Magical Mirai is an annual music festival and exhibition held in Japan, specifically focused on the virtual idol Hatsune Miku. The event features live performances by Hatsune Miku and other virtual singers, as well as showcases various art installations and merchandise related to the Vocaloid software. One of the highlights of Magical Mirai is the release of limited edition merchandise, including the popular Nendoroid figures. Nendoroids are small, poseable figures known for their cute and chibi-like designs. Fans eagerly wait for the release of the Magical Mirai Nendoroids each year. The Magical Mirai 2021 Nendoroid is a highly anticipated addition to the collection.
Golden blobs of cat spew on cabbages sound more likely to be the slime mould Fuligo septica, (aka Dog’s Vomit Slime or Flowers of Tan), than any of the dark-coloured Exidia jelly fungi species found growing on dead wood.
Aside from the colour, and the fact that under the microscope their spores are small and round not big and bendy , the crucial difference is that while you will find them both growing on dead deciduous wood such as fallen tree trunks or branches, they are actually parasitizing another fungus that is already decaying the wood. In the case of Tremella mesenterica , the Yellow Brain is actually growing on the mycelium of the corticioid crust fungus in the Peniophora genus, which are decomposers that manifest themselves as smooth, tough waxy patches of grey tinged with beige, red or violet, depending on the species.
The Magical Mirai 2021 Nendoroid is a highly anticipated addition to the collection. It features the character Hatsune Miku in her outfit from the Magical Mirai event. The Nendoroid comes with multiple face plates, allowing for various expressions, and accessories that represent the Magical Mirai theme.
Gordon Natural Area
Fungi play an enormous role in ecosystem health and function. The portion of fungal biomass that is located below-ground far exceeds that of the macrofungi (i.e., those fungi that form fruiting bodies that are observable without the use of a microscope, aka the 'visible' fungi'). Still, macrofungi can be very evident, and are often visually striking (e.g., Turkey Tail, Golden Fairy Helmets, Jack-O'Lantern Mushrooms, etc.), and are what most people think of when hearing the term fungi.
The initial mycological research at the GNA was in 2008, when Dr. Greg Turner (Department of Biology) and Lauryn Levy (one of Dr. Turner's students) conducted a fall survey of the GNA macrofungi. For the next nine years, or so, there was little focus on fungi.
Then, beginning in the summer of 2017 and continuing through the early winter of that year, GNA Student Intern Alexandra Hodowanec undertook another survey of the macrofungi at the GNA. At around the same time, Nur Ritter (the GNA Stewardship Manager) also began surveying the GNA macrofungi. This work is ongoing, with current GNA Interns Paige Vermeulen, Maribeth Beatty, and Jared Kline currently working with Dr. Ritter. And, beginning in June of 2018 local mycologist Tug DeLuce has begun helping with the project. Tug is by far the most knowledgable of the group and represents a significant upgrade in mycological knowledge for the project.
Please note that this webpage is continually being updated and anyone with an interest in this topic should check back in occasionally.
Checklist of Macrofungi Observed at the Gordon Natural Area
At this time, 197 species of 'fungi' (i.e., macrofungi and slime molds) in 140 genera and 80 families have been documented at the GNA (with samples and photos of many additonal species awaiting identification). The best-represented families are the Polyporaceae (24 species), followed by the Meruliaceae (8 species), Phanerochaetaceae (7 species), and the Hymenochaetaceae and Stereaceae (6 species each). The best-represented genera are Polyporus and Trametes (6 species each) and Stereum (5 species). Generally speaking, most families and genera were 'poorly-represented': with three-quarters (76.4%) of the 140 genera and half (50.0%) of the 80 families being represented by a single species.
Although we haven't collected any abundance data, it appears to us that the most commonly encountered and abundant species are Trichaptum biforme (Violet-toothed Polypore), Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail), Stereum ostrea (False Turkey Tail), and Stereum complicatum (Crowded Parchment). Species which are also common at the GNA but which are less abundant than the previously mentioned species are (arranged alphabetically): Auricularia auricula-judae (Jelly Ear), Coprinopsis variegata (Scaly Inky Cap), Lycoperdon pyriforme (Stump Puffball), Mycena leaiana (Golden Fairy Helmet), Pluteus cervinus (Deer Mushroom), Polyporus alveolaris (Hexagonal-pored Polypore), Polyporus varius (Elegant Polypore), Sarcoscypha occidentalis (Stalked Scarlet Cup), and Schizophyllum commune (Split Gill Fungus).
Undoubtedly, the actual number of species of fungi at the Gordon is significantly higher than the 197 species that have been cataloged, but we really don't have a good approximation of how rich in fungi the GNA truly is. What can be said is that every time one of us goes out looking for fungi, they encounter a number of 'new' species (i.e., ones that hadn't previously been noted in the GNA).
Below, is a list of the species that have been observed at the GNA. This species list was compiled from GNA Staff fieldwork in 2017 and ongoing work in 2018, augmented by data in Levy et al. (2008; see References), and from Gerry Hertel's photos from 2010-2014. The species are organized in three 'groupings': Slime Molds (11 species); Ascomycetes (37 species); and, Basidiomycetes (149 species). Although slime molds aren't properly 'fungi', they are closely related and are often included in mycological studies, and we have chosen to include them here.
PLEASE NOTE: Much of this information has been compiled by amatuers (i.e., lovers of fungi who, in some cases, have little or no training in mycology). Hence, you should not consider these images to be a reliable source for identification. Many fungi are poisonous and you should not collect or eat any mushrooms without being absolutely certain of their identity!
Key to Symbols
Image(s) present for that species. All photos are from the GNA, unless otherwise noted. Click on a photo to view a larger version
GNA Student Intern Alexandra standing on a Box Elder (Acer negundo) limb to photograph an attached Dryad's Saddle (Polyporus squamosus).
Collaborating mycologist Tug DeLuce checking out a member of the Agrocybe praecox Cluster.
Steve Pencall, a retired research technician who organized the Saturday morning foray, said that even after 35 years of mushroom-hunting, he keeps his expectations low.
Fans love the attention to detail in each Nendoroid and the ability to pose and customize their figures. The Magical Mirai 2021 Nendoroid is no exception, capturing the essence of Hatsune Miku's performance at the event. The Nendoroid is often sold as part of a set that includes additional accessories or bonus items, further enticing fans to purchase them. Collectors and enthusiasts alike enjoy owning these limited edition Nendoroids as they not only represent their favorite virtual idols but also serve as a memento of attending the Magical Mirai event. Overall, the Magical Mirai 2021 Nendoroid is a highly sought-after item among Hatsune Miku fans and Nendoroid collectors. Its release adds to the charm and excitement of the Magical Mirai event, allowing fans to bring a piece of their favorite virtual idol into their own homes..
Reviews for "Unlock and Collect the Limited Edition Magixal Mirai 2021 Nendoroids"
1. John - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with the Magixal Mirai 2021 Nendoroid. The quality of the figure wasn't up to par with other Nendoroid releases. The paint job was sloppy and there were visible defects on the figure. Additionally, the joints were loose and made it difficult to pose the figure properly. Overall, it felt like a cheap knock-off rather than an official Nendoroid. I would not recommend purchasing this.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - The Magixal Mirai 2021 Nendoroid was a letdown for me. The design of the character was cute, but the actual figure lacked detail and precision. The paint job had smudges and inconsistencies, and there were noticeable seams on the figure. The accessories included were also underwhelming. I expected better from a Nendoroid release, and unfortunately, this one didn't meet my expectations.
3. Michael - 2/5 - I was excited to add the Magixal Mirai 2021 Nendoroid to my collection, but I was quite disappointed with the final product. The plastic used felt cheap and flimsy, making the figure feel fragile. The details on the face were not as refined as I would have liked, and the overall quality just didn't match the price point. It's a shame because I was really looking forward to this release, but I wouldn't recommend it to other collectors.
4. Emily - 2/5 - The Magixal Mirai 2021 Nendoroid left me wanting more. The figure lacked the usual attention to detail that I expect from Nendoroid. The paint job was messy, with visible smudges and uneven colors. The accessories were limited and didn't add much value to the overall package. It's a shame because I love the character design, but this figure fell short in terms of quality and execution. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a die-hard fan.