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Hatsune Miku Virtual Idol to Perform at Anime Expo (Update 2)
posted on by Christopher Macdonald
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), the non-profit that operates Anime Expo, has informed ANN that the virtual idol Hatsune Miku will "perform" in concert on July 2 at Anime Expo.
The character already appeared "live" in concert in Japan, the United States, and other countries via a traditional screen in 2009. However according to Marc Perez, CEO of the SPJA, the Anime Expo concert will be the American premiere of Hatsune Miku's multi-projector concert based on "39's Giving Day," which was held in Japan on March 9, 2010. According to the official website the concert will feature "a few improvements over the original event." Visuals for the July 2 concert will be created by SEGA with Crypton Future Media, the company that created Hatsune Miku in 2007, supervising overall production.
Danny Choo, who is also a guest of honor at Anime Expo, posted on his website that he will MC for the concert and for the other related events. Choo also adds that Vocaloids Rin, Len and Luka will also be "performing."
“Fans in North America have been clamoring for Miku to perform here and we have listened,” said Perez. “We're extremely excited to be able to present this 21st Century star at Anime Expo in what promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.”
Earlier this month, the American arm of the Japanese car maker Toyota launched a website for the collaboration between Crypton Future Media's Hatsune Miku virtual idol and Toyota's own Corolla — "the official car of Hatsune Miku." According to Toyota, both Hatsune Miku and Corolla are "driven by the sound of success."
The July 2 concert will be in conjunction with Toyota, Sega, Crypton Future Media and Tokyo Kawaii Mag.
Crypton Future Media created Hatsune Miku to personify its software package that allow users to synthesize vocal songs without a human singer. Crypton Future Media has since expanded its lineup with other characters, and other companies have used the underlying Vocaloid software engine from Yamaha to offer other character voice software packages.
Update: SPJA indicated that the concert is "holographic" with "3D projection." However, the "39's Giving Day" concert in Japan did not use 3D projection.
Update 2:Added information from official website and Danny Choo.
this article has been modified since it was originally posted; see change history