[CoriKaru]

Originally Posted by Koumori

^ Yeah, I just wonder whether it's because they both have large fan-groups of hardcore-buyers that will buy every single/album they release..even if they're not gaining many new fans, thus becoming less popular with those that keep up with who's releasing. It must be sad, but it makes you wonder how Utada keeps so current despite hardly releasing, next to two singers that release numerous singles/albums/DVD's etc every year. But whatever, that's another discussion.

And I have to agree some of the comments made me laugh, lol

Well it's kind of common knowledge that ayumi's popularity in Japan has dwindled. One commenter on that article, while shocked, stated as much as well, saying she/he didn't realize it was happening so quickly. The problem is she has a group of hardcore fans that buys her stuff, and that's it. They are the only people who buy it. And she doesn't bring in any new fans at all. ayumi has over-saturated Japan and so they've grown weary. The public has also had problems with her image and the type of idol they've marketed her to be. They view her as unobtainable and above it all and that also doesn't set right with them.

As for Kumi......well she just naturally hit her peak with......I think it was called Black Cherry or something and then you have to factor in the whole "Old Woman Fluid Is Pew On The Inside" debacle.