Terribly sad news this evening. It appears, from Ayumi herself, that she has gone deaf in her left ear, rendering her partially deaf. There appears to be no surgery to fix the problem. Luckily, she is putting on a brave face and continuing on as scheduled, determined to celebrate her 10th anniversary in the music industry and continue with touring. This is a translation of part of her latest diary entry today:
I thought of going to the hospital because I felt distinctly that something strange happened to my ear.
I thought it was the earphone monitors and told the people around me I wanted to switch to new ones.
Honestly, when the doctor told me that there is no treatment and that it’s too late, my mind went blank.
In my heart somewhere, I felt that if I just make the time necessary for surgery, my ear would be able to hear again.
But I was wrong.
I remember the doctor’s eyes even now.
They looked regretful and apologetic. As if to say I’m sorry there’s nothing we can do…
So, I laughed.
I didn’t know why, but I said “I thought so”, and laughed.
Surrounded by my beloved staff inside the hospital room, everything returned to silence.
But, please, I don’t want you to read this with pessimism.
I have accepted this reality.
And, I want you to understand somehow that I’m not despairing, but that the light of my hopes shines forth.
I love you, Ayu!
And you, what do you think?