Professor Hiroyuki Ito of Kyoto Computer Guraduate Institute of Informatics (KCGI), creator of the globally popular virtual singer "Hatsune Miku" and CEO of Crypton Future Media, Inc.KCGI and KCG students listened intently to lectures by leading experts who are active on the front lines of the content business.Professor Ito explained in an easy-to-understand manner, using video clips, how "Hatsune Miku" came into being and how it has grown, its advanced approaches to voice technology and 3DCG technology, and its activities in Japan and abroad.Special lectures were simultaneously delivered online for students in Sapporo and Tokyo Satellites.
Hatsune Miku" is a virtual idol created on August 31, 2007.It is a software program that sings a song by voice synthesis when the lyrics and melody are inputted.His specialty is idol pop and dance pop music.Live concerts are held in Japan and abroad, and it has become a symbolic presence of Cool Japan, which promotes Japanese culture to the rest of the world.
In his lecture titled "The Potential of Digital Content Learned from Hatsune Miku," Professor Ito introduced Crypton's business and explained the relationship and history of music and technology, as well as the basics of computer music.The idea that "by using the singing voice synthesis technology developed by Yamaha, we can also create virtual instruments of human singing voices" led to the creation of "Hatsune Miku" and its release as singing voice synthesizing software.This is the first time we have attempted to attach characters to a product," he explained.
The characterization of "Hatsune Miku" was a success, and people began to create not only music, but also illustrations, computer graphics, and cosplay of "Hatsune Miku" and post them on the Internet.In order to prevent the chain of creations from becoming a chain of unauthorized uses, he explained, "We worked on releasing the rights that we have and on how to allow other fans to use derivative works created by fans.He explained that he had created an environment for rights clearance by issuing a license to use "Hatsune Miku" and opening a posting site called "piapro," and expressed his wish to "create a chain of creative fans who can say thank you to each other instead of hating each other.
Seventeen years have passed since the birth of "Hatsune Miku," and as a result of secondary and tertiary creations by many creators, the forms of expression have diversified beyond singing and voice to include dance, animation, figures, and other forms.The field of activities continues to expand, including fashion, concerts with full orchestras, video games, and collaborations with Kabuki.Professor Ito expressed his view that "the more digital contents are released and used by various people, the more value they have," and introduced examples of collaborations with creators and companies in a variety of genres.
As the corona situation subsides, "Hatsune Miku" activity is being revived and increased.Performances and events continue, and the annual 3DCG live performance and exhibition event "Hatsune Miku 'Magical Miku 2024'" was held in Fukuoka, Chiba ("in TOKYO"), and Osaka from August to October.From April 19, 2025, the "Hatsune Miku JAPAN LIVE TOUR 2025 ~BLOOMING~" live tour will be held at seven venues in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities throughout Japan.In May of the same year, "CHO-KABUKI Powered by IOWN "Konjaku Kyoyo Senbonzakura Expo2025 ver." with Shido Nakamura will be staged at the Kansai Expo in Osaka.
The "MIKU EXPO," which can be considered an overseas version of Magical Mirai, was the first real MIKU EXPO since HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2020 EUROPE, which was held just prior to the cancellation of the event due to a coronary infection.In October and November, we held "MIKU EXPO 2024 EUROPE" in the U.K., France, Germany, and other countries, and "HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2024 New Zealand & Australia," which toured five cities in Australia and New Zealand for the first time.During the North American tour, the group also performed at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals in the United States.A series of collaborative events and product launches, as well as participation in tourism campaigns and fireworks festivals, make 2024 broader than ever before.In April, "Crayon Shin-chan x Hatsune Miku" merchandise sales began.The product line has expanded from fashion to stationery and electrical components.
Hatsune Miku" is also involved in social contribution, and in 2024, in addition to its past activities, the "HATSUNE MIKU CHARITY PROJECT" was held until March to support the recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year's Day.
Dr. Ito became a professor at KCGI in April 2013.In the fall of the same year, he was awarded the Medal with Blue Ribbon in recognition of his international activities and technical innovations.KCGI and KCG have a reciprocal class auditing system.Not only students studying content business at KCGI, but also KCG students in art and design, digital games, computer science, IT voice acting, and other content-related courses can learn a lot from Professor Ito's efforts.
