Are you familiar with Niconico Douga?
While not as internationally renowned as YouTube, this video platform once stood side by side with YouTube in terms of popularity in Japan. Let's delve into the world of Niconico Douga and explore its distinctive features.
What is Niconico Douga?
Niconico Douga is a Japanese video-sharing platform that flourished primarily in the 2000s.
It was a hub for various subcultures, including Japanese anime, manga, and music.
Although its popularity has waned in comparison to YouTube, occasionally, it still sees the emergence of highly popular content within Japan.
Features and Genres on Niconico Douga
What is the futures and Genres on Niconico Douga?
Live Commentary
One of Niconico Douga's standout features is the flowing commentary from right to left on the screen.
While YouTube allows comments, Niconico Douga uniquely displays comments on the same screen as the video.
Since all users can contribute, comments themselves can become popular, sometimes filling the screen. In music videos, you might find users writing lyrics or creating amusing misheard lyrics.
Subculture Content:
The majority of content on Niconico Douga falls under subcultures. This includes Anime Music Videos (MAD), compilations of iconic scenes, and live event broadcasts.
Additionally, you'll find illustrations, original music videos, and uniquely surreal videos that may not be found on YouTube. The on-screen comments further enhance the humor and interest.
Singing Covers ("歌ってみた")
"歌ってみた" or "Singing Covers" refer to musical cover performances. While YouTube is now a major platform for covers, Niconico Douga was once a primary space for singers to showcase their talent.
Many singers who were initially unknown on Niconico Douga have gained fame. Some videos combine singing covers with hand-drawn MAD, adding a surreal touch.
Integration with Niconico Encyclopedia
Niconico Douga is linked with Niconico Encyclopedia, a subculture-oriented wiki similar to Wikipedia.
It provides entertaining and humorous insights into why certain content became popular, explaining references and origins. Users can use tags and references from Niconico Encyclopedia to discover videos on Niconico Douga.
Recommended Videos
Here are some recommendations that can be enjoyed even without understanding Japanese:
"Aho Girl" Fafner Transformation
https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm31553118
A legendary video seamlessly connecting openings from two different anime, "Aho Girl" and "Fafner."
"GochiGAME!" Hand-Drawn MAD
https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm32021261
This hand-drawn MAD, recognized as a masterpiece, recreates the opening of the anime "NEW GAME!!" within the universe of "Is the Order a Rabbit?"
Niconico Douga Ura Nanmin-sai
https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm32181787
A medley created by Niconico Douga creators, combining music from slice-of-life anime. It's well-crafted and stands out among Niconico Douga medleys.
"The Indians Have Prospered"
https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm18393920
A fusion of the opening of the anime "Humanity Has Declined" with an Indian dance in the real world. The combination of the song's atmosphere and Indian dance is intriguing.
Explore these videos to get a taste of the unique and diverse content found on Niconico Douga!