Firstly, bless the three of you for your truth-telling <3
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Originally Posted by nalini-dahlia
You say the stories about her love life are only gossip and thus mean nothing. But maybe she doesn't feel that way about. If it's irrelevant for you, that's your business but it means something to some of us here.
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Originally Posted by SunshineSlayer
As someone who lived in Japan 8 years of their life.......errrr I disagree with this. I understand where you are coming from and your points, but tell all books are not out of the ordinary in Japan. For example, there were a number of explosive tell alls from former Johnny's members that describe rapes within the company and drug problems. As with many things, Japan has a double standard about this kind of stuff.
I think you and Chibi are both being a little over the top and actually the ones who are over generalizing a culture. But that's neither here nor there. I just wanted to highlight this statement because Kuu is really not considered an icon in Japan. I like Kuu, don't get me wrong, but she has long been considered fairly irrelevant. And stating something like that makes me wonder if you really have a grasp on the pulse of the culture in Japan.
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Originally Posted by Chris85
And based on her MV, she's not a good actress.
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Secondly, I personally love that the story has added nuance to the most gripping records in her career. Frankly, I came to love Ayu because of her pen, and especially the contrast between her public persona/image and the introspection of her lyrics. To know that her writing was inspired by this profound feeling she had for a man who made her feel like someone believed in her at a time when no one else did—makes her all the more relatable for me and worthy of my respect as a human and a songwriter. Now that Matsuura is her producer again, I look forward to seeing how her songwriting continues to evolve.
Lastly, everyone’s going to have an opinion about Ayu—in Japan and outside. But, Kinsuma aren’t calling her the ‘Songstress of the Heisei Period’ for nothing, and that Sakai cited her as the most memorable soloist winner at the Japan Record Awards speaks to her legacy even now. None of the criticism changes nor negates the love she felt; the magic and power she crafted with her songwriting; the memories and soundtrack she provided to so many of us; the records she set and shattered; and her conviction to live her life and enact her artistry according to her own vision.
Can’t wait to pick up a copy from the bookstore and give this a read.