In 2010, Vocaloid producer wowaka (of Rolling Girl fame) allegedly created a test track titled Ami no 029 . While the track was never officially released, a 14-second snippet leaked on piapro featuring Hatsune Miku singing: "Sakuragumi de, ochikonda / Kami ni natta, 029" (In Sakuragumi, I fell down / I became God, 029).
Why would a failed construction Flash animation steal the name "Sakuragumi"? Scholars of net culture suggest it is a form of guro-kawaii (grotesque cuteness) parody. In the early 2000s, Takarazuka represented unattainable perfection: glittering costumes, flawless otokoyaku (male role actors), and militaristic discipline. Ami Sakuragumi is the anti-Takarazuka: she is dirty, she cannot sing, and her "group" consists of one tired girl and a pile of broken rebar. God 029 Ami Sakuragumi
Rumors persist on 2channel (now 5channel) that the Ami Sakuragumi Flash series originally had 30 episodes. Episode 30 is widely available; it is a standard happy ending where Ami finally finishes building a bridge. In 2010, Vocaloid producer wowaka (of Rolling Girl
In the sprawling, chaotic, and often surreal universe of Japanese net culture and DIY idol fandom, certain phrases gain a life of their own. One such enigma that has been quietly reverberating through niche forums, image boards, and alternate reality game (ARG) communities is the term God 029 Ami Sakuragumi . Scholars of net culture suggest it is a