i stumbled across this article.

Pop pundits put Amuro's allure down to power of l'amour

Struggling pop diva Namie Amuro seems to have discovered that even if her music doesn't sell, as least sex still does, according to Shukan Shincho (4/28).

"Want me, Want me," Amuro's new single released on April 6 is as typically fast-paced as her music has always been, but gone is her good girl image in favor of a drastically intensified sexy look.

"She's sexier than ever before," a music business writer tells Shukan Shincho. "She's like a fine wine that matures with age."

Masaru Nashimoto, doyen of Japanese entertainment world reporters, agrees that Amuro looks more amorous.

"As well as exuding a relaxed atmosphere more typical of a mature female singer, I get the impression that she's 30 percent sexier than she used to be," Nashimoto tells Shukan Shincho.

Almost deified by Japan's mid-'90s teens, Amuro is, of course, the original goddess of the gyaru, the name given to hip, mostly teen trend-setting girls.

Now 27, she married dancer Sam, 16 years her senior, after falling pregnant not long after she turned 20. The marriage lasted just four years, nine months. In between, Amuro's mother was brutally murdered by a rampaging relative who took his own life moments after he took that of the star's parent.

"Her life was in turmoil for a while there, but she really seems to have got back on track," glitterati reporter Yuichi Hirabayashi says. "Amuro's son starts school this year. Even though Sam has custody of their boy, Amuro is involved in his upbringing. She's also working hard in other areas, too, like her hugely successful Asian tour. She may never be able to conjure up the megahits she once did, but she's a powerful singer and it's quite possible she could reinvigorate her career by becoming a sultry, adult market-oriented singer."

Nashimoto agrees.

"I'd say the reason why Amuro is really able to grind her hips in that sultry way is because she's so happy with her relationship with Ken Miyake, the member of V-6, a popular band run by (talent agency) Johnny and Associates. Johnnys ordered Miyake to break up with Amuro, but it has been confirmed that they've stayed together after he was told that anyway," Nashimoto tells Shukan Shincho. "Amuro is involved in a mature love. Her personal life, including her relationship with Miyake, really seems to be enriched at the moment."

I read this article back when they released it... Usually, you just take the things in the "Waiwai" section with a grain of salt, but they seem to do a great job with the "Face" section... thanks for sharing this article... and for the link to this site.

Ah, yes. I've read this article too. I think this is also the same group of people who said that Ayumi and Namie hated each other. I'm not really sure about that though.

Does she really stay with Ken Miyake?

I don't know, but i wouldnt mind if its true. If he makes her happy than im happy too.