After 10 years... are you proud of Ayu?

[waterballoon]

In light of her 10th Anniversary, I would just like to state my feelings and thoughts of Ayu.

I got to know Ayu in late 2006, and even though I'm not an old fan of hers or anything, but I'm deeply touched by everything that she has put out in this scene.

Everything - her singles, albums, concerts... I think they have all achieved extraordinary results...

Sometimes I worry when she doesn't do so well, for example when GUILTY wasn't #1 on the charts. But as I look at the other budding singers whom I adore as well, I realized that Ayu is really doing much better than all of them combined.

Even though it has been 10 years, Ayu has not wavered in her popularity and position in the J-Pop music scene. Sure, she may not be the greatest singer, but we all know her voice and songs comes from her heart, and I think that's why she's still around.

I don't care anymore if people are going to criticize Ayu for anything that she has done/will be doing, I only know that I will respect whatever decisions she make for herself.

Ayu has taught me a lot of things from her interviews, attitude in concerts, and songs throughout these 1+ year, and I never regretted knowing her music.

So, looking at the newer singer's achievements, and looking at Ayu's own achievements in 1998... and traveling over the years... I can only say that I'm VERY proud of Ayu! Proud of her achievements, proud of her strength, proud of her determination, proud of her ever-shining soul...

So, as a fan, what are your thoughts of Ayu after her being in the music scene for 10 years?