Ayumi’s Ear Woes
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008
May Choon Says: J-pop queen Ayumi Hamasaki just announced she has lost the hearing in her left ear, but vowed to continue singing until her right ear’s gone too.
Oh gosh, that’s absolute dedication for sure.
It reportedly started with an ear infection in 2000, which later developed into ringing in the ears. Last year, doctors told her her hearing is completely gone and it is not treatable.
Yet Ayumi, who is known for her flamboyant concerts and fashion statements, refuses to give up the stage where she belongs. But, one cannot help but wonder, how will the affliction affect her music career? Some fans already noted that her performance at the recent Red And White Singing Festival was not as fantastic as her usual. Industry sources also feel she would have to make adjustments to help her perform better.
Maybe it is time to take a break to recover fully before making a comeback?
Tell Us: Do you think Ayumi is being professional, or out of her mind to push herself so hard? Should she take a break to recuperate?
You can leave a comment here or e-mail us at tnpshow@sph.com.sg. Don’t forget to leave us your contact details: name, age, occupation and e-mail address or telephone number.
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LETTERS VIA E-MAIL
Hi Ms Chang,
I am still an avid reader of Moshi Moshi..
Anyway, I read about Ayumi Hamasaki recent disaster and I am really feeling very sad for her. She’s no 1 Diva in Japan and to lose her hearing is a really terrible thing for her.
I agree that at some extend and even listening to her on the recent Music Station Superlive, she was a bit off key but she managed to pull through. She is one strong woman. I really envy her.
However, I think this is the time for her to take a break and try to get used to the fact that she had lost her hearing. She needs to get used to listening with her right ear only and then come back with a big bang. A lots of people are saying about Koda Kumi rising up and getting the no 1 spot but I think Ayumi Hamasaki do not need to worry about that because her fans will always be there for her.
Unlike here in Singapore (I apologise if this might offend anyone), we are not really called an avid fan or a die hard fan. Being a fan in Japan is really incredible. They will do anything to go to their idol’s concerts and would wait for them even if it takes a long time.
As for myself, being an avid fan of Japanese Entertainment, I shall wait for Ayumi Hamasaki’s return and I prayed for her health and safety.
Ganbatte ne, Ayumi-chan!
Noor Azlin Hassan
I think Ayumi is being professional and realistic by staying on. The
life of a professional singer doesn’t last forever, much like a fire
doesn’t burn eternally.She has to sing while she is at the peak of her
profession. Fans are fickle minded people and she cannot afford to
leave the limelight for a prolonged period of time. Moreover,her
condition isn’t treatable. So what’s the point of having a break for
no apparent reason? Her remaining ear will be vital to both her
performing and normal life and i am sure that she will take utmost
care to maintain it. Ayumi will not become a bad singer overnight and
her fan should shower her with support and lower their expectations to
keep her going. If the legendary Beethoven who is deaf can play the
piano,Ayumi can sing competently with one functional ear.It’s a matter
of making adjustments. May ayumi find her wooden drum stick soon! (
Beethoven managed to ‘hear’ his piano by putting a wooden drum stick
between his head and the piano.)
Peng Tie Lun
Ayumi has vowed to continue singing and her condition is believed to be the same as the one that afflicted famously deaf German composer Ludwig van Beethoven but is she being professional about continuing her career or shouls she take a break?
‘Try’ not to regret in life
As they say ‘we only live once in life’ and ‘if we don’t try we will never know’ so ‘let mother nature takes it’s pace’ for if she trys and succeed she will become a hero or legend and brings inspiration to the disabled but if she trys but failed then she would have no regrets in life and would like to try something else as she is still young which I felt is better than taking a break as her hearing has shown no improvement for the past 7 years.
Victor Yap