DREAMS COME TRUE's most recent album sold about 410k in 4 weeks so I don't think they'll pass her if Ayumi stays at her normal releasing pace.

I meant relative to those above her; I've been waiting for her too surpass SAS for about a year now, lol. They have a pretty slow release pattern though, so maybe she'll be able to best them irregardless. I'm just hoping she comes along with an amazing single this year and sees a resurgence in popularity ala Hikki.

good for Ayu being the #1 selling female singer! of course, B'z have been around for a while, so that's why they were #1 in selling

Not really since the remix albums are included in the 45.5 million.

That's one wicked average she got there.

While that's a valid point, you have to take remix albums for what they are. All 16 of their sales add up to less then 4 million, which means she'd still be #4 and have a higher average than the top 3 without them. Saying Ayu's released as many albums as Michiru, SAS, or B'z is a bit misleading since most of their albums have been studio/compilations.

that's awesome! go AYU!

I'm so happy it's confirmed by Oricon :3

I don't think she is likely to catch Mr. Children and no one will be catching B'z, but Southern All Stars are possible since they aren't selling quite as well as they used to and aren't releasing as often. Ayu's spot is secure over Dreams Come True because their sales have really taken a dive lately.

If who is #1 was based on length of time in the business, it would be Southern All Stars in that top spot. B'z has just sold an amazing amount of records consistently - they are 20 million+ ahead of the closest competition. No one will be catching them anytime soon, if ever.

I'm sure Matsutoya Yumi would have been at some point.

Mr. Children debuted in 1992, that's why they are celebrating their 15th anniversary this year.

I think it was rumored that Killer Street was Southern All Star's final album. That's just speculation, of course. It'd be a damn good album to end their career on though. Ayu will probably surpass them if that turns out to be true.

Mr.Children and B'z. No way. She doesn't even deserve to pass them. She's already good enough in my book as the best selling female. I think she'll be holding that spot for a loooong time. Of course, unless some female comes along and revolutionizes J-pop music the same way Ayu did.

Some should really consider checking out those other bands in the top five though. B'z and Mr.Children are very popular, like Ayu, for their lyrics. Sakurai Kazutoshi has got to be one of Japan's all-time best lyricists. (Go see Centigrade-J for translations and see what I mean) They have way larger discographies than Ayu, so it's even more common for songs to sound the same. But when you have a lot to say, you tend to sacrifice a catchy melody for lyrics, you know what I mean? They're excellent live too.

I guess these bands won't float everyone's boat though. I tend to gravitate towards male singers in general, but I dislike L'arc and visual rock. I find that type of rock terribly boring. And I'm way over ELT, DAI, DAT, and all those girl-lead-bands.. except for ZONE.. they're amazing lol.

so COOL she deserve it..looks like in the end of her carrier she will be third for the best selling japanese artist

Mr. Children is, by far, the most successful act on the list, I mean they have much less releases than all the others on the list and they still sell A LOT.

Congreats Ayu!

Ayu is the youngest artist. So Cool!
Fighto! Fighto!

No.1 Forever >.<

I wonder just what boosted Mr. Children's fame to such a point that they don't even need promotion to sell like, 300k of a single.. D:

good job
thanks for sharing this

God damn, evil magic, thats what, DAMN THEM!

Fight for the first place!! :D:D:D

congrats on ayu..wee~~

Consistent good lyrics/melodies throughout the 15 years?

thanks for the info^^

Go ayu, Go ayu!!