[Katsuyuki012]

It's not only ayu, it's like many other artists and even performers too... And actually, many Japanese singers are still there from "older times"... I don't often hear about someone retiring at 40.. Outside japan it might be a different story, yes, but even inside Japan it's not like everybody just retires... I wouldn't say I have a "romanticized" view since I am aware there is not only ayu... It's also not only about her retiring at 40 but her already thinking about/aiming for it at much younger age when she wasn't into her career for long time. Many Japanese singers are still out there - just not as successful. But they prefer their job, passion etc. over success. With Namie it's pretty much the opposite thus she retired too. I do understand that she wants to go while being successful still but I personally have a dislike for that... I am not denying the importance of success though.
And let's just assume she actually did love her job, retiring (so she can go while being successful) would say enough about her even then.