Quote:
Originally Posted by TakaSama
While people do enjoy entertainment more during a recession, I do think that there is another factor in Japan that people aren't thinking about much. That is CD rental. I've been talking to some of my Japanese friends, and right now they are saying "I don't have the money to buy, I'll wait for album ABC to be released for rental." Every major Japanese CD release is available for rental about 2-3 weeks after it's released for purchase. Many people wait and rent. They don't buy it physically or digitally, they rent it and copy it that way.
|
Yes, that is another good point. A lot of people in Japan rent from Tsutaya nowadays. Tsutaya also has a very good second hand cd market goin on. Often times when I'm in Japan even I will buy albums second hand from Tsutaya. For new albums the price difference is usually only 500-1000 yen, but hey, better than nothing.
Tsutaya releases its rental rankings online, so we can check to see how Ayu did. However, I don't know of a place that releases the actual rental figures, just who is number 1, 2 etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ayu_desu
One thing the recession is definitely affecting is the advertising industry, which may be the reason for Ayu's lack of presence in TV lives/magazines (although I must admit that her declining popularity in Japan is not really helping (IMO)).
|
You make some excellent points as well. But even though they haven't been doing much promo for Ayu, they have been for other artists. Tohoshinki has been getting a lot and Koda Kumi seems to have been on tv almost non stop since December.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bluegie
OT... but will people say hikki as oba-san nowadays?
|
For some reason, Hikki always seems to get a special pass for that kind of thing. Probably because people consider her more of an "artist" than an "idol." Although it would be more fair if she took her share of the obaasan comments too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UHPlus
 someone who is 32 years old with 17 years career can sold over 1.5 million copies... why can't ayumi do so? Because she's losing it... |
I love Namie, but please lets not get into a big Namie vs. Ayumi fight here. No one will come out the winner.