attitude wise or maybe marketing skills wise.. since she's one of the most successful artist ever in Japanese music industry.

6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?
NEVER. sadly.. haha but I wish I would have the chance someday

7.) Can you describe what her music is like?
her lyric are awesome! and she's sooo good with words, and so smart with it.

every time I have any emotion I could always find a lyric suits me, how cool is that?? Sometimes it makes me think that she's using certain words cleverly in order to reach wider audiences.

8.) What kind of personality do you think she has? (Is she warm, friendly, etc.)
I think she's the kind of person who could be sooo demanding and annoying when it comes to work. She's a perfectionist and control freak I guess.. she has these images specially in the early years of her carrier..

although she produces mannnyy good lyrics and so good with words, I personally think she has the difficulty to "connect" with others orally, she tends to be a passive side when it comes to a conversation with a new person she meet. (like me actually). But when it comes to someone she knew then she could be someone warm, bubbly and chatty..

9.) What can you say about the people she works with? (The photographer, director, etc.)
GOOD, everyone seems to work hard and giving their best

I think they see her as a professional who will give everything to achieve the target.. and I think they do pay a high respect to her because of her commitment to her music.

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?
YES definitely. The fact that she's no longer regards herself as a product affected the way she interacted with others. She seems to be opening herself to others in these 2 years? Using the TA messages, with lots lots of photo taken from her home, before that.. there'd never be a picture taken from her private residence.

I think in the early years of her career, she sort of trying to draw a line between her, her staffs and her fans, I guess since she's seeing herself as a product, so staffs to her were just her colleague, and fans to her were just her customer. She was not accessible, particularly about her private life.. but everything has changed lately, she opens up, to her fans, her staffs..

In the past she also seems to be struggling with herself A LOT (I guess because she's restricted to do a lot of things she wanted to..) and she seems to be having a difficulty to trust others (she has it too now, but it's much better compared to the past).. but along with her growing age and maturity, she seems to mature a lot.

11.) Lastly, can you name some of your favorite songs by Ayu?
hanabi, hanabi episode II, I Am, Secret, Endless Sorrow, Dolls, Pride, Is this love



To me she's a very interesting person, I love to read her interviews and her lyrics, she's the kind of person who thinks a lot about herself and anything surround her, she also has this amazing skill to observe anything surround her and then turn it into a beautiful lyric.

and by the way, I was actually planning to use Ayu as a topic for my thesis too!! but I still have no idea which side of her I will use as my topic since I will not start to write it until the next two semesters.

Good luck with your paper and update us with it.

[LydenLeaf]

Originally Posted by k21sh3n

and by the way, I was actually planning to use Ayu as a topic for my thesis too!! but I still have no idea which side of her I will use as my topic since I will not start to write it until the next two semesters.

Good luck with your paper and update us with it.

Thank you very much for your response k21sh3n! I'll add this in my research paper too. I'm happy to know someone was thinking of writing about Ayu too. I think it's a rare chance encounter but a really nice one.

My teacher told us we'll be presenting our papers next week so I'll be able to tell you guys how it went after then. Once again, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has taken part in my thread. I really appreciate the time and effort you all have devoted in helping me with this school paper of mine. Thank you very much!

[chloeM]

1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?
I've been an Ayu fan since the year of 2006.. it has been 4 years... She changed my way of thinking... I used to be very emotional but this girl's smile just made me smile~

2.) Do you find yourself inspired/influenced by her? If so, can you name some instances?
By her sense of fashion

3.) What can you say about her fashion tastes and music style(s)?
All her lyrics are very connected to her. As she put all her life in her lyrics and put it out for the whole world to see... She likes to connect her songs with fans too~

4.) What do you love the most about Ayu?
When she's dead serious on planning on her tour / when she's goofing around

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)?
She is presenting her ownself to the world...

6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?
i didn't have that chance to~

7.) Can you describe what her music is like?
Pop-ish and BALLAD

8.) What kind of personality do you think she has? (Is she warm, friendly, etc.)
Warm, Friendly, Funny, Serious

9.) What can you say about the people she works with? (The photographer, director, etc.)
She trusts them~

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?
She has gone kinda emotional since the early 2008 era, where she lost her friend, hence the song untitled ~for her~.. but she got back on her feet

11.) Lastly, can you name some of your favorite songs by Ayu?
Over
Sexy little things

[LydenLeaf]

Hello there chloeM! Thanks for your answers. It's not too late to add them. Thank you very much for your time and effort.