KIZUNA { aya ueto fansite }

# News > 2007 News

2007/12/18: DVD release event!

Aya attended on the 16th the release event of her latest live DVD, BEST LIVE TOUR 2007 "Never Ever", released on the 5th. She held a small talk show where she welcomed over 150 fans. For the special occasion, the stage was transformed into a replica of her dressing room. Aya commented with: "Eating each places' specialties was very fun" and "the dance routines were a lot of work". Moreover she added, "It was a year with ups and downs. There was a dark period where I worried about a lot of things and even thought to myself 'Maybe this is the end of Aya Ueto', but thanks to this live I was able to brush all of that away and now I'm in a very good place." Regarding next year, she reassuringly concluded with: "I want to jump into 2008 the way I am right now".

event

Updates: added a radio rip of Yama-Chan's Young Peace with Aya as special guest: download here.

2007/12/12: Events, events and events!

Aya attended a fashion runway show held on the 20th to celebrate the 75th anniversary of sportswear brand Lacoste. Aya, who was dressed in Lacoste from head to toe commented on her outfit, "Today what I'm wearing is boyish. Even though it's a very colorful and pricy brand, the fact that you can wear it casually is what's good about it". She also shared that since she doesn't attend such fashion shows often, she was a bit nervous. On another note, when asked if she had anything to say about Hiroshi Abe's forthcoming wedding she added: "He looked after me when filming "My Little Chef" (2002). Congratulations. I'm jealous of his bride!"

Aya was present at the lighting ceremony of Tokyo's Roppongi Hills' Christmas illuminations and illumination tree on November 16th. For the occasion, she wore a bright red santa outfit. She commented with a smile "I get excited thinking about Christmas eve but I have to work that day. Later I might go to Becky's". In collaboration with the event, Aya also designed a red cubic Christmas tree which was also illuminated on the same day: "It really feels like winter has come. Red is a warm and burning color and so by all means do come and see it". After questions about how she will spend Christmas came flying, Aya commented with a bitter smile, "I'd like to have something to say about that but..." and after divulging her plans to spend it with Becky, she added, "We will have a more romantic Christmas than any lovers out there". During another event on the same day, Aya told the press "Doing this kind of job your image changes a lot, you get to experience many different moods" and finally "For Christmas, all I want is cake. So I can eat it with my family and Becky".

Earlier on the same day, Aya appeared at yet another event where she was designated by the JA as the "Breakfast Ambassador". She was the prime nominee due to her healthy and lively (hatsuratsu) image. Aya commented, "As someone who was born to eat, I'm honored" and greeted the press with her specialty, hodgepodge with ginger. To the question of to whom would she like to have eat it, she answered: "I want at least one or a lot of people to try it. Right now I'm doing a bunch of things I love, and then I'd like to be with the person I love. I admire the couples who can dispute everything".

2007/09/16: New hair+Jewelry event!

Aya attended on the 14th the grand opening ceremony of the new "Wangan Studio" by Fuji TV in Aoyama, Tokyo. The event happened to be on Aya's birthday to which she commented "I won't forget this day, now that I'm 22, let's all do our best together". This event was the first time Aya showed to the media her new hair, which she cut for her new drama "Abarenbo Mama" (10/16 start). She commented "This is the shortest my hair's ever been. I'm still not used so it's a little embarrassing".

On the 6th, Aya was named the 2008 Jewelry Image Leader. She was chosen by the Japan Jewelry Association for her bright and cheerful personality, which went perfectly with the trend color "orange" that they decided on. To commemorate the event she was presented with an orange spessartine garnet necklace. During the interview, the recent news of Eiko Koike's marriage with pro-wrestler Wataru Sakata came up and Aya commented with "I find girls who can have an open relationship like Koike to be really cool. I want to be in a relationship that would make everyone around me happy, I'll do my best". And about her own marriage she said "I'm still a novice at this. I will wait until I become more experienced".

2007/08/28: Aya's tour arrives in Tokyo!

Aya's third nation-wide live tour has landed in Tokyo on the 26th! On the 28th of August, Aya will celebrate the 5th anniversary of her debut as a solo singer. She commented full of smiles, "I can finally enjoy singing" and "This time around, I'm having the most fun". She performed before more than 2000 fans 20 songs, including her debut hit Pureness as well as Ai no tameni. and her latest, Namida no niji. She says "The other name for this tour is the Gourmet Tour" meaning that everywhere her and her staff visit, they take a little time off to taste different foods. Aya also commented on the recent flood of romance scandals with "It's amazing. I need to be careful too. If I have something to announce? Nope!".

Updates: the clips and gallery (added the 2007 tour pamphlet in the photo books section) pages have been updated.

2007/08/21: Aya becomes a mama!?

It was announced yesterday that Aya will be staring in a new serial drama entitled "Wild Mama(title subject to change)" in which she will play the role of a mother named Ayu Kawano. 34-year old actor You Oozumi will be playing the role of her husband. The drama will air on Tuesdays at 9pm on Fuji TV starting October 16.

The drama tells the comedic story of a one-time divorcee and father of one, Tetsu Kawano (You) and strong-minded Ayu Kawano (Aya) who get married after overcoming many difficulties and now have to take care of Tetsu's 5 year old son together. For this project, Aya will be reuniting with her "Attention Please" staff once again.

She commented "I'm very surprised to be playing a mom for the first time. With my husband being Oozumi-san and the fact that I'll be working with the Attention Please team, there is no mistake that it will be a very fun set".

Updates: the dramas page has been updated.

2007/08/18: Wachigaiya Itosato PR

Aya attended a press conference on the 13th of August to announce the completion of her latest two-part special drama, "Wachigaiya Itosato~Onnatachi no Shinsengumi" (which airs on TBS the 9th and 10th of September at 9pm). Based on the novel of the same name by famous author Jiro Asada, the drama tells the story of Itosato, a young "geisha" who falls in love with Toshizo Hijikata, the then deputy leader of the Shinsengumi. She commented "Like Itosato, I want someone with whom I can share strong bonds and be wholeheartedly in love with, I'll do my best". "I like the Edo-style romance, where the woman walks three steps behind the man" she said laughingly.

Updates: the dramas page has been updated.

2007/08/09: Tour kicks off on the 15!

Aya will be kicking off her long-awaited third nation-wide live tour at Zepp Fukuoka on the 15th. She will also visit Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo and other cities. She has commented about the concert "It's been a long time since I last toured. I'm eager to meet with everyone again". Among the tour goods this year are T-shirts, mufflers and key holders produced by Aya herself.

Updates: the live page has been updated.

2007/08/04: Aya, the new face of Fasio!

Aya was present at the announcement event for the new Fasio CM (by KOSE), for which she will be promoting a new line of mascara. During the event, Aya confessed that in her every day life, she only wears eye makeup. When on dates she admitted to the media "Wearing makeup is a bit embarrassing for me so on dates I don't wear any. I also stay away from skirts". Her nation-wide tour kicks off on August 15 and to stay in shape she revealed that she goes to the gym every day. "I stay there for two hours and half and do muscle training and aerobics. In three weeks I lost 3 kilos".

2007/07/20: Aya+Piano no Mori + Grey's!!

Aya was a special guest at the Grey's Anatomy season one DVD release event on the 17th. She showed up dressed in a sexy doctor outfit for the occasion. During the interview segment, she confessed to being a huge fan by saying "It's extremely interesting". When the interviewers asked about her love life and if she had "anyone in her heart" at the moment, she commented with "I really want to answer this but I'm still a child and I don't have the proper words or the confidence to answer and take full responsibility for what I would say."

Aya attended on the 9th the Piano no Mori completion event along with her co-stars. She appeared in a gorgeous red dress and about her outfit commented with a shy smile, "I think It doesn't match with the character I'm voicing". The movie hits theaters on July 21st.

2007/06/09: Release event and more!

Aya held a special event at the TV Asahi studios atrium to commemorate the release of her latest single "Namida no Niji / SAVE ME", on June 1st. She talked about feeling nervous even before coming down the stairs and also about writing lyrics for the first time. She commented "Until now I didn't want to write my own lyrics because I felt incredibly shy about it. There are no lies in the lyrics. I want to old hands and walk outside. I want to love more than I'm being loved. I would never cheat!". When asked about past relationships she answered, "When you part it's because your love turned into hatred. I've never been dumped yet". During the event she also announced a nationwide live tour was planned for this summer.

Earlier the same day, Aya attended a press event to promote her latest project, the animation movie "Piano no Mori" (out on July 21st) in which she stars alongside actors Chizu Ikewaki, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mayuko Fukuda and comedian Hiroyuki Miyasako. The cast brought laughter to the room when one of them made a mistake while practicing in front of the medias. In the movie, Aya plays the role of Kai Ichinose, a 5th grader piano genius. She commented "They told me I didn't have to change my voice so I wasn't really conscious of the fact that I was playing a boy but at times I did have to use a more "boyish" tone of voice" and "I've done this many times but voice acting is still difficult. My adult voice is embarrassing, I don't want to leave childhood just yet". She also said about Ryunosuke, whom starred with her in "Install", "he's grown up so much, the next time we meet he will probably be taller than me!" with laughter.

Updates: the charts, clips (3 live clips + PV) & music (new single) pages have been updated.

2007/05/21: Aya cast in "Piano no Mori"!

Aya will be lending her voice for the animation movie "Piano no Mori", which is based on the best-selling manga of the same name. She will be voicing the main character, Kai Ichinose, a free-spirited young boy who is also a piano genius. In many scenes of the movie, Kai uses the word "chinko" (penis), Aya commented saying "It's the first time I've had to shout chinko so many times, it feels great. It's a good stress relief". She added with a smile "It's a very easy movie to dub. Out of all the anime voiceovers I have done, I think this one will probably be the best".

Updates: the charts, movies & schedule pages have been updated.

2007/04/05: OronaminC PR event + more!!

On the 4th, Aya, along with other guests such as band Sukimaswitch and comic duo Total Tenbos, attended the latest PR event for the Otsuka Seiyaku energy drink "Oronamin C". The recent promotion was to introduce the latest slogan "Kimochi switch Ouendan". Aya commented "It will give a good boost to people starting something and anyone with worries". She smiled and added "At the same time, it will give me a boost as well". To the question "Did you meet new people this season?" she answered "I'm doing my best, little by little". (For pictures of the event, visit the MSN-Mainichi article)

In other news, Aya's 15th single, "Namida no niji/SAVE ME", (out on 5/30) will be her first double A-side since 2004. "Namida no niji" will be used as theme song for her new drama "Hotelier" (starts 4/19) while tie-up information regarding "SAVE ME" has not been revealed yet.

Also, a teary Aya bid an emotional farewell to the listeners of her radio show on last Sunday's final broadcast. To download a rip of the program click here or do it through the music page.

Updates: the music & upcoming releases pages have been updated.

2007/03/22: STA☆COLLE launch!

On the 21st, Aya and Rei Kikukawa (as well as Izumi Mori and Beni Arashiro) attended the release event of Oscar Promotion's new fashion magazine "STA☆COLLE" where they hosted a special talk show. For the occasion, she wore green contact lenses for the first time. Aya confessed to the guests "Today, like Leah Dizon, I'm wearing green contacts. It's my first time and I couldn't stop crying while putting them on. I feel like I have sand in my eyes". On a happier note, she commented " I don't like wearing make-up too much so I was very glad about getting freckles instead" about the first issue's cover.

In other news, Aya's latest single "way to heaven" ranked at #20 on the Weekly Oricon Single Charts selling 7,554 copies its first week. Aya's lowest first week sales but considering CD sales have severely dropped since 2005 (and also lack of promotion) it's a fair achievement.

2007/03/20: "21 PEACE!" termination...

After 4 years and half, Aya's weekly radio show "21 PEACE!" is coming to an end next week. In last week's show, Aya announced to her listeners that the 25th's episode would be the last. At first the radio program (named "Seventeen's Map" back then) was planned to last for only half a year but due to the fans' positive response it lasted for over 4 years. Aya has expressed that she is taking a "break" from radio so there might be hope for a revamp in a near future. For the final broadcast, Aya will be reading fan mail on the air. If you wish to send a message, the address to do so is ueto@allnightnippon.com.

In other news, famous Korean actor Bae Yong Joon will be making recurring appearances in Aya's new drama "Hotelier". Back in 2001, Bae starred in the original series which became a huge hit. Aya and her co-stars will be traveling to Korea to shoot scenes with "Yon-sama". Also, Aya will be releasing a new single (Untitled) on May 30 which will be used as the theme song for the drama.

Updates: the translations & upcoming releases pages have been updated.

2007/03/14: Ueto heaven + new CM news!

Aya's new single "way to heaven" is now on sale!! The single entered the busy Oricon Single Charts at #17! I have uploaded the single onto the music page. The lyrics for both songs are also up here, or if you prefer they are also available here (way...) and here (owari..) (yes yes, a shameless plug 8D). If you download don't forget to support Aya by buying the real thing here, here, or here! (I say here a lot...)

Aya's latest CM for LOTTE's "Soh" ice cream will go on air starting the 19th. This time she plays the role of a "cute companion" at a motor show who is secretly eating "Soh" ice cream in the car and is found out by a cheering crowd. Aya once again took profit of this commercial to spoon a little bit of ice cream here and there while filming. She was given as a present, a cooler box filled with Soh ice cream at the end of the day for which she happily thanked them for.

Updates: the music, lyrics & news archive pages (see at bottom) have been updated.

2007/03/05: New LOTTE CM

Starting today, Aya's new CM for LOTTE's "Almond Chocolate" will be airing in Japan. In the commercial, Aya plays the role of an employee at a high class jewelry store. As she serves a couple, she gets "Acute too sweet syndrome" from the man's sugarcoated remarks to his partner. During the making, we see Aya burst into laughter after the actor speaks his lines. She commented "It's no good, it makes me laugh. I like it better when it's not too sweet" hinting the type of her ideal man.

Updates: the schedule and links pages have been updated.

2007/02/25: "way to heaven" radio rip!

Aya aired her new single "way to heaven" today on her radio show "21 PEACE". A low-quality rip of the song is now available in the music section, enjoy! :)

2007/02/20: New renzoku drama "Hotelier"!

It was announced on the 19th that, starting this April, Aya will be starring in a Japanese remake of the 2001 hit Korean drama (starring Bae Yong Joon) "Hotelier" Wednesdays at 9pm on TV Asahi. Aya will take on the lead role of Kyoko Odagiri, an enthusiastic assistant manager at a hotel who gets involved in a love square. The drama touches themes such as love, friendship and work. The producer, Yumiko Miwa, explained "It's the story of a protagonist who finds herself juggling between love and work. We asked Ueto, who has been challenging more feminine roles lately, to play the lead. We look forward to working with a more mature Aya Ueto." Aya herself commented "I will be playing an intelligent hotel woman. Since now, I've played pretty much only carefree characters, I want to make a proper transition with this drama. Because it's romantic plot, I want to make it look as real as possible." She finally added "I hope there won't be any kiss scenes." with a smile.

2007/02/14: New single, "way to heaven"!

A month from today, Aya will be releasing her long awaited new 14th single entitled:
"way to heaven"
(releases on White Day, March 14). The song is the result of the poll on Aya's official home page asking her fans what her next musical route should be. It's described as an uplifting dance number commemorating the beginning of spring. Aya has been taking dance lessons and learning a routine for this particular single which she will most likely be showing off in the song's promotion video.

The single comes in two different versions, the regular; comes with CD only and the limited; comes with CD, a DVD including 14 PVs (from Pureness to Shimokita ijou harajuku miman) TV spots, 2 release events digest clips and a 92page all-color photo book.

Updates: the schedule & upcoming releases pages have been updated.

2007/01/25: Ri Kouran + SoftBank news

Aya and her fellow "Ri Kouran" co-star, Rei Kikukawa, were both present today at the announcement event of the new spring 2007 cell phones from Softbank. Aya's Softbank cellular phone, which is available in 20 different colors, was the pink one and she arrived at the event sporting assorting pink earings, stockings and shoes. While Kikukawa commented "They are all cute. The green, the yellow and the pink too. You can change everyday", Aya said "The pink one is cute. I usually get the white one so the white is also good".

On the 23rd, Aya and the rest of the cast of "Ri Kouran" attended the completion event for the TV Tokyo special drama (scheduled to air on February 11 and 12). She appeared on stage wearing a sexy side-slit lemon china dress. She commented, "During the time I spent in China filming, I tried my best to portray Ri-san as loyally as possible. I would agree if it became my representative work." with satisfaction. In the drama, Aya also challenges singing in Chinese. Fellow cast member Sawamura Ikki expressed that her singing voice gave him goose bumps. the director of the drama, Horikawa Tenkou, also commented "It's also good to watch with an emphasis on the songs" praising Aya. However, during the interview a clip of her singing from "Ri Kouran" was played and she replied "I don't want to listen to myself sing, please turn it off" with her face turning red from shyness.