and then

Avex: The Musical

Stacey Anne — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:45:56 +0000

In honor of its 20th anniversary Avex has already released a mini-drama series featuring past hits on its soundtrack with a second being released now. Then there’s this:

Music label Avex has announced that it is producing a musical this September, titled “Kokoro no Kakera.” The soundtrack is said to feature 21 songs, chosen from the company’s hits over the past two decades. This is the first time that a record company has put together a musical based on songs by several of its artists.

The story, set in a fantasy world, centers around a wounded OL who roams a futuristic city searching for mysterious “heart fragments.” Avex talents such as Takahiro Nishijima (AAA) and Hiroki Aiba have been cast. Playwright Tsuyoshi Kida wrote the script, and Shunichi Okamura is directing.

Some of the songs being used are Namie Amuro’s “Can You Celebrate?,” Ayumi Hamasaki’s “SEASONS,” and Kumi Koda’s “Koi no Tsubomi.”

The musical will be performed at Tokyo’s Aoyama Theatre from September 15 to September 29.

Tokyograph News

Notable TeamAyu Update

Stacey Anne — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:42:53 +0000

I don’t want to make a habit of posting every TeamAyu message (hence why the up-to-date ayu-mi-x.com is linked in the sidebar), but this entry is worth drawing attention.

Forum member Delirium-Zer0 posted a translation of Ayu’s latest fan blog entry over at ayu-mi-x.com that explains more about the events leading to GUILTY and the infamous COUNTDOWN LIVE performance. This includes identifying the “dearest person” to whom the album is dedicated and going into more detail about her deafness. It’s not an easy entry for fans to read, but its honest.

ayu-mi-x.com: TeamAyu 234

US iTunes Update

Stacey Anne — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:52:03 +0000

Ayu’s Cyber TRANCE presents ayu trance 2 has been added to US iTunes!

Asia Tour 2008 Dates announced

Stacey Anne — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:42:02 +0000

Ayu’s official site has added four Asian stops on her 2008 tour.

09/20 (Saturday) - Hong Kong - Asia-World Expo
10/18 (Saturday) - Shanghai - Shanghai Grand Stage (Shanghai Gymnasium)
11/01 (Saturday) - Taipei - Taipei Arena
11/02 (Sunday) - Taipei - Taipei Arena

Official Site: Live Schedule

Ayu at a-nation ‘08!

Stacey Anne — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:02:12 +0000

The official site just updated to announce that Ayu will be attending a-nation ‘08 after all! She will be performing in two shows in Tokyo at the end of August!

8/30（土）東京公演
8/31（日）東京公演

Official Site: Live Schedule

COUNTDOWN LIVE DVD Official Preview

Stacey Anne — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:53:45 +0000

With the COUNTDOWN LIVE DVD dropping tomorrow, Ayu’s official site has updated with a special preview movie of the DVD.

COUNTDOWN LIVE 2007-2008 Cover

Stacey Anne — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:23:20 +0000

The official site has updated with the cover of Ayu’s upcoming concert DVD COUNTDOWN LIVE 2007-2008 Anniversary. The DVD is set for release June 18th. Additionally, the tracklisting was amended with a 30 minute “Making Movie” (or I just missed it earlier).

Asia Tour 2008 Taking Requests!

Stacey Anne — Fri, 16 May 2008 03:46:50 +0000

Ayu’s official site has updated with a new poll asking for the top 3 songs you’d like to hear Ayu perform during her 10th Anniversary Tour. Every song she’s ever released — b-sides and all — are listed as possible contenders, so get going and vote!

緊急企画!!「ayumi hamasaki ASIA TOUR 2008 〜10th Anniversary〜」Songs Voting!!

COUNTDOWN LIVE 2007-2008 Coming to DVD

Stacey Anne — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:33:34 +0000

After 2006-2007 was released as part of her second single collection, the official site announced today that COUNTDOWN LIFE 2007-2008 Anniversary will be released to DVD next month.

“Mirrorcle World” Hits Airwaves

Stacey Anne — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:16:49 +0000

“Mirrorcle World” jumped a whopping 67 spots from last week to land the number two position on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

Billboard Japan