An hour-long augmented reality concert took place in Japan yesterday, featuring 3-D characters that have been consistently ranking in the top 10 Japanese pop charts. Their names are Megpoid and Akikoloid, and nothing about them, not even their voices, is real. 150 lucky fans at the Digital Concert Expo in Tokyo were treated to songs and dancing by the two anime-looking characters. Audience members were encouraged to “interact” with the pop stars by waving specially-marked poles which triggered effects in the augmented reality world. Over 65,000 people watched the show on Nico Nico Douga, a Japanese version of YouTube.

I like Megpoid’s earlier stuff. Akikoloid is way too commercial for me.