WOW! Finally an article!
COVID-19 has been ruthless causing events cancelled everywhere, hindering people from gathering in large groups or attend anything pop-culture related. So yeah, no events to attend to and unleash your inner yakkai. However, these setbacks has caused organizers to be novel and creative. Since people cant go to our events, how about bringing it over to people?
Thus this years edition of Japan Expo Malaysia and Anime Festival Asia has gone Virtual~~
Japan Expo's first foray into a totally virtual event led to quite a large number of artistes / showcases crammed into 2 seperate streaming channels. The 2 stages are Kaze Stage & Sora Stage.
Amazing on how they can squeeze in alot of performers. Especially this group!
Lol, their lineup kept changing thus the group photo is just their logo. Anyways its 5 members for this event.
So how did the virtual experience go? Of course, unless indicated, most
are pre-recorded in studio or some re-use their MVs. Tbh, I find it
lacklustre mainly due to each artiste appearance is limited to 1-2 songs.
I am more used to each acts having a setlist of 4-5 songs. Well beggars
cant be choosers, have to be thankful that they did appear on stream
"live" during the interview segment after their showcase.
Due to the monster lineup, many lamented "what if". What if
Japan Expo doesnt resort to virtual, would they come down too? Hmmmm
Next is Anime Festival Asia. Me wishing that local conventions dont have
after event drama came true as everything is cancelled here! AFA is more
tailored to the anime community thus a huge line up of anisong artistes.
Jumping on the trend, they invited virtual youtubers too. I am not the
weeb I used to be, thus not thoroughly interested in their lineup.
Another "what if", imagine all these guests for anisong concert! Really
big.
22/7 is feature "idol" group for this year. To be honest, I only know Sally Amaki. Totally lost on who are the other members. Made a point to watch her doing an Online LIVE quiz.
So how is this virtual experience then? Stream at times lagged and gets cut off. After watching the amusing comments posted on youtube, I left after Sally attempts to answer the 3rd question. Why? Because of this:
Since I dont get myself fully invested, I cant really give an unbiased view on this. Not all of the content appeals to me. However to the anisong fans, I guss they are ecstatic. Ended up watching another Idol Live Stream elsewhere.
This will be the new normal until everyone can go events proper. For
now, make do with the livestreams. Its convenient, and you can watch it
in the comfort of your own home. Only problem you cant be immersed in
the atmosphere and make do with just cheering them behind a computer
screen. Sighh
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