(These pictures were found in various message boards on the net)

Looks like imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. While Jolin insists she's no copy cat herself, she doesn't mind if a couple of eager beaver newbies want to ape her look. "I think it's rather nice if a new singer is inspired by me and wants to mimic my style, singing and dance moves. I think that's a real compliment," she tells LIME, pleased as punch. "But if she were to look exactly like me, that'd be too weird!" She adds loftily, "After all, I am the first and original Jolin Tsai." (adapted from http://lime.mediacorppublishing.com/2004_04/coverstory.htm )

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In fact, Jolin's flashy new image is so characteristically Japanese-like, she has been said to copy J-pop queen Ayumi Hamasaki, right down to the latter's fancy fingernails and heavily mascara-ed lashes.

But Jolin insists they are different.

'Ayumi is very sexy. She's very daring too, going nude and wearing just leaves on her body. I'm not like that.'

As for her passion for nail art, Jolin said it started when she went to New York for vocal and dance training three years ago and saw African-American women with 'long and pretty fingernails'. 

(adapted from http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/hey/0%2C4133%2CHey-1057334340%2C00.html )

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ayu performed with butterfly wings in year 2000 concert tour Japan
Jolin performed with butterfly wings in year 2003 awards giving

Ayu released "FLY HIGH" hit single on 9 Feb 2000 shortly after LOVEppears album release in 1999
Jolin ???

??? ???

Ayu wore black dress and necklace to attend Award Ceremony sometime in 2003/Ayu also wore black gown and necklace for Visee ad
Jolin wore black dress and necklace to attend Award Ceremony, sometime in 2003/2004

Ayu wore "Lucky" earring in 2001, sometime near "Dearest" single release
Jolin wore similar "Lucky" earring sometime in 2002/2003

Ayu wore red dress with no.3 in AyuReady sometime in 2003
Jolin wore similar red dress with no.3 sometime in 2003/2004

 

Similar hats

Ayu's Hanabi Episode II pv featured in "Memorial Address" album released: 17 Dec 2003
Jolin's "Taste of Lemon Grass" pv featured in "Castle" album released: 27 Feb 2004

Ayu's "I am" album released in 1 January 2002
Jolin's "Look at my 72 Transformations" released in 2003

Ayu went half nude with jeans in LOVEppears album released on 10 Nov 1999
Jolin went half nude with jeans for photo shoot, date unknown

   

Ayu wore flag patterned shirt and belt for Tuka ad, sometime in 2000/2001
Jolin wore flag patterned and belt with the familiar Ayu cowboy hat in "SHOW YOUR LOVE" concert in 2001

 

Ayu's gloves trend believed to have started in 2001/2002 near "Dearest" single release from I AM album
Jolin's gloves trend seen in "Ai Qing 36 ji" from CASTLE album released in 2004

Ayu started wearing fanciful nails since 1999 (sometime during "TO BE" single release or LOVEppears album release)
Jolin started wearing fanciful nails since 2002/2003 (Magic album release?) date unsure

 

        

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jolin imitates FINAL FANTASY X character, YUNA (All characters  in FFX are designed by Tetsuya Nomura; Scenes from FFX are copyright SQUARE ENIX)

PLEASE READ:

My purposes of putting up these images was to point out the similarities between Jolin's styles to Ayu or Yuna. I feel very shock and mad about Jolin not admitting to adapting of her styles from anyone, however, the criticism in forums about Jolin from Ayu fans or Ayu from Jolin fans have gone too far.

This topic about Jolin copying Ayumi Hamasaki has angered many Jolin and Ayu fans. Based on evidences above, it is obvious that the similarities were more than just coincidences. However, whether you're a Jolin or Ayu fan, let's not diss or bash any of them anymore. Jolin's styles and fashion may be far too similar to Ayu, but we could consider the fact that Jolin doesn't design all her clothings and styles, which may answer to the reason why she does  not admit to being a copycat. Quarreling between fans and yelling vulgarities to Ayu/Jolin will not change anything, but will portray ourselves as very rude people. You can give your opinions about this issue in a polite and fair manner without having to call Ayu/Jolin ugly names. Please spare a thought to the feelings of celebrities.