Momoiro Clover Z as pill bugs!? "MOVE: The Exhibition Where You Can Become a Living Creature"

From November 29 to April 8 next year, the "MOVE: Become a Living Thing! - Jump into the World of the Moving Picture Book!" exhibition will be held at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Odaiba, Tokyo. A briefing session and preview event were held on the preceding 28th.

Opening the event, Yumi Miyahara from the museum's Exhibition Planning and Development Department stated the purpose: "Life first appeared on Earth 3.8 billion years ago. Since then, there have been five mass extinctions, and some say the countdown to the sixth is now underway. Now more than ever, we want visitors to experience what it's like to be a living creature, to feel the diversity of life and the resilient survival strategies that allow organisms to thrive. We hope this exhibition will also serve as a reminder that humans are part of that diversity."

Following this, Izumi Morisada, Editor-in-Chief of Kodansha's children's educational encyclopedia series "Move Encyclopedia," explained the background and planning behind the exhibition. "This book series has sparked curiosity and interest through impactful descriptions and photographs. This time, we aim to provide an experience that fulfills the desire to 'become another creature,' transcending the boundaries of books and video. We deliberately avoided using VR and focused on analog methods, designing settings that stimulate the imagination," she said.

Idol group "Momoclo-chan Z" (Momoclo), who appear on the exclusive early childhood educational program "Gu-Choki-Pati" streaming on Hulu and serve as the exhibition's cheerleaders, made a surprise appearance at the venue.

The five members appeared dressed as fairies themed to their respective colors. Member Momota Kanako said with excitement, "All of us members love creatures, so we're thrilled to be the cheer squad!" Takagi Reni's eyes sparkled as she added, "While there are many experiences to see creatures, there aren't many chances to experience the perspective of a real creature."

When they drew pictures of creatures they'd like to become on flip charts and presented them, the unique answers drew gasps of admiration from the audience. Takagi displayed impressive drawing skills, stating, "I'd like to fly and live a long life, so I'd choose a crane." Ariyasu Anzu smiled and said, "I heard jellyfish don't have brains or emotions like humans, so I'd choose a jellyfish."

The five members also learned various creatures' courtship dances through the "Momoiro Clover Z! LOVE Dance Game." They then performed the courtship dance of the Black-faced Spoonbill. Momota explained, "The key point is hiding the beak with the wings."

Furthermore, inspired by the interactive exhibit "Put on Armor and Become a Pill Bug!", they appeared in pill bug and ant costumes, representing the creature and its natural predator.

Ayaka Sasaki, playing the ant, energetically attacked Shiori Tamai and Momota, who were playing pill bugs, making them tremble as she declared, "That girl is definitely the queen ant!"

Experiencing the perspectives of both pill bug and ant, Sasaki remarked, "Having a shell provides such a sense of security. You feel strongly protected." Momota reflected, "When I was a kid, I used to poke pill bugs and they'd immediately curl up. I always found it strange, but experiencing it now, I realize they were scared. I feel sorry for them."

One highlight of the exhibition is the interactive exhibit "Become a Basilisk and Run Across Water!", where visitors can simulate the experience of the famous water-running reptile, the basilisk.

The members unanimously agreed, "The water surface ripples realistically" and "It's fun."

Tamai seemed particularly fond of the penguin-sliding-on-ice simulation corner, saying excitedly, "Both the pillbug and penguin experiences offer a wide range of costume sizes, so parents and children can enjoy them together. It's rare to have an opportunity where parents and children can become the same creature together!"

Ms. Momota concluded, "This was the most fun we've had since we all turned 20! You can really enjoy learning about creatures here, so I highly recommend visiting."

 

Official Website: http://zukan-move.kodansha.co.jp/nareru/