I agree...

She could NOT live without the MUSIC, without her fans, without get back all this love from the people around the World... she NEEDS to sing forever, she loves her work, she loves to produce, to writte her own songs, to make concerts, to shoot videos... and we love her <3:luv2

Maybe next year could make the dreamed World Tour (America, Europe & Australia)... although really hopefully in April 2009 she can give any concert in Japan as I'll be staying all the month there (Tokyo) ^^

Nope, I don't think she'll retire, for the reasons everyone else stated. :P

Definately not. Ayu has said countless times before that she will keep marching on, no matter what obstacles may come her way - she will keep marching on... for us!

No, I don't think so.

Oh it says.. please continue to support us, Ayu.
Cause I think she is always supporting us..
With her music and lyric.

If ever she will retire, I'll be happy for her because she will leave a huge contribution to the JPop music industry and to our lives by her beautiful lyrics and her vibrant personality.

But IMO, I don't think she'll retire.
She'll continue to make wonderful music for us.

Nope, not until her hearing completely goes out on her, I think she said.

I think Ayu has at least 10 more years in her. Maybe more. Next year is way too soon for her to retire.

Like everyone said, I don't think Ayu will retire that soon.
But I have to agree, I don't think the japanese public nor avex will
be friendly towards her as much as they used to. I mean, unlike the
U.S, it seems that the japanese public fancies new faces(out with the
old and in w/ the new). If she really wants to keep going, I think she'll
have to tone things down a bit(image wise) and sing songs that are more..appropriate
for her age.

I mean if you look at Namie(who has passed her 20's),
she toned down/matured alot compared to the old days.

No chance.

It would blow entirely cause it would mean her other ear went boom, she has become a liar and that I will not be able to see her in concert D:

liar??? o_O

As long as she can hear and sing I don't think so. No chance.

Ayu will only retire after she conquer the world. Her soldier are the ayupans, and her world theme song is Bold and Delicious.

Sometimes, photoshop makes your dream come true. *cough*

^LOL...so funny comment

but..who knows she will be another "justine henin" wanna be, that retired while still on the top of the world...

knocking wood that it will never happen

No way! She hasn't held a world tour yet! XD

^amen...to that...XD...
let's crossing out fingers everyone...hope that she will make world tour, maybe next year?

I don't think that Ayu can 'mature' as you put it.She has always been a very childish kind of girl and she herself has said that she wants to always be like a child and honestly I like her that way.I don't care if she is 30 or 40.My mom is 47 and she acts like a little girl.I guess thats another reason why Ayu means so much to me.She reminds me of my mom who is my Idol,my angel,my bff and shopping buddy.:D

^ aw thats cute!

I don't think Ayu will retire next year. I'm curious to see what she does after her 10th anniversary.

^^ Yes, next year maybe too early to think about retire IMO

But if she is to retire I hope she released at least 50 singles and another album,,

About the maturity idea, yes I think she should consider it for her age she should perform as appropriate as possible. Is not that I don't like her cute style but again, 'Auntie' Ayu should see how things now (sorry no offense)