Mar 312015
 

Illustration by Kenji from Piapro

Happy April 1st, everyone! Today also marks the 7th anniversary of Kasane Teto, who was originally revealed as a “Vocaloid” on April Fools day as a prank in 2008, but actually turned out to be for the newly-announced UTAU software.

While other sites are busy having fun with April Fools, we’ll focus on covering the news event from the past few days. To start, the 3DCG artist Kasoku Sato, best known for creating the movies and models for Mitchie M’sBurenai ai de” and Digi-eye, has teased a Sakura Miku edition of his Hatsune Miku model on twitter.

This could be just for fun, or we may expect to see a Sakura Miku-themed collab with this model and Rhoto’s Digi-Eye AR app. Or perhaps a new Sakura Miku-themed PV altogether?

The Magical Mirai 2015 website updated yesterday to reveal the new main event artwork (by Hoshima), along with the concept art sketches (by Shikimi). The new design seems to take a lot of inspiration from last year’s Magical Mirai 2014 artwork, but still feels new and fresh. Further event information is still TBA. Event website: http://magicalmirai.com/2015/index_en.php

Cute miniature Hatsune Miku and Shiteyan’yo plushies, created by TAITO, were announced as available machine prizes (likely from SEGA UFO catcher machines). The plushies come in 3 varieties with Miku holding an even smaller Shiteyan’yo. The plushies seem to continue from a previous collaboration, where even smaller miniature figures with the same theme were released. Location availability list: https://www.taito.co.jp/prize/item/0000000269

Lastly, Senbonzakura-themed ball-chain figures were announced by TAITO, also as a machine prize. They are available from the listed locations: https://www.taito.co.jp/prize/item/0000000270


 
While seeming like a prank at first, this comes as real news: SEGA has made the Mikudayo mask/head accessory available for Project Diva Arcade Future Tone, and is available starting today (April 1st) with a cost of 1500vp (and we repeat, this is not a joke!). Official announcement video below:




Crypton Future Media couldn’t resist having a little fun on April Fools this year, and has “announced” the company’s own CEO, Hiroyuki Itoh, to have his own VOCALOID V4X software release. A demo clip is even provided on the site. While not actually real, it does serve as an interesting joke to push people to purchase the new Megurine Luka V4X software instead. The “purchase” button for Hiroyuki Itoh V4X simply “runs away” when you attempt to click it (to repeat, this is a prank).

Product Page: http://www.crypton.co.jp/mp/pages/prod/vocaloid/hiroyukiv4x.jsp

Mar 302015
 

YYB Type Imoko’s Sakura Miku in dazzling scenery via Nico Seiga

The popular Chinese MMD artist “YYB” has made yet another astounding appearance upon the completion of YYB Type Imoko’s Sakura Miku model. The model is based on the popular Sakura Miku design by Imoko on pixiv, and is available for download online via Nico Seiga(password free).

Download + Header Image: http://seiga.nicovideo.jp/seiga/im4781868

YYB’s previous works include the YYB Type Hatsune Miku and her Swimsuit Ver. Full details on both models can be found in our previous article. Below are images from her earlier development stages.

Mar 262015
 

All-new Miku Expo illustration by Apapico.

The official concert Blu-Ray and DVDs for Hatsune Miku Expo 2014 in New York has been announced for preorder starting today! It’s already available from a few sources, with more likely on the way. We will add more as they come, but below are the details you need to know about what was announced so far.

A regular edition DVD, regular edition Blu-Ray and limited edition Blu-Ray has been announced for release from several online retailers, and is available for international shipping. There wont be a localized release of the concert, but the menus will be bilingual (English and Japanese). The bonuses offered are nearly identical for all sites. All sets are expected to ship July 31st.

Early orders from CDJapan and Amiami will include an A3-size clear poster featuring a new illustration by KEI! Amazon Japan also offers an exclusive limited edition that will include a clear file at no extra charge (available here).

DVD (Regular) includes: Standard definition concert with 5.1 channel audio featuring 27 songs over 120 minutes, case with new illustration by Apapico, event documentary and fan interview footage.
> Order from CDJapan
> Order from Amazon Japan
> Order from Amiami

Blu-Ray (Regular) includes: High definition concert with 5.1 channel audio featuring 27 songs over 120 minutes, case with new illustration by Apaico, event documentary and fan interview footage.
> Order from CDJapan
> Order from Amazon Japan
> Order from Amiami

Blu-Ray (Limited) includes: High definition concert with 5.1 channel audio featuring 27 songs over 120 minutes, case with illustration by Apaico, event documentary and fan interview footage, 18cm vinyl record featuring “Sharing the World” by BIGHEAD and 1 other song, and event pamphlet.
> Order from CDJapan
> Order from Amazon Japan
> Order from Amiami




Mar 232015
 


 
The next event that Hatsune Miku fans in the U.S. have been waiting for has finally been announced: An exhibition titled “Hatsune Miku Dreams of Electric Sheep” has been announced for Los Angeles at the Gallery Nucleus from July 2nd until July 19th.

Crypton Future Media, INC. and Gallery Nucleus present “Hatsune Miku Dreams of Electric Sheep,” an art exhibit with outstanding artworks paying homage to the beloved cyber- celebrity and her world!

To celebrate this wonderful event with your love for Hatsune Miku, Crypton is accepting online submissions from fans across the globe who wish to express their creativity and to be featured in this exciting exhibition at Gallery Nucleus. Selected submissions will also be printed in a limited exhibition catalog!

You are FREE to submit as many pieces as you like.

Exhibition Details:

Exhibition Title: Hatsune Miku Dreams of Electric Sheep
Dates: From July 2 (Thu) – July 19 (Sun), 2015
Exhibition Venue: Gallery Nucleus 210 East Main Street Alhambra, CA 91801
Open Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Entrance Free)

Additional details will be announced at a later date. Please visit the official event site for more info! Link: https://mikubook.com/opencall

Mar 222015
 

In the most recent news, a Snow Miku wrapped bus has been announced to operate in Tokyo starting from today until May 31st. The collaboration this time is with Hato Bus, one of the most renowned sightseeing tour services in Tokyo.

The Snow Miku wrapped bus will be an exclusive ride for Dynamic Tokyo course, featuring a visit to several Tokyo attractions such as the Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge and many more.

Two different wrappings are applied to the bus, including Snow Miku Sky Town advertisement on one side and Sapporo tourism on the other. The bus will remain in operation up to May 31st. Below are photos of the bus spotted early by twitter user @hajime24.

To learn more about Snow Miku Sky Town, check out our previous article. More information about the tour can be found here: http://www.hatobus.com/en/course/11.html