Magical Mirai is an annual event in Japan that celebrates the virtual singer Hatsune Miku and the creativity of her fans. The event includes concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and more. One popular aspect of Magical Mirai is the release of limited-edition merchandise, including Nendoroids. Nendoroids are collectible figurines created by the company Good Smile Company. They are known for their chibi-style design and interchangeable parts, allowing fans to customize and pose their Nendoroids. Each Nendoroid typically comes with various accessories, such as different facial expressions, hats, and props, adding to the doll-like charm of the figure.
So when did the costume version come into existence? The school wanted a mascot that could attend indoor events. Due to popular demand, in 1987-1988 the first costume version of Rameses was officially established at UNC. However, the first version was not well received and described as “wimpy.” Changes were made, and in 1989, a meaner looking mascot debuted and helped shape the version of what you see today.
Huggins received the okay from the athletic business manager and 25 dollars later, Rameses I was plucked out of Texas and inserted into the UNC lineup of mascots. Every autumn, a few hours before home games, family and friends gather at Hogan s Magnolia View Farm on Old NC Highway 86, just as they have for decades.
Each Nendoroid typically comes with various accessories, such as different facial expressions, hats, and props, adding to the doll-like charm of the figure. For Magical Mirai 2021, a special Nendoroid was released featuring Hatsune Miku in her Magical Mirai outfit. The outfit is inspired by the theme of the event and often incorporates bright and colorful elements, such as frilly skirts, bows, and futuristic accessories.
History of UNC’s mascot Rameses
With football season just around the corner and the Olympics getting under way, it seems like now is the best time to talk about everyone’s favorite mascot. I’m obviously talking about Rameses. Rameses has been the official mascot of the North Carolina Tar Heels since 1924. The story is right out of a fairy tale…minus the prince charming and instead a prince ram from the state of Texas.
This is what happened. Head cheerleader Vic Huggins noticed a lack of school spirit for the Tar Heels. So instead of making the school’s mascot a giant foot with black muck on the heel, he suggested that the team make its mascot a ram. The idea was based on UNC’s star football player, Jack Merritt, who was nicknamed, the “Battering Ram.”
Huggins received the okay from the athletic business manager and $25 dollars later, Rameses I was plucked out of Texas and inserted into the UNC lineup of mascots. The story sounds great and interesting but what happened next is where the fairy tale with prince ram became known.
Picture this; UNC was playing Virginia Military Institute in football. After three quarters the game was tied 0-0. Sounds like a boring game, but it wasn’t. I wasn’t there, but that’s what I’ve been told. It was time for one last desperation attempt to break the scoreless tie. Insert UNC’s kicker, Bunn Hackney. Before taking the field, Hackney rubbed Rameses’ head for some good luck. He took the field, lined up, and nailed a 30-yard DROP KICK for the win. Fairy tale ending. Roll credits. Rameses stuck and has been the mascot ever since.
So when did the costume version come into existence? The school wanted a mascot that could attend indoor events. Due to popular demand, in 1987-1988 the first costume version of Rameses was officially established at UNC. However, the first version was not well received and described as “wimpy.” Changes were made, and in 1989, a meaner looking mascot debuted and helped shape the version of what you see today.
The costume version of Rameses has evolved ever since first being established as UNC’s mascot. Just last year, a smaller, more friendlier-looking version of Rameses was created. This newly beloved mascot came to be known as Rameses Junior, or RJ. This was put into place to be more appealing to small children who found the mean-looking mascot scary and discomforting.
I went back and forth on whether to talk about this because I really only associate the good with Rameses. However, I decided to address the dark times that Rameses has endured.
In 1996 someone snuck onto the farm in which Rameses XXIII lived and killed the beautiful creature. The man was later caught and it was discovered that he was drunk and charged with animal cruelty and being a terrible human being.
In 2007, Jason Ray, the student dressed as the costume version of Rameses, was hit and killed by a van while walking on the road in New Jersey for the Tar Heels Sweet Sixteen matchup with the University of Southern California. Jason Ray helped save the lives of 118 people by being an organ donor. As a result, UNC renamed its transplant clinic to the “Jason Ray Transplant Clinic.”
Over time, there have been a total of 22 Rameses, including the current one, which recently became the father to twins during the Final Four this past year.
Speaking of the Final Four, the current Rameses was not punched after the Villanova game. I repeat, he was not punched after the Villanova game. He was, instead, bumped by workers setting up the stage for the ceremony, and tripped over a cheerleader’s foot. I’ve heard many things about what happened, including getting punched by a Villanova fan, and even heard rumors that a fellow UNC fan hit him. It is surprising how many people still think this is the case. So there it is, rumor debunked. I feel like the dudes from Myth Busters.
Anyways, Rameses has a deep and historical history that UNC fans should be proud of. From the game-winning kick, to the men like Jason Ray who wore the costume proudly and made the university even prouder through his heroic actions. It will be fun to see what other great things this mascot brings to the university for years to come.
The Nendoroid captures the essence of Hatsune Miku's character and allows fans to display her in their collection. Collecting Nendoroids has become a popular hobby among fans of anime, video games, and virtual idols like Hatsune Miku. The limited availability and unique designs of these figures make them highly sought after by collectors around the world. Nendoroids also serve as a way for fans to express their love and support for their favorite characters or franchises. In conclusion, the Magical Mirai 2021 Nendoroid is a special edition figurine that celebrates Hatsune Miku and the creativity of her fans. It captures the charm and style of the event and provides collectors with a unique piece to add to their collection. Whether displayed on a shelf or posed for photography, the Nendoroid brings the world of Hatsune Miku to life..
Reviews for "The Story Behind Magical Mirai 2021 Nendoroids: A Collaboration of Art and Technology"
1. Sara - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Magical Mirai 2021 Nendorroud. The storyline felt confusing and disjointed, and it was difficult to follow what was happening. The character development was lacking, and I didn't feel any connection to the Nendorroud. Additionally, the animation quality was not up to par with previous Magical Mirai shows. Overall, I found it to be a letdown and not worth the hype.
2. Mark - 1 star - I was really looking forward to the Magical Mirai 2021 Nendorroud, but it fell far short of my expectations. The writing was weak and lacked depth, making it difficult to engage with the characters and their stories. The music was also lackluster and didn't capture the magic and energy that I associate with Magical Mirai. The animation quality was subpar, with awkward movements and stiff character designs. I was left feeling underwhelmed and wishing I had skipped this year's Magical Mirai.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I found the Magical Mirai 2021 Nendorroud to be underwhelming. The plot seemed rushed and poorly executed, leaving me confused and uninvested in the story. The music and performances were lackluster, lacking the excitement and energy that I had come to expect from previous Magical Mirai events. The animation quality was also disappointing, with choppy movements and unimpressive visuals. Overall, I was quite disappointed with this year's Magical Mirai and hope that future iterations will be more engaging and better executed.