On April 28th, singer-songwriter Ayaka held the Tokyo performance of her nationwide tour, 'ayaka LIVE TOUR2012 �The beginning� ~Hajimari no Toki~', at Nippon Budokan.

After a 2-year hiatus, Ayaka returned to the music scene last December by performing on 'MUSIC STATION SUPER LIVE' and the 'Kohaku Uta Gassen'. She officially resumed her activities back in February after releasing her new album, "The beginning".

Before wrapping up the show, Ayaka gazed at the crowd of 12,000 people surrounding her, and said, "Because I came to a stop once, I'm able to stand here now.�While holding the sense of gratitude I have for my family, friends, music, and fans who have always supported me in my heart, I would like to take a new step forward."

Ayaka then started to sing "Hajimari no Toki", and finished it brilliantly without a microphone. After singing the song, her eyes overflowed with tears.

Ayaka's first nationwide tour in 4 years kicked off on April 27th at Nippon Budokan. She sang a total of 19 songs, including tracks off of her latest album. When she called out, "I'm home!", the crowd warmly responded, "Welcome home!".

Ayaka's husband, actor Mizushima Hiro was also seen watching over his wife from the audience.



Source & Photos: Sanspo