Imagine a world where virtual singers captivate audiences with their mesmerizing melodies. Welcome to the realm of Vocaloids, an innovative concept that has taken the Japanese anime scene by storm. If you’re unfamiliar with Vocaloids, fear not! We’re here to shed light on this fascinating phenomenon.
What are Vocaloids?
Vocaloids are singing voice synthesizer application software developed by Yamaha Corporation. They allow users to input lyrics and melodies into the application, which then creates songs using the voices of virtual singers represented by Japanese anime, manga, or game-style characters. In simpler terms, Vocaloid is a program for creating songs performed by “virtual singers.”
The birth of Vocaloid dates back to 2000 when Kenmochi Hideki led a project at Pompeu Fabra University in Spain, with support from Yamaha. In 2007, Yamaha introduced Vocaloid 2, which brought significant improvements in usability and synthesis quality. The Vocaloid 3 version was unveiled at the NAMM Show 2018, while the latest version, Vocaloid 4, was released in 2015.
Hot Japanese Vocaloid Characters
Now that you have a better grasp of what Vocaloids are, let’s dive into the most beloved Vocaloid characters in Japan.
Hatsune Miku
Hatsune Miku, the iconic Vocaloid, made her debut on August 31, 2007. As the first version of Vocaloid 2, she quickly gained worldwide fame. Created by a team of experts from Crypton Future Media, her name is a combination of “Hatsu” (first), “Ne” (sound), and “Miku” (future). Miku’s image skyrocketed after a clip featuring a green-haired girl holding an onion, singing the song “Yevan Polka,” went viral. This marked the beginning of the Miku wave, captivating fans across the globe. Her sweet and high-pitched voice is beautifully crafted by Fujita Saki.
Featured Songs:
- Levaan Polka
- The World is Mine
- Black Rock Shooter
- Love is War
- Melt
- Miku Miku ni Shite Ageru
- Koisuru Voc@loid
- Packed up
- Saihate
- The Disappearance of Hatsune Miku – DEAD END
- Popipo Vegetable Juice
- Romeo and Cinderella
- Nebula
- Magnet (singing with Luka)
- SPiCA
- Last night, good night
- 1925
Meiko Sakine
Meiko Sakine, one of the first-generation Vocaloids developed by Yamaha Corporation and distributed by Crypton Future Media Corporation, became a symbol of virtual idols since her launch on January 5, 2004. With a soft and mature vocal range borrowed from the renowned singer Meiko Haigoo, Meiko continues to captivate audiences with her enchanting voice.
Featured Songs:
- Dear
- Conchita, poor food eater
- A Whole New World (vocals with Kaito hyung)
- Fairy tale
- Yuki Usagi
Kaito
Another first-generation Vocaloid created by Crypton Future Media, Kaito joined the Vocaloid lineup on February 17, 2006. With a deep and masculine voice provided by vocalist Fuuga Naoto, Kaito was specifically designed to harmonize with Meiko’s vocals.
Featured Songs:
- Cantarelle
- Cinderella (singing with Miku)
- A Thousand Year Solo
- Sweet’s Beast
- YOU
- Heartbeat Clock Tower
- Alice in dreamland
Kagamine Rin Kagamine Len
Rin and Len, the twin sisters with golden hair and stunning white uniforms, have amassed a massive fanbase since their release on December 27, 2007. Both sisters possess beautiful voices provided by the talented Seiyuu, Asami Shimoda.
Rin’s Featured Songs:
Rin Rin Signal, Kokoro, Meltdown, Daughter of Evil, The Curses Classes, Transmit, Tengaku, Fear Garden, Dreaming Leaf, Iroha no Uta, Skeletion Life, Anti-Chlorobenze, Nazokake, Rin Rin High Mind, Ameyumerou (singing with Miku), Sakasama Rainbow (singing with Miku), IIII Like You, IIII Love You.
Len’s Featured Songs:
Spice!, Namae No Uta, Kimini Sasagu Fantasia, Out of Eden, Paradichlorobenze, Nazotoki, Servant of Evil, Millenium, Fire Flower, Kagamine Len no Bousou, Ike Lenka, Discotheque Love.
Both’s Featured Songs:
Yume Sakura, SiGRE, Kaga PIYO, Dance Site Of Darkness, Gemini, Juvenile, Teen, Trick and Treat, Aroha Que.
Megurine Luka
Developed by Crypton Future Media, Megurine Luka made her debut with the Vocaloid 2 version on January 30, 2009. With a mature, low, and slightly raspy voice provided by voice actor Yuu Asakawa, Luka possesses the unique ability to sing in both English and Japanese. Sporting a sexy and voluptuous appearance, Luka resembles a 20-year-old girl, complete with a distinctive outfit blending brass and wind instruments.
Featured Songs:
- Just Be Friends
- Wonder last
- Music box of time
- DYE (caused controversy due to plagiarism of j-Pop singers)
- Secret (showcasing Luka’s English skills)
- Freedom
- Tailor shop in Enbizaka
- Luka Luka’s Night Fever
- Double lariat
- Toeto
- Little Mermaid
- Akahitoha
Gakupo Kamui
- Date of birth: 07/31/2008
- Place of birth: Internet Co., Ltd.
- Voice Provider: Gackt
- Symbolic object: Eggplant
Featured Songs:
- Dancing samurai
- Venomani Kyou wa Kyouki
- Paranoid doll
- Breathe
- Owata
Megpoid Gumi
Gumi, born on June 26, 2008, possesses the melodious voice of Megumi Nakajima. Her appearance is based on the lead role played by Megumi Nakajima, and her name “Gumi” derives from Megumi’s childhood name. The software’s name, “Megpoid,” combines “Meg” from Megumi’s name with “ppoi” (like) and “loid” (Vocaloid) to create “Vocaloid like Megumi.” Gumi is one of the three Vocaloids of the Megpoid software, including Kamui Gakupo, Lily, and Gumi.
Featured Songs:
- Blue Bird
- Miracle Gumiracle
- Bokura no 16 BIT warz
- Sorry for you
- Megu Megu Fire Endless Night
- Campanelle
- Love will surely soar
- The Last Gun
- Yowamushi Montblanc
- Mosaic Roller
- Just a game
- Poker face
- Memories of Sayonara
- Nakimushi Set
- Holography
- Aitai
- MarieGold
Lily
Lily, celebrating her birthday on August 25, 2010, is a relatively new Vocaloid. Voiced by Yuri Masuda, the leader of a famous idol group in Japan, Lily has gained immense popularity. Her name is derived from Yuri Masuda, with “Yuri” also meaning “lily.”
Featured Songs:
- Lily Lily Burning Night
- Feel my soul
- Chloe
Through this article, we hope to introduce you to the enchanting world of Vocaloids and the beloved characters adored by Japan’s youth.
To learn more about Vocaloids and immerse yourself in this virtual musical realm, visit Zenith City News for the latest updates and insights.
