Monday, January 17, 2011

J-Pop and Cosplay

If you’re an otaku or you’ve ever attended an anime con, you’ll know that J-Pop and Cosplay are often intertwined as part of the whole anime scene.

One great example is the music video (also called a PV) for the song “Unmei no Shizuku ~ Destiny’s Star” by Girl Next Door . They’re a J-Pop group, and this song will be used as the theme song for the new Ultraman Movie. It’s got a really long title, so take a deep breath: “Ultraman Zero The Movie: Super Deciding Fight! The Belial Galactic Empire.” Because of this tie-in, you’ll see some cosplay interspersed with the group’s performance in the video.

The song’s opening is appropriately and cinematically dramatic, with strings and strong vocals from lovely lead singer, Chisa. But it’s not long until the electronic beats kick in, giving an energetic punch that suits the cosplay fight scenes.

Searching the comments in the blogosphere, we found one that thought the song would be great for a Gundam series – which also feature giant robots and robot suits. I guess synth beats automatically make us think of synth people! (Get it? Robots are synthesized humanoids….)

Here are some upcoming cons where you can enjoy a combo platter from Japanese pop culture:

Orlando Anime Day

Kissimmee, FL

Jan 22, 2011

With a costume contest and a photo scavenger hunt.

Sukoshicon: Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

Jan 22, 2011

With panels on Cosplay, a Karaoke Contest, and a Cosplay Contest (By Cosplayers for Cosplayers)

Las Cruces Anime Day

Las Cruces, NM

Jan 22 - 23, 2011

With Cosplay contests, Karaoke and a Dance.

Bak-Anime

Bakersfield, CA

Jan 23, 2011

With Cosplay and guest voice actor and musician Vic Mignogna.

Labels: Anime and Cosplay