and then

Ayu’s official site kicked off the new year with two very big announcements! First is the official schedule for Asia Tour 2007 ~Tour of Secret~. The tour — which was first publicly addressed in her interview with CNN — will be Ayu’s first outside of Japan, and you can check her official site for dates and ticket information.

Second is the announcement of A BEST 2, Ayu’s long-awaited second single collection! It’s due in stores February 28th in two formats: A BEST 2 -BLACK- and A BEST 2 -WHITE- both come with a CD and 2 DVDs with different songs and footage (including music videos and documentaries). There is also at least one new song set to make its debut.

In addition, Ayu finished off the year with two best-selling albums; (miss)understood was 2006’s 8th best selling album while November’s Secret slid in at 22. All in all, this makes her the fifth best selling artist of 2006! Considering this year also marked her 40th single and made her the best selling female and solo act in Japan’s history, I’d say 2006 was a good year. ‘Wish Ayu all the best in 2007.

The BLUE BIRD and Bold & Delicious/Pride singles are now available to US fans via Apple’s iTunes Music Store. Unfortunately, Secret still isn’t available, but be sure to make use of iTunes’ request form if you’re interested in purchasing it.

Her upcoming appearance on NHK「紅白歌合戦」 has also been added to the Google calendar. If you get NHK programming, stay tuned December 1st after the 21:25-21:30 news for a performance of “JEWEL” on the show’s 57th special.

Ayu’s new album Secret has finished off its first week on the Oricon Style Charts at number one. Congrats Ayu!

In addition to her latest success, Ayu announced in a special interview with CNN (in English!) that she will be extending her Arena Tour to other parts of Asia this summer! Although she did not elaborate on locations — an unofficial interview transcript is available in Vogue’s articles section — keep an eye on your local ticket provider and Ayu’s official site for more.

Ayu’s new album Secret is now available! Thus far it has secured the top spot on the Oricon Daily Charts and fan feedback has been overwhelming positive. Be sure to pick up a copy if you haven’t already!

In addition to her musical endeavors, Ayu is returning to the fashion world with a special ASH & DIAMONDS collaboration: a beautiful limited edition wallet. The design will be sold at both Avex’s Mum-Mo Shop and ASH & DIAMONDS stores; ASH & DIAMONDS has announced a planned December 16 release, though it will take mail-in orders as early as December 12th.

If you’re going to be in the Tokyo area over the holiday and haven’t already done so, check out AvexLive.jp for ticket information to attend her annual New Years concert BEST of COUNTDOWN LIVE 2006-2007.