Magical Mirai: 10 Years of Uniting Vocaloid Fans from Around the World

Magical Mirai is an annual event held by Crypton Future Media to celebrate the anniversary of their popular virtual singer Hatsune Miku. The first Magical Mirai event took place in 2013, marking the 5th anniversary of Hatsune Miku's release. Since then, it has become a highly anticipated event among fans of the Vocaloid franchise. Magical Mirai is not just a concert, but a comprehensive experience that brings together music, art, and technology. The event typically features live performances by various Vocaloid characters, including Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, and Megurine Luka. These performances are accompanied by stunning visuals, holograms, and elaborate stage setups, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

These performances are accompanied by stunning visuals, holograms, and elaborate stage setups, creating a truly magical atmosphere. In addition to the concerts, Magical Mirai also includes an exhibition where fans can explore interactive installations and view artwork inspired by the Vocaloid characters. This allows attendees to engage with the world of Hatsune Miku in a more immersive way.

Quiznos is bringing back Spongmonkeys, its creepy rat-like mascots from 20 years ago, as the restaurant looks for a comeback

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Quiznos has brought back the Spongmonkeys, its creepy mascots, which last graced its ads in 2005. Quiznos

• Quiznos is bringing back the Spongmonkeys, its pair of creepy corporate mascots.
• The mascots are the stars of a new digital ad campaign that the chain debuted Tuesday.
• Quiznos closed 95% of its restaurants leading up to a 2014 bankruptcy, but it's planning a comeback.

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Quiznos is bringing back some of the creepiest mascots in corporate history: The Spongmonkeys.

A new digital ad campaign will feature the two creatures, shaped like small rodents but with human-like buggy eyes and teeth. In an ad that the sandwich chain posted to Youtube, the Spongmonkeys announce their return, with one singing and the other strumming a guitar.

"We are baaack on a road trip to get to Quiznos," one of the Spongmonkeys sings.

The last time the mascots were the face of Quiznos, the brand occupied a much bigger place on the American restaurant scene. The Spongmonkeys last appeared in an ad for the chain in 2005, when Quiznos had about 4,000 locations, according to Restaurant Business Online.

But the chain started to crumble in the late 2000s after a private equity buyout and as the global financial crisis started, according to 1851 Franchise, a publication for franchisees. Locations began to shutter, and in 2014, Quiznos filed for bankruptcy.

Since its peak, it has closed 95% of its stores, leaving it with just over 150 locations. "Quiznos' decline is the biggest in restaurant industry history," Restaurant Business reported in its own coverage of the Spongmonkeys' return on Tuesday.

The Spongmonkeys' reappearance is part of a larger effort to return the toasted sandwich chain to glory. The company said in a statement Tuesday that it started franchising new locations last year after a decade-long hiatus. Franchised locations were key to Quiznos previous store network.

"It's harder to find a Quiznos these days, and we're here to fix that, because it's a new day, and we're bringing Quiznos back," a narrator says at the end of the new ad.

"We love the subs!" one of the Spongmonkeys screams shortly afterward.

Quiznos seems aware that it has lots of ground to gain back.

"The Spongmonkeys were last seen in 2005, when they were loved and hated in roughly equal measure," CEO Tim Casey said in the statement. "The return of the brand's most famous mascots, the Spongmonkeys, marks the resurgence of Quiznos."

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The two creatures—one of which is lead vocalist, the other of which floats around playing guitar— were not originally intended as corporate shills. C reated by Joel Veitch, founder of creative agency and early internet powerhouse Rathergood , the Spongmonkeys’ unholy likenesses were plopped on the internet in 2003 , singing a song about how they love the moon. Quiznos eventually became interested in using them in advertising —b ecause nothing shouts “ toasted subs” quite like the monsters that live in your childhood imagination.

Over the years, Magical Mirai has grown in scale and popularity. It has expanded beyond its original location in Tokyo and has been held in cities such as Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Each year, the event attracts tens of thousands of attendees from all over the world, showcasing the global impact and fanbase of the Vocaloid phenomenon. The first anniversary of Magical Mirai holds a special significance as it marked the beginning of a new tradition that continues to captivate fans to this day. It set the tone for future events, establishing the unique blend of music, technology, and art that has become synonymous with Magical Mirai. The success of Magical Mirai can be attributed to the creativity and passion of its organizers, as well as the dedicated fanbase that continues to support and celebrate the virtual idols. With each passing year, the event continues to evolve and push boundaries, showcasing the limitless potential of technology in the world of music and entertainment. In conclusion, the first anniversary of Magical Mirai was a milestone in the history of the Vocaloid franchise. It set the stage for future events and exemplified the magic that can be created through the fusion of music, technology, and art. As it continues to grow and captivate audiences, Magical Mirai remains a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of Hatsune Miku and her fellow virtual idols..

Reviews for "Behind the Sound: The Technical Wizardry behind Magical Mirai's Audio Production"

1. Lisa - 2/5

I was really disappointed with the Magical Mirai 1pth anniversary concert. The performances seemed lackluster and the stage production was underwhelming. The visuals were not as impressive as I had hoped and the lighting effects felt outdated. Additionally, the sound quality was subpar, with some of the voices sounding muffled at times. Overall, it felt like a lack of effort was put into this anniversary concert, which is a shame considering the potential it had to be something amazing.

2. John - 1/5

The Magical Mirai 1pth anniversary concert fell flat for me. The lineup of songs was underwhelming and didn't capture the essence of what made the original Magical Mirai events so enjoyable. The costumes and choreography were also uninspired, lacking the creativity and energy that I had come to expect from Vocaloid concerts. It felt like a missed opportunity to celebrate the anniversary in a memorable and impressive way. I left the concert feeling disappointed and unfulfilled.

3. Sarah - 2.5/5

While I appreciate the effort put into the Magical Mirai 1pth anniversary concert, I was left wanting more. The setlist was enjoyable, but it lacked variety and failed to showcase the full potential of the Vocaloid songs. The stage design and visuals were decent, but they lacked the wow factor that I had experienced in previous Magical Mirai concerts. It felt like a watered-down version of what could have been a truly spectacular celebration. Overall, it was an average concert experience that didn't leave a lasting impression.

Magical Mirai Memories: Fans Share their Favorite Moments from the Past 10 Years