News from Idolm@ster 8th Anniversary Hop Step Festival

Back now from TGS and the iM@S concert that followed it. There's a lot that could be said here, but 'tis around 1:45a now so I'll keep this short and doll-related only.

 

Unexpectedly, Volks had a small presence in the Makuhari Arena for the iM@S Hop Step Festival. Volks was one of a few exhibitors showing iM@S goods museum-style right outside the concert doors, with nothing for sale. In the booth there was one each of the four current iM@S DDS dolls in their default outfits (Haruka, Miki, Chihaya, Yukiho) on display to start. And then in the center, the prototype My Dear Vampire outfit was worn by two gals standing next to the gothic wing chair, much like the picture in Volks News 55.

 

This was my first time seeing Chihaya in person, and her wig was darker than the photos show but it looks nice. The Vampire outfit of course was neat to see a few weeks early. For variety they showed what the M-bust version looks like on Chihaya's smaller chest; you could tell it was a little loose but it didn't look bad.

 

Buried in a stack of leaflets given out immediately upon exiting the concert was some doll news. The next announced Idolm@ster girl isn't from the main cast - but rather Rin Shibuya from the relatively new Cinderella Girls set of idols. It was stated explicitly in the text that she'd be made into DD, but, 'tis important to note, not necessarily when she will come out. Uncharacteristically straightforward for Volks for an initial announcement, nevertheless. The photo was just her stock pic, so Volks has done little to no development on the actual doll that they're ready to share.

 

Additionally, a second doll was teased at the very bottom of the Shibuya announcement. 'Twas far too vague for me to figure out who the other one is yet, and now this is the Volks I'm used to. All they said was "and we'll get that idol along with her!?"

 

One possible idea for the other doll is Uzuki Shimamura. This is based only on the fact that Rin's and Uzuki's voice actresses were the two Cinderella Girls VAs that sang in the concert as guests. Or in other words, pure speculation.

Thanks for confirming our suspicions! Bethykins posted earlier about it.

 

Was kinda hoping the next one would be Iori =/ Still, looking forward to see the next dolls ^^

I saw that last line as well about the onaji development.

I am not familiar with the Idolm@ster girls but I sure hope she's going to be a cute one.

 

I'm guessing the Vampire outfits are of good quality then? They look especially nice to me but unfortunately, they are seasonal-use only. Otherwise, I'd be all over them!

Yeah, I was taken unawares that Volks would start talking about the Cinderella Girls long before finishing the main cast of 13. I figured we might see them eventually if Cinderella Girls got popular enough over the very long term, but surely not until the usual cast had been finished. Well, Volks hasn't said when Rin Shibuya will come out so it could be a long time from now, but I am guessing that, no, she'll probably be in the next batch. Surprising.

 

Well, I'd personally like Ranko Kanzaki to come out. If made well, she'd be the most interesting-looking one of the current 20 girls in the Cinderella set who have a single out. Well, of course I would say so since she's the gothic lolita. There are more than 100 different idols in the Cinderella set, so there is material to make for an awfully long time... Actually, I am not sure if Ranko is popular enough overall to get a doll even though I'd like one; maybe they'd go with Anzu Futaba - the PJ girl with a plushie - since she gets a decent bit of merch in general already.

 

I saw that last line as well about the onaji development.

Yep, yep, you got the right meaning from the kanji (same + time). Random Japanese factoid of the day: 同時 is a compound word pronounced douji. It does indeed mean 'simultaneously' or 'along with'.

 

I'm guessing the Vampire outfits are of good quality then? They look especially nice to me but unfortunately, they are seasonal-use only. Otherwise, I'd be all over them!

Yeah, My Dear Vampire looked great; better than I expected the doll version could be. But what is this seasonal complaint?! ANY day is a good season for gothic and/or lolita!

i thought she meant halloween related

Yes, that's the great thing about Japanese! Even though I don't know all the words, you can easily figure out what it means via combined kanji.

 

And yes, I meant Halloween! I wouldn't know when to use them otherwise... but National Cosplay Day (ak.a.- Halloween) is my favorite celebration of the year so I might get it for my love for this special day.

Haha, yes, I knew she was referring to Halloween, like seasonal decorations. I just made the counter-assertion that any time is a good time for gothic imagery, so why wait for October!

Haha, yes, I knew she was referring to Halloween, like seasonal decorations. I just made the counter-assertion that any time is a good time for gothic imagery, so why wait for October!

i dunno man goths are pretty scary

How cool! I own the Figma Rin Shibuya. I'd love to see her as an DD. I'm sure that she'll be lovely ^___^

Man...are they kidding me?

Rin & Chihaya are the only Idolm@ster girls that I was into it -__-;;

Copying my comment over from the other thread:

"Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls is my obsession. Never thought Volks would do those girls, so I actually teared up yesterday when I saw pictures on twitter! I'm so excited.

 

Rin I love, so I'll definitely be getting her. If they do more than I'm hoping Volks won't do the main three "poster girls", meaning Uzuki for cute and Mio for passion. Instead I hope they go with other popular girls. That way there is a chance for different body types.

 

What I think would be nice is one girl from each group. For cute I'd like to see Sachiko (top 5 popularity) or Anzu. For passion, Mika and Rika!!! They would make amazing DDs. For cool I would have liked Ranko (current Cinderella Girl) or Kaede (top 5).

 

I was planning on making a custom CG DD, so this is really amazing~~"

 

Actually, I am not sure if Ranko is popular enough overall to get a doll even though I'd like one; maybe they'd go with Anzu Futaba - the PJ girl with a plushie - since she gets a decent bit of merch in general already.

Ranko is currently the most popular Imas CG girl! Taking the #1 spot in the last ranking. ^^

She would make a perfect doll.