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Considering the chew 'em up and spit 'em out nature of the Japan idol machine, a cute face with a new recording contract usually isn't much to get excited about. But Ami Suzuki's December 30 announcement of her "re-debut" on the Avex label signals a change of fortune for the singer - fairytale ending courtesy of Avex president Masato "Max" Matsuura.
Until early 2001, the teenaged Suzuki was a media fixture in Japan, with hit records, product endorsements, a syndicated radio show, and several high visibility acting roles. However, a successful lawsuit against her management company AG Communication to termininate her contract, and a protracted dispute with Sony Music Entertainment regarding the status of their relationship, earned her an industry blackball, triggering an ordeal that kept her musically inactive for nearly four years - longer than the lifespan of most idols in Japan.
Instigated by her parents, who claimed that a continuing relationship with scandal-plagued AG Communication could tarnish her image, the lawsuit was big news. Shortly after the suit was made public, "Amigo" was dropped like a hot patata by the industry, despite having sold over 10 million records and being in a hitmaking groove with producer du-jour Tetsuya Komuro. A much-hyped move to management powerhouse Yoshimoto Kogyo in early 2002 produced nothing in the way of product, and Suzuki seemed doomed to stand as an example of what happens to people who don't toe the line.
However, Suzuki retained a large and loyal fan base, and the independent launch of her website in late 2002 reportedly spurred 100,000 accesses in the first two days, proving that plenty of fans were still interested in what she was doing. Her dispute with Sony was settled in November 2003, and she quickly moved to jumpstart her career. With no label contract, she released two strong-selling singles in April and August of 2004, the first through a book publisher and the second on her own label. Rumors swirled that she was in contract negotiations with several labels, but were universally denied. Then in late 2004, in what has already become part of the lore surrounding the comeback, Matsuura attended a Suzuki concert at his alma mater, later personally negotiating her contract with Avex and recalling his participation in the amazing career of reigning pop queen Ayumi Hamasaki.
Whether or not Suzuki, now 22 and flaunting a sexier, Avexier image, can once again achieve mass popularity remains to be seen. But however things pan out, her story stands out as a rare case of David whipping Goliath in a country where that particular story usually doesn't translate.
Oh, and the name of her first single from Avex...?
"Hopeful".
Timeline
2000
July - AG Communication president Eiji Yamada arrested on charges of tax-evasion.
December - Suzuki and family file suit to end her contract with AG Communication.
2001
March - All Suzuki programming cancelled.
July - Suzuki wins her suit against AG Communication.
December - Suzuki appeals in Tokyo District Court for confirmation of termination of her contract with her label, Sony Music Entertainment.
2002
January - Suzuki's move to management company Yoshimoto Kogyo announced.
November - Web site launched, generating over 100,000 accesses in two days.
2003
March - Tokyo District Court upholds Suzuki's request for termination of contract with SME, prompting an appeal.
November - Settlement reached with SME.
December - SME contract terminated.
2004
April - Releases two-song single and mini photo album Tsuyoi Kizuna through Bungei Shunju - her first new music released in 3 years and 7 months. The single shifts over 100,000 units.
May - Holds her first concert in 3 years and 8 months for 3,500 fans at Yokohama's Landmark Dogyard Garden.
August - Releases her second post-lawsuit single, entitled "Forever Love", on her own independent label, Amity.
October - Performs a sold out show at Nihon University's school festival, attended by Avex president Masato "Max" Matsuura.
December - Launches first tour after comeback, announcing her move to Avex on the final night.
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