[2003] Ayumi's biggest competitor...

[*Petit*]

Originally Posted by ayu_fan929

All I'm saying is my name's WOMEN was a sexual-themed PV which counters the point "you don't have to be sexual to portray..." I'm not talking about the degree used..

It definetly has no moves directly pointing to sexual behavior. And I don't think the main theme is sexual. It's not just a difference in degree or angel, the whole theme is different.

Yes, 'ero-kakkoii' had a role in bringing her popularity up but I don't think her sales increase wasn't based on image solely. Her popularity didn't start to increase until the release of "Kiseki" ("Cutie Honey" doesn't really count since it was for an anime. Plus, "Chase" which was released after, didn't do too well) which would have been more than 1 year after the use. It wasn't really considered a success until the release of "secret" which would be 1.5 years after the use

Of course it wasen't base on image solely, like I wrote earlier (I don't know who this was directed at though if not never mind.. O.o).

Anyways, you cannot not count singles like Cutey Honey and real emotion simply becuase they had spectacular tie ins. THose tie ins are exactly what may boost an artist. Her single's chart positions jumped from around 20 and less to a regular top twenty after 1000. It jumped again with the sole exception of chase after Cutey Honey, before the release of secret she was regularly in the top ten. I think Cutey Honey was what made people really see koda in a new light, and that movie was also the perfect tie in to such an image, to make people notice it and to connect koda with "cutey honey".

Anyways, I don't really see what this is about anymore. Everyone in their right mind knows that image isen't everything. THere are tons of examples of it. But image and promotion has a LOT to do with it too. WHo knows what would've happen if it was Ai Otsuka releasing twelwe singles in stead of Koda? In the end the act koda kumi worked out really well by using avex strategies and people are enjoying what she puts out (judging from her sales).