People who like virtual exercise challenges may want to check out The Conqueror: Lord of the Rings! This task will reveal aspects from the cinematic version of J. R. R. Tolkien’s world on smartphones to fans, as they walk, run or bicycle through the realm through stories. In what they get are handpicked images and captions to enhance the tale. Throughout the month of April, the parent organisation, Actionary Limited, has been revealing the five paths would-be Hobbits, Rangers and orc soldiers are likely to traverse on social media.
It’s now available for a limited time, and only the brave will want to challenge this mega-mile race to destroy the one ring. The Conqueror app this company developed helps individuals count their steps instead of doing battle with invisible foes. They track the distances travelled or type the activity done, and the reward after it’s all logged is a shiny medal.
Anyone yearning for that summer concert experience will have to wait a little bit longer because of the pandemic. Thankfully, some show promoters are keeping it virtual. Anyone wanting their J-pop will be glad to know AKB48 will be performing at Asia Festival 2021 Online.
This event was first held back in January 2019 and won instant accolades. In the same year, on August 24th, a second event was held in Shanghai and was met with equal enthusiasm. The look into what made each group unique was key to this show’s success.
This pay-for event will present performances from the internationally popular J-Pop idols and their sister groups on June 27. Just like a real concert, different levels exist for those wanting “the perks” like pre-show, post-performance exclusives or souvenirs to this digital show.
This event will unite AKB48’S sister groups from across Asia, including JKT48 (Jakarta), BNK48 (Bangkok), MNL48 (Manila), AKB48 Team SH (Shanghai), AKB48 Team TP (Taipei), SGO48 (Ho Chi Minh City), and CGM48 (Chiang Mai).
If only Virtual YouTubers existed back in the 1980s, I’m sure EVE from Megazone 23 would’ve endured beyond the golden age of anime. She’d even be ‘upgraded’ with the times. Well, technically, she was an avatar, a computer program designed to keep an eye on the people of Earth on floating cities. Her presence is meant to keep the populace happy, and the virtual idols of today serve a similar purpose. Their celebrity lifestyle is something fans want to follow; Himemori Luna (姫森ルーナ) and Natsuiro Matsuri (夏色まつり) is ) are two beloved video bloggers on YouTube who have a massive following. According to the VTuber Wiki, the number of subscribers to these idols and many more number in the millions. These two are the latest to perform a virtual concert last weekend!
Cinderella Switch -Futari de miru Hololive- cycles through popular virtual idol singers per show and unlike their regular YouTube content, which also puts their life on spotlight, these performances allow fans see them sing from the best seat in the house. The shows are “managed” by VARK Inc, considered a leader in this VR concert industry, and software that’s developed puts viewers into a cartoon.
This show realizes the two as best of friends. One is sweet and naive, and the other a ball of fire. Their shows are approximately an hour long, consisting of five tracks. Luna’s repertoire was bouncy, and Matsuri’s more varied (her show’s production value is a lot more varied). They sing covers of tunes composed by other artists, ranging from 40mp to DECO*27, and the emotional value is everything I’d expect from a Urusei Yatsura EDM mix-tape. Notable favourites include Ugoku, Uogoku (Chito & Yuuri), Paprika (Foorin) and U&I (Houkago Tea Time).
Anyone who has played Kizuna AI: Touch the Beat on the Oculus will get a different type of experience with VARK Incorporated’s virtual concert series, Cinderella Switch.
This show brings Himemori Luna and Natsuiro Matsurito many virtual headsets for fans to listen along to. This show takes place Saturday March 27th, 2021 at 9AM CET/4AM EDT/5PM JST. Of course, keeping track it in other time zones is tough unless one has an alarm and reminders in place–but for what’s offered in volume four is going to be a fun time. You’re getting J-pop as its meant–with a 3D laser light show and it’s all digital!
In partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, the Canadian Museum of Nature will host “Family Day with The Croods,” based on the DreamWorks Animation family film The Croods: A New Age. The fun virtual event will be broadcast live on Family Day this Monday, February 15th on the museum’s Facebook page at 2:30pm ET in English and 4:30pm ET in French. To join in the interactive programs, like the Canadian Museum of Nature Facebook page. The Croods: A New Age is available to own on Digital now and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray™ and DVD February 23, 2021 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
“Family Day with The Croods” will be a live event where families can meet scientist and Paleobiologist Dr. Danielle Fraser, who will teach participants about the saber-toothed cat and other prehistoric animals. Participants will also meet DreamWorks animator Ludovic Bouancheau, who will demonstrate how to draw a Croodimal from The Croods: A New Age in an exclusive tutorial. Bring your paper, pencils and eraser to draw along with the tutorial and bring the fan favourite Croods characters to life.
Our goal is to follow the pop culture scene of the Pacific Northwest (Victoria, B.C. especially). This can range from the arts to books to cinema to television. Our content also includes peeks into what's coming out of Asia–but even more importantly, in what we love to populate our book and video shelves with!
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By Ed Sum 
Anyone who has played 
