The Tokyo-based girl artists and creators’ collective bala has released the music video for its first single barla, released on March 8. The song was produced by Shinichi Osawa (Mondo Grosso) and written by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella).

Music Video

The music video fuses the virtual and real balallel world’ multiverse and includes futuristic footage using 3D scan data of bala members, surrealistic dance scenes, and street-style location shots. Fans can also spot BI, an adorable avatar character created by bala member KANO.

Directed by YUKARI of the digital creative crew OFBYFOR TOKYO, the music video is already making a major splash. “This video packs in the charm of each individual bala member and is filled with cuteness, maturity, and retro-pop style,” said YUKARI.

bala put the unique ‘balallel world’ on display during αU spring week 2023. The event was held from March 8 to 12 to celebrate KDDI’s αU, a new Web3 metaverse platform. An exhibition was held inside the aU apartment within Hz-Shibuya, a photo-realistic 3D experience set in virtual Shibuya. The girls appeared virtually during their αU Live, giving a special performance with their character avatars in the metaverse, allowing fans to gather and chat with one another. On March 12, the last day of the event, a real live event titled ‘bala presents balalell-party’ was held at Hz-Shibuya. The group has impressed audiences by moving back and forth seamlessly between the real and virtual worlds.

A video of bala’s special live performance in the αU metaverse is now available on bala’s official YouTube channel. In addition, the bala exhibition featuring photos of the members is still available to view inside the αU metaverse through March 31.

「balallel-meta-Party Ver2.0＠αU metaverse」

The Metaverse Music Festival, a virtual event organized by the global Web3 platform Decentraland, took place starting on November 10, 2022, featuring a number of Japanese artists. 

FRUITS ZIPPER was one of the performing acts, appearing on the MetaTokyo stage on November 11 and November 12.

According to data from MetaTokyo, a total of 20,000 viewers from 101 countries around the world watched the performances, including those from the United States, Canada, Japan, Spain, Germany, and Brazil.

This spring, the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER released the track Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, which racked up over 600 million views on TikTok. The music video has amassed over 5.5 million views on YouTube, and despite having just debuted, the girls performed at all major idol festivals over the summer.

In November, the group’s second solo concert at Shibuya WWW X was a major success. In February 2023, the girls will begin the FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER scheduled to conclude at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA on February 12. The group will also perform at a New Year’s Eve event in Tainan, Taiwan. Keep an eye out for them in 2023!

SINGAPORE, Dec. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — “City Pop TOKYO,” an NFT project inspired by “City Pop,” a popular music genre from Japan, will hold a talent audition event named ” METAVERSE’S GOT TALENT” along with Entertainment metaverse platform GEMIE (CEO: John Fung). “METAVERSE’S GOT TALENT” is a brand new talent audition project which enables artists to showcase their talents in the metaverse and subsequently win a chance to become a metaverse superstar.

■City Pop TOKYO

As an NFT project, “City Pop TOKYO” is jointly funded by three companies: ASOBISYSTEM (CEO: Yusuke Nakagawa), which has a large number of diverse artists; Kingdom Labs (CEO: Maurice Ng), a venture studio in Hong Kong; and UPBOND (CEO: Gin Takahashi Mizuoka), which is developing a blockchain wallet for Web3 social adoption.

“City Pop TOKYO” plans to release 1984 NFTs based on “City Pop”, a music genre from Japan that is immensely popular worldwide, particularly among Gen Z. The project’s characters are featured in trendy outfits and makeup representing symbolic fashion styles in Japan, such as “GAL,” “SHOWA,” and “REIWA”.

To enter “METAVERSE’S GOT TALENT”, participants will first purchase a “City Pop TOKYO” NFT. NFT holders can then take part in auditions held in the GEMIE metaverse. The winner, represented by their City Pop TOKYO NFT, will be onboarded as a virtual idol under ASOBISYSTEM, and will start appearing in advertisements, releasing songs, etc. Other NFT holders from around the world can enjoy engaging in the project from various perspectives, including appearing and voting in audition events in the METAVERSE.

*These are part of the NFTs for some characters.

*Designs may change without further notice.

■METAVERSE’S GOT TALENT

The METAVERSE is powered by project partner GEMIE, Asia’s leading entertainment metaverse built around fan culture which act as the virtual hub to bridge the gap between celebrities and fans through virtual experiences and utility-focused NFTs. Users worldwide can participate in the decision making process of the show via the GEMIE metavese.

Through this project, we will work to reaffirm the usefulness of Web 3.0 technology and NFT; and further promote Japanese culture to people worldwide.
More details will be available soon, please stay tuned for updates.

Metaverse Music Festival will feature a MetaTokyo area this year! The event is being organized by Decentraland, a global Web3 Metaverse platform. A number of Japanese artists will perform, including Edo Lena, MISOSHITA, and Atarashii Gakko! 

In the special MetaTokyo area, a giant Metaani x Kyary Pamyu Pamyu character will be dancing to the beat. The popular collab appeared in April of this year and was an instant hit with NFT fans around the world. Those with an interest in Japanese culture can also enjoy some unique content streamed in the area. The Metaverse Music Festival will be held from November 10 until November 13, 2022.

Participating Japanese Artists

According to a recent announcement from Decentraland, Ozzy Osbourne, Soulja Boy, Dillon Francis, SNH48, and others will perform at OZZFEST, a festival organized by Ozzy Osbourne. Atarashii Gakko! will perform on the main Tower of Babel Stage.

The festival area will also feature special stages and areas in collaboration with a number of partners. MetaTokyo is one such partner sure to be a hit with audiences around the world!

Within the MetaTokyo area, Metaverse diva and artist Edo Lena and Metaverse creator MISOSHITA will perform. Other J-pop artists are scheduled to perform for audiences worldwide.

Giant Metaani x Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 

A giant Metaani x Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will appear within the Metaverse. First appearing in April 2022, guests will be treated to Kyary’s popular song Dodonpa when they first enter, and will be able to take selfies with the huge character in a way not possible in the real world.

Apparel brand SPINNS is teaming up with Gugenka, a digital goods company utilizing VR and AR to bring anime to life! A new collection of goods featuring Hatsune Miku and the official member of SPINNS virtual staff team Tsumugi Hinata will be available on ZOZOTOWN starting June 18, 2022.

SPINNS is a popular Japanese apparel brand amongst teenagers and those in their early 20s, with items available in stores nationwide. In 2020, the company announced that it would be employing ‘virtual staff,’ introducing the adorable Tsumugi Hinata. SPINNS is actively planning and releasing digital fashion items for users’ avatars.

Models

Tsumugi Hinata (Official SPINNS Virtual Staff) / Hatsune Miku

Lineup

Regular Color

Polo Shirt

T-Shirt

Exclusive Hatsune Miku Color

Polo Shirt

T-Shirt

Hatsune Miku Digital Figure

Project iconic combines Gugenka’s technology with SPINNS’ fashion to introduce digital fashion to a wider audience and to encourage people to enjoy fashion both in real and digital life.

Each real clothing item sold comes with a digital figure that can be downloaded and enjoyed on XMarket. Come take part in this project and discover a new version of yourself in the Metaverse!

© Crypton Future Media, INC.

The creative team at NAKED is teaming up with Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture for a one-of-a-kind project. This fall, guests will be able to experience NAKED GARDEN -ONE KYOTO, a next-generation town-walking project blending the real world and the Metaverse together. Visitors will be able to experience Kyoto’s shrines, temples, and history in a whole new way.

NAKED has been working with the city of Kyoto since 2017, creating new cultural outreach and tourism programs. A number of nighttime events have taken place at Nijo Castle, including ‘virtual flower viewing’ in the midst of the pandemic. Last year, the DANDELION PROJECT began at Kamigamo Shrine, a World Heritage Site. The project brings guests around the world together virtually to pray for peace. Events have also taken place at Kiyomizu-dera, Heian Shrine, and Ninna-ji.

In 2022, NAKED will collaborate with Kyoto City, Uji City, Otsu City, and their respective tourism associations to create a Metaverse where visitors can enjoy Kyoto not only in the real world but also virtually. Art being experienced by visitors in real life can be reflected in the Metaverse, and experiences in the Metaverse can be enjoyed in a way that is unique to real events. As hard to describe as it may be, more details will be available on the NAKED GARDEN website when it opens this summer. 

MIKU LAND is Hatsune Miku’s official VR amusement park. The locale opens sporadically on the Virtual Cast platform, inviting fans of the virtual singer to interact with the star herself and other music lovers from around the world. From April 28 until May 1, the MIKU LAND 2022 YOSAKURA event will invite Vocaloid lovers to the metaverse to enjoy the cherry blossoms and a number of unique experiences. 

Guests can visit Senbonzakura World, Miku’s Detective Agency, Rin & Len Kagamine’s Post Office in the Sky, and even a virtual haunted house during the event. VTubers Megu Shinonome, Tokino Sora, and Mirai Akari have been chosen as the official ambassadors of the event.

Senbonzakura World

Hatsune Miku’s iconic track Senbonzakura, written by Kurousa-P, turns 10 this year. What better way to enjoy it than beneath virtual cherry blossom trees? Even if you can’t visit Japan quite yet, enjoy the Japanese shrine atmosphere as you spend time with friends in this gorgeous virtual space.

Miku’s Detective Agency

This puzzle-solving attraction invites guests to become assistant detectives by passing a test handed out by Detective Hatsune Miku! Those able to complete the challenge will also receive a limited-edition item.

Rin & Len Kagamine’s Post Office in the Sky

This post office in the clouds isn’t just a quiet place to relax. Visitors can take on a few different challenges, from mazes to more physical tasks.

Official Ambassadors

Megu Shinonome Comment
“I’ve been chosen as an ambassador for MIKU LAND! My name is Megu Shinonome, and I’m so excited to work with Miku! MIKU LAND keeps getting bigger and bigger, so I’m wondering what it will look like this spring…I’m looking forward to it! I’ll do my best along with my fellow ambassadors Tokino Sora and Mirai Akari to convey the many charms of MIKU LAND to as many people as possible. We can’t wait to see you!”

Tokino Sora Comment
“I’m so excited to visit MIKU LAND again! I’ll do my best to make this another incredible event, and I’ll be sure to enjoy myself as much as possible!”

Mirai Akari Comment
“I’ve been invited to MIKU LAND to act as the MC for this awesome event! During the SUMMER VACATION event, everyone on Virtual Cast was so kind to me. It was a blast, so I’m really looking forward to this too! I’ll be sure to bring some extra excitement, so don’t miss it!”

The ‘Sumikko Gurashi ~Let’s Go to the Magic Island!~ event is being held on the VARK application until September 30, 2022! By passing through a magical door in the Metaverse by using VARK, users can teleport to the world of Sumikko Gurashi and friends. 

Interior of Paid Area

Your Usual Sumikko

Sumikko Tea House

Stage

Camp

The VARK app can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android devices. Even those without a VR headset can enjoy this event! Admission to specific areas may require a fee, but the main island can be experienced for free. 

Come and meet Sumikko and friends, no matter where you are!

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is teaming up with the NFT project Metaani for a special collaboration during the month of April! To start, Kyary will be releasing an official dance video for the collab free of charge, with certain motion captures being available for purchase through the Metaani site. 

Metaani, launched in June 2021, is a collaboration between BeyondConcept and metaverse creator MISOSHITA aimed at supporting crypto artists’ debuts. The adorable dancing scenes of cats, koalas, and other cute characters clad in cool graphic art quickly amassed tons of fans. 

The Metaani x Kyary Pamyu Pamyu project was launched after Metaani released fan art of Kyary to celebrate the artist’s 10th anniversary. The artist released her first full-length album in three years, Candy Racer, last year, and will perform at Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the US, next month. BeyondConcept will continue to support Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s activities in the metaverse with Web 3.0 technology.

AMIAYA, a twin fashion unit representing Tokyo and signed to ASOBISYSTEM, is diving into the Metaverse! MetaTokyo is teaming up with the models to create NFT photography, open a digital pop-up museum, and provide wearable items for fans’ avatars. The collaboration is an official installation for Metaverse Fashion Week held on the global metaverse platform Decentraland. The event began on March 24, 2022.

‘AMIAYA x STREET TOKYO FASHION 2021ss’ takes center stage in this collaboration. The photobook was made with popular street snap magazine STREET with photos taken by editor-in-chief Shoichi Aoki. The two models are seen wearing the latest Tokyo fashion on the streets of Harajuku and other areas of Japan’s capital city. The company is intent on promoting local culture and fashion worldwide as part of the ‘Web 3.0 Era.’

SPACE, a pop-up museum built on land owned by MetaTokyo in Decentraland, is now highlighting the AMIAYA and STREET collaboration with an immersive photo exhibition. Fans can also snag AMIAYA-themed wearables for their avatars.

Photos from the AMIAYA x STREET collab are now available as NFTs on OpenSea, the world’s largest NFT marketplace. A total of 330 unique items will be available, so don’t miss out!

While Sonic the Hedgehog 2 isn’t coming to theaters until April 8, Paramount has confirmed that a third film is already in the works. A Paramount+ streaming series based on Sonic’s sidekick Knuckles is also coming soon, and will star Idris Elba. 

The first Sonic the Hedgehog film is the highest-grossing movie based on a video game to ever be released in the US, grossing $320 million worldwide. The sequel is scheduled to release in the west on April 8 and in Japan this summer. The cast from the first film has returned for the second installment, with Jeff Fowler directing and Josh Miller and Pat Casey providing the screenplay.

Inspired by Sega’s video game franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog tells the story of Sonic, the world’s fastest hedgehog, and his adventures after arriving on Earth. The first live-action adventure comedy film was released in 2020 and starred Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, and Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik. 

©SEGA

With the metaverse and NFTs making waves on social media and in the news, BAPE is jumping into this new trend full force. These unique designs are sure to attract fans of the brand!

The official logo and a few of the 3D designs have been revealed ahead of the planned release date. The graphics are algorithmically generated and meticulously detailed to represent BAPE’s unique look and personality.  Which is your favorite?