Magical Mirai is an annual music festival and exhibition held in Japan, specifically focused on the virtual idol Hatsune Miku. The event features live performances by Hatsune Miku and other virtual singers, as well as showcases various art installations and merchandise related to the Vocaloid software. One of the highlights of Magical Mirai is the release of limited edition merchandise, including the popular Nendoroid figures. Nendoroids are small, poseable figures known for their cute and chibi-like designs. Fans eagerly wait for the release of the Magical Mirai Nendoroids each year. The Magical Mirai 2021 Nendoroid is a highly anticipated addition to the collection.
The Magical Mirai 2021 Nendoroid is a highly anticipated addition to the collection. It features the character Hatsune Miku in her outfit from the Magical Mirai event. The Nendoroid comes with multiple face plates, allowing for various expressions, and accessories that represent the Magical Mirai theme.
Philadelphia versus Salem: Preventing Witch Hysteria
Last week, we shared the story of the Mattson Witch Trial, the only known witch trial William Penn presided over. Pennsylvania never reached anywhere near the heights of Salem’s infamous witch hunts. So just how much did Penn’s ideals make a difference in the witch hysteria?
"The Bewitched Man," Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, 1798
The answer lies not within one difference, but many differences. Penn and his Quaker colony had a very different social environment influenced by religion, politics, and education. Penn founded his colony as a “holy experiment” grounded in his plans for religious tolerance, laws created and governed by the people, and a fair justice system. These values changed how witch hysteria affected the communities in Pennsylvania.
Much like the Quakers, Salem’s Puritan founders created their community out of a desire to escape religious persecution in Europe. However, contrary to Penn’s policy of inclusion and tolerance, Salem prohibited any non-Puritans from living in Salem.
“Witches’ Initiation,” David Teniers the Younger, 1647-49
Salem also had a history of persecution for witchcraft. The religious leaders regularly gave sermons warning of the danger of witches and openly advertised the witch hunts that happened throughout Europe. In addition, the court system did not really function and failed to regulate or protect those accused of witchcraft. So in 1692, when the accusations and trials really began to engulf the community, the colony’s government failed to maintain order and sanity.
Anonymous drawing of witches at work from Johann Geiler von Kayersberg, 1517. Cornell University Library.
All of these factors play into the horrible persecution of the 59 people tried in Salem, of which 20 were put to death before anyone could stop the hysteria. By the end of the summer in 1692, 13 women and 6 men were hanged in Salem, Massachussetts for the crime of witchcraft.
Needless to say the hysteria of witch hunts struck hard for centuries throughout Europe and the colonies, leading to severe persecution, shunning, and often death for the accused men and women. Anything mysterious or hard to explain, like cows not producing milk or infant deaths, could be blamed on a witch. Science would later prove the real reasons for such events, but it would come too late to save the many people who were burned, hanged or drowned as witches. Pennsylvania avoided most of this madness, but not entirely, as Margret Mattson and Yeshro Hendrickson’s trial proves.
Written by Mary Barbagallo, Intern
Pennsylvania Colonial Cases – Proprietor vs. Mattson
The Malleus Malficarum of Henrich Kramer and James Sprenger: Translated with an introduction by the Reverend Montague Summers, Dover Publication, Inc., New York, NY, 1971.
The Witch Hunts: A History of the Witch persecutions in Europe and North America, Robert Thurston, Pearson Education Ltd., United Kingdom, 2007.
It is hard to think that those fifty-five men were much closer in time to the Salem witch trials of 1692 than they were to us. It is still harder to think that in Philadelphia that summer in the very week when they were hammering out the most crucial provisions of the Constitution, they could have witnessed, perhaps did witness, in the streets they daily walked, an event that tied them more closely to the dark world of superstition than to the enlightenment they cherished.
Fans love the attention to detail in each Nendoroid and the ability to pose and customize their figures. The Magical Mirai 2021 Nendoroid is no exception, capturing the essence of Hatsune Miku's performance at the event. The Nendoroid is often sold as part of a set that includes additional accessories or bonus items, further enticing fans to purchase them. Collectors and enthusiasts alike enjoy owning these limited edition Nendoroids as they not only represent their favorite virtual idols but also serve as a memento of attending the Magical Mirai event. Overall, the Magical Mirai 2021 Nendoroid is a highly sought-after item among Hatsune Miku fans and Nendoroid collectors. Its release adds to the charm and excitement of the Magical Mirai event, allowing fans to bring a piece of their favorite virtual idol into their own homes..
Reviews for "Celebrate the Vibrant World of Magixal Mirai 2021 with Nendoroids"
1. John - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with the Magixal Mirai 2021 Nendoroid. The quality of the figure wasn't up to par with other Nendoroid releases. The paint job was sloppy and there were visible defects on the figure. Additionally, the joints were loose and made it difficult to pose the figure properly. Overall, it felt like a cheap knock-off rather than an official Nendoroid. I would not recommend purchasing this.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - The Magixal Mirai 2021 Nendoroid was a letdown for me. The design of the character was cute, but the actual figure lacked detail and precision. The paint job had smudges and inconsistencies, and there were noticeable seams on the figure. The accessories included were also underwhelming. I expected better from a Nendoroid release, and unfortunately, this one didn't meet my expectations.
3. Michael - 2/5 - I was excited to add the Magixal Mirai 2021 Nendoroid to my collection, but I was quite disappointed with the final product. The plastic used felt cheap and flimsy, making the figure feel fragile. The details on the face were not as refined as I would have liked, and the overall quality just didn't match the price point. It's a shame because I was really looking forward to this release, but I wouldn't recommend it to other collectors.
4. Emily - 2/5 - The Magixal Mirai 2021 Nendoroid left me wanting more. The figure lacked the usual attention to detail that I expect from Nendoroid. The paint job was messy, with visible smudges and uneven colors. The accessories were limited and didn't add much value to the overall package. It's a shame because I love the character design, but this figure fell short in terms of quality and execution. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a die-hard fan.