That's right, it says "may not participate". So its still a chance that she will perform at a-nation.

She has a point, the article is all speculations, nothing is confirmed. She probably won't participate, but I think that whole article is written based on the single fact that her name is not on the list, like it was posted here.

That really sucks, i'm sorry :(

I think it is great she is focusing on AT 08. she put a lot of time and not to mention money into this tour just for us, her fans! :yes

:yes :yes


I'm not that disappointed much. Yes, it's always nice to see that Ayu is usually the last artist to perform. However, I really haven't been into her a-nation performances lately. Ever since after 2005, I feel like they've dwindled downward. So, if she was going to do a performance this year, I would hope for it to be spectacular (especially considering it's her 10th anniversary).

:yes agreed

I'm also a little glad ticket sales are going worse than usual - it proves how even after ten years, Ayumi is a force to be reckoned with. Avex, take note: she can't be easily replaced (so don't bother throwing in Koda Kumi, Ai Otsuka, etc. - it's not the same).

It's disappointing to hear BoA won't be performing either. She needs a break though, so its fine.

we still have about 1month to find out...is ayu gonna perform at AN08 or not??

I almost hope she's taking a break - she needs a rest if she's going to be doing another grueling tour not only in Japan but other Asian cities/countries (isn't she going to Korea this time?). It may not seem like much compared to the Japan tour but having to travel, prepare yourself for a show, and adapt to the new arena(s) isn't easy. Hell, going to a totally different country is hard enough regardless if you're there to perform or have fun D:

anyway, yeah... I'm sorry to anyone that's going this year who will miss out on Ayu :(

I'm hoping she won't participate. She's always working her butt off, and people are like: oohh Ayu needs to rest, poor Ayu, etc. It's weird that now that there are evidences that she's not going to a-nation 08 to actually have time to work on AT08 people g: "WHERE'S AYU? OMG!"

I think that we shouldn't be naive and think that if the artists aren't attending somewhere it means they're taking a rest.

Obivously ayu will work on something else and won't rest (goes for BoA as well, last year BoA was in korea during a-nation and when she was back in Japan she worked on LOVE LETTER most likely).

A rest for artists is just a matter of few days or a week or two.
For the popular avex artists anyway, since they all release stuff in fast pace or performing/attending stuff.

^ I guess it would be more appropriate to say a break from a-nation? D:

can't believe kumi isn't the closing act... TRF is fine with me though

sigh...so its positive that she won't be a suprise artist too? its really weird, A-nation without ayu is weird...
its funny that the article didn't mention koda name...looks like koda not popular at HK

ayu sells the most a-nation goods compared to the other artists..so avex will make less profit this year if ayu doesn't attend.

There are other artists that are primarily managed at other agencies like Rhythm Zone but they still perform. They also always have a few artists that are in no way affiliated with Avex at all. (artists basically on loan from other companies) When I went to A-Nation last year Remioromen played. So I've never believed that Namie being with different management was the reason for her not participating; I'm not sure what the reason is. But for sure she would be a suitable closer for them in their anniversary year because prior to Ayu's huge popularity, Avex's biggest star was definitely Namie.

But anyway, it seems from reading the article, that it is still speculation at this point that Ayumi won't be attending, but it is certainly looking that way.

in a sense this can still be a rumour, it's HK newspaper lol

Looks like Ayu really takes out the a in 'a-nation'. It's rather disappointing yes, but at least she is going to be more focused on AT08.

I sadly accept this news. I hope this is just rumor. It is like it is not A-nation. Becoz' I always believe that a-nation is ayumi nation^^.

Anyway, in other hand, it is good if Ayumi won't be participating in this year a-nation, she might get overwhelmed with her asia tour (10th anniversary tour). In addition, I would prefer that she is giving more focus on her new single rather than another boring a-nation. (IMO, A-nation with ayumi is already boring. No other artist can come close to Ayumi's charisma on the stage. Not even Otsuka Ai (Sorry Ai-chan). I don't know how a-nation would be without ayumi. it will be super boring)

i'm happy that TRF closes the show as opposed to any other avex artists :D (or is speculated too, that is.)