As I have mentioned in the previous post, I have attended the CGM (Consumer Generated Media) Night 8 which was organised by Danny Choo last Friday. Tokyo CGM Night is about "bringing manufacturers and service providers together with content creators". While it is open to invitation for pretty much anybody who has a twitter account and a website (or blog) to share content, the event is mainly for content creators and social media users.
I have only just known about this event via Danny's tweet an hour before I had to head off to the airport last week, and the events happens to fit in my trip schedule surprisingly, so I thought I would 'slip in' and see what this event is like for myself as a foreigner.
Warning! This is an image-heavy post (60 images)!
Entering the venue - there is a small queue to get in as there are quite a number of (local) people who signed up for the event. Entrance fee is 2000 Yen (exact fee required as they don't do changes), and dinner is provided there with a ticket for a rice bowl dish and a drink.
The venue itself was in a lecture hall of some kind in Digital Hollywood, Ochanomizu. Reaching there was no problem and it was less than 10 minutes walk from the Tokyo Metro and JR station. Not sure how many people were there attending the event, but from what Danny Choo has written in one of his recent post the number of attendees was around 200.
Near the entrance of the venue a 1/7 Max Factory Hastune Miku was spotted.
And the figure behind Miku was the recently released 1/8 GSC Black Rock Shooter Black Blade version.
There was a quick mention to the attendees that we could use tsubuyaku.fm to post coverage stuff. Wifi access info was given as well for those who are using such this feature, or twitter etc for sharing out the information live.
Danny pointing the crowd to where the Black Rock Shooter figures are being displayed. For those who are interested, a clearer version of the image shown in the slide is right here from this post.
There was also mention of Obitsu, which is a doll maker company
Danny mentioned Culture:Japan - a TV show that he is directing and presenting to show Japanese culture from his point of view. After being aired on Tokyo MX shortly before this event, this TV Show (apparently planned to be a series later on) will be aired outside Japan as well. I haven't watched it yet nor have I kept track of Danny's posts so I have no idea what to expect from his TV Show to be honest. We shall see when Animax does decide to show it on my local TV network in Hong Kong.
Amano Ai makes an appearance that night, singing LED Nation by JulieHally of which she is part of the group
Somebody managed to record her performance and put it on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1BLGN001XA
Momochi (?)
While girls with big heads seems okay in 2D pictures, seeing one in real life is a bit scary if you ask me ^^;
A row of GSC (Good Smile Company) figures and Max Factory figmas in display (several of them are yet to be released). Most of them are Black Rock Shooter-related, with one Senjougahara Hitagi figure from Bakemonogatari light novel / anime adaptation.
figma Black Rock Shooter. Official retail price 2800 Yen, to be released in July.
The preview shots got me wanting to get one, and after seeing the actual figure itself, I am looking forward to getting mine~
figma Dead Master. Official retail price and release date tba.
1/8 GSC Black Rock Shooter Rock Cannon version (based on the artist huke's illustration). Official retail price 9800 Yen, already released (and sold out ^^;).
For those who missed this figure, afraid not; a re-release is being planned apparently
1/8 GSC Black Rock Shooter Black Blade version. Official retail price 6800 Yen, released recently.
1/8 GSC Black Rock Shooter Animation version, Official retail price 9800 Yen, to be released this October.
I gave in and pre-ordered this figure at a local shop not too long ago. Now being able to see the actual figure, the size isn't too huge so I should be able to fit one in my shelf with no problems.
1/8 GSC Dead Master Original version (based on the artist huke's illustration). Official retail price 9800 Yen, to be released this November.
1/8 GSC Senjougahara Hitagi. Official retail price 9800 Yen, to be released this October.
... Despite people saying how good this Hitagi figure looks, I am still a bit skeptical about how the face looks head on.
Dinner was provided by Indotei, which is run by the figure company Max Factory
If I am not mistaken, the dinner itself was Mirai-chan Curry, which is a rice bowl dish developed by Danny Choo and Indotei. The drink tasted something like Yakult with some melon juice, but I can't recall too well about it now.
As for Danny himself, he seemed quite occupied meeting various people in the event. Lots of chatting, business card exchanges, or receiving samples of published materials etc.
Even though I am not into Kamen Rider, this Kamen Rider cosplay definitely takes my attention with his awesome outfit.
Ita-skis featuring Bakemonogatari and Oshino Shinobu
Various dolls (mostly Dollfie Dreams) from various owners who attend this event are on display there on the tables opposite to those of the GSC and Max Factory figures.
Danny Choo's Dollfie Dreams.
One of Danny Choo's dolls holding a G17 and... I don't know what SMG this is orz (I am not so good at modern firearms)
Dolls seem to require a lot of care and maintenance. And even posing for photos would require a lot of adjustments - the hands, the clothes, the hair arrangements etc. I heard some kind of shampoo or somethiing is required to keep the hair wig clean or in shape.
More shots of various Dollfie Dreams
Closer up of Tohsaka Rin
Super Dollfies (SD) if I am not mistakened. Unlike Dollfie Dreams (DD), these dolls tend to have more realistic look and are more expensive in general.
Closer up of one of the Super Dollfies. You can see how there is an emphasis on realism on the face, and there are make-ups applied as well.
Dolls that I don't really know.
Hayate no Gotoku and Da Capo dolls. Couldn't remember which brand they are from, but from info it saids that the Da Capo ones are limited items (not for sale in the event; those are just for display only by manufacterers I think).
The "Happy Drummer Cat Adventurer"... I never thought I would get to see them in real life, or rather someone would actually bring some of these fake toys into the event. Was wondering what the weird constant beating chime was when I was taking pictures of the dolls.
There was some kind of demostration on how to colour the eye of a Dollfie Dream or something like that, but I have missed it.
Sheryl Nome cosplayer holding the Ita-skis.
Danny Choo's dolls being packed away as the event was coming to an end.
A picture of Danny Choo with his site msacot Mirai to end things off (image of Mirai is actually enhanced by Photoshop since the original image could barely show it).
Not knowing what to expect except having a quick look of what it's about from his invitation post before heading there, I almost went in there with an empty head and just see whether I can get anything out of it (well, it's not like I can get to attend one of these that easily as a tourist so I thought I might as well give it a go). Not being fluent at Japanese (only know the bare bone basics for me to get around places) or knowing the people there, it wasn't easy for me to find a way to communicate with the people there, but I did manage to have a few quick chats with some English-speaking people (mainly foreigners who are working in Tokyo right now).
One great thing there was that I have managed to meet Joseph Tsai (Tokyo Hunter) for the first time and we had quite a good chat together. He told me about his work and experience with his proxy buying service, along with that he is currently setting up a new website with his business partner and is testing on fuctions etc. No confirmation as for when his new site will be up, but he said he will announce it on his blog when it's ready.
As for Danny Choo himself, I did shake hands with him and spoke to him very briefly at the end of the event (when the staff starts to pack up the area). I thanked him for the invitation and the event and asked whether he would come to Hong Kong this summer (which he did mention on his blog after his trip in March). He said he would love to, but would try to contact me when he does plan to come over.
Overall, the event is alright. According to one of his latest posts Danny claimed this is the best Consumer Generated Media Night event he has organised so far, with a lot of personnels from various companies and online shops came over along with "200 bloggers and social media users in Japan". Someone I chatted mentioned that the displays could have arranged a bit better rather than all on the edge of the rooms with large empty space in the middle (i.e. should have them arranged in the middle so people can walk around them etc). Nevertheless it's still interesting to see the upcoming figures that are to be released later this year, as well as the vast number of dolls that are kindly being displayed by their owners. I think I would benefit from the event more if I were to be a bit more proficient in Japanese and know the people a bit better, but being as a tourist and a passer-by it's good enough for me I suppose - at least I had a good chat with a few people who could speak English there!
This was an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI bet it was a nice experience even thought I didnt expect the fee in the exact amount of money coming.
So was Mirai-chan tasty?
Glad to see that you were able to make it to the CGM night.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the heads up on the BRS Cannon version. I just hope that I dont miss it again XD.
And your lucky that you got to see the BRS figma in person >.> I cant wait to get my hands on mine.
Anyways, glad to see that you were able to talk to Danny himself. He gave you his namecard right?
Dead Master! Glad you also have a great time in DC Consumer Night! This makes one more friend who got to meet Danny Choo before I did ^_^
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was quite an event with Danny being there as well. Thanks for all the info and the video showed it all.
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be a large amount hype for Black Star Shooter as well. I hope to be getting one from Giant Robot signed version.
Sweet looking ski's. I really want the animation BRS but don't want to pay such a high price ^^;;;. How was the curry?
ReplyDeleteAWESOME WORK! This was a great post!
ReplyDelete@ Blowfish:
ReplyDeleteIt was an interesting event I'd say. Did manage to speak to some people so that was good, as well as seeing the un-released figures etc.
Mirai-chan curry tastes... Ordinary. ^^; I think the colour scheme of the dish is where the name comes from.
@ Asuka:
I was kinda surprised that I could even make it to the event, but it's definitely worth a shot going there.
Seeing unrleased figures in person is pretty cool. I can see the stuff that I have pre-ordered in person before I will get them on their release. Just hope the actual product is as good as the prototype. And yep I got Danny's business card, as well as Tokyo Hunter's.
@ robostrike:
You planning to get Dead Master?
Hope you do get to see Danny Choo soon or later - there are always chances there I suppose, especially when he goes to other countries for promotion now and then.
@ Bluedrakon:
Glad that you like my coverage. It was an interesting event for someone like me who knows nothing about it.
And yep there is quite a large amount of hype for BRS indeed, especially when Good Smile Company is backing the animation project. Giant Robot signed version? Is that the magazine you're talking about?
@ AS:
Price of PVC figures sure are steep these days. I decided to pre-order mine because I found a local shop that offers price at less than 7500 Yen. Hope it comes out alright.
As for the curry, it was not anything special, but it was still good I would say.
@ Apt-1B:
Thanks! I'm glad that you enjoyed my coverage!
Kamen Rider Kabuto! That is awesome! You should watch that series, I've just finished it earlier this month and it's pretty entertaining ^^.
ReplyDeleteI'll probably be feeling the same way you did come LA minus the language barrier of course. Still, I think the best way to take advantage of these nights is if you actually have a related professional career ^^;.
That Kamen Rider Kabuto Cosplay is brilliant! And I normally loathe cosplay! It's way better than the Kamen Rider Decade I saw at the MCM Expo!
ReplyDeleteGlad that you managed to get into the CGM night. The event has always sparked my curiosity but not really much else. And since I'm not a fan of BRS or Dead master (or dollfies) I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much as you seemed to have done ^^
If I went, I guess I'd really have to step up with my Japanese as mingling with the other attendees would be more interesting for me than the other stuff on offer.
So this was where you met Joesph eh? I've been using his service more and more recently as he's really quite good at getting the stuff I'm interested in (you wouldn't believe the amount some proxies charge if you want them to go to the event to buy something!). I keep in touch with him through that as well so I've known about his venture for a while. Hope everything goes well for him!
Also, isn't that machine gun just an MP-7 with added grip and silencer? I'm not really familiar with modern weaponry either but that's what it looks like to me.
@ Z:
ReplyDeleteAh it's famous Kabuto. I ought to watch at least some of the older series to appreciate Kamen Rider since I do feel I miss out a bit when talking to a lot of old-schoolers.
True, language barrier is an obstacle. Overall I thought the CGM Night is still quite interesting even though I did not know what to expect, and I did get something out of it at the end especially when I've managed to find people to talk to in English. As most people here have common interest it's not too hard to appreciate the stuff here (unless you don't like any of the stuff there), but yea having a related professional career does help afterall (not essential though!).
@ gundamjehutykai:
I thought the Decade I saw from your photo looks pretty good already, but yea I must admit that the one I saw in CGM Night was pro!
I didn't care much about the CGM Nights when they are announced, and this one just happened to have slipped into my schedule (totally not expecting it), so I thought I'll give it a go to see it myself as well as observing how Danny Choo is like, but I also felt that it won't be so much of a loss if I didn't make the cut. Well, at the end I did make it, so it's defintely not a loss at all.
BRS was something that is slowly growing on me (just like Miku...), and I must admit I have been a sucker of some sort lately orz, but I am glad to see how the upcoming figures will look like in person before they are released. Too bad the promised footage of BRS anime was not mentioned but it's ok. Dollfies never got me really interested but it's cool to see people's collections as well as observing how people take care of them (not exactly an easy work it seems).
Yea I met Joseph at CGM Night. Recognised his name so I knew he was Tokyo Hunter. So you have been a long time customer of his and as well as a friend then? He showed me places to go to in Akihabara so it was very nice of him and it was definitely very helpful! He said he's going through some transition stage at the moment as he's looking for new residence within Tokyo as well as a new website. Hope all goes well for him!
As for the SMG I've looked up H&K MP-7 and the one in the picture seems different; magazine for MP-7 feeds in the handle, while the other one has a straight clip feeding in about the same position as the MP-5. I still wonder what this is... Can't be ficitonal I hope :\
Wow... How long have I not been visiting? >.> Sorry Q... I just had met Danny at the LA CGM Night and that was the beginning of this month. And this one must've been much earlier... It really looks like it'd be better to know Japanese to actually go to this one, but hey you met some new people, so it's all cool ^^ Seems like a few of us had met with Danny recently, eh? I would've liked to try that Mirai curry, but I actually had some Japanese curry in L.A., so it's all good XD
ReplyDelete@ Lightning Sabre:
ReplyDeleteDon't worry; I have not been keeping track of other people's blogs too well either.
This CGM Night I've been took place on 18th June. It's very much tuned for the locals there so it's not really for outsiders (outsider as in outside this DC Community etc rather than being a foreigner, but both applies here) like me. But I did manage to get something out from meeting and chatting with the people who I can speak English with. Otherwise it is much more preferable to be in events that are overseas instead.
A lot of people seem to be very curious about the Mirai curry ^^; To be honest it's not anything that special, just an orange colour curry themed from Danny's mascot. The flavour isn't like that much different from other curry I've tried so far.