Jul
25
2008

The new music player from Ayu's official site
Getting into Ayu was never easier now that Ayu’s official site has updated with an official, in-browser music player. Now visitors can click on an album or single cover to stream sample tracks.
In light of this, the Ayu-VogueNET (outdated) radio.blog will be removed this weekend. If you’re new to Ayu, please take advantage of this great new feature!
Jul
25
2008
Ayu’s official site has updated with full details for the upcoming A COMPLETE ~All Singles~ set. A full tracklisting can now be found in Ayu-VogueNET’s discography.
Please also note that the title is marked as “tentative” on the official site.
Similarly, other online retailers like Yesasia.com and HMV.co.jp now have it available for pre-order in addition to CDJapan’s listing yesterday.
Jul
24
2008
Ayu’s official site hasn’t updated yet, but CDJapan just sent out an artist alert that Ayu will be releasing a special “all singles” 3 CD collection! It will be available with an optional DVD including live footage previously not released on DVD! Finally, the CD will feature a newly re-recorded “10th Anniversary” version of “Who…”
The CD+DVD version will also come with a 48 page photobook.
The big appeal of this release (besides the limited edition content) is the special discounted price.
This new single collection will hit stores September 10th.
Jul
21
2008
Ayu is causing a stir abroad again, this time in Hong Kong where she arrived this morning to shoot her 2009 Calendar. According to forum posts at Ayunite, Avex will hold a press conference later today.
Keep up to date:
Jul
15
2008

Ayu’s now officially the face of Wacoal designer lingerie. According to Sanspo, the campaign features Ayu modeling the Wacoal designs with the tagline “TRUST ME”, and it will be used to introduce the brand to Asian markets. Not coincidentally, it will also coincide with Ayu’s tour of Asia beginning in September.
Wacoal lingerie distributed in Japan in conjunction with Peach John (a Japanese company now owned by Wacoal). Peach John president Mika “Mama” Naguti is a good friend of Ayu’s and was present during the campaign’s shooting.
Jul
14
2008
Ayu’s official site has added an additional Hong Kong show to her Asia tour. She will be performing again at the Asia World Expo Sunday, September 21.
Jul
02
2008
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.
Jun
28
2008
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.
Jun
24
2008

Ayu’s Cyber TRANCE presents ayu trance 2 has been added to US iTunes!
Jun
21
2008
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