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In Japan, Hololive held their annual Super Expo. It’s now into its third year and it took the Makuhari Messe Event Hall on March 19 and 20 by storm. There were two days worth of things to do at the venue, including a concert featuring many talents from the VTuber world. The company offered an in-person event and virtual show. I settled for what was made available to view for free (i.e. online) and am reviewing that content. As for what occured at the venue, what’s being summed up here is based on reports from those who attended.
A single day pass was 5,500 ($46 USD) and the weekend ticket was￥10,000 ($84 USD). With that price, I hoped this blog’s criticisms from before would be addressed. A few things did get changed, but other aspects remain the same for this augmented reality experience.
There were supposed to be 39 talents at this mega concert. Uruha Rushia was dropped because she leaked some kind of information, which led to her termination. As for who the real-life person is behind the digital avatar, I’m curious about what she revealed about the behind-the-scenes of this industry. Part of this industry is purposely shrouded in mystery, but to know who are the talents to give life to these digital avatars has my curiousity. To really understand this rabbit hole means reading the excellent article by James He for Happymag.tv
The venue offered plenty to see and do. There were video panels, carnival style games, mascot interaction, art galleries, food and merchandise to be found! Later in the day were two concerts. New 3D models of the talents from Hololive English Myth (EN first generation) and Hololive Indonesia Gen 1 were introduced.
Day one featured Marine with Fubuki in a familiar setup prior before her performance. There are several talents featured in the paid show, and from that side, it’s been reported Indonesian talent Moona Hoshinova gave a rousing “High Tide.” Other talents Gawr Gura (REFLECT), Ninomae Ina’nis (VIOLET), and Amelia Watson (Fushigi Purupuru Pururin Rin!) also sang. The final act was from Prism Melody, a dance troupe.
The injection of camera shots of real life audience go by fast. It makes me more curious about how the in-person events are handled. What are these attendees seeing and were smartphones required? Did they get an IMAX or Real D style show (most likely not)? I’d love to see a video or pictures of what was offered so those curious can make the decision on whether these events are worth attending or not. If its like watching a film production crew coming into town to film a Hallmark movie, then this show won’t be for everyone.
The tour of the venue in Anime Corner’s report suggests parts had to be viewed through an app. A look through Twitter with the hashtags of #つながるホロライブDAY1 and #つながるホロライブDAY2 gives hints at what went on, and it looks like people are watching a huge projection with a live band hidden in the background.
The fanaticism for Virtual Youtubers is mystifying and yet fascinating. Personally, I can’t get into the interview segments since it’s just watching virtual avatars stand around and talking like they’re in a video game. There’s elements in the animation of these 3D avatars which seem unnatural because it doesn’t employ the same type of motion-capture technology used in cinema. Until its elevated to James Cameron’s Avatar levels and real time translation is offered for non native language followers, these bits can be skipped.
I suspect this fad is just that. Although there’s companies in North America interested in pursuing virtual idols in their regional markets, it won’t catch on and replace the tied and true like Gorillaz.
Here’s the full list of stars performing at Holofes 2022 as posted by Destro.com
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Day 1 |
Day 2 |
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AZKi |
Robocosan |
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Sakura Miko |
Tokino Sora |
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Hoshimachi Suisei |
Yozora Mel |
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Akai Haato |
Aki Rosenthal |
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Shirakami Fubuki |
Ookami Mio |
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Natsuiro Matsuri |
Nakiri Ayame |
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Oozora Subaru |
Yuzuki Choco |
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Inugami Korone |
Minato Aqua |
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Houshou Marine |
Murasaki Shion |
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Shirogane Noel |
Nekomata Okayu |
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Amane Kanata |
Shiranui Flare |
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Tokoyami Towa |
Usada Pekora |
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Himemori Luna |
Shishiro Botan |
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Omaru Polka |
Tsunomaki Watame |
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Momosuzu Nene |
Yukihana Lamy |
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Gawr Gura |
Takanashi Kiara |
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Ninomae Ina’nis |
Mori Calliope |
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Amelia Watson |
Ayunda Risu |
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Moona Hoshinova |
Airani Iofifteen |