Channel-Ai Community Blog - JPop reviews, articles

Ayumi Hamasaki and Tomoya Nagase

J-Pop Queen Ayumi Hamasaki and TOKIO vocalist and actor, Tomoya Nagase have announced the end of their relationship on the 13th July, 2007. This abrupt news has shocked all of their fans worldwide, since there were reports and rumors mentioning how they were planning to get married by the end of the year.

The couple have been together for seven years and have constantly been subject to rumors published on tabloids, with regards to their relationship. Due to both being famous, the spotlight was always focused on what their next step would be.

To avoid confusion and place for speculation, both have posted the decision on their own blog and even Max Matsuura would intervene to clarify the situation. The decision of breaking up has been taken by the two around two or three weeks ago. In her Team Ayu blog, Hamasaki would emphasize how they remained very good friends and that they separated on friendly terms. However she felt that their relationship became more of a brother and sister companionship, rather than one of lovers. The final decision was to continue their relationship together as siblings and they will still be meeting up socially in the future.

This announcement has spread shockwaves all over Japan. Some have been speculating that a new lover is in the midst but Wada Akiko was the person who has commented on the break up with most ardor. She claims that she wishes they would return together. For Wada, Nagase was the one who gave in and was a good person, similar to Monk Tong, a personality in Chinese legend. On a more negative tone, she would make the claim that Hamasaki’s wild and free-spirited nature was a negative aspect in the relationship and expressed her worries about Hamasaki’s future. Similarly to a wise relative, she warns Hamasaki to be less impulsive on such important matters.

It is obvious to say that the tabloids are having a field day with this news. From speculating to the non-existent “Timmy” and how Hamasaki would have moved out in secret, there will be no end of fake stories. In the end no one truly knows what has happened exactly between these two, except the ex-couple themselves. People can only speculate on the outcome of this dismal ending of such a long relationship. Thus one can only wait and see what will happen in the next few months.

In my case, I am seriously disappointed at how this relationship has ended. I am a fan of both artists and I’ve always felt how they had a strong relationship which most would only yearn for at their age. I am vehemently hoping that they would eventually return together, since they have such a long history together. I feel it was a bit impulsive and childish to throw away such a relationship and hopefully they will return back to their steps and reunite.

On the other hand, if there was no love left within the relationship, staying together wouldn’t be fair. They would be wasting each others’ time and being false to each other. It is of great importance to be honest in a relationship, rather than keeping one simply for convenience. In the end for a relationship to work there needs to be communication and trust. I can respect them for being honest and respectful towards each other in the end.

Source:

• Nikkan Sports
• Hochi Shinbun
• SANSPO
• Yahoo! Japan
• Team Ayu message @ AHS