Ayu American Tour?

[KichigaiSensei]

Hi, I'm new here. I was first introduced to Ayu about 2 years ago when I picked up her 2005 Arena Tour DVD at the Nagoya Centrair airport on my way home from a business trip (I buy a Japanese DVD every time I go there...usually samurai movies...but this set just caught my eye). Anyway, it was FANTASTIC. I loved it. What a performer!

My wife is Japanese and we get TV JAPAN on the satellite. We can see Ayu on various NHK programs such as the end-of-year Red & White concert.

In any case...does anyone know if she will ever do a USA tour? The only other option is to get tickets for a time we plan to be in Japan.

[tasking]

Well, first off, let's name some of the things that Ayu's done in relation to the US:

-She released ayu-mi-x II version US+EU as part of a set in 2000

-The PVs for Bold and Delicious/Pride were shot in NYC. She's also done various magazine/calendar shoots in Hawaii, NYC, and LA. DOME TOUR 2001 had a US-themed segment in which Yo-chan played the national anthem and afterwards, Ayu came out wearing a star and striped top (and this took place before 9/11, which I always found freaky)

-In her CNN Talk Asia inteview, she said something along the lines of, "If people will listen, I will go anywhere in the world." She spoke a lot of English in that interview, and continues to do so at various intervals (concerts, recent COUNTDOWN LIVE New Year's messages, ASIA TOUR 2007 in Hong Kong). And, I'm sure you know by now that there's a lot of English words and phrases in her songs

-Her albums and singles are featured on US iTunes

-It was announced that GUILTY was going to be released in 30+ countries, though I'm not sure if America was actually one of them. There were also rumors of a World Tour in which Las Vegas was included

So, considering all these factors, it's clear that Ayu has somewhat of an interest in the Western market. I'd say a concert in the US is likely... but a whole tour? No. She'd have to get some American exposure first, and that would probably entail releasing an English album or two, which I don't see her doing for a while yet, if at all.

But keep your fingers crossed! \\//m

[GRACE]

Originally Posted by tasking

Well, first off, let's name some of the things that
-It was announced that GUILTY was going to be released in 30+ countries, though I'm not sure if America was actually one of them.

I believe that just turned out to be on itunes

[tasking]

Ah, thanks. That's interesting~

[rikku411]

Basically there's no news of an Ayu tour anywhere in the West for now... simply put. Maybe she will, maybe she won't? But like tasking said, a concert of two to start off is more likely, rather than a huge tour.

By the way, you know what was interesting... Ayu was listed in ticketmaster (I was bored one day). Of course no concerts are listed now, but her name is there haha, and you can sign up for her notifications.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/7..._header_search

[Chibi_Venus]

Originally Posted by tasking

DOME TOUR 2001 had a US-themed segment in which Yo-chan played the national anthem and afterwards, Ayu came out wearing a star and striped top (and this took place before 9/11, which I always found freaky)

No way! Omigosh, I totally have to see that concert now. ^^

Anyway, I agree with tasking: If Ayu held a US concert at all, it wouldn't be a whole nation-wide tour or anything. Probably only in a few select cities, if at all.

[Madden-X]

Originally Posted by tasking

DOME TOUR 2001 had a US-themed segment in which Yo-chan played the national anthem and afterwards, Ayu came out wearing a star and striped top (and this took place before 9/11, which I always found freaky)

Originally Posted by Chibi_Venus

No way! Omigosh, I totally have to see that concert now. ^^

Actually.. I should probably add that her Dome Tour had a 'world' theme. In the beginning, she had an England theme with the bobbies.. then she had a German theme with the World War outfits (and German flag around their arms).. Later on probably a Chinese theme with the outfit + feathers (during vogues).. then indeed an American theme

Basically, the most important parts of the world were used.. She should do something like that again..

[Corybobory]

I don't mean to be pessimistic but... if she ever does a US tour I'll eat my hat.

[rikku411]

^ It's not pessimism at all , but I'll make sure to bookmark this page.

Originally Posted by Corybobory

I don't mean to be pessimistic but... if she ever does a US tour I'll eat my hat.

Seconded. XD

I think it has been noted that most J-pop acts that do come to the states play at anime conventions and the like. J-rock groups seem to have a better chance at playing small tour venues.

[tasking]

Originally Posted by Madden-X

Actually.. I should probably add that her Dome Tour had a 'world' theme. In the beginning, she had an England theme with the bobbies.. then she had a German theme with the World War outfits (and German flag around their arms).. Later on probably a Chinese theme with the outfit + feathers (during vogues).. then indeed an American theme

It was still freaky, though, considering Yo-chan didn't play the national anthem for any of the other countries. lol

[zoomzoom]

Originally Posted by Corybobory

I don't mean to be pessimistic but... if she ever does a US tour I'll eat my hat.

Yea that's just.. so unlikely. A couple of small shows seems like a long shot even.

[Halla]

Originally Posted by tasking

-She released ayu-mi-x II version US+EU as part of a set in 2000

actually this album was just released in japan like the other remix albums (+ overseas version), the name US+EU is just a name. it refers to the nationality of the DJ's doing the remixes. US+EU has american (Hex Hector, Junior Vasquez, Thunderpuss and etc) & european DJ's (Ferry Corsten, Vincent de Moor + etc) doing the remixing whereas the DJ's on Ayu-Mi-X II Version JPN are all japanese.

Originally Posted by tasking

-It was announced that GUILTY was going to be released in 30+ countries, though I'm not sure if America was actually one of them.

I'm certain the this actually means adding GUILTY to 30 different countries iTunes shop. GUILTY appeared on my countrys iTunes just recently.

[KichigaiSensei]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Even a one or two city set of concerts in the US would be a good start.

In any case, I'm not sure an English only CD is necessary. There seems to be plenty of English speaking peole on this board that like Ayu's music just the way it is. Are there enough people to fill a stadium? Maybe not. But, a smaller venue near Japanese population centers in the US (LA, New York, Chicago, Detroit) might sell out.

Well, anyway...I guess I'll just have to see her in Japan for now...

[MeruChan]

Judging form your "business trip" , I assume that you can certainly afford to pay airline and concert tickets to JApan...If you wanna see Ayu, IMO there's no where better than Japan! Tons of fans wanna see her in Japan but just couldn't afford..that's why we are praying for her to come to Asia..and she did..and hopefully she comes to Singapore!

I hope you catch one of her concert soon, she's having her Asia tour 2008 , you'll never regret it! It's going to be 100000000000x times better than watching the DVD!

[fanmail]

Me too. I really hope you get to see her! See her while you can, really. It might not be too far away when Ayu just can't perform anymore... even if she wants too.

[alternarist]

ayu doesnt even come to south east asia.. i dont think she will go to USA for concerts.

[Melrose]

Originally Posted by fanmail

Me too. I really hope you get to see her! See her while you can, really. It might not be too far away when Ayu just can't perform anymore... even if she wants too.

Pff, I know many artists that work up to the age of 60 or so. If Ayu would quit next year she's too weak. XD I don't care about ear stories, etc. all artists have something that happens to them. IMO, if Ayu really LOVES making music she'll keep doing so.