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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.

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.

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

Mayuyu’s Shinkuro Tokimeki

tueac — Wed, 02 May 2012 05:11:14 +0000

*A short one here*

I went to HMV at 313 shopping center, in Singapore, on Labour Day to do some shopping. In the process, i got this~

Watanabe Mayu’s Shinkuro Tokimeki, her debuting solo single. It’s the regular edition but I managed to also got it first press. First press statues usually means that there is something special within, like the photocard you see above.

♡∠Ї¥∃☆ Watanabe Mayu (渡辺麻友… by wonderful-life1989

The songs within, isn’t that bad either, the standard happy cheery music you would use at a birthday party. I was looking forward to SABA NO KANZUME, the Enka song for a change… but it’s not in this version… too bad…

Eitherway, it cost SG$24.90 at HMV or you can get it(as well as the other versions) at CDJAPAN starting from 1143YEN.

*DAMMIT I hate SONY for it’s spastic enforcement of their music… … Can’t event find a PV of the song on youtube…*

ONE OK ROCK: Start Walking The World Tour Singapore Ticketing Information

tueac — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:31:02 +0000

ONE OK ROCK: Start Walking The World Tour, Singapore’s tickets are going on sale soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmCwbDdJdeY

It’s starting on Saturday, 21st April, physically at *SCAPE’s AFA shop and Sunday, 22nd April, online at JLIVE ASIA’s ONE OK ROCK site.

There are only 2 types of tickets, VIP at $128 and General at $88. The concert will be held at the *SCAPE’s Warehouse

Have fun!

Website: JLIVE

Shoko-Tan Asia Tour, Singapore Tickets now on Sale

tueac — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:51:30 +0000

Shoko Nakagawa aka Shoko-Tan is set to have her first Asia Tour, Hello I am Nakagawa Shoko Asia tour, this coming August and her destinations includes Taipei, Hong Kong, Guang Zhou, Shanghai and Singapore.

And tickets for her Singapore stop is now available on Sistics at a price of SG$150, SG$120 and SG$99 for VIP and General Admissions respectively.

With the sales of the tickets, the event’s venue is also confirmed to be at the Kallang Theatre on the 4th of August 2012, 8pm.

In addition, Japanese fans seeking to enjoy a leisure tour in the touring countries can also sign-up for an official package tour to watch the concerts.

Website: Sistics | Shokotan.jp
Source: Kitsune Suki

Background: The last time Shokotan performed in Singapore was at the Anime Festival Asia 2009, at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre. This is also her first Solo concert in Singapore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ugn5_0tbZB8

Kallang Theater used to be Singapore’s largest cinema located just next to the Indoor Stadium. It is now a 1700 seats auditorium and play host to the musical “Singapura, A lion City” as well as other concerts and events after the completion of it’s renovation in October 2011

SG: Liang Court Anime Week 20th to 29th April.

tueac — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:18:26 +0000

Picture from http://bouken-ya.blogspot.com/2009/02/liang-court-unwrapped.html

This coming weekend and the next, Liang Court will be hosting the Anime Week from the 20th of April till 29th April, with a timetable as below.

But before that, we have something to give away at the event. Remember the stuff we got from Japan? We will be putting them at Daiyaku‘s booth on the 21st and 22nd of April for everyone to get!

On my(brother’s) bed are,

- Postcards made by the talented people of Nihon Kogakuin, along with some other
- Postcards from other people~
- Vanguard Folders
- Vanguard related stuff

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

- Kamen Rider X Super Sentai Super Hero Taisen Movie pamphlets
- A bunch of pamphlets from other anime makers
- Nico Nico Chokaigi paper art booklets
- And a bunch of stuff not listed~

First come first serve!! While stock last!!
Do come early to get them~

Thank you DAIYAKU for providing the space for this to happen!

PS: It’s a free event.

Now for the time table from theeoy.com:

20 April (Friday) kickstarts the event with anime merchandise and doujin booths. Lovely ladies clad in meido costumes will put a smile on visitors’ faces at Liang Court with their moe greetings. They will also pose for polaroid photos with you, courtesy of Liang Court.

21 & 22 April (Saturday and Sunday) are the highlights of the week.

Programme for both days:

1.15pm – 1.30pm: Introduction about the day’s events and brief intro about cosplay
1:30pm – “Live” Anime Band performance by Ryuusei
2:00pm – Anime Dance performance by Momo
2:30pm – Youth Cosplayers Talent Showcase
3:00pm – Senior Cosplayers Talent Showcase
4:00pm – “Live” Anime Band performance by Ryuusei
5:00pm – Talk Show “Who says cosplay is only for the
young?”

There will also be a cosplay photography booth operated by Pink Blue, renowned for their high-quality cosplay photographs, as well as anime merchandise and doujin booths.

23 to 29 April

Activities related to traditional Japanese games, but nothing remotely related to cosplay.

On 28 and 29 April, the meidos will be back to greet visitors and take photos with you.

The above info may be subject to change on the actual event days.

Source: The Eoy

One Ok Rock 2012 “Start Walking The World Tour”

tueac — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:24:35 +0000

One Ok Rock presents their first world tour! With 5 locations set for now, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, Korea and Singapore.

One Ok Rock is a 4 man rock band formed in 2005 with their latest album, Zankyo Reference, selling 100,000 copies to rank 2nd in the Weekly oricon charts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-xF2MAFw5s

They are seen as one of the most promising Japanese JRock band.

Other then the world tour, One Ok Rock also announces their newly created official Youtube Channel.

From One Ok Rock website:

「ONE OK ROCK 2012 “Start Walking The World Tour”」

5/30(水)東京；新木場STUDIO COAST guest/9mm Parabellum Bullet
5/31(木)東京；新木場STUDIO COAST guest/阿部真央
6/04(月)大阪；なんばHatch guest/後日発表となります。
6/05(火)大阪；なんばHatch guest/CROSSFAITH
6/09(土)台湾； Legacy Taipei
6/16(土)韓国； AX-KOREA
6/30(土)シンガポール； *SCAPE

May 30, 2012: TOKYO,JAPAN, STUDIO COAST
Guest: 9mm Parabellum Bullet
May 31, 2012: TOKYO,JAPAN, STUDIO COAST
Guest: Abe mao
June 4, 2012: OSAKA,JAPAN, NAMBA Hatch
Guest: KAZUYOSHI SAITO
June 5, 2012: OSAKA,JAPAN, NAMBA Hatch
Guest: CROSSFAITH
June 9, 2012, Taipei, Taiwan, Legacy Taipei
June 16, 2012 Korea, AX-Korea
June 30, 2012 Singapore, *SCAPE

SG AFA12: A Whole new level~

tueac — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:49:23 +0000

The dates and location of the AFA12 have been decided!

Date: 9th, 10th and 11th of November 2012
Location: Singapore EXPO Hall 7 and 8!

The new thing is the location, with the move to Singapore EXPO at the east side of Singapore instead of the traditional Suntec City, located in the central area.

But according to the information from Singapore EXPO website the size of each hall is at a staggering 9,936 sq metre!

Singapore EXPO - Google Map, Satellite view

Making this a jump from 8000 sq Metre of 2011 to 19,872 Sq ft Metre for 2012! I am already wondering what is going to be featured in AFA12?! That is a lot of SPACE to fill!!!

Stay tune to Ani-Culture.net for more on AFA12! And not to forget also AFAMY~

Website: AFA
Facebook: AFA