"Hurtful and inappropriate"? Yikes. It's not an unusual question for them to ask. Ayu said herself in 2004 that her era was already over, so what's the big deal?

Because it's pointless !! I don't see the point to ask this question ... what does that mean ? She is no longer popular at the moment so she is not worthy or I don't know what ?
I don't think it's hurtful but yeah ... one more opportunity by journalists to belittle the current state of Ayumi ! why not ask how he produced the song for her or things like that instead of lost his time with questions like that JJ Lin was not going to tell him "oh yes Ayu is has been" -_-"

It's a big deal to me because ayu is a current recording artist. Ayu isn't an idol of the past she's an artist of the present, who evolves. I don't understand the point of the question, i don't see why JJ and ayu collaborating has anything to do with it. If they ask ayu herself that question, she can say what she wants . But asking another artist about it?? that's inappropriate. It's also hurtful for ayu herself, i mean how many questions has she answered about her current popularity already and what the media wasn't satisfied with her answer so "lets ask other artist about it too".:rolleyes. If you don't think it's a big deal, well :shakehead

The Journalist are the meanest over their, even more mean then some of the members remarks here :P . I see it as them not having full freedom of speech in their country or more for press freedom, so they have to be able to have their cruel remarks somewhere, and a Japanese artist who is considered as one of Japan's biggest, as in what she has achieved, is a good target for them. Its sad but the Journalist are not aloud to write what's on their mind if it conflicts with certain things, but I don't need to go into that. But its just what the journalist's do, they like to stir the pot

^So... What are you drinking? I think I will have some too...