1.) How long have you been a fan of Ayu? In how many ways has this musician/artist changed your life?
I first heard one of her songs by accident about 8 years ago, and a few months later I started delving more and more into her music. About three years later, I decided I wanted to learn Japanese because of how much of an influence she'd been in my life. Five years after I made that decision, I'm here living in Japan, and I suppose you could say it's all because of Ayu.
2.) Do you find yourself inspired/influenced by her? If so, can you name some instances?
The most recent example I can think of is when RED LINE ~for TA~ came out at the end of last year. I was going through some pretty heavy personal problems, and that song was a big part in helping me get through some of my darkest days back then. We also come from similar family backgrounds and I think she's an amazing example of how your past and your history doesn't have to define you as a person.
3.) What can you say about her fashion tastes and music style(s)?
If there's one way Ayu constantly surprises me, it's in her versatility...both in her musical and fashion styles. In terms of clothes, it seems she can pull off just about any style she wants, and living in Japan I see how she continues to influence my generation in what they choose to wear. As her longevity in the music business continues, I've seen her discography grow more and more diverse, and she can pull off every genre that she ventures into.
4.) What do you love the most about Ayu?
I love that she's a phenomenal woman who's been able to achieve something beyond her wildest dreams. Not many people have the fortitude to accomplish something like that.
5.) How do you think Ayu presents herself to the world? Do you think she has an "edge" over others (who are in the same industry as hers)?
In the past she made it clear that Hamasaki Ayumi was a product, and she knew full well that was how she presented herself to the world. I think recently, though, she's opening up a little more and focusing more on Ayu as a person, which is important for her sanity.
Her longevity and popularity give her an edge over many other artists, I think.
6.) Have you ever talked with Ayu? How was she like?
I've never spoken with her one-on-one, but at a couple concerts I went to I was seated fairly close to the stage...Ayu has always said that in arenas, she can clearly see each and every fan's face, and on many occasions she singled me out and I knew she was looking directly at me, seeing me as a person rather than just another bobbing uchiwa in a sea of blue lights.
7.) Can you describe what her music is like?
I suppose it's most broadly described as Pop-Rock, but trying to describe her entire discography would take way more time than I have right now.
8.) What kind of personality do you think she has? (Is she warm, friendly, etc.)
I think she's an extremely bubbly and warm person who gets along well with many people.
9.) What can you say about the people she works with? (The photographer, director, etc.)
I respect her decision to work with a huge variety of different photographers and directors, even if I don't always like the end result. It makes me happy to know that Ayu always has, and always will, have input as to how the final product is released. I think too many artists give up their creative control, and I love how Ayu has always had a hand in that.
10.) If you've been a fan of hers for more than two years now, do you believe that there has been a change in her personality in some ways over the past years of her career?
I feel like we're seeing a more human side of Ayu than we were in the past when she seemed to be working with robotic tendencies, working for months at a time without a day off. That isn't to say she's got nothing but free time, she's still extremely busy, but she seems much more human, much more accessible.
11.) Lastly, can you name some of your favorite songs by Ayu?
That's always difficult since my favorites are constantly rotating in and out, but my all-time favorite songs include Memorial address, RED LINE ~for TA~, HANABI, M, SURREAL, appears, Sunrise, and monochrome.