[TeamAyu] Ayu is getting divorced II

[OyTony]

Ayu updated TA with a message about her divorce.

Let's support her!!! =) (and let's not bash Mannie, I'm sure they had a reason and we are here for Ayu.)



Ayu's english message:

To my overseas fans,

I wish to inform you theat i, ayumi hamasaki, instructes my lawyer to file for divorce on my behalf in the united states today.

At the time of our marriage, my husband and I decided to live in the united states. However,approximatetely two months later eastern japan was struck by a huge earthquake. As a result of this tragedy, I felt an overwhelming need to stay in my home county, and was forced to leave my husband alone for a long time.

My husband and I have made every effort to reach a compromise;
However, as time has passed we have grown apart. I no longer feel the same desire to move to the united states. Instead I feel that I must ask myself what I can continue to do for my country, here in japan. This has eclipsed the future I had originally envisaged with my husband, and it is for this reason that I have made this difficult decision.

It was with a grateful, but heavy heart that I read all the messages I received form my fans and the press congratulating me on my 1st wedding anniversary at the beginning of this month. It was then that I realized I had to face up to the inevitable truth that I had been avoiding.

At present, my husband is in los angeles pursuing his career as an actor in Hollywood. I would ask that my fans to respect his privacy and refrain from sending him messages or contacting him to ask for comement.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Ayumi Hamasaki

source: TA

[ayu_ready?]

Originally Posted by maikaru

Sorry. Maybe you didn't understand the "Power of Music" message then. Normal people can't help "infrastructure" or whatever because we don't have knowledge on how to help it, or improve it. But what we can do is provide comfort to people, and do our own little part. Ayu cannot go to Sendai and help with the reconstruction or hand out supplies or something because honestly it would be more of a burden on the support people than anything, especially since there would be hundreds of reporters there every day following her every move. If she wanted to do a PR stunt, THAT would have been the PR stunt, but her presence would have been detrimental to the recovery process.

Instead, she did what she could. She started charity projects, donated money, and started a tour that brought the power of music to people. You obviously don't understand the power of entertainment to lift people's spirits, but most Japanese people who went to see the Power of Music tour felt an uplifting sense, and they were grateful to Ayu for that. If you'd like, you can go read Mixi entries or tweets about the Power of Music tour.

Why don't you put yourself in her shoes? If you are patriotic to your country and your country just had a natural disaster, could you go to another country and live your life normally without any cares when there's something that you know you can do. You have NO IDEA what Ayu is planning or doing behind the scenes to support Japan, and I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt that she is doing everything she can simply because she is my favourite singer, and I believe that's her personality.

If your husband refuses to come to Japan because he's gonna pursue his career in Hollywood, and you want to stay in Japan and do what you can to help and continue your career in Japan, how is the marriage gonna work? It's not. And it's no one's fault, it's a matter of time and circumstance. There's NO ONE TO BLAME in this situation.

Yeah, the marriage felt rushed, and I didn't like it anyways, but it felt like she truly loved him and there was no power play going on, and I'm not going to criticize her for her reasons. If it was me, and I was telling the truth and everyone told me "Oh, but you're lying. It's like this," I would be SOOO angry and devastated. You don't even know what happened 100%, like me, but why is it automatically acceptable to criticize everything someone says. No, it's not acceptable, because you wouldn't want someone to do that to you. It's not acceptable because everyone deserves the respect to be taken at face value. If you can't do that, then how can you call yourself a fan? You're not, imho.

I agree with something you have here, but honestly, like 50% of me disagrees. because with her status here, no matter popular she is now or not, she could have done many more. you know...

family or any relationship is a compromise. otherwise - it won't eventually work out, you know. if you stay selfish or whatever or keep to your priorities without altering them - it's doomed. sooner or later. I'm not saying that you should change youself and your interests, but, well, you have to sacrifice something sometimes.

[SheFliesHigher]

My fiance speculated that she had married Mannie to gain citizenship to the US, which would help her start a career here. He thinks it was more like a business decision.

I don't think Ayu is that cold and conniving, but I 100% do not believe that she ever seriously was going to move to the US. And give up her singing career in Japan? The thing that she has said in multiple interviews that she cannot live without? Nooooo way. If she ever thought about doing this, she obviously regretted it.

Some people have said that her not registering her marriage in Japan is understandable if she planned to move to the US anyway. I disagree, and think it shows hesitation on her part. What would be the harm in registering? In fact, registering seems like the smarter decision anyway, in case her or Mannie's plans change. Either Ayu didn't plan for her future at all, or she had second thoughts. I go with the latter. I think the marriage was an act of passion, and when the passion cooled off, she was like, "this isn't what I want after all." It's a very human situation, so I don't begrudge her at all. If anything, it shows again how she's a real person and not some Goddess.

[SunshineSlayer]

Originally Posted by SheFliesHigher

Some people have said that her not registering her marriage in Japan is understandable if she planned to move to the US anyway. I disagree, and think it shows hesitation on her part. What would be the harm in registering? In fact, registering seems like the smarter decision anyway, in case her or Mannie's plans change. Either Ayu didn't plan for her future at all, or she had second thoughts. I go with the latter. I think the marriage was an act of passion, and when the passion cooled off, she was like, "this isn't what I want after all." It's a very human situation, so I don't begrudge her at all. If anything, it shows again how she's a real person and not some Goddess.

Yep, this is just pretty much exactly what I think.

And @Coelcanth, I do not know if I believe that all those things were like cold calculated PR moves by Avex, but I do agree that especially over the last few years, the timing of her big announcements have been convenient so it definitely leaves things open to suspicion. As you said, she could be much more low profile about her personal life if she wanted to be.

[Yannetakizawa]

Please enough of this subject
it's been three days ^ _ ^
have to forget it, yes?
let's think about the next work, she already had enough problems because of these 3 days.

[Earth_maiden]

... but then what else would people talk about in the divorce thread?

[RayJason]

Originally Posted by Yannetakizawa

Please enough of this subject
it's been three days ^ _ ^
have to forget it, yes?
let's think about the next work, she already had enough problems because of these 3 days.

Agreed! People need to stop talking and discussing about this, ayu divorced, PERIOD. Move on. ~

[Pieces_of_SEVEN]

Originally Posted by RayJason

Agreed! People need to stop talking and discussing about this, ayu divorced, PERIOD. Move on. ~

I agree wholeheartedly.

I just hope she's OK. She's a strong woman, and we'll all support her under the same sky.

UGH the "fans" make me so angry. Some of the things that come out of their mouths...I just wish I could beat them with a frying pan. I'm so serious.

Nobody can judge anybody else. And all people can do is speculate, because ONLY ayu and Mannie really know the honest, intimate details. And why speculate? Damn gossips. Just hope for ayu's happiness and support her if you really are a fan!

Otherwise, you disgust me, and give all ayu fans a bad name.

[emi♡]

Originally Posted by Pieces_of_SEVEN

Otherwise, you disgust me, and give all ayu fans a bad name.

Well, guess we have nothing to worry about then.

@jesscat: hasn't it been like...a day? And conversation is already getting stale cause it's such a touchy subject

[koumori]

Originally Posted by emiko

@jesscat: hasn't it been like...a day? And conversation is already getting stale cause it's such a touchy subject

I understand totally why people would want it to not be discussed. It's such a horrible, heartbreaking subject; the whole concept of divorce is just upsetting.

However, people are going to discuss it; and it's not something to be frowned upon. It's natural. Ayu is infamously as honest as she can be, especially through her music; her life has affected her music for as long as she has had a career as a singer. When a singer is that open with her fans about her feelings and certain parts of her life, it's going to affect fans a lot when something like this happens.

I can see both parts of people's opinions. Personally, I've been avoiding the threads for the most part - but that's just me. I have no problem with people talking about it. It's to be expected. Anyone who thinks people should already "move on" because they're afraid of Ayu-bashing needs to stop taking people's comments (or would-be comments) about Ayu so personally. A celebrity will get judged. It shouldn't affect your opinion of her, so don't let it affect you in general.

[haikudasai]

Originally Posted by Pieces_of_SEVEN

Otherwise, you disgust me, and give all ayu fans a bad name.

Nobody can judge anybody else.

oh.

_______

I've given Ayumi a lot of money during my fandom. I can think and converse whatever the hell I want to.

Blind fans are the worst. Is that judging?

So did she have the Middle East thing long planned out cause it's convenient that she flew off there after her announcement.

[Lady_Eowyn]

Originally Posted by SheFliesHigher

My fiance speculated that she had married Mannie to gain citizenship to the US, which would help her start a career here. He thinks it was more like a business decision.

I don't think Ayu is that cold and conniving, but I 100% do not believe that she ever seriously was going to move to the US. And give up her singing career in Japan? The thing that she has said in multiple interviews that she cannot live without? Nooooo way. If she ever thought about doing this, she obviously regretted it.

Some people have said that her not registering her marriage in Japan is understandable if she planned to move to the US anyway. I disagree, and think it shows hesitation on her part. What would be the harm in registering? In fact, registering seems like the smarter decision anyway, in case her or Mannie's plans change. Either Ayu didn't plan for her future at all, or she had second thoughts. I go with the latter. I think the marriage was an act of passion, and when the passion cooled off, she was like, "this isn't what I want after all." It's a very human situation, so I don't begrudge her at all. If anything, it shows again how she's a real person and not some Goddess.

This quote is brilliant. Wish i said that myself

Anyway, ambiguity and ambivalence have been always an ayu's signature, as i see it. even her lyrics are usually never that precise or clear, they tend to be vague (and yes, poetic, i won't deny that quality) so this statement, i think, describes her perfectly. I especially like the last line, because imho many people here puts her in some sort of altar, implying she's perfect and with no flaws (which is something i obviously disagree with), and what's worst, if you don't agree with them they claim you are not a true fan. One thing is liking an artist and admiring their strong points and one different is being totally blind about yur fandom . Which is something i have no desire to repeat anymore.

Originally Posted by emiko

If you don't like the discussions, stay out of the threads. That's all, sorry. No one wants to see you complain about everyone.


I do hate all the "better fan" self righteousness though lol That's just stupid.

I can gossip all day about Ayu, and still love and support her. Discussing the divorce, on a forum, about Ayu...doesn't really do all that much to change anything imo. It's just discussion.

Totally agree with you

Originally Posted by Pieces_of_SEVEN

UGH the "fans" make me so angry. Some of the things that come out of their mouths...I just wish I could beat them with a frying pan. I'm so serious.

You made my day with this quote

Edit: By the way, i also wanted to comment about the "infamous" book being the reason of divorce. To be honest, i'm SURPRISED to see people who believes mannie's book is "gross". With all due respect, i don't understand why is this gross. It's the human body. What is wrong with that? did you guys were born with clothes? a huge part of ayu's career is modeling, even now she is a spokesperson for tons of products, and also some of her photoshots have included nudity and a lot of sexual connotations; if what she did before is considered here erotic and artistic why what he does is gross?

[happiholic★]

We are such gossips. But, I get the feeling that the media isn't done with this subject. And when they post more news about it, it can all go here, instead of separate threads. Additionally, there are probably some fans here at AHS that have yet to see/comment.

[Masamune]

I hope that Ayu is no suffering,she is a strong woman & I think that this decision is really a hard move of her,but we can feel how Ayu is so proud of being japaneses & help her country the ways that she did in the past...

[Zeke.]

Sick of this garbage. When will it start to be about the music once again?

[himawari]

Originally Posted by Zeke.

Sick of this garbage. When will it start to be about the music once again?

sigh selfish fans

[yatenkouxoxo]

Originally Posted by himawari

sigh selfish fans

This.

[Coelacanth]

I'm kind of curious as to why people don't think publicity regarding her personal life can be used to her advantage. It doesn't matter if the news doesn't increase her album sales, the most important thing is that it's keeping her name in the news and increasing her overall visibility as a celebrity. It's especially important because Ayu is a lot less relevant than she once was. If Ayu really cared about her privacy, she could have EASILY kept her relationship and even her marriage to Mannie a complete secret - especially since the Japanese media isn't nearly as invasive as Western media. Janet Jackson managed to keep her marriage a secret for YEARS, until her divorce. Like Madonna, I think Ayu is a clever businesswoman and in her recent years has begun to use her personal life to promote herself as a celebrity and recording artist...

Her breakup with Nagase - Hasn't said anything in the media about her relationship for years prior. News stories pop up everywhere about the breakup. Not even a week later, she performs 'fated' (lyrically related to the situation) on Music Station. Kisses a Chinese actor in an MV. A month later, she puts out Together When... (another breakup song).

Deafness - I know this is a sensitive topic, but I'll cover it anyway. She completely bombs at Kouhaku. Japanese fans are stirring about how terrible she was at CDL. GUILTY is unexpectedly struggling on the charts to land the #1 position (and ends up not doing so). Deafness story appears all over the media.

I find that these stories regarding her personal life come at the most suspiciously convenient times when she has something to promote. The marriage to Mannie is by far the most sketchy thing she's ever done. I'm not saying I don't believe it was legitimate, but I can't completely rule out that it wasn't (It could just be full of half-truths or exaggerated) I wouldn't think less of her either way, to be honest. Just trying to understand why people think they KNOW FOR A FACT that Ayu is always being honest with the public.

[Zeke.]

Originally Posted by himawari

sigh selfish fans

It's not about selfishness. I always hated the argument people gave that "Ayu's personal life is her personal life - we should stay out" but hey, us as fans, we like to discuss things together. But now, everyone feels free to make allegations about where her head was at the time of the marriage. Not to mention, pointing out the publicity she could get from this, talking about her motives, etc. I'm just sick of it. It's become something of a Britney Spears / American musician type of thing - where the personal life is basically where the news lies and it's rarely about the music. This is just exhausting, not to mention fodder for drama here on AHS.

Once again, this is turning into some sort of "who's the better fan" competition. It's always like that around here. Whether it's someone voicing their opinion on a song they don't like, or their views on her new album and the musical style she's moving in - they always get singled out and comments start flying like "GO LISTEN TO SOMEONE ELSE THEN!" and "TROLL!!", etc. Ironically, pointing the finger at others you view as selfish, because you believe you see yourself as a more righteous fan, is pretty selfish in itself.

[Coelacanth]

Originally Posted by Zeke.

It's become something of a Britney Spears / American musician type of thing - where the personal life is basically where the news lies and it's rarely about the music. This is just exhausting, not to mention fodder for drama here on AHS.

So Japanese musicians are above having their personal lives discussed? I'm trying to understand the reasoning here. The woman is the
music. If Ayu didn't have a personal life and personal experiences, she wouldn't make the kind of music she makes. Therefore, we should be allowed to discuss it. The thing with celebrities, is that they forget that sharing stories about the personal lives can be a double-edged sword. They can't just pick and choose what aspects of their personal lives the public/fans should be allowed to discuss, how they should discuss it, and how they should interpret it.