*This is a translated article by QooApp under the permission of SPICE. Reproduction in any form without permission is prohibited.
As a celebration of the multimedia franchise project “from Argonavis“, the newly opened Argonavis Thanks Exhibition from AAside takes its visitors on an AR trip through the world and story of the project’s anime, mobile game, literature, concert, and more.
The exhibition, which kicked off on July 15 and concluded on August 21 at the DNP Plaza at the Tokyo Anime Center in Shibuya was truly a trip down memory lane as we report on what was on display inside.
▍Opening Ceremony with Guest Appearances
The ‘from Argonavis’ franchise presents itself with five separate bands from all parts of Japan trying to gain fame as they expand their reach to Tokyo, the heart of the country. The titular Argonavis from Hokkaido’s Hakodate city, Gyroaxia from Sapporo, Fantôme Iris from Nagoya, Fujin RIZING! from Nagasaki, and εpsilonΦ from Kyoto.
On the day before the opening of the exhibition, a ceremony was held with Masahiro Itō and Jin Ogasawara, the voices of Ren Nanahoshi and Nayuta Asahi, who share their experience and comments on what to do and see in the exhibition.
Masahiro Itō at the opening of the exhibition ©ARGONAVIS project. 
Jin Ogasawara at the ceremony held internally ©ARGONAVIS project.
So let’s begin our visit to the Argonavis Thanks Exhibition! At the entrance, we’re greeted by a 1/1 scale cutout of the characters as well as the key visuals decorating the walls head-on.
Entering the premises, a corner is made to look like a live house. Adorning the walls are illustration posters of the members of each band and their album art, with the multiple monitors displaying five separate animation shorts that were shown off first at the LR Festival 1st Round in the mobile game. Check out what each member’s up to in their backrooms in these band story cutscenes.
▍Weekly Changing Display of Each Member’s Attires!
A space displaying each band’s outfits was shown in turntables, allowing visitors to get a thorough look at each piece of clothing down to the details. The outfits shown below are the titular band Argonavis, which had their costumes shown off from July 15 to 21. The turntables were an excellent opportunity for any artists out there who needed better references for their own original pieces when depicting the crew.
Moving along, we hit a large room with a wall projection display of each member performing onstage! Hitting the buttons in front of the installation give the performance footage extra flare, as thematic lasers shine across the video just like the bands are performing in live concerts. Visitors coming in groups were in for a bigger surprise, as the more people pressing each button the more lasers would pop up.
Take a trip down memory lane with the panels featuring scenes and quotes of the characters in the franchise’s anime and game alike.
Going ahead, we hit up a series of miniature share-houses of the boys painstakingly made by diorama artist Satoshi Araki. Check out the impressive craftsmanship of all the small details being replicated to look exactly as how they are portrayed in the mobile game!
The acrylic panel section of the exhibition features large panels of each band member along with a QR code that could be scanned in via the HoloModels app on mobile to enjoy a personal AR live concert right in the palm of your hands.
Concluding the exhibition was a corner dedicated to showing the props and instruments actually used in the live events and performances by the bands. Take a look at the ponchan friends plushies characterizing each of the members as cute little critters!
Nearing the exit, we hit up the merchandise store! The place even featured event-exclusive goods such as the mini acrylic stands and badges that were only available at specific live events. The highlight was definitely the acrylic AR character stands that can be scanned in just like the QR codes in the exhibition, to enjoy a personal live performance of “AAside” or “MANIFESTO” by Ren or Nayuta at your home, any time!
The Argonavis Thanks Exhibition from AAside was truly an experience that provides visitors a chance to immerse themselves in its rhythmic vibrant world. The band members of the franchise come in a rather realistic way, as the exhibition’s unique AR experience presents much akin to the previously held live performances. The exhibition is undoubtedly a must-visit spot for its diehard fans, especially for those who want to view their idols from an advanced virtually augmented perspective!
Exhibition Period: Friday, July 15, 2022 to Sunday, August 21, 2022
Venue: Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA (Shibuya MODI 2F, 1-21-3 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Closing Day: Open all year round (The museum may be closed during the year-end and New Year holidays, facility inspection days, exhibition replacement days, etc.)
*The museum will be closed on August 17 (Wednesday)
Open Time: 11:00-20:00 (Exhibition last entry – 19:30)
Admission Fee: Advance Ticket – 1,500 yen (tax included), Regular Ticket – 1,600 yen (tax included)
The original article was written by Naoki Saito (斉藤直樹) and published by SPICE, which can be found here: https://spice.eplus.jp/articles/305646
