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
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.
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.
Quiz
What specific version of Yamaha's Vocaloid engine was Hatsune Miku first released on in 2007?
yuki Illustrator KEI created Miku's visual identity to help sell the voice synthesis software.
Quiz
Which Japanese tech company developed the original Vocaloid voice synthesis engine used by Hatsune Miku?
Fun Fact
Miku's age: Hatsune Miku is officially forever 16 years old, standing at 158 centimeters tall and weighing 42 kilograms.
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.