Press Release: J-Pop Summit 2016 Announces Opening Night Live Concert with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

J-POP SUMMIT 2016, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, proudly presents pop princess — Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – for a very special live concert performance in San Francisco at the Regency Ballroom on Friday, July 22nd to kick off the weekend-long J-POP festivities.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 6th. KPP Concert Ticket BASIC and PREMIUM packages, along with KPP + J-POP SUMMIT Combo Tickets, will be available for purchase at: www.J-POP.com. The Regency Ballroom is located at 1290 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is one of Japan’s biggest pop and fashion stars and represents the dynamic fusion of Japanese pop culture, fashion and music.

The singer is currently marking her 5-year anniversary as an artist with an international concert tour “KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016” supporting the upcoming release of her very first retrospective album, KPP BEST. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu was a headliner at the J-POP SUMMIT 2013 and returns to San Francisco to celebrate her anniversary with fans on Friday, July 22nd at J-POP SUMMIT 2016 Opening Night.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 continues Saturday and Sunday July 23rd and 24th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. Attendees will experience a colorful assortment of Japanese pop-influenced culture including fashion, pop art, live music and technology, accented by ramen vendors, sake-tasting, and other attractions to be complemented by celebrity Guests of Honor, anime programming, cosplay and karaoke contests, and a wide assortment of vendors and other programming.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu LIVE at J-POP SUMMIT OPENING NIGHT – KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in San Francisco ticket options include:

*KPP Concert Ticket BASIC · $40 each
Includes general admission at Regency Ballroom

**KPP Concert Ticket PREMIUM · $150 each
Includes general admission at the Regency Ballroom, exclusive meet & greet with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and a special gift.

**Both options DO NOT include entrance to the J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason.

KPP + J-POP SUMMIT Combo Tickets — including J-POP SUMMIT 1-day and/or 2-day passes that each include a KPP Concert Ticket BASIC starting from $55 each – will be also available on Friday, May 6th at: www.J-POP.com.

Stay tuned for news coming next week on J-POP SUMMIT tickets, including V.I.P packages, and information on other artists set to perform.

About Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Born in Tokyo 1993, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began her career as a model for several Harajuku fashion magazines while she was still in high school. Her unique look and uninhibited, self-expressive personality quickly garnered the attention of Japan’s bustling fashion and music scenes. In 2011, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu released her début mini-album, MOSHI MOSHI HARAJUKU (Hello, Harajuku) under Warner Music Japan. The music video for its single “PONPONPON,” has been played over 93 million times on YouTube. Her first full-length album, Pamyu Pamyu Revolution, was released 2012. The following year was Nanda Collection, and another release, Pika Pika Fantajin in 2014. Last year, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu released the single, Mondai Girl, which was followed by a Halloween-themed single, Crazy Party Night (Pumpkin no Gyakushu).

In May 2016, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will release her first retrospective album, KPP BEST, a collection of 23 career-spanning tracks that includes infectious hit singles such as Invader Invader, Kira Kira Killer, Fashion Monster, as well as 5th anniversary song “5iVE YEARS MONSTER”.

About J-POP SUMMIT
J-POP SUMMIT is one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, held every summer in San Francisco, CA. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, fashion, film, art, games, tech-innovations, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a landing platform for new trends from Japan.

Press Release: JPop Group Perfume’s Documentary “WE ARE Perfume -World Tour 3rd DOCUMENT-” To Receive Simultaneous Japan and U.S. Theatrical Premieres

With the conclusion of Perfume‘s most recent live shows held in Asia, Europe, and for the first time, in the United States, the famed Japanese pop trio’s very first feature-length documentary titled, “WE ARE Perfume -World Tour 3rd DOCUMENT-” presents an in-depth look into the making of Perfume‘s recent international tour. The film will be released simultaneously in Japan and the U.S., with U.S. premieres set to take place in New York and Los Angeles on two consecutive days, Saturday, October 31st and Sunday, November 1st 2015.

“WE ARE Perfume -WORLD TOUR 3rd DOCUMENT” U.S. Release
NEW YORK
Anthology Film Archives
32 2nd Ave.
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-505-5181
Time: 12 PM – 2 PM

LOS ANGELES
Downtown Independent
251 S. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-617-1033
Time: 3 PM – 5 PM

Ticket Price: $18.00

WE ARE Perfume” will also be the first feature-length documentary to hold a simultaneous Japan and U.S. release. Additional screenings will also take place in Hong Kong, Mexico, Singapore, and Taiwan. The theme song to “WE ARE Perfume” is also the group’s next single, “STAR TRAIN,” written by Yasutaka Nakata (from the Japanese electro house group, CAPSULE). The single, which scheduled to drop on October 28th 2015, is penned as the culmination of Perfume‘s 15-year career.

About “WE ARE Perfume -WORLD TOUR 3rd DOCUMENT”
This documentary follows Perfume on a two-month international live tour, “Perfume WORLD
TOUR 3rd.” While traveling around the globe to cities across Asia, Europe, and the United
States, audiences will see Perfume‘s powerful live performances and catch never before seen
behind-the-scenes footage. Witness the group’s single-minded approach to their performances –
the joy, anguish, and struggles, not only in the music, but also in fashion and pop culture. By
witnessing the girls’ ongoing current activities fans will glimpse Perfume‘s achievements and
their goals for the future. This is Perfume‘s nonstop evolution. Their “now” is here.

During several insightful interviews, the members “Dame Dashi” will be revealed in which they
reflect on improving for upcoming shows. The source of their passion for performing live will
also be revealed. In between their tight schedules the members are depicted enjoying some
leisure time – from their excitement in Singapore’s giant Merlion, to exploring New York’s
Times Square, fans will witness their life-sized reactions. In addition, each member also talks
about the world tour, the group’s formation, and a look back on their successful career to-date.
These exclusive interviews can only be seen in the movie.

About Perfume 
Perfume is a female trio formed in Hiroshima in 2000, consisting of a-chan (Ayaka Nishiwaki),
KASHIYUKA (Yuka Kashino) and NOCCHI (Ayano Omoto). The group moved to Tokyo in
2003 and started working with Yasutaka Nakata of CAPSULE as their producer. In 2005,
Perfume made their major début with a single “Linear Motor Girl” attracting attention with their
futuristic sound and image.

From Oct. 26th, 2012, Perfume went on their first international tour visiting Taiwan, Hong Kong,
Korea and Singapore proving their popularity goes beyond Japan. Their next world tour was in
July, 2013. With this “Perfume WORLD TOUR 2nd”, Perfume visited Germany, the UK and
France for the first time which spread their recognition to the western markets.

In Oct. and Nov., 2014, yet another world tour “Perfume WORLD TOUR 3rd” in Taiwan,
Singapore, LA, London and NY followed. Perfume celebrates their 15th anniversary since
formation and 10th since major début in 2015.

About Live Viewing Japan
Live Viewing Japan is a Japanese-based media distribution company dedicated to introducing
Japanese artists of various genres around the world.

Press Release: 2015 J-Pop Summit Announces Day 1 Live Programming & Music Concerts

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT, the Japanese pop culture event held annually in San Francisco, has announced DAY 1 programming. This year’s festival is highlighted by live music from a wide range of pop, ani-pop, electronica, punk/alternative, and a cappella artists, as well as live comedy and other acts to complement an extensive roster of attractions, participants and exhibits, and other live programming.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT takes place Saturday and Sunday August 8th & 9th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. Tickets and V.I.P Passes are available. Both types of passes include access to daytime programming as well as the J-POP LIVE NIGHT concert. V.I.P Pass holders will have priority access to a premium viewing area and will be invited to an exclusive Meet & Greet Event with JAM Project on Saturday, August 8th and Eir Aoi on Sunday, August 9th respectively. Details to be announced soon!

This year’s live performers reflect the diversity and unique creative expression that is burgeoning in Japan and capturing a global following. The first-ever 2-night event J-POP LIVE NIGHT tops off DAY 1 Saturday, August 8th, with an evening concert by anime music super-group – JAM Project – as well as live sets from pop singer, Eir Aoi, frenetic rock band, Gacharic Spin, and returning all-girl punk rock acts, JinnyOops! and the Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass.

During the afternoon of Saturday, attendees also will be treated to the U.S. début of Little Glee Monster, an extraordinary 6-member female a cappella group that has received wide acclaim in Japan for their unique vocal treatments to a range of popular Japanese and English songs. Also making their début at J-POP SUMMIT will be FES★TIVE, a unique act built around the concept of Japanese “festivals” that has garnered a global following with their up-tempo, catchy sound. The hilarious antics of the comedy duo, Jaru Jaru, also come to U.S. shores for the first time as does the stylish female pop duo, Faint★Star.

J-POP SUMMIT also introduces attendees to a brand new way to show their love of favorite Japanese idols with the Cheerz App, on which users can upload photos to show support for a wide array of top artists, including ones performing at J-POP SUMMIT. Cheerz users also can receive additional opportunities for visibility and promotion based on their photo’s popularity among other users of the app. Over 300 top Japanese artists are currently active on Cheerz and since its launch in December 2014, fans have cheered on their favorite idols over 40 million times.

Stay tuned for J-POP SUMMIT DAY 2 programming to be announced very soon!

J-POP LIVE NIGHT Artists
J-POP LIVE NIGHT on Saturday begins at 4:30pm on the J-POP SUMMIT Main Stage inside the Fort Mason Pavilion. Specific set times will be posted shortly.

JAM Project (Japan Animation-Song Makers Project)
JAM Project is an anime music super-group founded in 2000. The group is composed of the top vocal artists that are each renowned for their work in the anime industry. The members came together to create and perform powerful theme songs for anime, tokusatsu (SFX movies and TV), and video games. Since their début, the JAM Project has produced and released hundreds of anime and video game theme songs, including the themes to Super Robot Wars, GARO and Tomica Hero. The group toured internationally in 2008, 2012 and 2015. Current regular members are Hironobu Kageyama (singer of “Dragon Ball Z” opening theme), Masaaki Endoh (singer of “Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s” opening theme), Hiroshi Kitadani (singer of “ONE PIECE” opening theme), Masami Okui (singer of “Revolutionary Girl Utena” opening theme) and Yoshiki Fukuyama (singer of “Macross 7” opening theme), who will all perform in San Francisco!

Eir Aoi
Eir Aoi is a Japanese singer from Sapporo, Hokkaido that is signed to SEM Records (Sony Music Entertainment. She gained wide popularity after several of her songs were used as the opening and ending themes for many popular anime series including Kill la Kill, Sword Art Online II and Season 2 of Aldnoah.Zero. She has built a worldwide fan base and embarks on her first international tour this summer.

Gacharic Spin
Celebrating their 5th anniversary this year, Gacharic Spin is a true force of musical power from Japan! One of their songs is now used as the ending theme for Dragon Ball Kai. Taking their name from the word, “Gacha,” derived from a Japanese word gacha-gacha, meaning clattering, each members’ character and sound clatters and mixes perfectly with singers Hana and Oreoreona’s powerful and melancholic voices, to result in a spectacularly unique sound. The band is signed to the JVCKENWOOD Victor Entertainment Corp. Taking hints from everything from pop to rock and industrial music, their energy-filled live performances and excellent musicianship have made them a very fun band to watch!

JinnyOops!
Returning to J-POP SUMMIT for their first time since 2010 is JinnyOops!, the 3 -piece indie punk band from Osaka, Japan. The group, which is composed of Mitsuyo Ishibashi (guitar/vocals), Chihiro Ishida (Bass), and Hitomi Futemma (Drums) are known for their wild and explosive punk sound and have made several appearances in the US.

Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass
The Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass are a Japanese female punk rock trio from Tokyo. Formed in 2005, the band has Kei Sofue on drums and sisters Yumi and Miki Uchizono on vocals/guitar and bass, respectively. After playing at SXSW 2012 in Austin, Texas, the band embarked on a US tour and headlined the J-Pop Summit Festival in San Francisco. Known for their energetic live performances, the band has played countless shows internationally and have established a loyal fan base in Japan, as well as overseas.

DAY 1 Daytime Live Performances

Little Glee Monster
This 6-member group composed of teenage girls has gained wide acclaim for their exceptional vocal skills and harmonies. Little Glee Monster was formed in Tokyo in 2013 by winners of a “Best Young Female Singer Audition” contest. The music video for the group’s first single, Houkago High Five, featured on their major label début for Sony Music has been viewed more than 500 million times! Little Glee Monster’s “Gao Gao All-Star” was selected as the ending theme song for the Pokémon XY anime series and their music also will be featured in the upcoming anime feature, Pokémon XY The Movie: The Archdjinni of Rings.

Faint★Star
Faint★Star is a Japanese pop-duo consisting of Hina (formerly of Tomato’n Pine) and Yuria that debuted in 2014. The duo gained international popularity after a Tokyo Girls Update article on their 1st music video became the most viewed article on the site. Faint★Star is produced by one of the most famous music agencies, “agehasprings,” and are known for their live performances that integrate advanced visual technology.

FES★TIVE
The 8-piece Japanese idol group, “FES★TIVE, is a unique act that builds on the concept of “festivals” and focuses on performing at Japanese festivals all over the world. FES★TIVE made its major label début on Tokuma Japan in May, and throughout 2015, they will continue to showcase their “FESTIVAL FROM JAPAN” theme to intentional audiences. With their up-tempo and catchy sound, FES★TIVE is a rapidly growing force in the international music scene.

Jaru Jaru
Jaru Jaru is a Japanese comedy duo made up of Shusuke Fukutoku and Junpei Goto, and managed by the Yoshimoto Creative Agency. The pair is one of the most successful and popular comedy acts in Japan with their brand of Manzai – a traditional style of Japanese comedy consisting a fool and a long-suffering companion. In the twelve years that they have been active, the duo has received countless awards, made many TV appearances, and even starred in several movies.

SRP Concert Kickstarter

Synthesized Reality Productions, SRP, is a new live Vocaloid concert group with a dream of doing concerts all over the wold.  To do this they need some better equipment (lighting and effects) for their first concert at year’s Pacific Media Expo, PMX, in Los Angeles, California in November.  So they are asking for some help raising the funds.

SRP include former members of Vocalekt Visions, another live holographic concert team, plus other producers, musicians, animators, and artists from San Francisco and all around the world.  With all the help from Vocaloid industry professionals they have been able to line up shows internationally already.  To make these shows the best they can possible be and to start things off with a bang they are running this Kickstarter.

The reward levels are light on physical awards.  $10 gets you a shout out, $25 three custom-made phone charms, $50 you get a CD from one of SRP’s producers and DVD of the show, $100 and $200 original artwork, $300 2 CDs plus an original song, and much more at higher levels. 

Their goal is $2,500 by November 3.  So far they have six backers for only $540.  Fans of Vocaloid might want to give this a look, both for what you get from it and for helping future live concerts in the future. 

Vocaloid is a vocal synthesizing program created by Yamaha, in its third installment. A Vocaloid concert uses 3D holographic images based on the character mascots of each Vocaloid voice banks. Each Vocaloid has a unique character design, as well as a different voice type for varied ranges and styles of music.

 

J-Pop Summit Festival 2013

J-Pop Summit Festival is this weekend once again.  Taking place across San Francisco’s Japantown on Saturday and Sunday July 27 and 28.  The festival celebrates Japanese music, culture, fashion, and film.  This is their 5th year with the theme of “Making Kawaii Universal.”  Good news is just about everything looks free to go enjoy as well.

Music acts appearing include Jpop singer Kylee.  A rising star in both the US and Japan.  She has been featured on the Today Show, has had music used in various commercials, work on themes for anime, and even sang for President Obama.  This is her second year at the summit.  She is performing Saturday at 2:15pm at the Pagoda Stage and will be signing autographs at the New People tent after her performance.  

Former Morning Musume star Reina Tanaka’s new band  LoVendoЯ, a four piece girl rock band, will be holding their first US concert during the weekend.  They will be playing at Pagoda Stage at 5:15pm on Saturday.  When not playing they will be at the Toyota x Studio 4℃ tent  signing autographs, doing talk events, and more.  

Takara Sake USA is bringing their J-POP Ambassador  human beat box Daichi to the event.  He will be doing a free concert on the Main Stage at Peace Plaza on Saturday at 11:30am and noon on Sunday.  He is completely self taught, can create over fifty different sounds with his voice, and can play rhythm beat and sing melody at the same time.   He we will also be at Takara’s booth doing some additional performances.  Also check out Takara’s cocktail Can Chi-hi “JPOP”.

The other big music act to see is Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.  Model from Harajuku turned singer who is Japan’s official Ambassador of Kawaii.  She is mainly focused on the fashion side of things for the weekend, but will be performing with Kylee,  LoVendoЯ, and Daichi as part of the “Make Kawaii Universal” concert on Sunday between 2pm-4pm in Union Square.

DJ Coco will be working the main stage for the weekend.  Bringing her unique style for everyone to groove too.

Other music acts through the weekend include three girl unit of VAs Sweety who play Saturday at 5pm at Pagoda Stage and will be at the Toyota x Studio 4℃ rest of the time.  CAL Raijin Taiko is a group of Taiko players from UC Berkeley’s, they play on Sunday at 2pm on Pagoda Stage.  Slime Girls is a combination of chip music and rock with a performance on Sunday at 3pm on Pagoda Stage and a meet & greet afterwards at the New People tent.  Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass incorporates bluesy rock guitar with soulful compelling vocals and make their return to the festival as well.  They play Saturday 4pm with their own meet and greet at the New People tent.

They will also be holding a Jpop Idol Contest on .  Everyone will be singing in Japanese, but you do not really need to know how to speak Japanese they are testing your ability to sing not pronounce words.  Grand prize is a three hour karaoke party with up to twelve of your friends from Yamasho Restaurant and Karaoke.  The judges are Kiyomi Ishii, a professional singer and manager of Yamasho, and Daichi.  You can check it out at 3pm at the Pagoda Stage.

Another contest they are holding is their 3rd annual Vocaloid Dance Contest for both solo competition (11:45am Saturday) and group competition (12:45 Sunday).  Competitors will dance to their favorite Vocaloid songs.  Judges for the contest are Florence, last year’s winner, Tiffany Fujii, 2011’s winner, and Aaron Webber, Associate Brand Manager of SEGA.  SEGA is showing off their new Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F game, the first console Vocaloid game in the west.

The event also has fashion designers  artists, and film directors plus tons of other events both days.  If you have an interests in Japanese culture and media you will find something to see here.  

SteamStock

A posted about a group using Kickstarter to fund their steampunk music festival a while back.  Well they met their goal and now it is time to talk about what they have planned.

Steam Stock is October 7 at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, CA.  It goes from 1:00pm till Midnight.

It is a is a music festival from another time.  The Woodstock of an alternate past, where airships filled the skies and swing combines with both gothic and electronic, and people were top hats and corsets. There will be music, dancing, vendors, and food carts. Also giant walls of glass to watch the sun set over the bay, the Blue Angels flying over head, and ships racing in an America Cup regatta.

Bands appearing at the fest include the voice of steampunk music Abney Park, 80’s New Wave act turned steampunk musician Thomas Dolby, folk punk cabaret duo Frenchy and the Punk, 8-piece band part rumba band part cinematic chamber group El Radio Fantastique, jump swing from hell by Lee Presson & the Nails, pioneers of steampunk music Vernian Process,  US’s one and only Electro Swing band Good Co., 4 piece post modern jug band 5 Cent Coffee, alternative rock with steampunk visual band Hydrogen Skyline, zombie punk cabaret band Victoria and the Vaudevillains, Industrial Ragtime band Parlor Tricks, folk-punk band Vagabondage, Victorian male singing group Brass Farthing, and DJ JsinJ.

Side show and variety acts scheduled to appear are bellydancer troupes Blackhoodygrrl, the Empress, and Firefly, aerialist Sommer Strangelove, special guest attendees Aether Brigade, and any more they can get before the then.

A large number of vendors will also be at the event.  A special are for children under 6 will be set up for accompanying families to play with them or take care of various needs.

The same weekend there are other events in the area to check out.  On Firday night, Strangelove: Undead Wedding, a gothic party, will be happening at the Cat Club in San Fran.  The Steampunktoberfest Ball is on Saturday at the Masonic Lodge of San Mateo in Alameda.  A unique festival that celebrates Oktoberfest and the Steampunk society.  English dance band Bangers & Mash will play, dance worskops, food and drink, along with a special steampunk-inspired invention exhibition are all part of the festivities.  Passes are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Tickets for Steamstock can still be purchased at $42 for adults and $22.50 for children under 12.  A bundle pass for both Steamstock and Steampunktoberfest is $52.  They also have a list of local hotels on their site.

Sounds like a blast for any steampunk fans, or fans of music in general, who can make it.

 

J-Pop Fest

The J-Pop Summit Festival is a street fair in Japantown of San Francisco that promotes  Japanese pop culture.  The festival is hosted by New People in conjunction with the Japantown Merchants Association.  This year the event will take place on August 25 & 26.

The festival brings in several music acts and bands for the weekend.  Both from Japan and the US.  They will all be preforming at the Peace Plaza of Japantown and are free to all.

The music starts at 11:30am at with SpaceKraft.  A elecronica music duo featuring dancers from Earth Child Ankokuh Butoh Cell.
At 12:15 The Glowing Stars, a chiptune band, takes the stage.  This group is one guitarist/vocalist, a drummer Game Boy, and a synth programmer to combine 8-bit sounds with live drums and guitars.They will be doing a signing at the New People tent at 12:45.

Random Encounters, not the same thing as the band Random Encounter, plays at 1:30pm.  This group makes show-tune inspired comedic numbers based on video games.  They have gotten the attention of Nintendo, Namco, Sega, and more.

3:45pm has the Jrock band Akabane Vulgars playing their first ever West Coast show.  This trio of girls hail from Japan with a bluesy-rock style.  They will also be doing a signing at 4:40 New People tent.

Vocalekt Visions will be doing one of their Vocaloid holographic concerts as well.  Using HD projectors to bring life to the Vocaloid singers.  Several Vocaloid dancers from the area will be joining them on stage as well.  The who is at the New People Cinema at 7:30pm and 9pm.  Tickets for this is $15 though, seating is limited.

On Sunday at 11am the Bay Area Girls will be up.  They are an all-girl rock band on 12 and 13 year olds.  Starting at a school talent show, these girls have started to play some notable gigs already. Signing at 11:30am.

At 11:45 All Ages takes the stage.  A San Francisco based rock band inspired by Jrock who have gotten to play in Japan with some top acts there like the Pillows and Red Bacteria Vacuum.  Signing at 12:15.

Vex Mode a DJ and video game music producer plays at 12:30.  He will bring remixes  of Jcore to the festival to rock out to.  His signing is at 1pm.

Capital performs at 1:30pm.  Capital has a MA in Jpop music research, been on over 20 albums of various genres, has had performances broadcast on TV in Japan, and has toured internationally.  You can get his autograph at 2:15pm.

At 3:45 18 year old Jpop singer and songwriter Kylee will performer.  She is a rising star in both the US and Japan.  She has been featured on the Today Show, music used in commercials, and even sang for President Obama.  She’s kind of the headliner of the weekend.  She will be doing signings in the New People store at 5pm.

The festival close out with DJ REViSE and DJ Amaya playing at 5pm.  Revise is an American who collaborates with Japanese Hardcore artists, appearing on tracks with various artists and playing festivals in Japan.  Amaya has been producing original tracks and remixes since 2002.  He has down a number of well known remixes of various Japanese supserstars and pop idols plus Vocaloid music too.  He has his own podcast, Hitsuzen Radio, that plays the best in Japanese remixes and dance music.

There are other things at the show as well. Various fashion shows, contests, and booths with designers from Japan.  Special Evangellion interactive game, a museum original concept and production art, a stamp rally, and showings of the latest movies.  Rome Kanda a Japanese media personality.  Food trucks, arts and craft vendors, art exhibits, a dance contest, and more.  Check out the website to see what all is going down.  http://www.j-pop.com/2012/

Hastune Miku “Live” Performance at Camera 3

This Saturday May 26th at 10pm there will be a “live” Hatsune Miku performance during Fanime Con in San Jose at Camera 3 Cinema brought to you by Vocalekt Visions. This will be a one time performance of the 3D virtual Japanese idol.  This will be the first chance to buy the new CD “V4” Vocalekt Visions Vocaloid Vacation. 

For those who do not know, Vocaloid is a music/singing software from Japan that can be used to create original songs or redo other songs.  Each version of Vocaloid has a different voice database.  Each voice is personified as a different character.  The most popular, and original one, is Miku.

Vocalek Visions is a group of world wide Vocaloid producers (the term for one who writes songs with Vocaloid) formed in 2011.  They are becoming one of the most active Vocaloid groups outside of Japan.   The founders of the group  Tempo-P and NeutrinoP will be at this event.

Their shows do not just include their original music, but by using their own AniMiku software are able to produce a Hatsune Miku hologram that performs along with the music live.  Well not live live, but you get the point.

Tickets for the event are $15 ($12 with Fanime badge) at the door.  They are going to try and get pre order up before in hand.  Glowsticks will be sold there.

For those like me who can’t make it out there, let us hope they work it out for a live video feed of the event.  If they get it to work it will be available on the Vocalekt Visions Facebook Page.

On the same day at Otaku Festival in Bucharest, Romania other members of Vocalekt Visions will be doing a concert over there as well.

Check out VocalektVisions for more information.