STGCC was recently held in Marina Bay Sands. Yes that busy bustling place where locals, tourists and 'Pokemon Go-ers' converge. For this edition, the venue was at the basement hall. Very convenient, just exiting the MRT will bring you straight to the convention area. If you a comic enthusiast or an action figure buff, this is the place to go. Notable guests to grace this event were Nick Spencer, dude responsible for the biggest twist in comics (read Captain America) and Emma Rios. Not limited to comics and toys, they invited established music producers such as Ryu☆ and Kors K, names synonymous with Konami's Bemani games. It was a good mix of both local and foreign talents.
For the idoru aspect of things we have an 'Akiba Pop Stage'. Held on day 2, its a showcase of pop-culture and music. Groups invited were 'Guildstars', Road of Alice, Hiiragi Rio and Rie Yunohara.
GUILDSTARS
Members Sou-chan and Haruru
Guildstars is a group hailing from the Casino themed cafe Akiba Guild. Members invited were Sou-chan, Haruru and Ciel. Apart from their cafe, they have an official youtube channel and thats about the limited info I have about this group.
CIEL!
Being a meido cafe enthuasiast myself, had a small chat and this caused Haruru to activate 'fishing mode'. Regardless, would still buy their chekis or CDs since its not everytime you have an overseas meido cafe representative coming over. I showed them their flyer which I got in Akiba. They were quite surprised to see it which inadvertly made me into a mini celebrity with them taking selfies.
The flyer got signed!
Members Twitter
Official: @akibaguild
Ciel: @Ciel_QC
Haruru: @haruru_churachu
Sou-chan: @souchama_ag
Official Site: http://akibacc.com
Road of Alice
Road of Alice
Road of Alice itself were an interesting group. Mai-chan previously hailed from the group Jewel Kiss and she join forces with Chisamin, who has her experience in theatre. Their charm, openness and sporting behaviour (as exhibited by how Mai-chan suddenly headbutted me) is an attraction factor which resulted in a steady stream of fans heading their booth. At the Akiba Stage itself, they wore the Wake-Up Girls uniform and did the song '7 Girl War'.
Road of Alice in WUG costume
Joining the group is another legend himself: Enchou! This person is responsible for starting the MIX where its extensively used in most idol concerts. After the event, he gamely teaches the wotas around his 'SOUL MIX'. Such energy, such passion. Especially with a legend in the midst.
Enchou unleashing the wota soul
Members Twitter
Mai-chan: @jewel_maichan
Chisamin: @chisapinpin
Hiiragi Rio
TAKAMA? RIORIO!
Hiiragi Rio is well known in the Idoru community both regional and overseas. Mainly because she extensively travelled to overseas cons i.e. Japan Expo Paris. In fact after her stint in Singapore, she will be flying off to Australia for another con. RioRio, as she's affectionately known, is a pokemon enthuasiast too thus bulk of our conversation were about that. And she's the 2nd idol to dare touch my head. Seriously dont know whats up with the idols for this event.
Her cheki is quite expensive. With sign is 20SGD as opposed to the others which were set 10SGD a piece. Her performance on stage was very lively and the song 'BANZAI! BANZAI!' gave me an earworm. No surprises because its composed by the legendary Hyadain. Hiiragi Rio's twitter: @hiiragirio
Rie Yunohara
Riecho promoting her main stage performance
Rie Yunohara is in her 3rd year attending STGCC! The ever friendly and lovable Riecho was ecstatic to see us again and her booth always bustling with activity from old time fans. And its fitting that she is last idoru act for Akiba Pop Stage. Non-idoru fans were not excluded too as she also performed Aya Hirano's 'Gods Knows' from the anime Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi. The best moment was when she perfomed 揺れる夢みる恋のROUND. She went to audience and everyone did a circle and kecha to her. Truly magical. You can tell she is truly happy to be in Singapore by her tears during the end segment.
The day before, she held a fan meeting session. Location? Lau Pa Sat! To be fair to all the attendees who might have dietary concerns, everyone buys their own food. Just like 'off-kai' sessions overseas, she will go table by table and mingle around with the fans. Quite awkward as both me and Riecho have some difficulty conversing. Though overall was happy that she remembered my nickname somewhat. And we had mini satay tug of war lol.
Riecho with satay. Delicious~
Tug of war with another fan
Riecho and fans!
Rie Yunohara's twitter: @rie_yunohara
Its refreshing that we have an Akiba Pop Stage for STGCC though I wouldnt have minded if there isnt any. Like AFA, guess STGCC is following suit including idols and anisong DJs to attract the crowd. Icing on the cake was the fan meet with Riecho, because where else you can have a totally close interaction with her.
Chekis Attained 1) Rie Yunohara 2) Hiiragi Rio 3) Road of Alice: Mai-chan & Chisamin 4) Guildstars: Sou-chan, Haruru and Ciel (Since they're meidos, put into meido cheki book not related to my idoru cheki book :P )
No comments:
Post a Comment