It’s been two years since the start of the theatrical rendition of the Gundam Unicorn series, and it has been certainly a memorable experience following the series.

While I do enjoy the recent incarnations of the Gundam franchise, I always find myself looking for that depth of story and character that the Universal Century series provided, and Gundam Unicorn is a throwback to that era.

Our dear friends from Sheng Tai Toys were kind enough to invite Ani-culture along for the screening of Episode 5: “The Black Unicorn” at Lido Theaters last Saturday, and it was definitely a fine way to enjoy the latest installment.

Registration for "The Black Unicorn" Screening

Goodie Bags for all the fans!

The Japanese Special Booklet

Although it certainly could not match the prestige of the Japanese premiere [Link], I appreciated the efforts the organizers took in terms of posters and providing the Japanese release booklets for the attendees- a lovely memento of the event.  And if the turnout is any indication, there is no shortage of Gundam Unicorn fans in Singapore.

The gathering crowd

What happens next?

While I will not spoil the episode for those who have not watched it, I will give my thoughts about it in general.  The previous episode “At the Bottom of the Gravity Well” was very much an exploration of the motivations of not just Mineva/Audrey and Banagher Links, but of Riddle Marcenas, Suberoa Zinnerman and Marida Cruz as well. Everyone is chained by either the past or their lineage.  “Friend” and “Enemies” are matters of perspective.  Playing on this, “The Black Unicorn” sets in motion the struggle for everyone to find their own path towards the future.

We all marvel at the fantastic mobile suit battles in Gundam Unicorn, but I enjoyed the fact it has always played out as a character driven story. Audrey and Bhagahar reunite once again, and one can sense their time apart has only strengthened their resolve, and perhaps even given them the direction they needed. With the “Unicorn” by her side, can the “Lady” carve a path through an uncertain future?

The relationship between Zinnerman and Marida finally reaches its climax, and it becomes clear their bond was borne out of mutual loss- a painful reminder that when someone dies as result of war, the sorrow is many fold. 

People may see Riddle as becoming the antagonist (or the jerk) of the series, but I see him becoming the embodiment of the fears of the people who fear changing the status quo. All he wants is to protect what he has and what he hopes to have- something each and everyone of us can identify with.  With their backs to the wall, the most unlikely of allies come together- everyone’s destiny is now inexplicably tied to the quest for the Laplace box.

On a lighter note, it was heartening to see Captain Otto and the crew of the Nahel Argama once again,  after their absence in the previous installment. The appearance by characters from previous series, especially Captain Bright Noah, even if it was for a fleeting moment, was a nice touch as well. If you are a real hardcore fan, you might even notice another tribute to the original Gundam series, akin to “Char’s Kick”, between the Tri-Stars and the Unicorn. 

Episode Five certainly brings the story full circle, and one can sense everything is building up to a climatic resolution for the final two installments. No one can really say how the OVA will differ from the Novel from here on out, I am sure it will be a fitting conclusion.

Eager Gundam Hobbyists

Missed out on the previous limited edition Gunpla? Here's your chance at redemption.

The "Lion" and the "Unicorn"

While the screening was certainly the highlight of the occasion, I did enjoy the experience of being surrounded by fellow Gundam enthusiasts, especially at the model merchandise exhibit in Isetan’s toy department. It was nostalgic to see eager fans snap up model kit after model kit, and I certainly felt the urge to add to my already overflowing collection. 

As a closing note, Ani-Culture.net would like to once again thank Sheng Tai Toys for inviting us for a memorable occasion and kudos for a well-executed event.

Related posts:

1. Gundam Unicorn on Big Screen
2. Gundam Unicorn Episode 4 Trailer~
3. SG: Gundam Unicorn Ep5 Screening Premier Invites

Well, it’s been announced yesterday that a special video message will be played at FanimeCon 2012 just for the fans.
Who knows what kind of message it will be but May’n had dedicated her time into making it.
Here’s the Press Release:

—

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May’n presents special video message for FanimeCon 2012

May 18, 2012 – Fans of J-Pop superstar May’n (Accel World, Macross Frontier) will be treated to a special video message at FanimeCon 2012.

The May’n ROCK YOUR BEATS USA Tour panel is scheduled for Saturday, May 26, at 12 noon, and will feature May’n performance videos, trivia, and prizes. May’n took time out from rehearsing her world tour to record a video message specifically for FanimeCon that will be screened at the panel.

Tickets for May’n's first solo tour of America (including Los Angeles and San Francisco) will be on sale at the Anime V booth at FanimeCon.

May’n Tour Information:

http://maynusa.wordpress.com/

FanimeCon 2012:

http://www.fanime.com/

Anime V:

http://www.facebook.com/AnimeV

Video
“HEAT of the moment”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZYg_BGbuk8

May’n USA Twitter
@Mayn_USA

May’n Profile

The artist name “May’n” is derived from her real name, and it demonstrates her hope to “always sing songs that will be everyone’s main theme.” May’n was discovered in Horipro’s annual Talent Scout Caravan competition at the age of 13, and in 2008, she performed as the singing voice of Diva of the Galaxy, Sheryl Nome, in the TV anime “Macross Frontier.”

May’n released 2 singles in 2008 which instantly became big hits, each placing in the Top 3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart in their debut week. In January 2009, the long-awaited mini-album “May’n ☆ Street” was released, and it achieved 2nd place on the Oricon Weekly Chart in the first week. All of May’n’s releases since then have consistently entered the top music sales charts.

In January 2010, May’n performed her first solo Budokan concert, which sold out in only 1 day. In March of the same year, she held her first tour of Asia, followed in July by a 17-city summer tour of Japan. She works passionately on her live shows in Japan and overseas to deliver her songs directly, fascinating audiences with her irresistible singing skills and unique voice.

In Fall 2010, May’n was chosen to record the theme song for the film “Incite Mill -7 Day Death Game-.” In February 2011, she released her 3D Live Documentary movie “May’n THE MOVIE -Phonic Nation-” and later that month released her 2nd album “If you…” which reached number 7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart. In March 2011, she held her 2nd solo Budokan concert “RHYTHM TANK!!” for a sold-out audience.

Her second 6-city tour of Asia in May 2011 was a big success. She participated in the largest-in-Europe Japanese Culture and Entertainment Festival “Japan Expo 2011″ and received large applause. May’n's latest release “HEAT” (2012) reached Oricon’s Top 10 in its first week of release. She continues to be the must-see “New Generation Female Rock Vocalist.”

In July, 2010, May’n made her American live performance debut at Anime Expo in Los Angeles. May’n returns to America in 2012 in her “ROCK YOUR BEATS” world tour for special performances in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
In addition to her work on “Macross Frontier,” May’n has contributed songs to several anime and video games, including: “Love get Chu,” “Shangri-La,” “Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakamatachi,” “Aria the Scarlet Ammo,” “Phi Brain,” “Valkyria Chronicles 3″ (PSP), “Sengoku Basara 2″, and “Accel World.”

# # #

For more information, please contact:
David Cirone
RESONANCE Media

http://www.resonance-mms.com/

david.cirone @ resonance-mms.com

—

Related posts:

1. May’n to release 2 album on iTunes USA, 16 May
2. May’n Rock Your Beats, USA dates and more~
3. Stereopony completes Tour of USA

Do take note that there is a slight change in the timing of the festival’s live performances. Other highlights includes a cosplay competition and showcase.

Also take note that, it’s next week~

Source: Comics Fiesta FaceBook

Related posts:

1. Misa: Momoiro Clover Z and Shoko-tan to Headline Japan Fest!
2. MSIA: Animax Carnival 2012 Cosplay Competition
3. Sakura Fest @ Singapore Flyer!

Miyuko is a member of the cosplayer group, Spiral Cats is based in Korea, consisting of five now, who are Tasha, Miyuko, Hyura, Ren and Tomia, where you can find their official website through here *The website is mostly in Korean, you may need google translate to help you read their updates!

Miyuko’s real name is Yun Jin Kang, a 20 years old cosplayer from South Korea, she has a smile and facial expression that allows her to bring out the essence of the characters.
Here’re some of her cosplay character.

Besides, she did participate in promoting the new X-box KINECT launch.

She still looks gorgeous in her non-cosplay event too.*indeed, a real Hanja!(Korean means beautiful girl)

*maybe you can challenge her to a Starcraft 2 game L(・o・)」 *

Related posts:

1. AFA X: AIRA the Cosplayer
2. STGCC: Cosplayer “Kipi” is coming
3. MSIA: Animax Carnival 2012 Cosplay Competition

JAF is back for another year! And this year, Ani-Culture is a media partner for this event!

Some Background
Information of the Japanese Arts Fiesta, or JAF :
The JAF is a Japanese culture-themed event initiated by the Dunman High School Yukata Japanese Cultural Club ( DHS YJCC ). The entire fiesta will consist of many activities that will help to educate the public about the traditional as well as the pop culture of the Japanese Society.

Some details of the event, the where’s and when’s ;

Japanese Arts Fiesta II / JAF II;
When? : 2nd June 2012, 11.00 am to 7.30pm
Where? : Dunman High School

What’s in store for JAF II ~ :

1) Competitions (Cosplay and Photography)

2) Performances (Singing ( Solo and Band) )

3) Booths (Cultural, Photoshoot, Traditional games, Haunted House and Graffiti Wall)

4) Café (Toki Doki Meido/Shitsuji Café)

Entrance Tickets are $2 and is inclusive with 1 free drink, and the first 50 participant will be able to get a free goodie bag! Tickets can be purchased during the event itself. Details for presale of tickets will be announced as it will be made available soon.

- The cafe tickets include 1 pax entry per ticket into the cafe as well as a set meal that includes a main course, choice of desserts and choice of drinks.

- Admission ticket allows for 1 pax admission into event grounds as well as concert hall.

- Haunted House tickets allows for 1 pax entry into the play area for one round.

Do check out the official Facebook page for the Japanese Arts Fiesta!
- http://www.facebook.com/j.arts.fiesta

The Facebook event page with more details for JAF 2012!
- http://www.facebook.com/events/317457744975220/

I will keep the updates coming on and about JAF as we are closer to the event.

Signing off~
K_Ryuuji★ (^.^)/~~~

Source From: JAF Facebook page, JAF Facebook Event page

Related posts:

1. Gundam Fiesta @ Singapore!
2. Event: Haru Bazaar and Cafe
3. IND: Japanese Culture Festival at Surabaya

http://community.comicfiesta.org/index.php?/topic/7614-starstruck-shoko-nakagawa-momoiro-clover-z-concert-japan-fest/

According to the event director of Comics Fiesta, BmJ on the Comics Fiesta Community forum.

Otaku Singer, Shoko Nakagawa(aka Shoko-tan) and rising idol group, Momoiro Clover Z, will be performing at the Japan Fest hosted by the government as part of Hari Belia.

Japan Fest
In celebration of 30th anniversary of Malaysia Look East Policy, Malaysian would have a taste of Japanese culture and fashion where 50 booths with Japan summer festival events and Japanese related products would be displayed. Visitors would be given photo opportunities with various famous Japan icons.
Summer Activities like “Costume Play” where performer will don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea and characters are often drawn from popular fiction in Japan.

 

Shoko-tan will be performing on the 27th of May and Momoiro Clover Z will be performing on the 26th.

Shoko-tan will also be judging the cosplay competition held at the event. She will also be having her 2012 Asia Tour which have started and will be making a stop in Singapore this August.

This will be Momoiro Clover Z’s first time to the South East Asia region. Their 8th Single will be released on the 27th of June and will be used in the upcoming Pokemon movie.

Japan fest @ Hari Belia will be held at Persiaran Perdana, Putrajaya from the 26th and 27th of May 2012.

As of now, both artist have yet to update their blogs with an announcement of the event, neither is there a 2nd confirmation from other sources.

Source: Comicsfiesta community forum | Japan fest @ Hari Belia

Related posts:

1. Shoko-Tan Asia Tour, Singapore Tickets now on Sale
2. ASIA: Shoko Nakagawa Asia Tour 2012!
3. SG: COOL JAPAN 2011 is Launch!

http://aimi-sound.com/

Aimi(愛美) will be gracing the AFAMY this coming June.

For those who don’t know her, she is a Seiyu, Singer and also a Cardfighter(a very good one it seem). It will be her second time visiting Malaysia. The first time being a shopping mall event held in Sabah(western Malaysia), last December.

Aimi, fullname Aimi Terakawa, sang the opening song for the anime Ben-to and very recently also is a seiyu on the anime Vanguard, as Suiko.

She will be joining the other 5 artist for the 2 day 6 hour worth of anisong concert. Here is the time table of the 2 days.

Related posts:

1. AFAMY : Ultraman Zone
2. MY: Anime Festival Asia Malaysia 2012 !!
3. AFAMY: Super Ani-Song Genki!

So you have heard, the I Love Ani-song line Up for the Malaysia edition of the Anime Festival Asia, comprises of 5 artists for 6 hours worth of concert.

How should I say this, but the line up is really really good, with some of the biggest name for sometime~

A quick fact, this one AFAMY brings more Japanese artist to Malaysia for concerts than the whole of 2011*… And this is a rather amazing feat, don’t you think?

So who’s coming,

FLOW

They have wow’ed the people who went to AFA11 and now I’m very sure, they will be doing the same in KL, Malaysia.

They are easily one of the most power groups to have performed at AFA, along with the likes of JAM Project and SCANDAL.

KOTOKO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VLkvt16Jsg

Kotoko – Light My Fire

 Well she’s a veteran, and those who love Shana(Shakugan no Shana) will have definitely heard of her music.

Kotoko also did music for many other notable animes like Onegai Sensei, Hayate the combat butler and the game BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger.

Well it’s also her first time traveling to our part of the region.

SEA*A

And they are back~ As our only representative to the Japanese audiences now, how can we not have them at the most definitive event of South East Asia?

One of them is even a Malaysian,

Quote:

Don’t you think it’s just so good to be home~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61sDO_3hJLk

As our representative, they are certainly not letting us down with their wonderful performances at Animax Musix Fall 2011. In fact they are even slowly but surely gaining fans in Japan, with more and more jobs on hand. On my last visit to Japan, I even met some of them~

Kalafina

Well they came last year too~ They were great and we even got to speak with them briefly…

This time they come back with their new song “To The Beginning” one of the theme song for Fate/Zero, so I think you can look forward to them singing this live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpTS2EU4ghA

Powerful vocals is their specialty, so make sure not to miss out ok~

MAON Kurosahi

Well, she started out in 2001 but only had her big break in 2010, singing the op for the runaway hit, Highschool of the Dead Anime and then followed by A Certain Magical Index.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1nfX3L6J-U

Hmm… Interesting.

Hell the line-up for AFAMY is no worst then any of the previous AFAs. So I don’t see any reason why I would miss this, afterall I think I have already booked the Rooms~

And the price are considered rather reasonable, with the highest going at RM$308 for VIP access of both days.

So See You there!!

  *My own estimation

Related posts:

1. AFAMY : Ultraman Zone
2. AFA X, U Love Ani-song: ANIKI!
3. AFA X: I Love Ani-Song, Autographs balloting

Anime Festival Asia Malaysia is near! With this being the first time and with the passionate  on par with the previous AFAs in Singapore.

They chose Putra World Trade Centre, where most of the famous big scale event had been held as the AFAMY site.

This is a proof that they are confident in making the coming AFAMY awesome and as attractive as the one in Singapore!

What are the most attractive point from AFA that you definitely can’t miss it?

For what we have here now is the Moe Moe Kyun Maid Cafe and the Atelier Royale Butler Cafe!~~ You definitely can’t miss these two cafe, a all time favourite for most of the males and females during the AFA in Singapore.

First we’re going to introduce the Moe Moe Kyun Maid Cafe!

What you can enjoy in the Moe Moe Kyun Maid Cafe is, not just the lovely meidos *I know it’s the main purpose for going there to have a meal (*≧▽≦) *

You can enjoy the Japanese style western food there and maybe, some power-up boost on the served meal which is only provided by the lovely meidos! (◕‿◕✿)

When you are at AFAMY, do pay a visit for the special menu available! For some newcomers and of course the loyal fans, there’s a good news that the number of meidos have been increased with new meidos from Malaysia too!

*PS* If you know bout Sea☆A, the popular idol group, guess what, they are also a MMK meido! Σ(ﾟДﾟ|||)

What do we have here next? It’s the cafe served with the hottest butler that you always see in the anime, the Atelier Royal Butler Cafe!!!!

The Artelier Royale Butler Cafe, as you can see in the title, Royale~ the butlers are all on a Royal-level and what’s my first impression on them is…. hot, Hot , HOT!!!!

A group of young men and with a cool suit serving meals to you, just imagining it, would makes our imagination runs wild. (*°∀°)=3

Talking to these charming maids and butlers are certainly most of the AFA fans’ dream!! And i got to do that~

*Don’t jelly~~ (´ω｀★) *

What I found out is that these young people are all highly interested in Japanese culture thus putting them in high spirit for their jobs in the coming AFAMY.

The happiness and joy from serving the goshujin-sama and ojou-sama are the main motivator for them to excel in their butler and maids’ jobs.

*ahh..talking to them made me felt like I am old already *

The meidos are all having their charm point, Tora with a shy personality ( the voice also soft like a marshmallow~~ ) , Ringo with megane(glasses) is an intelligence imoto-chan, and lastly but not the least, Kiyomi, the one with the happiest sound voice, so much so you felt her happy aura spreading out!

**Editor Tueac’s Input:

It’s also Ringo’s first time in front of the media, she’s one of the new recruits that was chosen in the Malaysian MMK auditions.

Followed by ~ We present to you MIO~ She is the other MMK girl chosen so far in the Malaysia Auditions. But she wasn’t present at the AFAMY press conference yesterday.

Do they just look so cute~ The new additions are just gorgeous, Ringo is a meganeko~ Ah Meganeko~ I that that is my weakness. I’m luving it~

Ringo even like May’n, Bucho-sama~ not bad, not bad~ looks like she has potential to become my poison…

Now I wonder if they will be making an appearance also for the AFA12 in Singapore this coming Nov~

*End of Editor Tueac’s input for now*

Here’re the hot butlers that appeared in the Press Conference!

The two young butlers have an unexpected personality , Ren the one with a shy personality and Hiroshi, the head butler!* aww my gawddd, he’s actually a king!! Σ(ﾟДﾟ|||) *

Some serious discussion going on here among the Ultraman Mobius,Kaname and the Butlers~

Even Ultraman Mebius is attracted by their charms!!!

*I just asked them, whether if I can learn from them and maybe someday you might see me serving you, the all-mighty goushujin-sama in the Artelier Royale Butler Cafe. ♡＾▽＾♡

**Editor note, Tueac: Either that or crossdress as the maid and serve in the MMK~ Either way, that is all for now on MMK and AR. **

Related posts:

1. Moe Moe Kyun Maid Cafe is Recruiting!
2. AFA11: AR Butler and MMK Maid Cafe
3. NEX MMK EVENT!

May’n have announce on their website additional locations have been added in the World Tour, titled Rock Your Beats Tour.Thou keep in mind that this is not the final list and might be expanded.

And where do you think the next location will be for the World Tour the answer is China.

Following the frenzy on the last Asia UNITE Tour in 2011 in Guangzhou and Shanghai. The tour will be debuting for the first time in Chengdu and Hangzhou.

7月6日（金）　成都　華美紫馨国際劇院 6th July, Friday, Chengdu　
7月8日（日）　杭州　杭州市紅星大劇院 8th July, Sunday, Hangzhou
7月27日（金）　北京　北京五棵松体育馆 27th July, Friday, Beijing
7月29日（日）　上海　上海上海卢湾体育馆 29th July, Sunday, Shanghai

As a loyal fan of May’n, how can I miss this once in life time experience every year.

And I was there at Guangzhou last year for the concert. It was totally a blast, and worth the trip to be there!

I will do it all over again if given the chance. Then I was invited by Ani-Culture to write about my experience on the trip before I officially joined them.

Below is this link is my experience on the last UNITE Asia Tour 2011 in Guangzhou

Special write up: May’n UNITE Tour Guangzhou.

Related posts:

1. May’n Asia Tour 2011 「UNITE!!」Singapore!!!
2. May’n Rock Your Beats, USA dates and more~
3. May’N Asia Tour 2011, Shout Out!