Okay, this is where Ayu and I have a problem. She can't just say, "I've decided not to participate in Kohaku anymore to concentrate on CDL." She made it sound like a god damn break up. And in English. Kohaku's technically a Japan-only event, so why explain in English? This is exactly why I can't agree with the "fans are the ones who cause the drama" stance. It's both.
To be fair though, the Kohaku performances are only amazing visually because they suck otherwise. She's always first, they're always rushed, and that's because she has to prepare for CDL. Apparently people have forgotten this while blowing up her Twitter asking why. CDL's sucked since 2009-2010 in my opinion (sans last year), and maybe she's finally realizing this. I'd rather her put more effort into CDL and make it awesome than have a shitty performance AND concert both.
Need I remind people 2002-2003 when she was fighting off a cold and lost her voice... and 2008-2009 when she broke her hand... so yes, good on Ayu for doing this