[jimex289]

Eh...wrong. There's a difference between "hit rock bottom" and losing popularity. To me, hitting rock bottom is a pretty extreme expression, the lowest of the low; like falling off the face of the Earth and becoming a nobody. It's interesting you bring Ai Otsuka and Koda Kumi into this. They are still VERY well-known and established avex artists. Equating sales/promotions with popularity now eh? I'd say they both have just as big a loyal fanbase as EXILE. In no way have they hit rock bottom either. Obviously they weren't the favorites this past year but that doesn't mean they have been neglected. In the end, promotion and popularity do not always go hand in hand. Look at Ayu as a great example. Do you think she'll fall out of popularity in a heartbeat if avex stops promoting her as much? I'd say she'd still be one of the biggest acts around. Same for Namie.

It's promotion and sales. Being aggressively promoted does not necessarily give a boost to your popularity. On the other hand, less promotion doesn't necessarily make you less popular either. Fanbase and how well established you are plays a big role too.