The full orchestral Vocaloid concert “Hatsune Miku Symphony 2017” was held in Tokyo on November 29th.
As fans waited eagerly in Hall A of the Tokyo International Forum, the first number to grace the venue was the official theme song of the symphony concert, “Mirai Jokyoku,” which turned into a full song last year. The creator responsible for this piece is none other than Mitchie M, an artist known for his expert skills in Vocaloid vocal tones. He breathes warm life into Miku’s vocals in Mirai Jokyoku together with lyrics that are littered with respect to the Vocaloid scene. This was coupled with a performance by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra who led the crowd into the world of Hatsune Miku Symphony.
Hatsune Miku appeared on the stage’s big screen, drawing the curtains on the concert with a violin and singing performance. Her design was created by KEI who drew the dress as the main visual. The excitement from fans had been ongoing at this point, and that’s when Senbonzakura (Kurousa-P) began to play, a song that was well received the year before last. It’s a famous track that needs no introduction among Vocaloid fans – one that combines that Vocaloid edge together with traditional Japan – but its performance alongside a huge full orchestra had its own noticeable charm.
Hatsune Miku appeared once more on the big screen to give her heartfelt thanks for the past 10 years before introducing the orchestra and conductor, Hirofumi Kurita. The immersive atmosphere of the concert has been elevated this year by facilitating Hatsune Miku as the show’s main performer.
The concert took things to the next level with The Disappearance of Hatsune Miku and subsequently The Intense Singing of Hatsune Miku (cosMo@Bousou-P). This was followed by a music melody from Kagamine Rin & Len who are also celebrating their 10th anniversary this year with Miku. They commemorated their anniversary year with Meltdown (iroha), Kokoro (Toruboruta), Daughter of Evil / Servant of Evil (mothy_Akuno-P), Lost One’s Weeping (Neru), Shikiori no Hane (Hitoshizuku-P × Yama△), and Fire◎Flower (halyosy).
In the “SEGA Project DIVA” section of the concert, the hugely popular ODDS&ENDS and Melt by ryo (supercell) graced the room, followed by DECO*27’s mega hit Ghost Rule, before the show stopped for an interlude. Although the songs hit hard with their sharp edge, the stage was a tour de force in echoing the round harmonies in everybody’s heart.
Following the interlude was a melody of songs arranged in a cute fashion, including Miku Miku ni Shite Ageru [Shite Yan Yo] (ika), Ievan Polkka, Nyan Cat (daniwellP), and Koneko no Paya Paya (Onecup-P). Fans waved their penlights in the air and laughed contagiously, a harmonious scene one would not see at an ordinary orchestra concert. Mikudayo, the beloved official character for “Hatsune Miku and Future Stars Project Mirai,” even made a surprise appearance, saying “NayutalieN here. I’m borrowing Mikudayo’s body today.” He began with the “Vocaloid Producer Pick Up Corner” which couldn’t be held at last year’s Tokyo performance.
NayutalieN’s catchy digital rock at first seemed light years apart from the orchestra, but the songs were arranged spectacularly to keep people on edge. 4 of his songs were performed – Andromeda Andromeda, Dance Robot Dance, Rivers Universe, and Alien Alien.
The symphonic host Hatsune Miku appeared on the big to give her thanks once more for her 10th anniversary. This was followed by a performance of Uta ni Katachi wa Nai Keredo (doriko), a song that has continued to be loved by the community since the dawn of the Vocaloid culture. The warm and heart touching lyrics most definitely flowed in the crowd’s chests. The next song was Connecting (halyosy) before moving onto the final two songs, Smiling and Blessing.
The cheers and rounds of applause did not let up once as the concert moved into its encore section, with Deadball-P making an appearance on stage, one of the most popular Vocaloid producers. He played rock-paper-scissors on stage with Miku which made the crowd laugh. The songs Nugeba Iitte Mon Janai!, Po Pi Po, and Luka Luka Night Fever were performed to huge rounds of applause and smiles throughout the crowd. Concluding the concert was fan favourite Hajite Oto (malo), a defining song of the Vocaloid culture and message song to fans from Miku, and Sakura no Ame, the classic ‘graduation’ song. The stage received a standing ovation as fans in the crowd had the unbelievable chance to experience some of the most famous Vocaloid songs by one of Japan’s greatest orchestras, who are even releasing the sheet music for said songs.
The crowd was filled with men and women, boys and girls of all ages, all smiling together as one. This celebratory concert for Miku, Rin and Len’s 10th anniversary defined and captured what the Vocaloid creators have been able to produce over the years, proving that the community is not tied down by age, creator, listener or genre, but that it ties people together.
The concert will be released on both Blu-ray and CD, so if you’re a Vocaloid fan, this is one you won’t want to miss.
In recent news, it’s been announced that the main visual for Hatsune Miku Symphony 2017 will be released as a scale figure from Good Smile Company!
Be sure to keep up to date with the latest news on Hatsune Miku and what she has planned next.
■Information
Hatsune Miku Symphony Home Page: http://sp.wmg.jp/mikusymphony/
Hatsune Miku 10th Anniversary Website: http://piapro.net/miku10th/
RELATED ENTRIES
-
Keina Suda, also known by his Vocaloid producer name Balloon, has been rising in popularity with the release of the music video for his new track Darling. On May 24, he’ll release his second full album Ghost Pop, and his track Hana ni Kaze is being used to promote Hatsune Miku’s 360 Reality Audio Experience at the Sony Store. This catchy track will be released on all major streaming services on February 10, 2023. In addition, the cover for the song, created by Avogado6, has also been revealed.
The song was created exclusively as the campaign song for Sony Store’s exclusive Walkman and accompanying headphones featuring exclusive Hatsune Miku designs by Avogado 6. These are available to order now, and starting January 27, Sony Store locations are offering a new listening experience, allowing guests to enjoy Hana ni Kaze with Sony’s 3D Reality Audio.
In addition to this listening experience, a special viewing event was held in theater rooms, making guests feel as though they were at a live concert. Reservations were required to participate.
Visit the official Sony website for more information!
Information
Hatsune Miku’s 360 Reality Audio Experience at the Sony Store
Details: https://www.sony.jp/walkman/store/special/miku2022/Ghost Pop (2nd Full Album)
Release Date: May 24, 2023 (CD/Download/Streaming)
Preorder: https://sudakeina.lnk.to/GhostPop_CD -
For four days only starting in February 2023, fans of Hatsune Miku will want to take an incredible night cruise around Tokyo Bay. The virtual singer will collaborate with the popular Tokyo Bay Night Cruise which travels between Yokohama and Tokyo. The event will include special tickets, exclusive bonuses for guests, collaborative goods, and onboard decorations. Collaborative goods will be available to purchase on the ship or from the Shimapochi online store.
Outline
Dates: February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12
Night Cruise Itinerary:
Osanbashi, Yokohama / Check-in 16:00-18:00
Osanbashi, Yokohama / Departure 18:10, Enjoy the night view from the ship
Takeshiba Wharf, Tokyo / Arrival 19:45
*Guests will be led by a special MC narrating the night scenery. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
Special Ticket Fare:
Adults ¥2,000 / Children ¥1,500 (Includes consumption tax and fuel price adjusted for inflation)
[Includes Hatsune Miku Collaboration Sticker and Postcard (6 varieties, random)]
Special tickets featuring Hatsune Miku will only be available to those reserving their spot online. Reservations can be made two months prior to the boarding date. Space is extremely limited, so grab a spot while you can!
Those not interested in bonuses can also enjoy a night cruise during this period, with adult tickets costing ¥1,000 and children’s tickets costing ¥500. More details will be released at a later date.
Information
Hatsune Miku x Tokyo Bay Night Cruise
Dates: February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12
Details/Tickets: https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/news/392932/
-
Snow Miku has teamed up with Sanrio’s popular character Kuromi to promote the beautiful prefecture of Hokkaido! A new collection of goods went on sale starting December 14, 2022.
Goods
Clear Folder
Pen with Clip
Mini Sign Board
Mini Towel (Set of 2)
Pin
Framed Magnet with Stand
Sticker
T-Shirt
Tapestry
Acrylic Stand
Acrylic Keychain
Rubber Keychain
Silver Foil 2-Layer Magnet
Snow Miku debuted during the Sapporo Snow Festival in 2010 when an incredible snow sculpture of Hatsune Miku was unveiled. Ever since then, Snow Miku festivals have popped up in Hokkaido each winter, and the character dons costumes designed by popular internet creators.
Kuromi is back this year, with Miku’s outfit dyed black and tons of adorable art featuring the rock ‘n roll character. The life-size version of Miku was designed by illustrator PiPi, and the chibi character was designed by illustrator Yoi. Between Miku’s cute idol energy and Kuromi’s edginess, this is the perfect collab for all audiences!
The items are available in two versions: Day, featuring Hokkaido’s beautiful landscapes covered in snow, and Night, featuring twinkling winter lights.
Don’t miss out on these exclusive items!
Information
Hokkaido Exclusive – Snow Miku x Kuromi Hokkaido
Available: December 14, 2022
Official Site: https://snowmiku.com/
-
The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022.
[Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku
・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023
・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas
■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition Event
Over 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)■Snow Miku Photo Spot
Snow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths.
・On Display: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)
■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi App
A number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center,
Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village
(Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,
Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video
The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!
・On Air: December 1, 2022~
・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)
■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc.
A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities
■Snow Miku Filters Using AR
When each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako
-
Project Sekai: Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku is a popular iOS/Android rhythm game and music from the title has become incredibly popular. The third single from the group Leo/need featuring the tracks From Tokyo and Ryuusei no Pulse was released on November 16, 2022.
From Tokyo is a refreshing and powerful ballad originally sung by Hatsune Miku, while Ryuusei no Pulse was originally sung by Kagamine Len.
These tracks are sure to get stuck in your head, so check them out!First-Edition Production Bonus
Original Trading Card (5 varieties, 1 per purchase)
1 Weiß Schwarz Special PR Card (1 variety)
First-Come, First-Served Purchase Bonus
B2-size Announcement Poster
*Available while supplies last.
**Certain shops will offer unique purchase bonuses.© SEGA/© CP/© CFM
Information
From Tokyo / Ryuusei no Pulse
Release Date: November 16, 2022
Price: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)
Details: https://bushiroad-music.com/musics/brmm-10582Official Site: https://pjsekai.sega.jp
-
Virtual songstress Hatsune Miku will tour Japan in 2023! Hatsune Miku JAPAN TOUR 2023 ~THUNDERBOLT~ will begin in Nagoya in February 2023 and will travel to Osaka, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Sapporo, and other cities in Japan. Miku won’t be the only one performing–Rin and Len Kagamine, Luka Megurine, MEIKO, and KAITO will also appear! The online lottery for tickets will open on November 18 at noon and will end on December 5 at 23:59.
Featuring a Main Visual by Aki Akane and Theme Song by jon-YAKITORY
The main visual for the tour was drawn by popular illustrator Aki Akane and features a futuristic and extremely dynamic portrait of Hatsune Miku herself.
The event theme song, titled THUNDERBOLT, will be performed by music creator jon-YAKITORY. This will be released at a later date, so stay tuned!
Original merchandise will also be available during the tour, so keep an eye on the official website and Twitter page for more details as the tour’s start date gets closer!
Information
Hatsune Miku JAPAN TOUR 2023 ～THUNDERBOLT～
Advance Online Tickets (by Lottery): November 18 at 12:00 – December 5 at 23:59
Official Site: https://piapro.net/japantour2023
-
Our National Treasures: 150 Years in the Future Exhibition at Tokyo National Museum Opens Featuring Hatsune Miku
Our National Treasures: 150 Years in the Future is a new exhibition at Tokyo National Museum, and everyone’s favorite virtual diva is making an appearance! Crypton Future Media is helping to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the museum by submitting Hatsune Miku as a potential candidate for a national treasure 150 years in the future. The exhibition opened on November 2 and will run until January 29, 2023 inside the Hyokeikan at the Tokyo National Museum.
The exhibition is the first event being held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the museum and is the first exhibition in the museum’s history to be held in an open-call format. The Hyokeikan, an Important Cultural Property, represents the Western-style architecture that was in vogue during the late Meiji period. Treasures collected from both individuals and companies will be displayed as candidates for what could become national treasures in another 150 years.
The exhibition is divided into individual and corporate submissions, with the general section displaying a variety of treasures selected from entries from all over Japan. The corporate section features important products and technology that have been responsible for the development of Japanese society, food, clothing, and housing culture, as well as examples of entertainment and sports culture from Japan that has gained popularity around the world.Hatsune Miku has been added as a potential candidate, as the virtual singer has inspired people from around the world to become more creative.
In conjunction with the exhibition, collaborative products are also on sale. The Museum Shop inside the Tokyo National Museum’s Main Gate Plaza and the online store are now selling these unique Hatsune Miku products, so grab them while you can.
What will Japanese culture look like in another 150 years?
Information
Our National Treasures: 150 Years in the Future
Running: November 2, 2022 – January 29, 2023
Venue: Tokyo National Museum Hyokeikan
Hours: 9:30-17:00 *Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Holidays: Mondays (closed on the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday, open on January 3), December 26 – January 1Official Site: https://150ourtreasure.jp/
-
KARENT, a music label specializing in Vocaloid music, will release Hatsune Miku’s Magical Mirai Theme Song Collection on vinyl in limited quantities in February 2023. The album can be pre-ordered now at HMV stores, with advance copies available at Wing Bay Otaru during the SNOW MIKU 2023 event on February 4. General copies will be available at HMV stores, HMV&BOOKS stores, HMV record shop locations, and HMV&BOOKS online.
Hatsune Miku’s Magical Mirai event has been held annually since 2013. The blend of live instrumentals with a 3DCG Vocaloid performance has amazed audiences around the world for years, and 2023 will mark the 10th anniversary of the event with a Magical Mirai performance in Sapporo on February 4 and 5, 2023. SNOW MIKU 2023, a popular festival in Hokkaido, will be held on the same dates.
The vinyl includes all nine previous theme songs in stunning quality, with a jacket featuring themes and costumes from past events drawn by popular illustrator Honwa. This is a must-have item for fans of the Magical Mirai concert series, and with limited quantities available, you’ll want to order now!
Information
Hatsune Miku’s Magical Mirai Theme Song Collection
Release Dates
Advance Release: February 4, 2023
General Release: February 8, 2023
*Advanced copies will be sold at the SNOW MIKU 2023 event at Wing Bay Otaru.
*General copies will be available at HMV stores, HMV&BOOKS stores, HMV record shop locations, and HMV&BOOKS online.
Details: https://magicalmirai.com/10th/goods_record.html*Limited quantity available.
-
To celebrate Hatsune Miku’s 15th anniversary, Yamaha Music Japan will be offering some exclusive goods for a limited time. Those interested in some themed guitar amps, keyboards, or speakers can place their orders from October 5 until November 8, 2022.
Hatsune Miku first hit the scene in 2007 as a piece of voice synthesizing software. The character, created by Crypton Future Media, has become a worldwide phenomenon and is turning 15 this year. The 10th Anniversary Magical Mirai concert, which took place in Tokyo in September, was the first location to show off the new products. If you want to snag them, be quick–they are only available in very limited quantities!
These collaboration products feature a new illustration of Hatsune Miku drawn by popular creator Sakusya2.
VKB-100 MK PACK Yamaha Vocaloid Keyboard VKB-100 Set
HS5W MIKU, Powered Studio Monitor Speaker
THR30II Wireless Miku Guitar Amp
Information
Yamaha & Hatsune Miku Collaboration Model Goods
Preorder at Yamaha Music Shops Nationwide
Preorder Period: October 5 – November 8, 2022
*Products available in limited quantities.
Special Website: https://jp.yamaha.com/products/contents/music_production/miku_15th/
-
FUN’S PROJECT, a creator co-creation service operated by Dai Nippon Printing, has opened a limited-time pop-up store inspired by Hatsune Miku’s Mikaeri Bijin, or head-turning beauty, at the Tsutaya Bookstore in Shimokitazawa until October 30!
Guests can buy exclusive goods at the shop, with several incredible works on display. While Hatsune Miku has a famous song titled Mikaeri Bijin, the shop is also paying homage to the 150th anniversary of the Tokyo National Museum’s initiative to restore the original 17th-century Mikaeri Bijin ukiyo-e print by Hishikawa Moronobu and the Dancing haniwa, a pair of terracotta figures believed to have been made in the 6th century. A massive tapestry featuring Hatsune Miku looking elegantly over her shoulder was shown off at the National Museum for a limited time, receiving positive reviews. The illustrator, Rella, will have drawings and a personal interview on display, and a portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales will be used to repair important cultural assets.
Why not come grab a few unique items while you can for a good cause?
Information
Mikaeri Bijin Miku Pop-up Store
Running: October 7 – October 30, 2022 / 9:00-22:00
Venue: TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Shimokitazawa
Admission: Free
-
Crypton Future Media has announced HATSUNE MIKU EXPO Rewind+, an event featuring footage from Hatsune Miku’s world tour. On November 6, 2022, fans from around the world will be able to tune in for free on YouTube Live or Twitch. A similar event was held in June, but this time, a survey asked fans which songs they would like to see featured. There will also be an illustration contest and a music remix contest ahead of the event, and winning works will appear during the ending credits and in the official guidebook!
HATSUNE MIKU EXPO is a world tour series starring the virtual star Hatsune Miku. To date, Hatsune Miku has performed a total of 68 concerts in 30 cities around the world, attracting over 190,000 fans. For the past two years, Miku’s concerts have been streamed online due to the ongoing pandemic.
In June, HATSUNE MIKU EXPO Rewind was held for the first time. The compilation looked back on the world tour series that began in Indonesia and was streamed worldwide for free.
From August 26 until September 5, fans can take part in a survey to submit the songs they want to see performed. Check out the form below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMmeS1ltbz4AFCSBNblp5_wDcRviBIlGLITnLcTpw6uYUSYQ/viewform
Two contests are also being held to celebrate the event. The HATSUNE MIKU EXPO Rewind+ Illustration Contest will be held in collaboration with pixiv.
The ‘MIKU EXPO Rewind+ × SONICWIRE Presents Music Remix Contest’ will be held with SONICWIRE, a digital store for creators operated by Crypton.
The winning entries will be included during the ending credits and will also be featured in the official online guidebook for the event.
Be sure to tune in on November 6–the performance won’t be archived!
Information
HATSUNE MIKU EXPO Rewind+
November 6, 2022 / 2 Performances
*Both performances will feature the same program.
*The shows will not be archived.
Streaming for free on Twitch and YouTube Live
Crypton Official Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/cfm_official
Crypton Management ‘39ch’ YouTube Live: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJwGWV914kBlV4dKRn7AEFAHATSUNE MIKU EXPO Rewind+ Illustration Contest
Entry Page: https://www.pixiv.net/contest/mikuexpor
MIKU EXPO Rewind+ x SONICWIRE Presents Music Remix Contest
Entry Page: https://sonicwire.com/news/special/miku-expo-rewind-remix-contest?lang=ja
-
To commemorate the 15th anniversary of Hatsune Miku, the PREMICO online store began selling beautiful faceted Edo Glass inspired by the virtual singer on August 17, 2022. Only 390 glasses will be available.
The custom-made blue-green glasses were inspired by the beloved virtual figure. Edo faceted glass is a traditional craft in Japan, and each is a unique work of art. Each piece is handmade by craftsmen at long-established workshops that are members of the Edo Kiriko Cooperate Association.
Delivered in a special paulownia wood box, the Edo faceted glass comes with an acrylic display stand featuring a new illustration of Hatsune Miku by Iwato.
Don’t miss this special Edo faceted glass only available for a limited time!
Art by 岩十 (c) Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net
Information
Hatsune Miku 15th Anniversary Edo Faceted Glass
Price: ¥39,000 (Tax Included)
Amount Available: 390
Release Date: August 17, 2022
Items will be shipped in early September 2022
Official Site: https://iei.jp/miku-kiriko/
