Ayaka was first introduced to public singing in her early years and throughout high school where she would sing song covers at school concerts. Her first solo concert was held in her second year of high school; it was a small high school concert in where she sang only covers of famous musicians. After speaking with an audience member, Ayaka was referred to the voice music center in Fukuoka. Ayaka began practicing original song composition as well as learning about the various recording methods used in mass media recording.
Ayaka performed at various music venues and as the opening act to various other groups during much of 2005. Though she had not officially debuted yet, in December 2005, Ayaka was contracted to perform the ending theme "Mikazuki" for a television Japanese Drama known as @Human. Even though a music video had been produced, the actual single would not be released for almost a year.
Ayaka performed three songs, Mikazuki, I Believe, and a Japanese rendition of the popular German Christmas carol, Silent Night.
On November 10, 2005, Lyor Cohen, the North American Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group described her in public: "After Mariah Carey, Hikaru Utada, now it's the third encounter with an amazing talent over my life". After Ayaka's performance, he stood up clapping and praised "World class to be!".
In January 2006, Ayaka recorded "I Believe" as the ending theme for the Japanese Drama, Rondo. At the time of its premiere, Rondo was one of Japan's highest rated dramas and is credited with exposing "I Believe" to wide audiences. The full single was first released as a downloadable only single and would go on to become one of the fastest downloadable song to reach 1,000,000 sales as well as becoming the 3rd highest selling downloadable debut single for a female artist.
"I Believe" was officially released on February 2, 2006 and debuted as the 3rd highest single of the week. The single would go on to stay in the top ten for six more weeks as well as selling a total of 220,000 copies in its entire chart run. An English cover of the song was used by Miki Ando in 2006 Skate America which Ando would go on to win. Ayaka would later perform the song live during the exhibition at the 2007 World Figure Skating Championships.
Ayaka's second single "melody ~Sounds Real~" would go on to have only moderate success on the Oricon charts. The single was limited to 50,000 copies, of which only approximately 10,000 were sold in its first week. "Melody ~Sounds Real~" peaked at number 14 on the Oricon charts and then steadily declined in both sales and chart position. When compared to her earlier songs, melody was a much more rock oriented song, a factor that earned her praise from various Japanese critics for her versatility. To date this is Ayaka's lowest selling single, but it was gone on to stay a while in the charts, slowly gaining sales, and has gotten past the 20,000 mark.
"Real Voice" was Ayaka's third single and was used as the ending theme to the Japanese Drama, Suppli. A B-Side single from "Melody ~Sounds Real~" known as "Blue Days" was also used as an insert song for the same show. "Real Voice" was released on July 17, 2006, selling 15,387 copies within its first week and charting as the 11th highest selling single of the week. To date the single has sold over 50,000 copies.
Weeks before the scheduled release of Ayaka's first album, "First Message", the album was canceled. In its place, the single "Mikazuki" was released as a rerecorded version of the same song from 2005. "Mikazuki" has become Ayaka's highest charting single, selling 40,091 copies within its first week and taking the highest spot on the Oricon weekly charts. The single would then go on to sale over 200,000 copies, making it one of the highest selling singles of the third quarter of 2006.
On November 1, 2006, Ayaka's first album "First Message" was finally released after months of push backs. It sold 350,580 copies within its first week, making it the highest selling album of the week as well as the highest selling debut album for a female artist in 7 years. The album went on to sell 1,003,412 copies and stayed within the top two positions on the Oricon charts for four weeks straight before being listed as the 13th highest selling album of 2006.
On February 28, 2007, a new single was released. The song Winding Road was a collaboration with label mates Kobukuro and used to promote a new line of car. The single reached a peak position of #2 on the Oricon charts.
The 5th single from Ayaka was used as the ending theme to Last Love, a Japanese movie that was released one month prior to the single. Ayaka also performed Jewelry Day, among many other songs, at the Japanese leg of Live Earth in Tokyo on July 7, 2007.
Te o Tsunagō Promo
Ayaka's 6th single, 'Why", released on September 5th, was used for Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a PSP game by Square-Enix, as the theme song to the game.
At the end of 2007 Ayaka performed "Peace Loving People (special piano version)" in the annual music show Kōuhaku Uta Gassen.
On February 29, 2008, her first starring live event, Power Of Music was held. On March 5, 2008, Ayaka's first single of 2008, Te wo Tsunagō / Ai o Utaō was released. It was a double A-side single, first track used as a theme song for the movie, Nobita and the Green Giant Legend 2008, and the second track was used for Beauté de Kosé's "Esprique Precious" commercial. Her second single of the year, Okaeri, was released in May 2008. Okaeri is used for Zettai Kareshi drama theme song.
Her second album Sing to the Sky was released on June 25, 2008. It reached #2 on the Oricon Weekly Charts and has thus far sold over 500,000 copies.
Anata to, the second collaboration single with Kobukuro, was released on September 24, 2008. The single was released due to fan requests after hearing the song performed live in concert.
Ayaka sang 'Okaeri' at the 59th annual Kōuhaku Uta Gassen
Ayaka announced in April her marriage to famous actor Mizushima Hiro [Asamoto Soshi from Zettai Kareshi -drama which she sang the theme song to-] They registered their marriage on February 22. It was also learned that immediately after Ayaka's debut in 2006, she became ill with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder. Ayaka tearfully reported that her symptoms have been increasing. As a result, Ayaka will continue with her music until the end of this year, after which she will put her career on hold. Mizushima promised to protect and support her.
Story
絢香 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
夢にまで見た story
雷が落ちる瞬間
いつも遠くで見てた横顔
話すその声と しぐさまでも
高鳴る心臓聞こえないように
話す私 yeah
さえない自分を蹴っ飛ばす
そう 描いていた story
夢にまで見た story
天使は悪魔に勝ったの
いつも想像してた二人で
歩く町並みと 景色さえも
頭が真っ白で
全てが消えてしまいそうなの yeah
ガラス越しに映る
照れ屋さんを笑った
いつも遠くで見てた横顔
話すその声と しぐさまでも
高鳴る心臓
聞こえないように話す私 yeah
水たまりに映る yeah
いつも想像してた二人で
歩く町並みと 景色さえも
頭が真っ白で
全てが消えてしまいそうなの yeah
ガラス越しに映る
照れ屋さんを笑った
笑った 笑った
The lyrics of "Story" by 絢香 depict a nostalgic and dream-like story of love and longing. The singer reflects on a story that they had envisioned and even seen in their dreams, capturing a moment of intense emotion when thunder strikes. The imagery of distant gazes, the sound of the voice and gestures of the other person, and the racing heartbeat all suggest a sense of unspoken feelings and hidden emotions. The singer tries to push away their ordinary self reflected in a puddle and yearns for a love that transcends the mundane reality.
The theme of duality and contrast is explored as the lyrics mention an angel triumphing over a devil, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness or good over evil. The singer imagines walking through familiar streets and landscapes with a companion, but the overwhelming sensation of everything fading away hints at the fragility and impermanence of the moment. The reference to a shy person laughing reflected through glass highlights a moment of vulnerability and authenticity in the midst of the imagined perfect scenario.
The repetition of observing the distant profile, the voice, and gestures of the beloved, along with the racing heartbeat suggests a deep connection and longing that is carefully guarded and hidden. The reflection in the puddle symbolizes self-reflection and a desire to break free from one's insecurities and limitations. The lyrics portray a yearning for a deeper connection and understanding that is stifled and restrained by unspoken words.
The song closes with a repetition of the earlier imagery of walking together through the cityscape, the blanking of the mind, and the fear of losing everything, juxtaposed with the image of a shy person being laughed at through glass. This creates a bittersweet ending that encapsulates the complex emotions of longing, vulnerability, and the fleeting nature of love and connection. Overall, the lyrics of "Story" evoke a sense of yearning, nostalgia, and wistful reflection on love and the complexities of human emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
そう 描いていた story
This is the story I was imagining
夢にまで見た story
This is the story I even dreamed about
雷が落ちる瞬間
The moment when lightning strikes
いつも遠くで見てた横顔
I always watched from afar, his profile
話すその声と しぐさまでも
Even his voice and gestures when speaking
高鳴る心臓聞こえないように
Hoping my pounding heart goes unheard
話す私 yeah
I speak, yeah
水たまりに映る
Reflecting in a puddle
さえない自分を蹴っ飛ばす
Kicking away the dreary image of myself
天使は悪魔に勝ったの
The angel triumphed over the demon
いつも想像してた二人で
Imagining the two of us always
歩く町並みと 景色さえも
The townscapes and even the scenery we walk through
頭が真っ白で
My mind goes blank
全てが消えてしまいそうなの yeah
Feels like everything might disappear, yeah
ガラス越しに映る
Reflected through the glass
照れ屋さんを笑った
I laughed at the shy person
笑った 笑った
Laughed, laughed
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Yoshihiko Nishio, Ayaka
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Ancaryvan
For people who love the music of the song but prefer sings in English. Here is the lyric.
Spinning around like a marry-go round, and I don't ever ever want to stop baby.
You're the music to my melody, La-La-La La~~ La-La Love Song.
Hear the rain tapping down on the roof top, as we cruising the city street.
Don't care how crazy the world seems outside, cause I need you here right next to me.
There were time I was too shy to say it, how you've taken over my mind.
But I know I'm not the only one, cause you bring that feeling back to me.
Seems so right, like this was meant to be.
(you make me feel brand new.
For lonely nights, but now you're all I see.
(Ah~ I wanna love that's brand new.
When we kiss, it's gonna be so sweet.
The kind of kiss that knocks you down, also softly.
Won't say a word, cause they don't meant nothing
Stay with me now and don't let go.
You can be strength, the strength that I needed.
To give you everything my heart's been hiding.
So this is how I want you to feel it.
La-La-La La~~ La-La Love Song.
Is the sorrow over? Happy endings? That bring joy to brand new days.
Like the rhythm, all back in love, something just can't be explain.
But every time I look at you I know.
(You are my shining star
Something inside was changing all along.
(Ah~ I wanna be your shining star.
Spinning around like a marry-go round, and I don't ever ever want to stop baby.
You're the music to my melody, La-La-La La~~ La-La Love Song.
Everytime we're here together, time just fly I wanna stop it forever.
So many sweet, the perfect melody, La-La-La La~~ La-La Love Song.
Baby I got all that you need. just let me take you higher.
Repeat
@faithyap8003
Maware maware merry go round
Mou keshite tomaranai youni
Ugoki dashita melody
La la la la la Love song
Dosha buri no gogo wo matte
Machi ni tabi dasou
Kokoro ni furu ame ni
Kasa wo kureta kimi to
�Mappira� to yokomoite
Honne wa urahara
Demo sono mama de ii
Oto ga isuma dakara
Meguriaeta kiseki ga
You make me feel brand new
Namida no iro wo kaeta
And I want a love that�s brand new
[*]Iki ga tomaru kurai no
Amai kuchizuke wo shiyou yo
Hito koto mo iranai sa
Tobikiri no ima wo
Yuuki wo kureta kimi ni
Tereteru baai janai kara
Kotoba yori mo honki na
La la la la la love song
Shiranuma ni otoshiteta
Mesupi!
Chiisana kakera wo
Sukimanaku dakiyose
Hada detashikameau
Uchyuu no mienai yoru
You are my shining star
Kamawanai kimi ga mieru
And I wanna be your shining star
Maware maware merry go round
Mou keshite tomaranai you ni
Ugokidashita melody
La la la la la love song
Tomedonaku tanoshikute
Yarusenai hodo setsunakute
Sonna asa ni umareru
Boku nari no LOVE SONG
Tame iki no mae ni koko ni oide yo
@user-pz1cs4cm9h
主人公「勇」の人生を如実に移し出される3部作です。
➀幼少期→空と君の間に（中島みゆき）
父親と母親との離婚そして友達からのイジメ
②青年期→ララララブソング（久保田利伸）★
愛する彼女との出逢い。生涯の伴侶と出逢う。
➂晩年期→瞳をとじて（平井堅）
愛する妻との別れ、そして「勇」自身の生涯の終わり。
いつも見守って居たのは丘の上のポプラの木でした。
3部作通して見ると感動的です。
@heiiiiman
Very classic one, so many feelings and memories appear whenever listen to it and LOVE your cover so much Ayaka! Really look forward to the release of your new and first cover CD this Thursday:)
@aidentaylor8119
i dont mean to be so offtopic but does any of you know a way to get back into an Instagram account??
I was dumb forgot the account password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me!
@claytonryder7948
@Aiden Taylor Instablaster =)
@silentashhoward
Love it!
@Hanna-xt2vi
絢香の歌声はやっぱり1番！
洋楽とかもやってほしいなっ꒰*´∀`*꒱
@user-qt5rw7br3v
絢香の歌声 最高!
@seikyozasu
原曲を尊重して、かつカラオケになってない感じがものすごくいい
@user-wu6gl2hj9y
seikyozasu 動画がカラオケ
@user-xe8oc9oy6d
一十一 なんか草
@thethethetttttt
노래 너무 좋네요. 원곡도 좋지만, 여성분 보컬도 좋고 음원이 따로 없어 아쉽네요