and then

It’s been little more than a week since glitter/fated was released, and Ayu’s next single is already scheduled to drop in September! Ayu’s latest will premier in Panasonic’s upcoming campaign and will hit retailers September 19th. The new rock song will be available in a CD-only and “Limited Edition” CD+DVD format according to CDJapan.jp

Ayu’s official site has updated the flash intro of its Japanese version to contain a special thank you from Ayu.

This special message coincides with Oricon’s announcement that Ayu has broken yet another sales record. Ending the week on top, glitter/fated is now Ayu’s 28th single to hit number one. Congrats Ayu!

…and she shows no sign of slowing down Panasonic has updated its digital camera page with a preview of the newest campaign staring Ayu! With her two newest songs already serving as tie-ins, one can hope we have an all new song waiting in the wings.

Finally, the English and Chinese mirrors of her official site were updated with previews of the new film Kyo Ai ~Distance Love~

Ayu’s first CD single in over a year, glitter/fated, has ruled the Oricon Daily Singles Chart since its debut on the eighteenth, making a number one for the week a strong possibility.

As is done with most major releases, Oricon Style added a special issue to promote the Ayu’s latest, including a PV Digest video from Ayu herself. See the Oricon Special Issue.

In addition, Ayu’s official site has updated again with a special section dedicated to the short film included with the single, Kyo Ai ~Distance Love~. So far this section is only in the Japanese mirror.

Fear not, overseas fans. It’s worth noting that the CD+DVD version of glitter/fated is already available in its less expensive Hong Kong format (region 3 DVD). See Yesasia for more information.

I don’t normally post such updates since Ayu herself rarely addresses the specifics of personal life. However, today Ayu left messages on her Team Ayu page as well as her producer’s blog that she and Tomoya Nagase have officially called it quits. She writes that the seven year relationship had become less of one of sweethearts and more of siblings, so they remain close friends after the breakup.

Captures of the Team Ayu message (along with more literal translations can be found at fan forums like ahsforum.com and ayunite.net.

Max Matsuura’s blog: Message from Ayu

Ayu’s official site has been revamped for her latest single glitter/fated and the short film Distance Love.
In addition, after the video’s MTV premier, the official site now has not one, but two previews of Distance Love available for download.

In addition, Ayu’s producer Max Matsuura has updated his blog with Ayu-related entries several times since the last update, including some behind-the-scenes shots of glitter/fated’s cover photoshoot as well as the filming of Distance Love.

• Ayu Short Film Distance Love - Off
• Ayu new tune’s jacket photoshoot offshoot

“glitter” is on MTV Japan’s schedule for July 10th. It will air during the “HOT PICKS” rotation in the 7:30-9:00 time frame and again at 15:00-16:00. Given that it’s listed as “glitter” instead of “Distance Love”, it will more than likely be a segment of the film.

Ayu shows up periodically in Avex President Max Matsuura’s blog. Today Max treated readers to some gorgeous, high quality stills from Ayu’s new film Distance Love! Check them out at his blog. The film will be included on the CD+DVD version of her new single glitter/fated.

While we’re at it, the entry also highlights her appearance at the Confessions of Pain Japanese premier, the Chinese-language film for which her “Secret” (previous album Secret’s title track and the upcoming glitter/fated’s b-side) was the theme.

Ayu’s official site has updated the tracklisting for her upcoming single again, this time with the title for the short film inspired by the single’s a-sides. is now titled “距愛 〜Distance Love〜” (kyo ai ~Distance Love~; essentially “love over a distance ~Distance Love~”…. or just “Distance Love ~Distance Love~”) The new title is accompanied by a dramatic new still from the film. Check it out in the latest update to see the still!

Ayu’s 41st single glitter/fated is scheduled to hit Japanese shelves 7/18.