Hatsune Miku

HISTORY

When were you inspired to create Hatsune Miku and why?

We released a software voice synthesizer called “Hatsune Miku” in 2007, with the idea of providing a tool for anyone to make their own songs on their computers, and have them sung by computerised voice, a “virtual singer.” The image of Hatsune Miku was created at the same time, to put as illustration on the software box.

HISTORY

What was your original mission with Miku? What did you want users to experience?

The first goal was to give users a great tool to create their own music, with a realistically generated voice. At the same time, we wanted to expand the range of users beyond the professional musicians, who were still the core of our customers. So we put our efforts in packaging the software, in order to give it a modern look, and root the voice in a character that would be recognisable and convey an image of the future, while having some traits of Japanese pop culture.

Hatsune Miku on Recordings

RECORDINGS

Hatsune Miku

In Concert

What is it like to be in the audience at a Miku concert? What is the experience like and how did you think about the production of it? For example, why glowsticks?

IN CONCERT

Actually glowsticks are not specific to Miku, many fans bring them to live concerts in Japan, it’s a way to participate in the event. For Miku concerts it has become a tradition, especially those that can change colors according to the character that is singing on stage. I have to explain that in addition to Hatsune Miku, there are 5 more characters who are also part of the show, and each have their own designated color.

INTERVIEW WITH THE CREATOR

Why do you think Miku has become so popular in the world? What does it say about our society/culture?

People have been relying increasingly on social media to get in touch with the world. At the same time they have become themselves sources and conveyers of content and information. And since there is no border on the internet, new trends can easily spread out of their region of origin into the whole world. And Hatsune Miku being a digital entity, she was able to fit perfectly in this new reality, and become a global phenomenon.

Interview

with the

Creator

In your opinion, are characters like Miku the future of music? Will pop stars eventually become obsolete? In other words, what does the the future of the music industry look like to you?

I think Miku is already the present of music, in that she embodies a vast movement, brought about by the internet, and which blurs the line between creators and users. Music, like artistic creation in general, is not just a few professional artists making songs for the rest of the us. More and more individuals have the will, talent, and now the means to share their work with the world, and to be both consumer and creators. That idea has been around for a while, but I think Miku is one of its best illustrations. But I don’t think one minute that it will make “human” singers obsolete, it’s just two different things.