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Koda and Ayumi got in the door late. They got bullied a lot. Namie had it pretty smooth from day one but didn't really wrote anything on her own til 1999 or so. It's simple based on how consistent you are. Day after tomorrow did really good during their time. Misono is granted a lot of freedom as an artist due to it.

Ayumi being a product still being super micro managed isn't true at all though. She just found a style she liked and worked with it since 2005 or so. She was granted a lot more artistic freedom after that falling out with the big wigs too.
If you you feel her approach is still drone-like then that's your opinion. Her past year of mediocre works has been completely on her. Max did a good job with her in the beginning anyways I feel. Duty and I am... were super solid.


Avex has a history of manhandling artist, they are tough to impress and they want assured success. If Utada release first love under Avex she'd however be producing for other Avex artists best believe it. Quick commercial success means you can do what you want with those guys.

And also to add, EMI were absolute dicks to Shiina when she got signed in 1998. She had to do 3 successful singles for them to say that her take on music was marketable. She did all in one year though XD