MEIKO & KAITO Life-Size Statue Crowdfunder to Increase Max No. of Course Donors on March 11

The ACT NOW crowdfunding campaign to fund the creation of life-size statues for MEIKO and KAITO opened on February 17 at 5:00 pm. And within 5 minutes, all of the limited-number donation courses were used up, and the campaign reached its ¥3 million JPY goal within an hour! At the time of this writing, they are at ¥8,575,211 JPY (that’s a 285% completion percentage) raised by 484 donors, and there are still 49 days remaining in the campaign!

Thankfully, as previously announced, the project organizers will soon be increasing the max number of donors for the extremely popular donation courses, and the rewards that come with them!

【Breaking News!】Good evening! MEIKO & KAITO life-size statue project planners, here. We’ve heard everyone’s impassioned requests, and now we will be raising the donor limit on the high-roller courses! They will be added on March 11 (Wed.) at 6:00 pm (JST)! See the official blog for details 🥳 ❤️💙#MK15th_project
http://blog.piapro.net/2020/03/nk2002231-1.html

New Max Donor Details

¥30,000 JPY Courses

Additional number of MEIKO Course donors: 100

Additional number of KAITO Course donors: 100

Rewards:

– Subscription to an emailed newsletter for updates and news on the statues’ progress
– Clear file folders x1 (MEIKO or KAITO)
– A SONOCA card containing a recorded voice message and explanation about the project
– 1/10 acrylic stand x1 (MEIKO or KAITO)
– Stickers of iXima’s MEIKO or KAITO and V3 logo
– An original sake bottle and cup (MEIKO Course) or original scarf and scarf pin (KAITO Course)
– Your name on the pedestal for MEIKO or KAITO’s 15th Anniversary life-size statue

¥50,000 JPY Courses

Additional number of MEIKO Course donors: 50

Additional number of KAITO Course donors: 50

Rewards:

– The newsletter
– Clear file folder x1 (MEIKO or KAITO)
– The SONOCA card
– 1/10 acrylic stand x1 (MEIKO or KAITO)
– Stickers of iXima’s MEIKO or KAITO, V3 logo, and V1 logo
– An original sake bottle and cup (MEIKO Course) or original scarf and scarf pin (KAITO Course)
– Your name on the pedestal for MEIKO or KAITO’s 15th Anniversary life-size statue
– 1 ticket to a special afternoon stage performance with Meiko Haigo and Naoto Fuuga at Magical Mirai 2020 in Osaka on August 9
– An autograph from Meiko Haigo (MEIKO Course) or Naoto Fuuga (KAITO Course)


The campaign will conclude on April 20, but we recommend NOT waiting that long if you want the rewards, and donating as soon the max number of donors is increased for each course at exactly 6:00 PM (JST) on March 11, 2020! See our previous report here for the other donation course options, and for directions on how to register for ACT NOW.

Finally, remember that use the hashtag #MK15th_project when tweeting about the project!

Links

ACT NOW crowdfunding page for the MEIKO & KAITO life-size statue project

Hatsune Miku Official Blog

Hatsune Miku / Crypton Future Media Official Twitter

MEIKO & KAITO Life-Size Statue Crowdfunder Now Open…. and Already Fully Funded!

At exactly 5:00 PM JST today, February 17, 2020, the crowdfunding campaign to fund life-size statues for MEIKO and KAITO has been opened to donations.

And within just a couple hours, the campaign is now over 100% funded!

Screenshot taken at about 7:00 PM, two hours after the campaign opened.

About an hour into the campaign, as it was nearing 94% completion, the organizers sent out the below tweet on Crypton Future Media’s official Twitter account:

“Good evening! MEIKO & KAITO life-size statue project planners, here! Thank you so much for all your support… I feel like my chest is going to burst from joy. We better increase the max amount of donors for those courses that were utterly destroyed in the blink of an eye. From here, we’ll be confirming the case for each of the courses, so stay tuned for announcements…! #MK15th_project

“Furthermore, as explained on our official blog and the crowdfunding site, if donations exceed the targeted goal, then we’ll be using the money for future events and exhibition plans, meaning all of it will be going towards MEIKO and KAITO activities…! It’s almost reaching the goal, and I’m equally happy and impatient, but I hope everyone will continue to support us for the long run! #MK15th_project

The utterly destroyed courses that they are referring to are the two ¥30,000 and ¥50,000 courses, which are currently unable to accept any more donors.

However, as mentioned above, they will be increasing the max amount of donors soon, so more people will have the chance to receive the rewards and meet Meiko Haigo and Naoto Fuuga!

For info on all the donation options, see our previous report below, which will be updated as developments continue!

https://vocasphere.com/2020/02/12/meiko-kaito-life-size-statue-crowdfunding-details/

Remember that while the statues are definitely going to be made now, we can all always do more for MEIKO and KAITO, so be sure to support the crowdfunding effort if you were planning to all along! The campaign will remain open until 12:00 AM (JST) on April 20, 2020.

Links

ACT NOW crowdfunding page for the MEIKO & KAITO life-size statue project

Hatsune Miku / Crypton Future Media Official Twitter

MEIKO & KAITO Life-Size Statue Crowdfunding Details

The ACT NOW crowdfunding campaign to fund production of life-sized statues for MEIKO and KAITO is set to run from February 17, 5:00 PM to April 19, 11:59 PM (JST)! See below for how you can participate, and what you can get in return!

About the Project

MEIKO celebrated her 15th anniversary on November 5, 2019, and KAITO will be doing the same next year on February 17, 2021. Those at Crypton Future Media who love the pair believe that the time is finally nigh to celebrate them in a grandiose fashion along with the fans who love them, too.

That’s how the current project to create life-size statues of MEIKO and KAITO got started! If successful, MEIKO’s statue will be revealed first at Magical Mirai 2020, then KAITO’s statue during an official Crypton-sponsored event sometime in 2021. They will then be followed by statues for all of the other four piapro characters sometime in 2022! Needless to say, this is turning out to be a long-term project with many goals along the way.

How to Contribute

Registering for ACT NOW

First things first, you’ll need an account with ACT NOW in order to donate. Here’s how to sign up for one:

1) Visit https://actnow.jp/

2) Click on where it says ログイン|新規登録 in the upper-right corner

3) On the next page, click on where it says 新規登録はこちらから, or choose one of the provided services (Facebook, Twitter, or docomo account)

4) Enter the following information.

① Email address
② Nickname (24 characters max)
③ Password
④ Password (confirmation)
⑤ Agree to their terms
⑥ Send confirmation email)

5) Check your inbox for an email from ACT NOW, open the provided link, and your account should be all set!

Donate Starting February 17

The campaign will run from February 17 through April 19, and that is when fans can apply for their desired donation option.

Here’s an easy way to remember the day: it’s right on KAITO’s (Crypton) birthday, February 17! So while you’re uploading or searching for KAITO birthday artwork and songs online, or celebrating in any other way, remember to also log into ACT NOW afterwards!

Crypton also wanted to point out that even if they reach their goal before you pledge your donation, the money can still be used for future projects involving MEIKO and KAITO, so rest assured that it will not go to waste!

Concept Illustration

The rough illustration by iXima for how the statues will look has been previously revealed. However, it is not yet finalized, and Crypton promises that they will reveal the final design once it is complete!

Donation Options

Here are the donation courses that fans can apply for, and what they can get in return!

¥3,000 JPY

– Subscription to an emailed newsletter for updates and news on the statues’ progress
– Clear file folders x2 (MEIKO & KAITO)
– A SONOCA card containing a recorded voice message and explanation about the project

Max number of donors: NO LIMIT

¥15,115 JPY, MEIKO Course

– The newsletter
– Clear file folder x1 (MEIKO)
– The SONOCA card
– 1/10 acrylic stand (MEIKO)
– Stickers of iXima’s MEIKO

Max number of donors: NO LIMIT

¥15,217 JPY, KAITO Course

– The newsletter
– Clear file folder x1 (KAITO)
– The SONOCA card
– 1/10 acrylic stand (KAITO)
– Stickers of KAITO

Max number of donors: NO LIMIT

¥30,000 JPY, MEIKO Course

– The newsletter
– Clear file folder x1 (MEIKO)
– The SONOCA card
– 1/10 acrylic stand (MEIKO)
– Stickers of iXima’s MEIKO and her V3 logo
– An original sake bottle and cup
– Your name on the pedestal for MEIKO’s 15th Anniversary life-size statue

Max number of donors: 15 (currently 0 left)

Max number to increase to 115 on March 11, 6:00 PM (JST)

¥30,000 JPY, KAITO Course

– The newsletter
– Clear file folder x1 (KAITO)
– The SONOCA card
– 1/10 acrylic stand (KAITO)
– Stickers of iXima’s KAITO and his V3 logo
– An original scarf and scarf pin
– Your name on the pedestal for KAITO’s 15th Anniversary life-size statue

Max number of donors: 15 (currently 0 left)

Max number to increase to 115 on March 11, 6:00 PM (JST)

¥50,000 JPY, MEIKO Course

– The newsletter
– Clear file folder x1 (MEIKO)
– The SONOCA card
– 1/10 acrylic stand (MEIKO)
– Stickers of iXima’s MEIKO, her V3 logo, and her V1 logo
– An original sake bottle and cup
– Your name on the pedestal for MEIKO’s 15th Anniversary life-size statue
– 1 ticket to a special afternoon stage performance with Meiko Haigo and Naoto Fuuga at Magical Mirai 2020 in Osaka on August 9
– An autograph from Meiko Haigo

Max number of donors: 10 (currently 0 left)

Max number to increase to 60 on March 11, 6:00 PM (JST)

¥50,000 JPY, KAITO Course

– The newsletter
– Clear file folder x1 (KAITO)
– The SONOCA card
– 1/10 acrylic stand (KAITO)
– Stickers of iXima’s KAITO, his V3 logo, and his V1 logo
– An original scarf and scarf pin
– Your name on the pedestal for KAITO’s 15th Anniversary life-size statue
– 1 ticket to a special afternoon stage performance with Meiko Haigo and Naoto Fuuga at Magical Mirai 2020 in Osaka on August 9
– An autograph from Naoto Fuuga

Max number of donors: 10 (currently 0 left)

Max number to increase to 60 on March 11, 6:00 PM (JST)

Feelings Course

They are also preparing what they call a “Feelings Course (Okimochi Course お気持ちコース)” for any donor who would like to continue donating even after choosing their first donation course. When you apply and donate to an additional course, you can apply for this Feelings Course as well. When the project is complete and the statues are made, the size of your name on the statue pedestals will enlarged be depending on how many times you applied for the Feelings Course!

Furthermore, this option will be open to anyone who would like to donate, but do not wish to receive any of the above-mentioned rewards.

Hashtag #MK15th_project

Finally, anyone who would like to share their opinions, feelings, illustrations of support or anything for the project, make sure to tweet them on Twitter with the hashtag #MK15th_project. The project organizers will be reading them!


That is all the information that has been revealed for now, but expect much more when the MEIKO & KAITO 15th Anniversary project crowdfunder finally goes live on the 17th!

Links

Hatsune Miku Official Blog

Hatsune Miku’s official Twitter

Hatsune Miku Popup Shop Announced for the Tokyo Otaku Mode Store

Another new Hatsune Miku popup store has been announced for the Shibuya PARCO 6th floor Tokyo Otaku Mode store in Tokyo from December 27, 2019 through January 19, 2020!

The main visual was designed by hakusai and the store will carry original merchandise designed with it, along with some Snow Miku Sky Town goods!

As soon as details are announced, we will report, so stay tuned!

Kagamine Rin & Len 12th Anniversary Fair ~Pirate Adventure~ Merchandise Announced

Starting later this month, animate stores and the movic online shop will be carrying Kagamine Rin and Len 12th anniversary goods! This time, they will using pirate- and space pirate-themed illustration of the piapro characters by three different artists!

Kagamine Rin & Len 12th Anniversary Fair ~Pirate Adventure~

Begins December 21, 2019 and ends on January 13, 2020

Illustrations

Space pirate illustration by 4

Pirate illustration by へちま / Hechima

Mini-pirate illustration by 雪乃たまご / Yukino Tamago

Merchandise

※All prices below are after-tax

All links direct to their product pages on movic where they can now be pre-ordered

A4 Clear File Folder

¥385 JPY each

Space Pirates type: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00240-00383/

Pirates type: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00240-00384/

Mini-pirates type: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00240-00385/

Can Badges

¥660 JPY each

Hatsune Miku: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00603-00348/

KAITO: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00603-00349/

MEIKO: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00603-00350/

Kagamine Rin: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00603-00351/

Kagamine Len: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00603-00352/

Megurine Luka: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00603-00353/

Acrylic Keychains with Stand

¥990 JPY each

Hatsune Miku: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00220-00482/

KAITO: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00220-00483/

MEIKO: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00220-00484/

Kagamine Rin: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00220-00485/

Kagamine Len: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00220-00486/

Megurine Luka: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00220-00487/

Rocking Acylic Stand

¥1,650 JPY each

Hatsune Miku: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00350-00114/

KAITO: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00350-00115/

MEIKO: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00350-00116/

Kagamine Rin: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00350-00117/

Kagamine Len: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00350-00118/

Megurine Luka: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00350-00119/

Ballpens

¥440 JPY each

Hatsune Miku: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00680-00012/

KAITO: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00680-00013/

MEIKO: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00680-00014/

Kagamine Rin: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00680-00015/

Kagamine Len: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00680-00016/

Megurine Luka: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00680-00017/

Flat Pouch with Charm

¥1,650 JPY each

Space Pirates type: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00682-00044/

Pirate type: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00682-00045/

T-Shirt

¥3,300 JPY each

For women: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00461-00755/

For men: https://www.movic.jp/shop/g/g01456-00461-00754/

Bonus Items

For every ¥1,000 JPY you spend on the merchandise, you will get 1 out of a possible 6 random illustration card for free.

**UPDATE ON DECEMBER 20, 2019**

movic is now revealing photos of the merchandise on their official twitter account!

Links

Official animate merchandise page and official muvic merchandise page

Hatsune Miku Official Blog

Hatsune Miku Pop Up Shop in MAGNET by SHIBUYA109: Open Soon for a Limited Time!

Miku and the gang will finally get to hold a collaboration pop up store event in the iconic Shibuya109 department store in Tokyo! From the 20th December 2019 to 13th January 2020, VOCALOID fans will be able to check out all of the collaboration goods, right in Japan’s fashion central.

MAGNET by Shibuya109 location:

The main visual by artist LAM is themed around “Shibuya x fashion,” and the Cryptonloids will all be wearing stylish new outfits on various pieces of merchandise. More information about the merchandise should be released in the coming weeks. Coincidentally, if you’ve heard the newest song from HachiojiP (八王子P) and Giga, “GIMMExGIMME,” you might notice some similarities in the art style – the visuals for the song were also done by LAM!

(Tanudama herself admits to listening to said song repeatedly while writing this article, after finding out that the artist is the same…)

If you’d like to check out more of LAM’s amazing artwork, feel free to check out their Pixiv, and you can keep up to date on their future projects on their Twitter!

Entry to this event is free, so make sure to head on down to Shibuya109 and check it out if you get the chance! And keep an eye out for our update when we find out more about the merchandise for the collaboration. I know I definitely want some Rin merch myself…

Anyway, that’s all from me for now, and I hope to see you again soon!

Links:

Official collaboration page

Amnibus Twitter

Hatsune Miku Official Blog

Project SEKAI Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku Character Profiles: Virtual Singers

SEGA and Colorful Palette have begun revealing the profiles for the characters appearing in Project SEKAI Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku! They start off with the cast of virtual singers, and will then go through each of the music units.

Virtual Singers

“Singers through whom the creators of the world express their songs and feelings”

About

Miku and her friends exist in the real world as virtual singers. When young people in our world struggle to understand their true feelings, they can meet Miku and her friends – both in familiar and unfamiliar forms – in the mysterious “sekai” worlds where they can confront their feelings.

In the real world

Miku and her friends are virtual singers whom producers in our world can use to sing and express the songs that they create. Because anyone, anywhere can listen to the songs that they sing in any form of media, they have become very much known and loved by all.

In the “sekai”

Miku and her friends exist in many different forms in each of the different “sekai” worlds, each one answering the wishes the of creators who want to turn their feelings into songs. The “sekai” are where the true feelings of the creators take on a physical form, and it’s there that the virtual singers help them realize their these feelings and sing together with them.

Profiles

Hatsune Miku

Original Character Voice by Saki Fujita

Gender: Female

Birthday: August 31

Height: 158 cm

A female virtual singer known for her blue-green twintail hair style. She can sing in a wide variety of genres with her cheerful and cute voice. Among virtual singers, her name is known throughout the world, and through many generations.

Kagamine Rin

Original Character Voice by Asami Shimoda

Gender: Female

Birthday: December 27

Height: 152 cm

A young female virtual singer known for the large bow that she wears in her blonde bob hair, and part of a vocalist pair along with Kagamine Len. She sings with a charming voice befitting of her cute and energetic appearance.

Kagamine Len

Original Character Voice by Asami Shimoda

Gender: Male

Birthday: December 27

Height: 156 cm

A young male virtual singer known for his tied-up blonde hair, and part of a vocalist pair with Kagamine Rin. With his powerful and impassioned singing voice, he’s able to richly express a multitude of emotions through song.

Megurine Luka

Original Character Voice by Yuu Asakawa

Gender: Female

Birthday: January 30

Height: 162 cm

A female virtual singer known for her long pink hair. She possesses a soft and gentle singing voice befitting of her calm demeanor, thought she can certainly also sing with an impassioned voice when the time calls. She is bilingual in English and Japanese.

MEIKO

Original Character Voice by Meiko Haigou

Gender: Female

Birthday: November 5

Height: 167 cm
※This is indeed her official height only in the game

A female virtual singer known for her brown bob hairstyle, and her red top and mini-skirt. She possesses an extraordinary solid singing voice along with the gentleness and warmth of a lady.

KAITO

Original Character Voice by Naoto Fuga

Gender: Male

Birthday: February 17

Height: 175 cm
※This is indeed his official height only in the game

A male virtual singer known for his short, slightly curled dark blue hair and long blue scarf. His cool-natured and gentle singing voice can range from thick, masculine low tones to sustained high tones.


Other Character Profiles

Leo/need

MORE MORE JUMP!

Vivid BAD SQUAD

Wonderlands x Showtime

25 o’clock by Night Code

Links

Project SEKAI Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku official site and official Twitter

Hatsune Miku Official Blog

Highlights from the October 23, 2019 livestream

Ongoing outfit design contest information

Hatsune Miku Halloween Mad Tea Party Information

The websites for the previously reported Hatsune Miku Halloween Mad Tea Party and MEIKO 15h Anniversary Birthday Party by ETERNO RECIT are now up! See details on the first event below!

Hatsune Miku Halloween Mad Tea Party

Official Site

http://www.eternorecit.jp/collabo/anime-game/201910-miku-halloween.html

Event Period

October 25 through November 5, 2019

Location

Shinjuku Marui Annex, 6F Event Space

Illustrations

Alice in Wonderland tea party-inspired main visual by hou.

Chibi illustration by まご / Mago

Ghost illustrations by 羊野 / Youno

Merchandise

※All prices below are before-tax

A1 Tapestry

¥3,500 JPY
※Limit 3 per purchase

B3 Tapestry

¥2,500 JPY
※Limit 3 per purchase

Collectible Can Badges (18 types)

¥500 JPY each
※Limit 20 per purchase

Acrylic Stands (6 types)

¥1,500 JPY each
※Limit 3 per purchase

Chibi Acrylic Stands (6 types)

¥900 JPY
※Limit 3 per purchase

Acrylic Charm (6 types; random)

¥350 each
※Limit 3 per purchase

A4 Clear File Folder Set (hou ver.)

¥1,500 JPY
4 folders per set
※Limit 3 per purchase

A4 Clear File Folder Set (まご / Mago ver.)

¥1,500 JPY
4 folders per set
※Limit 3 per purchase

Instax-style Card Filer

¥1,800 JPY
Has 60 card pockets
※Limit 3 per purchase

Instax-style Card Set (hou ver.)

¥600 JPY
6 cards per set
※Limit 3 per purchase

Instax-style Card Set (まご / Mago ver.)

¥600 JPY
6 cards per set
※Limit 3 per purchase

Instax-style Card Set (羊野 / Youno ver.)

¥600 JPY
6 cards per set
※Limit 3 per purchase

Mouse Pads (hou ver., 6 types)

¥1,200 JPY each
150mm (L) x 170mm (W) x 4mm (T)
※Limit 3 per purchase

Mouse Pad (まご / Mago ver.)

¥1,200 JPY
150mm (L) x 170mm (W) x 4mm (T)
※Limit 3 per purchase

Mouse Pad (羊野 / Youno ver.)

¥1,200 JPY
150mm (L) x 170mm (W) x 4mm (T)
※Limit 3 per purchase

Letter Set

¥1,500
Contains 10 stationary (2 types), 6 envelopes, and 1 envelope seal set
※Limit 3 per purchase

Lollipop (6 types)

¥630 JPY each
Cider flavor; comes with 6 stickers
※Limit 3 per purchase

Original Tea Blend

¥1,200 JPY
Includes 1 out of 6 possible random coasters
※Limit 3 per purchase

Tea Cup & Saucer Set

¥4,500 JPY
※Limit 3 per purchase

Pouch

¥2,500 JPY
※Limit 3 per purchase

Tote Bag

¥2,000 JPY
Comes with a 57mm can badge
※Limit 3 per purchase

2-way Tote Bag (6 types)

¥2,500 JPY each
※Limit 3 per purchase

Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Hatsune Miku

¥4,500 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Kagamine Rin

¥4,500 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Kagamine Len

¥4,500 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Megurine Luka

¥4,500 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Long Sleeve T-Shirt, MEIKO

¥4,500 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Long Sleeve T-Shirt, KAITO

¥4,500 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Parka, Hatsune Miku

¥7,000 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Parka, Kagamine Rin

¥7,000 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Parka, Kagamine Len

¥7,000 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Parka, Megurine Luka

¥7,000 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Parka, MEIKO

¥7,000 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Parka, KAITO

¥7,000 JPY
Available in S / M / L / XL sizes
※Limit 3 per purchase

Pendant (6 types)

¥10,000 JPY each
Chain is 45-50 cm long

Bonus Shopping Bag

Customers will receive a free shopping bag (1 random out of 3) for every ¥3,000 JPY per receipt that they spend on the above merchandise.
※Available while supplies last

Halloween Message Board

A message board will be set up at the event location from October 25 through October 31, 2019 for customers to freely write their Halloween message to any of the piapro characters on.

Related Event

See here for the info on the MEIKO 15th Anniversary Birthday Party!

Links

Official event site

ETERNO RECIT official Twitter

Hatsune Miku Official Blog

Crypton Future Media Presentation on Their New Voice Synth Engine

At about 2:30 PM on August 31, 2019 during Magical Mirai 2019 – and during Miku’s 12th anniversary – Wataru Sasaki and Hiroyuki Itoh of Crypton Future Media, and Masataka Goto of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (hereafter “AIST”) held a panel to discuss their future plans, and the future of the Cryptonloids in general.

Alongside announcements like their ongoing collaboration with K!!te and Songle Sync, and a free update to Hatune Miku V4 Chinese sometime this year, the two companies also announce the new engine and software that they are developing for Miku and the rest of their character voice banks. The below information is gleaned from tweets posted by NAT and Cyross on Twitter, who were present at and shared photos and information from the presentation.

New Voice Databases

In one of the first slides of the presentation, Sasaki describes Crypton’s aim, which is to create new voice databases. What they want is for each of their virtual singers to be able to sound great no matter which pitch they sing in, and no matter what syllable they are pronouncing. This means being able to maintain sound balance during syllable transition, keeping the consonant part of each note clear and concise, and resonating each vowel sound.

To meet this aim, Crypton has begun the process of adjusting Miku’s entire voice database. Once Miku’s new database is complete, it will serve as a reference for creating the new and improved databases for the rest of their virtual singers.

New Voice Technology in Development

Sasaki then moved on to the new voice effectors that Crypton has been developing for about two years. They plan to implement them in piapro studio for use with each of their virtual singers’ voice. These new effectors include VocalDrive and CherryPie, which were introduced earlier this year as a project by Crypton’s technology research lab, Labopton.

In fact, we have recently heard one application of VocalDrive with Mitchie M‘s Seraphim On The Ring, which uses the effector for KAITO’s spoken parts. Through this, we can get an idea of how VocalDrive and the other effectors in development can make a character voice bank sound.

New Voice Software Series

In the next slide, Crypton reveals that it’s not just new voice effectors, but an entire new sound system that they will be using for their virtual singers. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that it is not with VOCALOID5, but with an entire new software series that they are developing with AIST. Both Itoh and Goto join the panel at this point.

The flow of the new sound system would be to take the base phonemes from the CVVC databases, run them through piapro studio editor where they can be read, then have them further processed and tuned in the voice effectors before being put out.

The development goal of the new sound system is to preserve what makes each character voice sound unique while giving the users more control over their individual nuances. Their aim is to develop a next generation E.V.E.C. and new voice expression technology with various voice manipulation capabilities.

Continuing talks on their technology in development, the panelists went on to describe the next generation piapro studio. The slide mentions that it will come with many improved functions and features such as:

– Wave display
– Pitch display
– Semi-automatic parameter control
– Pronunciation nuance control
– Detailed character sound customization
– Multiband formant shifter
– Voice tension (“harmonic pattern”) adjuster
– Vocal drive

Crypton and AIST plan for a release of the currently nameless voice software series sometime during the first half of 2020. Even after the final product is complete and released, they plan to continue developing and updating it as time goes on.

Remarks from the Panelists

According to NAT and Cyross, Itoh explained that the decision to develop the new sound system, engine, and software series for the future of their character voice banks is one that was made after talks with YAMAHA, creators of the VOCALOID engine. Their top priority is to support the existing users of their products, and will market the new software in a way that will make the transition easy for customers. Itoh adds that they will be working with individuals like Akira Nakamura of AIST to meet their company goals, but also wishes to continue working with YAMAHA in some way.

This means that the piapro characters will not be VOCALOID products going forward. Itoh explains that Crypton Future Media is a sound company whose singular goal is to use the power of technology to bring new sound experiences to the future of virtual music and its fans. Using VOCALOID up to now for their character voices was an extension of that goal, and development of Hatsune Miku no doubt played a big part in the growth of the VOCALOID community and culture, a culture that Itoh respects and loves greatly.

In the end, though, they are still a sound company that is ever changing and looking for more ways to support creators and producers; their collaboration with K!!te and development of their own engine are examples of this.

Sasaki then takes the mic to sum up the main points of the presentation, and assures listeners that Miku will still sound like Miku even on a different engine. He also explains that the main reason for not going with VOCALOID5 for Miku was because of problems they discovered when running Saki Fujita‘s voice in the engine; it was not because of some kind of dispute with YAMAHA. Crypton will in fact proceed in the most appropriate fashion possible so that their departure from using the VOCALOID engine does not jeopardize their relationship with YAMAHA, and will continue to work with them.

Based on Cyross’s observation, Sasaki may have even shed a tear at one point during the presentation.

In conclusion, Itoh remarks that he very much likes the vibe of the new deal that they have with AIST and the technology that they are developing, and looks forward to a long working relationship with them.

Other VOCALOID-Using Companies

As for how Crypton Future Media’s departure from VOCALOID will influence other companies who still use VOCALOID for their voice banks, we will have to wait and see how things play out. There has been one interesting tweet from Tohoku Zunko’s official Twitter account that suggests Crypton may not be alone in researching and developing new engines for future releases of their character voice banks.

In the tweet, she brings up how the Tohoku Sisters have software that are compatible with not only VOCALOID, but also UTAU, VOICEROID, and even voidol, and they may not be stopping there. They are currently preparing the reveal of heir own new singing voice synth engine data for Tohoku Kiritan with the help of Masanori Morise, an engineering doctorate at Meiji University.

It is probably safe to say that the tweet was prompted by the news from Crypton Future Media. An important distinction to note is how they, too, seem to be developing their own patented singing voice synth engine as opposed to changing over to an existing engine (such at 1st Place to CeVIO Creative Studio, or Quadimension to Synthesizer V).

What the future holds for the VOCALOID community – or even if it will continue to be called that – we will keep a close eye on and will always continue to report.

We thank NAT and Cyross for their tweets and information sharing!

POPPRO 2020 Calendar Illustration Contest Now Underway

Cover illustration by Kurisu Toshi.
Source: https://www.weibo.com/6201676755/I2jJB8pBe

POPPRO is now accepting illustration submissions for their 2020 calendar! No matter what your art style or specialty, anyone can enter the contest for the chance to see their illustration featured in an official calendar with the Crypton Future Media VOCALOID characters!

Contest Period

August 15, 2019 at 12:00 PM ~ September 17, 2019 at 12:00 AM (CST)

No. of Winning Entries

12

Characters

Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, Kagamine Len, Megurine Luka, MEIKO, and KAITO

Prizes

Winning illustrations will be featured in the official POPPRO 2020 Calendar, and may also be displayed at future concert venues.

Winners will receive the calendar plus other Miku-related prizes that will be revealed later.

Monthly Themes

Each month will focus on specific characters. Please keep in mind the following characters for each month as you create and submit your illustrations:

January: Luka

February: KAITO

March: Miku and Rin

April: Luka and MEIKO

May: KAITO and Len

June: Rin

July: Miku and Luka

August: Miku

September: MEIKO and KAITO

October: Len

November: MEIKO

December: Rin and Len

Guidelines

Illustration size: 3508 × 4961 pixels (A3 size)

File format: JPG

Color mode: RGB

Resolution: at least 300 dpi

To Participate

Log in to POPPRO.
If you do not yet have an account, you can sign up for free here:
https://www.poppro.cn/html/reg.html

Open the official contest page on POPPRO:
https://www.poppro.cn/html/activity-detail.html?id=MTg=

Click on the arrow that you see on the left side of the page.

Click hover over “我要参加” and click on “插画征集” to start submitting your works.

0: Thumbnail (optional)

1: Batch upload
◯ Yes ◯ No

2: Entry Title

3: Entry Upload
◯ Upload image ◯ Upload 3D

4: Entry Classification
-First option: CRYPTON official character
-Second option: Author’s original illustration
-Third option: Author’s original virtual character
-Fourth option: Another company’s virtual character
-Fifth option: Other

5: Entry description

6: Entry tags
-The character tags are shown from left to right: KAITO, MEIKO, Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Len, Kagamine Rin, Megurine Luka
-You can also add your own tags

7: Non-profit use only
◯ Agree

8: Signature needed?
◯ Needed
◯ No needed

9: Any other requirements?
◯ Yes
◯ No

10: ▢ No licencing conditions

11: Submit

Entry Rules

・Your entry must be your own original work

・You can enter multiple entries

・Entries do not have to be made from scratch; you may enter existing illustrations as long as they are not already being used for commercial purposes, and which you still retain the rights to

・Make sure to title your entry, and designate which month of the calendar it is for. Please be aware that if your entry is selected, it may be used for a different month than intended.

・Multiple characters may be used in a single entry

・Please be aware that if selected, your entry may be trimmed while going through the printing process

・While entries must be made using RGB color mode, selected entries will be using CMYK when printing. Please be aware that this may result in some color difference.

Caution Points

・Entries with text in them will not be accepted, but logos bearing the numbers on each characters’ arm are acceptable

・Derivative characters (ex: Sakura Miku, Snow Miku) will not be accepted

・Concerning the outfits that the characters wear,
Acceptable: official outfits, official outfits with modifications, and original outftis
NOT acceptable: outfits that have been used before in video games, anime, or manga products

Conditions

・Entrants under the age of 18 must submit parental or guardian approval

・For entries with multiple people involved, please assign one representative to submit the entry

・Entries must be made during the contest period – August 15, 2019 at 12:00 PM ~ September 17, 2019 at 12:00 AM (CST) – in order to be accepted

・If a third party files a copyright infringement claim on one of your entries, you must bear all responsibility. No responsibility will be borne by the contest organizers.

・Please confirm that your registered email address can receive emails. In the event that your entry is selected to win, the POPPRO staff will send you an email with relevant information which you must respond to as quickly as possible. If you do not respond within 10 working days of the results announcement, your selection will be cancelled.

・When making merchandise out of the winning entries, you may be asked to provide the source files for your illustration

・Please be aware that winning entries may be used on the contest organizer’s official website or social media

※Any entries that are found to contain false information will be disqualified

——-

Best of luck to all who will be entering. You can visit the contest page and find entries made so far at the bottom of the page!