Chapter 1
The birth of a digital voice
Chapter 2
The power of crowd-sourced music
Chapter 3
From screen to stage
Chapter 4
A global cultural icon
YOUR GOAL
Master of The rise of Hatsune Miku
Ch 1 · The birth of a digital voice
CinnamonRole Discover the literal Japanese translation of Hatsune Miku's name and how the words for first, sound, and future combine to define her.
Fun Fact
Miku's age: Hatsune Miku is officially forever 16 years old, standing at 158 centimeters tall and weighing 42 kilograms.
Glossary
Hatsune Miku (proper noun)
Japanese for the first sound of the future, combining hatsu (first), ne (sound), and miku (future). This name foretold her role as the pioneer of a global, fan-created music movement.
Japanese for the first sound of the future, combining hatsu (first), ne (sound), and miku (future). This name foretold her role as the pioneer of a global, fan-created music movement.
yuki Illustrator KEI created Miku's visual identity to help sell the voice synthesis software.
Glossary
vocaloid (noun)
A computer program that synthesizes a singing voice using inputted lyrics and melody. Crypton Future Media utilized the software to launch Hatsune Miku in Japan on August 31, 2007.
A computer program that synthesizes a singing voice using inputted lyrics and melody. Crypton Future Media utilized the software to launch Hatsune Miku in Japan on August 31, 2007.