[Trans] 19.02.2011 - 20.02.2011 Love songs' Blog Updates

Valentine’s Day ★
19 February 2011. 1:57pm

This actually happened some time ago

But did everyone have a nice Valentine's Day on 14th of February?


We got a really huge decorated cookie from troupe leader ayu ♪


When Stan holds it...


By lgiam2011 at 2011-02-21

It looks quite small



But actually


By lgiam2011 at 2011-02-21

It's really big!!!



And then, scrambling after one another


We all took a bite!!


By lgiam2011 at 2011-02-21

Took another bite!!!!!



By lgiam2011 at 2011-02-21


Even Engineer Nagayama-san

Who is normally so strict during vocal recording sessions


By lgiam2011 at 2011-02-21

Looks really delighted ♪♪




The father of visual production, Mizumo Uchimi-san (not the enka singer)


By lgiam2011 at 2011-02-21

Also looks happy... Or, he is happy. (laugh)







Troupe leader ayu!!

Thank you so much

For this love-filled cookie ヽ(´▽｀)/


By lgiam2011 at 2011-02-21



A STAFF Minazou

Aquascutum ☆
20 February 2011. 2:08am

Because this was announced on Twitter yesterday, I’m sure many of you have already checked it out.

Our troupe leader Hamasaki Ayumi

Has been chosen to become the model for the 160th anniversary campaign for well-established apparel brand 「Aquascutum」!!!

Donning a trench coat, those cool and sexy visual shots of her are the talk of town!!

And then, there’s also the opening of the 160th Anniversary Campaign Site 「Aquascutum x Hamasaki Ayumi」, which is limited to be open for 1 year ☆

You can also view message videos showing the making-of, as well as the backstage production!!




Don’ miss it!!!!

↓↓↓

http://www.ayu-aq.com/



A STAFF Minazou

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
Original source: Love songs' Blog
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[Trans] 14.02.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: “Live Report ~Recording Studio~ part 2”

Love songs blog. 14 February. "Live Report ~Recording Studio~ part 2"
14 February 2011. 5:50am

Previously, the live report was cut off halfway, but here we present to you part 2!!




After walking down the really lo~~~~ng corridor




We come to this fashionable waiting room (In the photo: Mr Minazou, sitting in a strangely upright posture) (laugh)


Mr Minazou, who is rumoured to have gained __kg after coming to LA,

will still lose to me, Sugi. Because I've gained 8kg. （＞＜）



Gym facilities ↓↓



Are present here too!!



And then, there's also a game centre for relaxation



Sorry for disturbing your work, Nakano-sensei...




One last photo

↓


↓


↓



Sitting in the kitchen at the back, stuffing himself with potato chips using both hands


A photo

of Mr Giant Mina （UOU) ....

He looked really content, so we left him alone (laugh)



And then!!

Soon, the well-known Komeda-san,
may come here to talk to us more about the studio (not sure), so look forward to that （^=^)



A STAFF Giant Sugi

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
Original source: Love songs' Blog
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[Trans] 13.02.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: “Live Report ~Recording Studio~ part 1”

Live Report ~Recording Studio~ part 1
13 February 2011. 10:19am

Hello everyone!!


This time, we'll be introducing the recording studio who has been helping us everyday.
Firstly, when we step into the entrance, these cheerful staff are there to greet us!





The staff on the left is Stella-san
And on the right is someone who always helps us whenever we do overseas recordings,
Music coordinator Mai-san ー＾−＾
Thank you for everything (＾0＾）


And lastly, one more person. Is he a coordinator~???



Yep! And he is!!

Finally back here at Love songs blog~ The spirit-lifting Mr Minazou （＞＜）


Even though he finally appears after so long, Mr Minazou's face is a little blur here (laugh)







And then, after the entrance is this really lo~~~~ng corridor










And when it's Christmas




It becomes fashionable like this~







There's so many more places that we want to introduce!!



But that's it for this time, sorry （＞＜）
We'll bring you in deeper the next time!!



And that was the very first blog entry

by A STAFF Giant Sugi.

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Original source: Love songs' Blog
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[Trans] 13.02.2011 Nobita Blogs About Ayu's Love songs Album 27th December 2010 Entry

*Nobita is one of Ayu's Music Arranger.

Hamasaki Ayumi album 『Love songs』 in LA
27 December 2010. 7:18pm

This is regarding AYU-san’s new album 『Love songs』, which was released on 22 December.

This was a work which was made in the 1 month we spent in LA.

Love song

AYU-san’s comment for this was “The base for the album this time will be this piece called Love song. Please pay special attention to it!” Saying this, she passed me Komuro-san’s demo song, and so the arranging process began.
With the title “Love song” and Komuro-san’s melody, I plumped out the concept and arranged this song.
For me, Love song has a deeper meaning of being “something which any generation of people can relate to”.
And that was how the first and last parts of the song had the classical feel to it.

Digressing a little, I ordered the acoustic guitar player, Mr Eric, to play his track, while keeping an image of AYU-san singing and strumming the guitar herself in mind. This was to create an image of a singer playing her own accompaniment.

sending mail

This song used to have an original drum track, but under AYU-san’s orders, it was replayed live, and so that turned this into a rock song. The back part of the song is intentionally messed up, to reflect the complicated and uncertain mind of the singer. The strings had a little dangerous phrase there too.

Thank U

I like this song. I arranged this song with the lyrics on hand, and they gave me a warm feeling, reminding me of those who are important to me, and that was worked into the arrangement.
Doesn’t the part which couldn’t be put into words still manage to fill your heart somehow?

do it again

This song illustrates the light and dark sides of chasing a dream. Against the pure youthfulness of SEVEN DAYS WAR, do it again was arranged with another image in mind. In the process of becoming an adult, there may be despair and uncertainty hiding behind the happiness. But even so, there is a single ray of light, thin but straight, that leads you to your dream.

That sort of became a long essay. Sorry. (sweatdrop)

Credit: truehappiness @ AHS
Translation by Misa-chan @ AHS
Original source: Nobita's Official Blog
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[Trans] 11.02.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: “An Introduction to “TA” ♪”

An Introduction to "TA" ♪
11 February 2011. 4:40pm

Nice to meet everyone m(_ _)m

This is Houjou, the person in charge of "TeamAyu" (aka TA) fanclub!


Minazou-san gave me lo---ts of encouragement about this,

and though I'm a little nervous, I have this chance now to write on this blog!


Eh--- Firstly, let me introduce myself.

My job is, simply put, everything that is related to TA. (laugh)

That includes the TA magazine, of course, as well as writing e-mails to members,

designing the TA booth at live show venues, and more.

Basically, I am the director for all things TA ♪

More under the cut!

It's been just a short period of time since I was put in charge of all this,

but because I am directing something that is precious to ayu-san and everyone at TA,

I wish to be able to bring more happiness to everyone,

as well as make "TeamAyu" feel like a wonderful home to all!!

Please support me in this!



Today, I'll give a brief introduction of TA ♪

This is the TeamAyu Magazine ♪♪

↓



I can't show you everything inside, but it's filled with many off-shot photos,

and each issue is packed full of photos!


Like this ☆





Another one, like this ☆




By the way, has everyone at TA realized...

That you can connect the back pages of vol.37 and vol.38 together??


Also, the next issue of TeamAyu Magazine is already done ♪♪♪

We're planning to deliver a magazine that has much more stuff inside than usual,

so look forward to it-- ♪


Next time, borrowing from Mayuzumi's idea,

I'll talk about 『The process of making TeamAyu Magazine』 (*￣∇￣*)

Or if anyone has other requests... （;￣□￣Ａ



Alright, that's it for now~ (￣(ｴ)￣)ﾉ


☆TeamAyu☆
http://teamayu.com/
http://fc.aveｘ.jp/ayu/

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
Original source: Love songs' Blog
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[Trans] 08.02.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: The story behind the birth of ayupans

The story behind the birth of ayupans
8 February 2011. 9:51pm

Good evening!

I'm Mayuzumi, or "Zu-Mi-Ma-Yu-" on Twitter.

Firstly, let me introduce myself a little to those who don't know who I am.

I create goods.


So,

for all those who have questions like

"What goods will come out this time?..."

Or "How did you make this goods?..."

I'll use this entry to show everyone the making-of story of some goods ♪

I'm sure everyone is aware that

To commemorate 『ayumi hamasaki Rock'n'Roll Circus Tour FINAL ～7days Special～』 DVD release on 30 March,

ayupans dressed in stage costumes will be sold on mu-mo from 18 March onwards!

It's already become tradition, eh? ヽ（･∀･）ノ♪

And so! This time, we'll bring you right into the ayupan-making process... ♪



【1】 Creating Illustrations

Firstly... don-san (Yamamoto Nori), who always does ayupan illustrations, will look at the stage costumes and sketch out some drawings.



Even the sketches of ayupan are so cute ♪


And then, we will decide on things like "Let's put her in this pose ♪" and "Let's emphasize this bit!"...



Illustrations done!!

【2】 Making Models

Next, expert figurine moulders will follow the illustrations to create real ayupan figure models!

These models determine how the final ayupan will look like, so this is a very very important step.

The artist's skills shine through ☆



So detailed （≧o≦；）

These are slowly cut out from wax!

【3】 Making Replicas from Silicon Moulds

Next, using silicon moulds, we copy the template model made in 【2】.



Captions. Top: Silicon. Bottom: Liquid mould flows in from here

Then we pour in liquid mould...



Caption: Replica

We make 2 replicas!

These replicas are made of a material harder than wax. One of the replicas will go on a journey as a template to create many many more replicas...

The other replica...

【4】 Making Coloured Samples

Is used for sample colouring for the ayupan!!

Following a preset colouring code, the replica is coloured, and final touches are added.

This coloured ayupan will then go on a journey as a sample to the colouring factory.



※ Welcoming these 3 ayupans on their journey



And then, all the mass-produced figurines will be hand coloured one-by-one,

and many many ayupan figurines are born ♪（o=゜▽゜)人（゜▽゜=o）♪



This is a simplified process, but that's the story of the ayupan-making-of process that is taking place right now.

All this while... And way into the future too... Many workers had and will create ayupans with love, using their hands.


And on 16 March 4pm, photos of the completed ayupans will be uploaded onto the ayupan special page in mu-mo shop.

Do check it out.


And that was U。･ェ･。U Mayuzumi

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
Original source: Love songs' Blog
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[Trans] 02.02.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: Genius.

Genius.
2 February 2011. 2:28pm

"Nobita" aka, Nagano Yuuta-san.

He's an iconic composer/sound producer from Japan.

Composer of talkin' 2 myself, Mirrorcle World, Microphone

Arranger of MOON, Virgin Road, Love song and more.

For our recording at LA this time, this talented man is regretably not around to provide his inspiration. ayu troupe groans at this loss.

He's also a very shy guy, so it's hard to take photos of him



Blur. (sweatdrop)



Caption: Turn

...And he turned away. (laugh)


And then.....

We successfully caught a photo!!!!

↓

↓




......

Sorry, it's not a very nice shot. (sweatdrop)


But but but but!!!!

That's an authentic photo of him making music!!!!!


We'll challenge ourselves to take more photos

So please look forward to seeing them... (;^_^A


Later! ((((((((((((((((*patters away (* - -)ﾉ



A-STAFF Minazou

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
Original source: Love songs' Blog
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[Official] 02.02.2011 Ayumi Hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2011 Title Name Announced!

It's been revealed through Ayu's Team Ayu official website that the ARENA TOUR 2011's title name for this year is:

ayumi hamasaki ARENA TOUR 2011 A ～HOTEL Love songs～

What do you guys think?

I think it's nice because it might be because Ayu wrote most of her Love songs' songs during her stay in the Hotel, L'Ermitage.

Can't wait to know more of the concept of the tour for this year!

Original source: Team Ayu
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[Trans] 21.01.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: One day.

One day.
21 January 2011. 4:21pm

We've been working all--- this time. So to prevent us from suffocating under work,

we went out shopping ya~y during our free time.


Looking around us

we spotted 2 fashion mannequins.

More under the cut!



Hmm??


Ahh...


If you look closely, there's actually 3 ↓↓



Bag ya~y!!





Hmmmm????



There's one more premier one!!!!!!!!!

↓

↓



Bag ya~y! Ya~y!!




We did it many times....


Not like we have free time to spare. (laugh)

But we need to relax, relax!!!





Ya~y! Ya~y!!


A-STAFF Minazou

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
Original source: Love songs' Blog
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[Trans] 18.01.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: JAPAN☆ vs USA★

JAPAN☆ vs USA★
18 January 2011. 5:08pm

Glutton competition!!

Japan contestant: Mr Giant Sugi.



More under the cut!

USA contestant: Mr Stan.



Ready・・・・



FIGHT!!!!!



FIGHT!!!



FIGHT!!!!!






WINNER....




Japan contestant: Mr Giant Sugi!!!!!!!!!



Even Stan's large stomach is no match for Giant Sugi's appetite...


How terrifying Σヽ(°Д°; )ﾉ


A-STAFF Minazou

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
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[Info] 15.01.2011 "Love songs" Album Certified With Platinum By RIAJ!

Congratulations Ayu!

"Love songs" album has been certified Platinum for 250,000 Copies sold in Japan!

Yayy!!



Original source: RIAJ
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[Trans] 15.01.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: We love Stan ♪

We love Stan ♪
15 January 2011. 4:13pm

Whenever the A team goes overseas, Stan was always there for us.



So, for those of you who just became Hamasaki Ayumi's fans, here's a spotlight entry on Stan just for you guys!!

Normally, Stan takes part in movie production, as well as other stuff. But whenever we visit, Stan lends his support to us as a coordinator.

I'm sure many of you know and have experiences with all the different problems we face whenever we go overseas.

Differences in language... Culture... And all that.

So when it comes to that, Stan provides us with lots of support, so things can go smoothly.

He really helped us out many many times.

Thank you!!! (^-^)ゞ

And of course, his smile!!



This super smile always manages to cheer us up.

He sometimes comes to Japan to play too, so if you meet him, please say 「Aloha～♪」

To this man with a big body and



this palm-tree-like topknot ♪



A-STAFF Minazou

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
Original source: Love songs' Blog
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[Trans] 14.01.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: How are you???

How are you???
14 January 2011. 1:09am

No time no see!!

I'm sorry for this delayed update <(_ _)><(_ _)><(_ _)>

I'm sure you guys already know through TA or Twitter, but we are now out of Japan.

There must be some of you who are worrying "At this rate, you will never come back...", but I assure you that we will come home soon, so don't worry (´∞｀)ノ


And from tomorrow onwards, I think I will start to introduce to everyone how life is like over here.


And so, let us end this entry with this special image ↓






It's really special~~~~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!







(*´ｪ`*)



A-STAFF Minazou

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
Original source: Love songs' Blog
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[Trans] 03.01.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: Glutton King ★

Glutton King ★
3 January 2010. 7:32pm


This entry is about the dinner we had yesterday at a steak house.


We've heard so much about the huge size of the steaks here... (゜∀゜)




So we ordered, waited impatiently for about 10 minutes,






And it... it's here............!!




Or rather...




It appeared!!!!!!!!!






Please look at the following pictures, with this loud exclamation in mind ↓↓↓


More under the cut!




Whoa---!! w(ﾟﾛﾟ;w(ﾟﾛﾟ)w;ﾟﾛﾟ)w Whoa---!!

It's-

So---

BIG--------!!!!!!


It's so much bigger than troupe leader ayu's face, and about as wide as her shoulders.

It's not a steak, more like a lump of meat.


And of course!


The petite troupe leader couldn't finish the huge lump herself, so it got passed on to Giant Sugi.


And




He ate it!!!



Some more!!!!!!!


And then,




Before you could even say

"Ah"



Caption: Finished


Mr Sugi has shown us an unimaginable feat by finishing that meat lump. And that was after he finished a huge lobster, a huge rib steak, and (lots of) bread.


It was an exciting and peaceful night, when the new glutton king was born. ,｡･:*:･ﾟ'☆,｡･:*:




A-STAFF Minazou

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
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[Trans] 02.01.2011 Love songs' Blog Update: A HAPPY NEW YEAR☆

A HAPPY NEW YEAR☆
2 January 2011. 5:46pm


Soon after the start of 2011,


Hamasaki Ayumi's happy news rocked the whole of Japan!!!


There are probably lots of people who are shocked,


especially those of you from TA, but because you all are Hamasaki Ayumi's beloved and understanding fans


I'm sure you will all watch over her warmly.


Please also continue to support the A troupe, who will be evolving more this year too m(_ _)m


More under the cut!


OK, OK, OK!

Did everyone enjoy the special line-up counting down to the New Year → Kouhaku Utagassen + CDTV Special + COUNTDOWN LIVE??

I'm sure you all did, but we still did all we could to put up the best show!!

Right now, our hearts are full of achievement and a little bit of exhaustion.

Of course, with so much dancing, we're bound to get tired (-"-;...

So after this COUNTDOWN LIVE, the special tune:up branch at Yoyogi got lots of customers again!!

I took lots of photos of the dancers relaxing their bodies here (← I hope they didn't mind. (laugh))

So please take a look at this healing process ↓



Relaxing into lethargy,



Is that MARO-san... Nah, it's KAZUMA-san. (laugh)



"Feels good~" coming from ZIN-san.



EKKO-san, a new addition to the A troupe for this concert.

So fresh~


Next...




!?

A very interesting-looking MIDORI-san. (laugh)



Was that good? (←What?)



To everyone at tune:up, thank you so much for reinvigorating us and getting us ready for the busy year ahead!!



A-STAFF Minazou

Credit: Misa-chan @ AHS
Original source: Love songs' Blog
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[Download] 28.12.2010 "Love songs" 12th New Album USB+MicroSD+DVD Photobook Full Scans Download

"Love songs" 12th New Album USB+MicroSD+DVD Photobook Full Scans


I've been waiting for somebody who will kindly scan his/her Photobook!
Yay!!

Photobook Download link: Here
Booklet Download link: Here


Credit: truehappiness @ AHS
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