and then

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.

Ayu recently wrapped up her Asia tour in her home town of Fukuoka, but she’s already back in Hong Kong to film a the PV for “glitter”, the new a-side off of her upcoming glitter/fated CD-single.

Much like 2002’s “Voyage”, this PV will actually be a 15 minute film. However, it is unknown whether it will be distributed as an independent short (as was done with the full version of the “Voyage” PV Tsuki ni Shizumu) or if it will simply be included on the DVD as “glitter”.

The film co-stars Hong Kong heartthrob Shawn Yue and will feature the first ever on-screen kiss in an Ayu PV, over which fans are already in a tizzy. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

CONGRATS ON NINE YEARS, AYU!

It’s been nine years since the release of the poker face single April 8,1998, and Ayu’s still going strong!

A BEST 2 -WHITE- and -BLACK- came in second and third respectively for the month, behind on super-group Mr. Children’s latest album (for a bit of trivia, Mr. Children is one of the bands with whom Ayu shares the 20 million+ sales record. She is still the only female and solo artist to reach such a milestone, though.)

In addition, Ayu arrived in Hong Kong earlier this week for her second show in her first ever overseas arena tour. The reception by adoring fans was just as crazy as her arrival in Taiwan; check out this great Xanga for media of the event or ON.cc for more coverage.

Finally, the Weiider television spot featuring Ayu has premiered (sadly) without a hint at the distant single.

Ayu’s official site has been updated with a new layout and two brand new mirrors: one in English and one in Chinese. The new versions don’t cover all aspects of the original site (the Japanese version is the only one with the fanclub and schedule links), they do have translations of her special comments.

A BEST 2 has gone on to conquer the global charts, taking the top two spots and individually selling double the number of units of its closest competitor.

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 has two additional releases US-bound thanks to iTunes! Check out MY STORY Classical, and the Startin/Born To Be… single!

Select albums are now available for purchase on US iTunes! If you live in the US, please consider purchasing something (even just one song!) to support Ayu