KidZ & Heritage at KidZania Singapore

KidZ & Heritage at KidZania Singapore

Monday, April 8, 2019 / No Comments

KidZania is a venue where all of your senses play a keyrole both for the adults and children. They explore this mini-town escapade; a paradise to unleash their inner talents, creativeness and to be part of the adult universe. They gain educational background of individual systems sponsored by the actual companies. The little ones are allowed to play pretend by the given role from individual stations on both lower and upper floor that the building boasts. 

Anyone young at heart would enjoy being a part of the KidZania crew as they join in the adventure alongside their little counterparts. Parents are seen hovering close-by with camera constantly flashing as the children put on their "adult pants" and managing odd jobs. As a first timer, you watch the surrounding with wide eyes, and soaking in the boisterous atmosphere.

 

After Max had given me a short briefing of the establishment, it was my turn to run amok with my camera as well as take in the lively atmosphere. Out of nowhere, the shrieking of a siren caught me off guard when a mini vehicle with bold letters etched on the side "AMBULANCE" driven by an adult inches forth as another makes sure the pathway is safe for everyone else. To my amazement, I spotted a group of children riding at the back of the ambulance. Each of them were dressed in paramedic attire acquiring a serious expression at the ready to hop off and rescue the "victim" or digesting information given by the friendly staff.

Enthusiastic parents walked along the vehicle to watch their offspring living off their dream. Amidst them, I was tagging along to stand at the sideline and tune in to their teaching. It was truly inspiring to witness these new generation embracing a pretense of their fabricated universe. If only KidZania existed during our era, it would have been a blast and as for myself, a tug of war with my parents. 

A miniature version of Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Off they go, do you see little bopping heads behind? 

Situated at the SCDF section, a bright fiery-red truck was parked as well. Everyone of us have a fascination to be able to take a joyride in these big beast. Youngsters gathered at the area donning matching coats while waiting to zoom off. Off to put out fire at the make-shift hotel and these young firefighters caused an adorable commotion.

Children's version of Dr. Who dimension

Peeking through different windows, my excitement rises higher as I envisioned myself trinkled by the various devices such as: being a radio VJ for KISS 92FM. As a teenager from the 2000s, it was my dream to be Radio Presenter to chat in crisp English Language behind the microphone and announce chart-topping songs from across the globe. And to invite celebrities over to my talk show. Although this was the closest to reliving my fantasy.

In KidZania, the kids are allowed to play the role of either a Radio Presenter or a Technical Assistant; they bust out acclaimed hit music or serve the listeners ground-breaking news. At the same time, they are educated on what happens behind the scene. They play an important role so that the radio programmes run smoothly without any hiccups.

For this "KidZ & Heritage" event, there are fringe activities around the city that shine a spotlight on Singapore’s founding and development, such as a ‘Heritage Photo Booth by Canon Singapore’, travelling around the City in a Trishaw, a ‘History of Singapore Trivia Hunt’, and the "Colouring activity by Milkcananime", which features some of the old heritage games and buildings of Singapore. Children and parents can take one of these colouring sheets and use their creativity to bring the drawing to life! And only a few feet away, kawaii anime merchandises laid neatly on a booth caught my attention. And our artist Max was busy shuffling between his booth and supervising the kids in the colouring. Such activities further enhance the visitors' experience in KidZania.

Our artist/founder Max Wong attempted to colour the artpiece

Time for lunch? KidZania boasts several stops to appease your rumbling belly, in my case, Pizza Hut was my next stop. A cluster of people hogged the front window when my curiosity led me over that space just then, a group of youngsters were standing in row adjacent to spacious metal table. They were being trained diligently to create pizza! Once again, my jaw dropped low a twinge of regret that I was not part of this generation. Mind you, cleanliness is a requirement which they have to go through meticulously.

Masterchef at the making

Amazingly, the pizza was perfectly done. For safety reason, the kids were not allowed anywhere close to the oven. 

Yakult facility

They are so invested during the lesson 

Future scientist in the making

KidZania has interactive facilities for everyone, including several cafe-theme restrooms equipped with Wifi. Everyone who visited KidZania seemed to be happy and satisfied. I certainly enjoyed the time spent beneath the sky-theme rooftop and learning that this place was more than just a play-time for the children. At the end of the day, they leave home further acquainted with knowledge. 

The KidZania Post where you can publish a heritage-theme story as a journalist 

A little girl applying make-up while the mother sits back to view her gleeful child swirling blusher on the apple of her cheeks

A replica of the Peranakan Museum 

Parents, be prepared for your kids to be rocked off their socks and drag you along for the ride conjured from their fantasy world in KidZania!

From now to 21 April, families can enjoy and learn about Singapore's progress and achievements as part of KidZania Singapore's inaugural KidZ & Heritage event.

Purchase your tickets now!

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Figure Unboxing and Review: Kino no Tabi (Kotobukiya)

Figure Unboxing and Review: Kino no Tabi (Kotobukiya)

Monday, April 1, 2019 / No Comments

From the amazing show of Kino no Tabi (Kino's journey) where I reviewed here, Kotobukiya made a figure of Kino together with Hermes. This is the first scale figure that features both Kino and Hermes.

 Kino's box is fashioned in the style of a luggage trunk, which fits the theme of the anime a lot - where Kino travels around the world on her trusty motorbike, Hermes. 

The trunk also has printouts of luggage stickers on it, which keeps to the theme. These stickers also cover the important information of the figure, allowing the collector to enjoy the information displayed in a visually appealing fashion.

Another special aspect of this figure is that the box is slightly different from most others. The front of the box is connected via Velcro and upon opening it, you see a huge window that displays the figure in all its splendor.

There are images of the figure, along with a description of the ARTFX J line, would seem like a new marketing strategy to get people on board Kotobukiya's fanbase and the ARTFX J line. The pictures also took care to showcase both of Kino's head parts - with and without her helmet.

This is a brief look at the blister she comes in. She has Hermes, a luggage pile that would be placed behind Kino on Hermes, a base that has a field of red flowers lining a sandy dirt path, a loose flower piece and, as mentioned before, a second interchangeable head. This interchangeable head is also a first release bonus, and any future releases would not contain this extra part.

The instruction sheet for this figure is also in the theme of the the show, replicated as a letter sent from Kotobukiya's head office to the collector.

Even the little red seal that's used at the back of the letter is in place, keeping it as authentic as possible. That being said, the letter can be unfolded to get a full instruction sheet.

The base of this figure is a very good diorama that ties the figure together.

All the aspects of the diorama base - the red flowers, the green grass and the dirt sand - are carefully textured and comes with small indentations to fit the different parts of the figure to. However, as there are no pegs, the figure would simply be placed on the base loosely.

Hermes fits perfectly into these indentations and is thus able to balance on the base. In this figure Hermes is larger than Kino and it is evident that a lot more effort and thought was placed into sculpting and painting Hermes.

Even the wheels are delicately sculpted and painted in different colors and textures to make it look as realistic as possible!

This peg directly above the the back wheel and is for securing the luggage trunks that Kino is bringing along with her for the journey. Next, let's take a look at the luggage trunks that are supposed to be placed on the peg.

The trunks are sculpted with perfectly straight edges and impeccable detailing. The cloth bundles are sculpted simply, with soft edges and a carefully rolled-up look. However shading is minimal for the cloth and the two black straps holding it in place.

Kino comes with an alternate head without her helmet. This helps to create a carefree feel for the figure, however, it's easy to see that a lot less effort has been placed into sculpting and painting Kino as compared to Hermes. The tips of Kino's hair is a lot less sharper than the other figures in Kotobukiya's ARTFX J line. The color chosen for painting Kino's hair and eyes are on-point but there is minimal shading for her hair.

The paintwork for Kino's head with the helmet is a lot better as there are more elements that Kotobukiya can work details into.

The white parts of the helmet are textured with fur while the rest of the green areas are sculpted and painted with a smooth finish to resemble cloth. 

The goggles at the front of Kino's cap is also painted delicately with no paint spills.

All in all, I feel that Kino looks a lot sharper with her helmet on. The sculpt of her slim build is also accurate to the series.

The belt cuffs at her wrists and ankles are not as well painted and shaded and appears as a one-tone coloring. There seems to be a little spillover of green from her outfit as well. On the other hand, her shoes seem to be well sculpted, with all the laces carefully sculpted and layered one above another. The shoes are also painted with a rather matte shade that brings her look together.

The way her coat bunches above the belt on her waistline is realistic and the way it flares out after is also adequate for her pose. The belt on her waist however, isn't shaded sufficiently but accentuated with gold accents that helps to add enough to the accessories without overshadowing it.

All the different revolver components at her belt is more visible from the back and all of them are strapped in a way that makes it easier for her to retrieve the weapons when needed. This is also reflected well in the 3D rendition.

The stray flower can be placed anywhere on the base. The stalk uses a lively green color that reflects the succulence of the stem and leaves. However, the red petals of the flower could use a lot more detailing.

All in all, this figure is well-made due to the thought placed into sculpting and painting Hermes. If you take Hermes as the main star or the co-star of this figure, it would be appropriate and worthwhile to get this figure. However, if you wish to get a figure of Kino as the star, the difference in quality of work on Hermes and Kino would make it a figure that isn't worthwhile to get.

~ Reina-rin