I never said that it didn't exist. Basically I was saying that a lot of artists WANTED to become artists and did things in order to do so [they performed in contests, went to music school, learned how to play instruments and wrote their own songs..] That album basically doesn't count for diddly if you think about that. That was the argument and it somehow got twisted into: "Oh, Ayu had a CD when she was 17 shouldn't she be counted with them too?"

And also, Ayu was born on October 2nd, 1978.. so.. unless for some reason you guys think she was born in 1980.. yeah.

Right I forgot that there was a gap of 2 years between the discovering and her debut :P lol

True, I agree that it wasn't a really an attempt that Ayu was into and all, but it still counts for something, it even charted (INCREDIBLY horribly, but it DID chart).

LOL Just imagined of an anniversary version of NFN XD!

Could someone please back the claim up that the two NOTHING FROM NOTHINGs charted? I've seen articles at Wikipedia and the like, but they are without any sources.

but...her short-lived contract with Columbia has nothing to do with true's point comparing Ayu and the other artists.

Ayu still is considered to have no background in music, unlike many other artists.

i think stating that fact that this discussion in particular is dragging on is just as necessary as those who found it necessary to state it wasn't. like i ever ask for and want any drama--it's that last thing i want when i come here (AHS forum) as i come here to relax and share thoughts about Ayu and others in the off-topic forums.

it seems we're mostly in a panic here with all these explanations and complaints about Ayu and its obvious that we are. and now we're talking about her previous releases before PokerFace? my gawd.
if we do love Ayu, appreciate what she has done already for her anniversary and bear with her. plus, let her chose for herself. this is HER accomplishment and special personal occasion anyways. she does what she wants. all she probably wanted to do was have a cup of champaign, listen to all her music for a day and reflect. *shrugs* so what? go suck your thumb and cry in your pillow if that bugs you.

My goodness, nobody shackled you onto this thread. If you feel the need to be an ayu avenger, there's no need to be so rude about it. "If we do love ayu... and reflect" would have been enough. We get the point but we don't have to accept it.

There's a good point being brought up about how technically, her 10th anniversary is from 4/8/2008-3/8/2009. In which case, she started with a bang with MW, a fantastic japan tour, a fantastic asia tour in the future, a 10th anniversary compilation and more to come! That's a whole new way looking at it for me. Anyway, i don't think many japanese artistes do TONS of stuff for their special anniversaries. Mostly just compilations. Perhaps because it's ayu, more's expected but in context, it's actually quite fine.

i'm just getting the image after looking through page after page... with these long posts... it makes me think of a nursery filled with crying kids. it's amazing how her 10th anniversary could bring up such controversy (on when her debut was) and complaints (when, how, who, why). it's rude of me, but it's always unwanted to realize its good to have people like me in discussions like this to put a wake up call to everyone that we got to slow down. we're about 80 posts away from closing this forum. i really don't want to see a "disappointing anniversary thread II".

people who haven't had their say yet better hurry before then. and conclusions should be made and settled with as well. a second thread should NOT be needed for this subject, really.

^Yeah, i agree we don't need a second thread for this. But i think some really good points have been made and i'm glad for this thread. My own opinion may not be the best and certain posts have made me feel better about ayu's progress this year. It's also heartening to know that so many people will continue supporting our queen through thick and thin (although it seems TO ME to be a kinda thin period because of declining sales blah blah). So from now until her 11th anniversary, i look upon the remaining period has a continuation of her 10th anniversary celebration.

A lot of people mention how 2001 was a "great year" etc. - a great year for fans because of all the material and exposure but if you remember it was actually quite a tough and horrible year for her. Fans naturally want as much of their idol as possible yet have to balance it with remembering their idol is a human. Its tricky.

I agree with GRACE.

Together When... was a single. NOTHING FROM NOTHING was an album. Fact. (Though I personally wouldn't call NFN an album, but more a mini-album, but still.)

Together When... wasn't sold through physical copies, so it doesn't count for her single spree (I don't even know if it reached #1, which I always follow).

NOTHING FROM NOTHING wasn't from avex trax etc., thus it doesn't count for her #1 single thing.

I'd also hardly call NOTHING FROM NOTHING a production of love for music. It sounds more like it was recorded in a karaoke bar when everyone was drunk.

FYI, Together When... was Ayu's first number one on the monthly Chaku-Uta charts. Surprising imo.

Exactly, just because it's not something she wanted, not something that's good or not something that's physical doesn't mean it doesn't exist. It still happened, it's still there, it's still counted for something.

With A COMPLETE, and the new single on the horizon, it's not really a disappoinment anymore, plus, when we finally get to see AT08, it'll all feel better =D

I hope AT08 DVD will be released before her 11th anniversary. That would keep the 10th anniversary spirit going =) I don't know how crappy NFN is but it's like a precious collector's item now lol! I think people discount it from her no.1 streak because the label's different and more likely, new fans don't know it exist. It's not that important to me. If it was under avex, maybe it would be a different story.

NOTHING FROM NOTHING was such a desperate attempt to cash off the recent success of EAST END x YURI lol. Poor Ayu.

2001 was a painful year for her in my oppinion.They forced her to do DT 2001 with an injured leg,pressured to do NEVER EVER...


I agree with panda a bit,because I don't want a second thread of this.

Uh, I don't think anyone does. tbh though, it did generate some good conversation (and a lot of meaningless bickering..) Best advice is to just let this thread die.

And about DT01.. Ayu was the one who wanted to do it. They wanted to postpone it, since it was already late and stuff.

Yeah it would be cool. But hard. Hard if they want to have the asia leg in it anayway. :P

This thread is the precursor to the 15th anniversary.
Oh we all know how the 15th anniversary went.....

Its only in the 2nd month!