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Gundam Unicorn Episode 5 Singapore Premiere

makotosato — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:08:59 +0000

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.

Congrats to JKT48 for 1st successful Stage!

tueac — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:16:31 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCCZoJXWxh4

JKT48 the first overseas sister group of AKB48 completed their ever first stage in their homebase Jakarta on the 17th of May 2012.

They performed Team B’s 3rd stage, and will be doing so 4 days in the row from the 17th to the 20th of May with 2 shows a day, 3pm and 7pm.

From the Ani-Culture.net team, Congratulations!

Website: http://www.jkt48.com/

May’n presents special video message for FanimeCon 2012

cx3907 — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:40:00 +0000

A little surprise for May’n fans~

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

—

MSIA: Japan Fest Malaysia

tueac — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:29:37 +0000

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

SG: Gundam Unicorn Ep5 Screening Premier Invites

tueac — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:50:11 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgovM71S2mY

Update: just 3 more days~

Sheng Tai Toys, along with Bandai Singapore will be inviting Fans to the Singapore Premier screening of Gundam Unicorn Episode 5 with a special redeem system.

For each selected HG gunpla purchased will earn you a cupon that can be mailed to Sheng Tai Toys for 1 tickets and a MG earns you a pair.

The Screening will be on the same day as the Japanese premier in Japan, on the 19th of May 2012, Saturday.

Location and time of the event will be made known on the confirmation email regarding the screening.

Please refer to the below graphics for more information.

In other news, there is this campaign currently going on. A “Gunpla x Gundam.info promotion campaign” card with a series of number is given with every purchase of any selected Gunpla model kit.

Entering this serial number into a the gundam.info site’s campaign page will allow you to take part in a lucky draw with a chance to win HK$15,000 worth of prizes.

This campaign is open to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, USA, Canada, Italy, and Thailand.

Thank you Sheng Tai Toys Singapore and Bandai Singapore for sharing with us these promotions.

KDDI’s Summer 2012 Smartphone range~

tueac — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:12 +0000

Well the Fujitsu Arrow Z looks, feels and functions rather nicely~ Will the Japanese super phones of the previous years be back soon?

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

After-all, Japanese phones are known for their meticulous details and functions, most of them are even splash proof~

Let’s not forget also that the designs are good too!

Featured smartphone models are,

Kyocera URBANO PROGRESSO

Fujitsu Arrow Z ISW13F

Sharp Aquos ISW16SH

Picture and Source: Digi-Info TV

Mannequin based 3D movement manipulator

tueac — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:22:11 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfJ4pA8ngDo

This Mannequin based 3D movement manipulator is a wow~ Imagine it making animating a 3D figure/wireframe so much easier!!

Interesting~

Source: http://www.diginfo.tv/v/12-0070-r-en.php

AFAMY : Cosplayer Miyuko (Spiral Cats)

tama-tan — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:15:41 +0000

The Anime Festival Asia Malaysia just announced that celebrity cosplayer, Miyuko is coming to the coming AFAMY! ((( ;°Д°))))

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・)」 *

SG: Upcoming event ~ JAF II / Japanese Arts Fiesta II ~

k_ryuuji — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:27:52 +0000

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

SG: Sadako 3D opening in Singapore soon~

tueac — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:20:23 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQnvfDXG-_k

Sadako 3D aka also in 3D(in singapore) coming soon to a GV theater near you!

Are you ready for some baseball soon? Do you think a bunch of HD televisions will be walking our streets soon?

Apparently some 50 appeared and there is a even a 100″ version… lol~

Sadako 3D open on the 12 of May in Japan… And is stated as coming soon for Singapore according to the trailer by Golden Village Singapore.

Picture Source: Crunchyroll