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Animate's Akihabara Moe Mascot Talks Back to You

Akihabara's ANIMATE store introduced an interactive moe mascot on Tuesday. Named Sasara Satō, she was developed by CeVIO, a company specializing in User-Generated Content (UGC).

Sasara, a life-sized original character within the store's digital signage, has an interactive voice that can even respond to visitors when they speak to her. She also will announce information about ANIMATE to customers without prompting. There are also future plans for her to participate in stage and music events

On the day of Sasara's unveiling, the staff responded to questions about her. When asked about her voice actress, the staff replied that the voice actress will remain anonymous. They also stated their hopes to place a unit similar to Sasara in ANIMATE's flagship Ikebukuro store too, as well as create new outfits for her.

CeVio is a new project that backs and supports the creation of user-generated content. The iniative currently developing an easy-to-use software that would allow users to synthesize both speaking voices and singing voices with an abundant range of emotions. A free downloadable version of the product will be available by the end of February. A packaged retail version is also planned to be released by the beginning of summer.

Source: Akiba Sōken via Hachima Kikō