^ Word.

I sifted through and found this thread about the highest taxpayers of 2004: http://www.ahsforum.com/forum/showth...ght=paid+taxes

In 2004, it is estimated that Ayu's income was all of $3.5 million USD.
So, uh, yeah, she's not an uber-millionaire like people assume. I think it's important to point out that there are basic contract differences between Japan and, for example, America.
I think perhaps it's safe to safe Utada Hikaru is worth more than Ayu overall because Hikki I think owns her copyrights and Ayu does not. They are managed completely differently. Will post more numbers for Ayu if I find them.

[edit] An article here says Ayu earned approx. $4 million USD in 2007. Not sure where the number came from since Japan stopped revealing the taxpayers list a few years back.