On 26th September 2011, a press conference of the next big event in Asia was held in the AKB48 Official Cafe Singapore.
The conference had confirmed all the performing artists of I LOVE ANISONG concert and confirmed Cool Japan Forum speakers.
Firstly, I would like to thank our readers that had follow my twitter and tumblr for the first hand news update.
Lets me summarize what is installed for fans this year.
COOL JAPAN FORUM
The press conference started with Mr Haruhiko Miyano, Anime Festival Asia 2011 Festival Director with regards to the Cool Japan Forum.
This year focus will be on Music, Novels, Anime, Digital contents. The secrets of the strengths of Japanese contents, eg. strong story plots and uniqueness of Japanese music artists.
The lineup at this moment are as follow, there will have 3 more speakers to be announce at a later date.
Mr Hirano Keiichiro, renowned novelist
Mr Harumiko Mikimoto, character designer
Mr Sampei Yamaguchi, Sony Music Artists’ Senior Vice president
Mr Takaaki Kidani, President of Bushiroad Inc
Tickets will at 85 per delegate
AFA 2011 Official Theme Song – Dream Shooter by Sea☆A
Mr Shawn Chin, Festival Director of AFA11 continued with the announcement of AFA11 theme song, which is also the ending theme of Cardfight Vanguard anime; Dream Shooter by Sea☆A.
KANAME☆
Celebrity cosplayer KANAME☆ will welcome his wave of fans and visitors alike with his amazing cosplays. From Cloud of Final Fantasy VII Advent Children to Ichigo of Bleach and Portgas D.Ace of One Piece, KANAME☆ continues to wow with his high level of quality and realism in his cosplays.
He will be having a phototaking session with his fans and grace AFA11 as a distinguished judge in the Regional Cosplay Championship!
Danny Choo
Danny Choo will be the AFA 11 Main Host
Danny Choo is one of the most well-known and respected bloggers of Japanese pop-culture in the world. In addition to his blogs, he runs MIRAI Inc, an Internet solutions provider, and produces and hosts Culture Japan, a weekly program on Japanese culture on Tokyo MX. He will be the official host of AFA11 for many of our main stage segments.
AKIBA TOWN
Exclusive event-only items from the brands: Bushiroad, Bandai, COSPA, Nitro+, Kotobukiya, Good Smile Company and more to announce!
Bandai is bringing ONE PIECE augmented reality Carddass card games and cards to AFA11.
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Episode 4 will be release on the same-day as Japan, and limited DVDs and model kits will be on sale at AFA.
Bushiroad Inc. President; Mr Takaaki Kidani, was present at the conference himself to introduce to us, that there will be exclusive pre-release of the card game Cardfight Vanguard and big-scale tournament to be at AFA.
He is also proud to announce that OKTO will be airing the anime Cardfight Vanguard on 16th October 2011.
He hopes that Vanguard will be a big success in Singapore.
Moe Moe Kyun Café & Atelier Royale
More members and cast for the cafe.
A video introduction was shown to the media for the new members.
SE Asia's premium Maid Café is back with original MMK looks and uniform!
Atelier Royale theme this year is "Wonderland"!
Some of the cafe and butlers are introduced
Main Stage Highlights
Showcasing of some animes at the event.
Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi ha mada shiranai あの日見た花の名前を僕達はまだ知らない short for ANOHANA あの花
Masayoshi Tanaka, the character designer for various animes such as Hitman REBORN!, Toradora! and High School of the Dead and the recent ANOHANA will be on AFA11 Main Stage to share his experiences.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ
The seiyuu [voice actress] of Akemi Homura, Chiwa Saitou will be present on AFA11 main stage for a special 'live' dubbing session!
Madoka Magica's Producer Atsuhiro Iwakami as he shares with you insights into creating one of the most influential anime of our time.
Fate/Zero
Join Fate / Zero's producer Atsuhiro Iwakami as he shares insights to the creations of this highly anticipated Anime. What's more, LiSA who is behind the anime's opening theme will also be appearing to perform the show's anime opening theme.
Dedicated Anime Theater
Showing back-to-back anime through the event.
From left to right :
Full Metal Alchemist: The Star of Milos, Sora no Otoshimono: A Clockwork Angeloid, Naruto: Shippuden – The Blood Prison
For fans that reach early, there will be limited exclusive goodie bags.
I LOVE ANISONG CONCERT
The lineup of the remaining artist are also announced, with the dates of performance.
11.11.11 [Friday] – Day 1
Hatsune Miku
Hatsune Miku is a computer music software that enables users to create synthesized vocals of unprecedented quality and remarkable realism by just typing in lyrics and melody, using voice samples of seiyuu Saki Fujita. Powered by Yamaha's Vocaloid (Vocal + Android) technology, Hatsune Miku was developed by Crypton Future Media in Sapporo, and released on August 31st, 2007.
Since then, there have been more than 30,000 songs and movies about Hatsune Miku posted in a popular Video sharing web site such as YouTube and Nico-Nico- Douga(Japan). In 2008, Hatsune Miku performed for the first time on stage at Animelo Summer Live 2009 in front of a crowd of more than 25,000 people.
This simple software, with a cute voice and an illustration of its avatar on the cover, created not only large amounts of CGM (consumer generated media) music but remarkable numbers of derivative illustrations and dedicated free software as well.
Anime Festival Asia will premiere the first Hatsune Miku concert in Asia. The concert will be a sequel to the most recent live production in Sapporo, which pushed the live Miku experience to a whole new level.
Different from last year on screen performance, this year the performance will be 3D hologram concert.
12.11.11 [Saturday] – Day 2
FLOW
FLOW is a five-member alternative rock band made up of Kohshi (vocals/guitar), Keigo (vocals), Takashi (guitar), Hiroshi (drum) and Yasutaro (Bass). The band dates back to 1998 and made their debut in 2001, with the release of their first single 'Flow #0' and mini-albums, taking the indie charts by storm.
Since then, they have released no less than twenty-one singles and six albums, including 'Colors', opening theme to the first season of Code Geass, and 'GO!!' and 'RE:member', from the Naruto anime. All three singles have brought them success on the Oricon charts, with 'Colors' that ranked 2nd.
At the start of the year, FLOW covered SIAM SHADE's '1/3の純情な感情', ending theme of the Rurouni Kenshin anime, featuring DAITA on guitar. This was followed by a compilation album, 'FLOW ANIME BEST', of many anime theme songs under their belt. Their latest single release is 'Hey!'.
Ichirou Mizuki
This year's Anime Festival Asia marks Ichirou Mizuki's 4th performance in Singapore. With an amazing repertoire of over 1,200 anisongs, Ichirou Mizuki is riding the peak of his fame as the undisputed anisong legend.
More affectionately known by fans as Aniki, meaning "big brother", his Wikipedia entry was also translated into 92 different languages, proving his position as an internationally acclaimed Japanese pop-icon and one of the world's most famous Japanese personality.
As an anisong pioneer, he debuted in 1968 with the theme song for Genshi Shouken Ryuu, Mazinger Z, Captain Harlock, as well as the big TV hit, Kamen Rider, from its initial series right up till now. In 1999, Aniki even made history by singing 1000 songs within 24 hours! He also collaborated with French DJ Dimitri in 2003 while being ordained the "Anime Song Ambassador" in Paris in 2007. Recently, Aniki performed at the 2010 Shanghai International Exhibition's CoFesta.
For over 40 years, Aniki has been raising the dreams and hopes of children with his charismatic singing. Today, he continues to pass on the magic of anisongs with his amazing passion and live performances all over the world.
LiSA
LiSA is one of the hottest, rising stars in Anisong. She has captivated many audiences with her ability to get them into the mood of her performance.
Born in Gifu prefecture, LiSA started her own band while in high school to catch a growing wave of punk rock. In 2008, she moved to Tokyo in order to further her musical career.
In 2010, she was chosen as the singing voice of Yui, the second singer of the fictional band 'Girls Dead Monster', for the hit anime Angel Beats!. Many of the singles and albums released under Girls Dead Monster garnered a lot of success on the Oricon charts.
In the spring of 2011, LiSA released her own solo mini-album, 'Letters to U". In support of the album's release, she toured Japan to perform to sell-out crowds nationwide. Her next single has been announced to be the opening of Fate/Zero.
Sea☆A
From Anime Festival Asia's very own Moe Moe Kyun maid cafe comes the latest Anisong idol unit to debut in Japan, Sea☆A! Made up of Winnie, Beryl, Valerie and Estelle, Sea☆A hopes to capture the hearts and minds of anime fans, both in Japan and overseas, with their own special brand of appeal.
Their first single, Dream Shooter, has been featured as the third ending theme of the hit TV anime, Cardfight!! Vanguard. Their next single, 'DELI-DELI☆DELICIOUS', will be the ending theme of Toriko. Come end November, the girls will be performing at the prestigious Animax Musix 2011, in Yokohama Arena, alongside names such as May'n, Shoko Nakagawa and angela.
The name Sea☆A is made of three parts. SEA is short for South-East Asia, as all four members who come from South-East Asia. The star represents the stars that they hope to be. And finally, A is for their passion for Japanese anime and the wish to spread their songs throughout Asia with their activities.
13.11.11 [Sunday] – Day 3
Kalafina
Kalafina is the latest project by hit composer Yuki Kajiura, the genius behind FictionJunction and See-Saw, keeping Kajiura's signature new age and synthesizer sounds.
The trio debuted with 'Oblivious' from the Original Video Animation Kara no Kyoukai, released in January 2008, with 'sprinter/aria' and 'fairytale' following in the same year. The three singles all hit top 10 spots on the Oricon Weekly charts. Their Oricon success has continued with their subsequent singles and two albums, all reaching top 10 spots.
Kara no Kyoukai, with Kalafina providing theme songs to all the ep isodes, sold a total of 600,000 units over the course of its run.
In addition to performing in Japan, Kalafina has performed overseas as well. In 2010, they toured Asia, stopping in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taiwan. The group has also performed in United States at Anime Boston and Anime Expo.
Kanako Itou + Shikura Chiyomaru
Debuting with 'Reichin Rin'inshan' ending theme to Kikokugai: The Cyber Slayer (2002), Kanako Itou is one of the Japanese gaming industry's most prolific artistes, with more than eighty songs to her name. She is known for her songs "Kanashimi no Mukō e" from the School Days game, 'F.D.D' from the Chaos;Head and her most recent release has been 'Hacking to the Gate' from the Steins;Gate animation.
She has performed at many events in Japan and around the world. Itou has performed for three consecutive years at the anisong's largest event, Animelo Summer Live. Her overseas events include trips to Brazil and South Korea. Her 10th year anniversary event was held this year on the 13th of August in the Shibuya Liquid Room.
May'n
A frequent visitor to Singapore, this year will be May'n's 4th Performance at Anime Festival Asia. She also held her very own Solo concert and made her ScreenSingapore movie debut in June this year.
Every single audience who has witnessed her live performance is immediately transported into another world by her mesmerising and powerful vocals that pierce deep into the heart. Despite her young age, May'n is already rising towards her dream of being Japan's top female rock vocalist with sold out concerts at the acclaimed Budokan and all over Asia, including Singapore in June this year.
While she may seem like a carefree and cheerful 20-year-old, watch her transform as she picks up the microphone. Commanding a wide range of singing styles from pop rock, soul to R&B and grand ballad, May'n unleashes her high notes with absolute precision and ease, captivating fans throughout her entire magical performance.
Since her debut, May'n's album and singles have graced the Oricon Chart's top spots. Her phenomenal success has also earned her the support of leading producers who have worked with Ayumi Hamasaki, Porno Grafitti, Ikimonogakari, Chemistry and Misia. This year, she worked with Daisuke Asakura on Scarlet Ballet, opening theme to Hidan no Aria.
Milky Holmes
Made up of Suzuko Mimori, Sora Tokui, Mikoi Sasaki and Izumi Kitta, Milky Holmes is the representative unit of the hit anime and PSP game Tantei Opera Milky Holmes, performing both the theme songs and voicing the main characters.
The unit was formed in 2010 and performed in Animelo Summer Live at Saitama Super Arena in August the same year. During Anime Festival Asia X, the four performed to a sell-out crowd during their main stage segment.
In 2011, Milky Holmes embarked on a sell-out nation-wide tour of Japan, performing in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. They released their third mini-album in August and in September, a live DVD of their performance in Yokohama BLITZ was released.
With their catchy songs and groovy choreography, Milky Holmes wants to bring a smile to everyone's faces and have them enjoy songs such as Ameagari no Mirai, Seikai wa hitotsu! Jyanai!!and Koi no Chousahoukokusho.
TICKETING
ANISONG 1 day vip – #148SGD
ANISONG 3 day vip – 368SGD
ANISONG 1 day standing pass 48SGD
Festival Ticket is from 8SGD /day
Festival + Main Stage is 18SGD /day
SPECIAL GUEST AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE : LiSA
LiSA was invited to the press conference to give the media a surprise and the host had asked LiSA a few questions.
Q: What is the first impression of Singapore prior to coming here?
A: All I knew about Singapore was Merlion, and the word lion. I thought this place was like Safari or jungle. I know it was a very beautiful city and was very excited to come here.
Q: What are your thoughts for performing in Singapore for the very first time?
A: Its my first time here so I can't really feel its gonna be like. The people here are very warm and nice so I think we will have a very good time together.
Q: You are cast as the singing voice of Yui in last year's hit anime: Angel Beats!, as a singing voice what you do to get into the singer role of Yui during recording and performances.
A: I did not change anything about myself or did anything special. I try to send my message and Yui's message together to get into the character.
Q: The next single "oath sign" will be the single of one of the most anticipated anime Fate/Zero. What kind of song is "oath sign" and how it fit into the show?
A: Fate/Zero had 7 characters that are participating in the Holy Grail war, that each have their own dream. They get worried, scared, and made me think about myself chasing my dream too. My message is there is nothing wrong with what you are doing right now.
Q: This year marks your first year as a solo artist, how challenging was it and do you have any goals for this year?
A: There is something that I changed about myself, I've learnt so much from Yui, from Girls Dead Monster, I want to work hard so that each of your days is a better one.
That concludes my coverage of the press conference Yesterday.
Here are some photos.
Thanks for reading!
In the earlier press conference there is mention of AKB48 Experience Zone, which is not mention in this press conference, more updates will be confirmed by the official facebook and webpage of the event soon I hoped. As I am also looking forward to it!
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