I hear you. I hate to say it but Fantome's release and some other great releases from some long time artists this year made me realize that Made In Japan is a weaker release in Jpop 2016. Not saying it is bad or I don't like it but compared to Fantome or Gackt's Last Moon, it just makes Ayu look like she is in last place. She should be leading, she has got a lot more talent than some artists selling more than double in sales.
I never participated in the whole Ayu vs Utada thing because I thought it was childish. I love both of them. I'm a bigger Ayu fan because of my emotions but Utada is just so much more consistent when it comes to the quality of her music.
Even though Ayu has made it look like she is rebounding from past troubles this decade, I think she still is struggling with the direction she wants to take her career. She seems to keep trying different things recklessly and hoping that she ignites that fire again. Utada always had a strong head on her shoulders since the beginning I feel. I know she expressed that towards her hiatus she was feeling like she was sort of losing direction but when it comes to the actual release of an album, it's focused and executed successfully. Made in Japan was like a scattershot, it has all kinds of different sounds and themes going on.
But it definitely does come down to personal feelings. I still do have a connection with Utada despite it being a bit weaker than some other artists out there. Utada is kind of an oddball, a little bit quirky and particular. Some might say weird.
I am like this as well so I sometimes see myself in her. Kind of not fitting in and having diverse interests. She is very introverted and likes to dive into her feelings and emotions and I love that. I can see this through her lyrics.
I think both of them are top tier artists that Japan has to offer the world.