Murata Ayumi Retires from Showbiz? – “I’m Not Married or Pregnant, OK?”
Minor seiyuu and idol Murata Ayumi announced on her blog on the 31st December 2008 that she is officially ‘taking leave’ from the entertainment business due to ill-health. The post also somewhat bizarrely declares that ‘The one thing I want to make clear is that I’m not married or pregnant, OK?’
The Tokyo-born singer was scouted at age 15 whilst working in her father’s surf shop, but never really hit any heights in her 11-year career. Murata’s most notable works include a role in the Sailor Moon musical as Aino Minako (Sailor Venus), Mochida Hinako in Myself;Yourself and Kurosu Kanata in the Memories Off series. She has also released 3 albums and 10 singles, the most recent of which (Pastel) was the ending theme for the Macademi WAsshoi! anime.
No word on what will happen to some of Murata’s current work commitments, including her PolePole radio show and a presenting spot on AT-X’s promo-X. Her blog however, remains active.
26 seems to be a rather young age to be ‘retiring’… I was never really a fan of Murata’s, but she did have some excellent songs like Shining Star and Drawing Again – I think that was down to songwriter Shikura Chiyomaru though; her singing was dreadful =_= Can’t say I ever noticed her voice acting skills either, but she was a bright and bubbly person from the few radio shows I heard her on. That said, she was never popular so I really doubt she’ll be returning to singing or acting anytime soon…
No idea why Murata chose to declare that she was neither married nor pregnant though, her saying that makes me think that she actually is. Maybe she plans to move into the AV business soon. Uh, get well soon Ayumi!
When I first read the post title, I wondered if the retirement had to do with her dreadful sales. If I remember correctly, Pastel sold about 500 copies in its first week – “ouch” was my reaction when I read the figures. A single that comes with a PV and that sells so poorly can’t make much money, I’d guess. Well, the PV did look extremely cheap though
Oh this is the lady who sang the OP to the 2006 bishojo anime Happiness (originally PC ecchi game).
I haven’t listened to the song since 2007/03/28, according to iTunes, despite rating it 5 stars, ha. I’m re rating it 4 stars now, ugh.
(PV, but is it in sync? lulz dancing and zettai ryouiki)
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=giflhMgwlvI
(anime opening, extended)
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=Si8U9XknaCU
I’m not a fan either, but she looks totally hot in your picture (for a 2007 CD single) and her official published (candid?) photos look totally idol. Her blog and Wikipedia entry say something like “mental” health issues.
@Katapan
I never really followed Murata so I didn’t know her sales were that bad. Having a quick glance now, I see that her latest album only sold 600+ copies… *ouch*
@piyo
Mental health issues? Hmmm, stress? I don’t want to be mean but the first thought that struck me when I read this news was ‘Well, for someone who claims to be sick she sure blogs a lot’. Like, almost every single day since she started blogging mid-2008 *shrug* Whatever it is, I hope she sorts herself out (and maybe stops bothering us with her bad singing). But yeap, quite hot in a bikini ^^
Maybe the reason she said right out that she “isn’t” married or pregnant was because she didn’t want people automatically assuming that she is. I wouldn’t be surprised either way. As for mental health issues, did her writings seem a bit…erratic at all?
Well, if she’s not married, she can be my concubine. I certainly wouldn’t mind waking up to that.
Hmm, can’t say i heard much of her, but I did like the Umisho Ed (“Splash blue ~ taiyou to lemonade~”)