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Aug 2

HATSUNE MIKU MAGICAL MIRAI 2013 Official Guide Book (pt.2)

Part 2! Mostly interviews oof

ILLUSTRATION GALLERY Featuring illustration and visuals of Miku and co. that popular creators drew for "Magical Mirai". Also delivering congratulatory comments from famous artists ♪

KEI INTERVIEW

--How was drawing the illustrations for "Magical Mirai"? KEI: At first I was planning to draw only Miku, but in order for it to be used at the arranged panel of the venue as well, I was given the opportunity to draw the rest of the characters too. I think it was my first time drawing KAITO and MEIKO properly for an official setting. That's rare, isn't it?

--How does it feel looking back on the 6 years since Hatsune Miku's introduction? KEI: With 6 whole years having passed, middle school students have become uninversity students, huh? While I am happy she is influencing young creators, at the same time I feel the flow of time. By all means, I want her to keep going strong just like this until her 39th anniversary.

--What were some things you had trouble with or were particular about when deciding on Hatsune Miku's design? KEI: I don't really recall having a hard time. First, the overall silhouette came together smoothly, and then the detailed parts, such as the arm covers and necktie, went through trial and error. In the very early stages, there was a verison without twintails, but once the person in charge had chosen, we decided right away on the twintails.

--Among what you have drawn up until now, is there any work that has made a lasting impression? KEI: I find the "Snow Miku" 2012 illustrations memorable. I drew her with the impression of snapshots of "Snow Miku" during a sightseeing trip to Sapporo, which was a perfect fit, and well received by those around me. The Clock Tower and Streetcar were something familiar, so I was able to enjoy drawing them. What I personally liked, is the "mikucolor" preview published in the "Comptiq" magazine, I'd say. Since I hadn't really ever drawn Miku's back.

--What kind of existence is Hatsune Miku to you? KEI: I often get asked "Isn't she your wife?", but she's more of a daughter. I want to keep watching over my daughter's growth.

--Is there anything you would like Hatsune Miku to attempt going forward? KEI: I would like to see a high quality short anime. A song PV would be fine too, but, more than a story, I want to see a concept film. And then, like, a wrapped airplane or something? (lol)

--Lastly, pleae leave a message in celebration of "Magical Mirai" being held. KEI: Congratulations on holding "Magical Mirai". Everyone, please be careful of heatstroke, and have fun. Perhaps I will be in the venue too (lol).

[front, side, back]

[Musical note bead (green/cal (cul)=culture, Miku), Star (Gold/Mirai=future), Crown-shaped musical note holder (Gold/Mirai=future), Wand (pillar of the wand/red/Magi=serious), Attachment]

CHRIS INTERVIEW

--What is the idea behind the illustration you drew this time? CHRIS: I tried my best to express the dazzling image of a magician and the fun atmoshepre, coming for the title "Magical Mirai". The impression of a treasure box at a circus, making you curious as to what could come out of it, is also included.

--Are there any works that have left a strong impression so far? CHRIS: I'd say it's "Futari no Niji (Our Rainbow)", my first collaborative work with arata-san, who I met thanks to Miku, in winter of 2009. It was a PV using just one rough illustration, but a lot comment artists and listeners filled in the part I was missing on top of the illustration! The big rainbow the comment artists created was very lovely (Note: to view the comments on NND, scroll down to the footer on the home page and switch the language to Japanese). It was a great experience in many ways, and it stays with me as a good memory.

--What did you think of the "Magical Mirai" theme? CHRIS: Seriousness, culture, future. Especially looking at the selection of the word "serious (magi)", I thought it was cool. Perhaps you could say that the ones who created this fun culture of VOCALOID up until now are none other than everyone who is "serious (magi)" about VOCALOID.......I really like how warm it felt being able to reconfirm that fact.

--What kind of existence is Hatsune Miku to you? CHRIS: She's an existence like a "+". I believe her to be the "trigger" continuously connecting me and other people, and I'm always grateful.

--In what way do you with the VOCALO culture will flourish from now on? CHRIS: Creators who will produce various genres of music, illustrations and videos, and even listeners who write 1-line comments. I want it to become a "fun culture", where communicating with many people who freely express their own worlds, becomes an opportunity to empathize with them, and those involved in that connection can keep moving forward. As someone who wants to create such a culture, myself, I think we should take it slow and not in a hurry.

--Please leave a message for Miku-san welcoming her 6th anniversary. CHRIS: Miku-san, congratulations on your 6th anniversary. And "seriously" thank you a lot. I look forward to working with you in the future!

Congratulations on holding Magical Mirai! I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to participate through an illustration. The Crypton family that spreads to the world surpassing national borders, I drew the 6 of them as a band that sings and plays instruments, having fun creating sound. Let's enjoy this day to our heart's content! U35

For this illustration, I did some corrections as a pastime on something I had drawn for a different matter, so I am happy to be able to present it again in this way. How far will our archangel Miku-san fly......! (Ah, but I'm devoted to Rin-chan!!) Osamu

Congratulations on holding Magical Mirai! I drew this illustration putting all of that "May each VOCALOID's personality, resound vividly through sound and culture!" feeling into it. May the venue be full of the colors of all the VOCALOIDs, especially Miku-chan! Yumenouchi

Congratulations on holding Magical Mirai. As a VOCALOID fan, Hatsune-san and the others quickly expanding their field of activity are so dazzling! The theme of this illustration is "A reliable big sister"! I want to entrust various things to her. Torigoe Takumi

Congratulations on Hatsune Miku's 6th anniversary and holding Magical Mirai!! It's alreay been 6 years since I fell under Miku-san's spell. All of them showing signs of growth year by year, are certainly magical. I'd be happy if I could add even a little bit of color to this new magical day. For this illustration, I went for something chic, with fluffy frills as an accent. A magic song with a magical wand-like carbon mic♪ Chisuke

Thank you for including me in the Magical Mirai pamphlet. This time I tried making something colorful with rainbow as the concept. I hope you enjoy this big event. CHAN×CO

Congratulations on holding Magical Mirai. It's nice being able to see the various things about Miku-san that are being developed in all srots of areas, all at once! I drew an SF-style Miku-san packaged in blister pack, by using the picture on the jacket of "MikXperience e.p.", which is also being sold in the venue, as the base for the illustration, and adding a magical "Mirai" theme. iXima

UTSUMI HIROSHI interview SEGA CORPORATION SEGA feat. HATSUNE MIKU Project General Producer

PROFILE The general producer of the Hatsune Miku game series "SEGA feat. HATSUNE MIKU Project". He was quick to notice Hatsune Miku's existence, and, starting with the game "Hatsune MIku -Project DIVA-" announced in July 2009, he is involved in the development of the Hatsune Miku game series. This time in "Magical Mirai 2013", playable demos for 3 types of new games are planned to be exhibited.

In charge of the concert that will be held in Magi Area is SEGA, who had handled "Miku no Hi Kanshasai". We asked Mr. Utsumi Hiroshi, the general producer of SEGA feat. HATSUNE MIKU Project, about the secrets of this performance and the new works planned to be announced.

We have been aiming for a live unlike any other, but I'm nervous to see what happens.

--Please tell us the selling points of the concert. Utsumi: Since it's a stage with a record-high capacity of 10,000 people, I wasn't very enthusiastic about it at first (lol), but once it was decided, I made a conscious effort to manage it in a way that would satisfy everyone who attends. Ever since "Saigo no Miku no Hi Dai Kanshasai" on September 9th 2012, it's the first large-scale event in about 1 year and 6 months, but we have been preparing for a live unlike any other, so I am nervous to see if they will actually accept it. It woulld be great if it could serve as a guide for future big Hatsune Miku concerts.

--Can we expect new ventures? Utsumi: We might have finally been able to do things we always said we wanted to, but never could. We thought of a method to approach how we could have their brains fill in the gaps to make Hatsune MIku and the others feel present, even for the audience who are far away from the stage and have a hard time seeing. The degree of satisfaction regarding that part should rise, so I hope you're looking forward to it.

--The setlist will be a surprise on the day of, right? Utsumi: I wouldn't say it's a secret in particular, but we have actively incorporated songs announced within the past 1-2 years or so. A lot of songs will be performed that have yet to be featured in any official live until now, so I hope you will be surprised. Because we're prioritizing the U-18 audience in the concert of the noon performance, there are also aspects with young people in mind.

--There will be titles related to "SEGA feat. HATSUNE MIKU Project" exhibited in the Mirai Area, but what points should we focus on? Utsumi: In "Hatsune Miku -Project DIVA- F 2nd", songs that were used in past games have been re-recorded by powering up the visual presentation and performance. As a result of being fixated on making the new parts enjoyable, we ended up creating such a big amount that it's almost exceeding the capacity. For "Hatsune Miku Porject Mirai 2", we seriously remade the system, such as introducing a new clothes changing system where, just like with "Nendoroids", you can put on only the body part of other costumes. It would not be an exaggeration to say we rebuilt it from scratch. With "Hatsune Miku Project DIVA Arcade Future Tone", we are thoroughly pursuing what should be done to make Hatsune Miku and the others look the cutest and most stylish, through expressions, hairstyles, clothing and such. You can play the demo of any of the titles, so I'd certainly like for you to try your hand at them.

--What kind of existence is Hatsune Miku to you? Utsumi: I see her as a strange platform where the quirks, existence, and talents of various people can be expressed through good synergy. In a place of exchange, there are all sorts of discoveries, like "So this is how this person uses Miku" or "Hatsune Miku looks good even like this". Her presence is overwhelming, she is an existence that can be used in any way as a model, no matter how you use her, she looks like Hatsune Miku, and no matter what you maker sing, she sounds like Hatsune Miku. She feels like a mysterious phenomenon, created by talents brought together by one coincidence after another.

--What are you envisioning for the future? Utsumi: I want to keep expanding our user base so that a wider group of people can play, from children to adults, and from hardcore to casual players. After that, increasing the number of platforms we offer would also be one of our goals. We are thinking of what we can do across all platforms, while preserving the fundamentals of game consoles, without limiting ourselves to any framework. I want to keep finding many new ways of approach, in order for a large number of users to play.

--Please leave a message for those attending. Utsumi: Thank you for showing up despite the heat and being busy. I think we have prepared fun content that is worth the effort, so I would be delighted if you enjoyed it.

SEKIMOTO RYOJI interview Crypton Future Media, Inc.

PROFILE As part of Crypton's CGM (Consumer Generated Media) team, he is in charge of music as a whole, such as CD or concert productions. He even took on the role of support in the "Symphony Ihatov" in 2012, the historic collaboration between Mr. Tomita Isao and Hatsune Miku that became a topic for discussion.

The showy stage Hatsune MIku sings on. That success is built upon the effort of many people running around behind the stage. We asked Mr. Sekimoto Ryoji of Crypton, about supporting "Magical Mirai 2013" by working behind-the-scenes.

I'm hoping Hatsune Miku can become "a bridge that connects people".

--What part were you responsible for in "Magical Mirai 2013"? Sekimoto: This time we co-organized with TOKYO MX, so, as the point of contact for our company, I was resposinble for the management of the entire event and the Magi Area. It was the first event with such a large scale, and I was somewhat uneasy, but those around were all professionals, so without any huge problems, we managed to make today's event happen.

--What are the highlights of "Magical Mirai 2013" and things to note about the concert in Magi Area? Sekimoto: You'll understand if you take a tour around each area, but it is an event where you can experience Hatsune Miku's past, present, and future. I think it can be summed up just with that. About the concert, first comes the stage production, right? It's obvious that the stage structure itself is unlike anything before, so I want you to pay attention to the actions and costumes of the performerms, especially Hatsune Miku. Regarding the setlist, songs reflecting the past and future have been gathered, and so, since there are many songs not performed in any concert before, I think you will simply enjoy it. Furthermore, the front act has been directed by some wonderful people, so I hope you will enjoy that too.

--On August 31st, the concert will be screened in movie theaters all around the country, including overseas, correct? Sekimoto: Regardless of domestically or abroad, there were a number of people who could come all the way to the venue for this event. We want those people to enjoy it, and since those who attend the venue will be able to watch it more calmly to an extent, I want to hear theirhonest opinions about the concert, and use them for next time. Therefore, I'd be glad if they also went to the theater!

--What kind of future do you think awaits the culture of Hatsune Miku from now on? Sekimoto: I hope Hatsune Miku becomes a "bridge that connects people". As long as you are alive, a lot of times you're bound to feel negative emotions, right? In those times, it would be wonderful if fellow users who are involved with Hatsune Miku in various ways, cheer each other up, support, become a source of strength for oneself, and can make tomorrow even just a little more enjoyable, wouldn't it? Moreover, I think the act of creating things has become more accessible than before. I believe our role to be creating an environment where creators can create even more easily, and establishing a project that stirs up the daily motivation to create. We have no intention to change that so far, and in the future.

--What kind of existence is "Hatsune Miku" to you, Sekimoto-san? Sekimoto: Hmm. That's a hard question, huh (lol)? It's just that, after being put in charge of the concert, and having seen her move right before my eyes, a feeling I had never experienced until now has sprouted in me. I have yet to find the answer as to what this feeling is exactly, it is certain she has surpassed the limits of being a mere software. Working with Hatsune Miku, it's important to have a broad perspective, or at least that's what I think, so let's not seek answers too much. Next question please!

--Thank you very much. Well then, please tell us about your plans for the future. Sekimoto: Thankfully, the offers coming from various parts of the world are increasing day by day. I want to deliver that excitement, even just one day sooner, to the people who are waiting for it. Additionally, an English version of Hatsune Miku will be released at last, so I am also looking forward to meeting new creators.

--Lastly, please leave a message to all who attended. Sekimoto: Thank you for visiting Japan! Thanks to the movement you all keep going every day, we were able to make Magical Mirai a reality. We are truly grateful. I'd be pleased if you all enjoyed what we have all put together to your heart's content.

SAIKAWA MITSUYUKI interview Tokyo Metropolitan Television Broadcasting Corporation Business Division

PROFILE Enagaged in the prodcution of Hatsune MIku-related programs at the TV station TOKYO MX. Aside from the first Hatsune Miku concert to be broadcast live on TV, "Hatsune Miku Taiwan First Concert "MikuPa♪"", he has worked on a documentary that captures Hatsune Miku's current state, "Hatsune Miku no Katachi", drawing a lot of attention. He has been involved in numerous projects of Hatsune Miku lives so far, and is also known as an unsung hero.

Mr. Saikawa Mitsuyuki has kept delivering surprise and excitement to Hatsune Miku fans through the medium known as TV, with live broadcast and documentary programs. Also being the originator of "Magical Mirai 2013", he told us about his thoughts on this event.

Hatsune Miku's "current" state is "Magical Mirai 2013"

--What kinda of role were you responsible for in "Magical Mirai 2013"? Saikawa: I am the person responsible for making the unreasonable request of "Let's do it!" to Crypton about this event. But I don't have some impressive role like bringin it all together or anything, I'm simply the instigator. In reality, those who suffered were those around me that worked hard without sleeping. My role was to be the one they pinned they blamed on, saying "it's that guy's fault" (lol).

--If you had to describe "Magical Mirai 2013" in one word? Saikawa: I think it is the outcome of Hatsune Miku's "current" state. With Hatsune Miku so far, music events have been the easiest to put on, but even before, except for music, there has been a variety of Hatsune Miku, such as illustrations or videos by artists, and three-dimensional objects like figures, and each of those has its fans. Once, during the Hong Kong MikuPa, Itoh-san of Crypton had said something like "Hatsune Miku is a virtual singer, a movement that becomes a product, she is a variety of things, huh? So, there must be all sorts of fans, around the world, right? It'd be nice if we had the chance to gather all those various things, wouldn't it?", so I'm wondering if today might be the realization of that (lol). That's why, rather than me being the one who paved the way to "Magical Mirai 2013", I think it's probably an event that was born from the natural flow of things, because everyone had been wishing for it.

--What about it differs from a conventional event? Saikawa: This time we set up a U-18 priority framework for the first time. In the concerts up to now, there weren't many middle school and high school students, but a certain percentage did come. Previously in MikuPa we did have a 1,000 yen off ticket for students, but this time with that goal in mind, we thought it would be better to organize a daytime concert so it would be easier for students to come. We narrowed down the number of people to just 3,900, lowered the price, and it might be a bit short, but after it ends it's better to go home while it's still bright outside (lol). "Magical Mirai 2013" is adapted to the circumstances of all kinds of fans.

--What are you anticipating for this event? Saikawa: It's something I saw on Twitter but, there seem to be people bringing others along saying "I want to show it to my little sister", so I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of people will come to the noon performance. Fans will enjoy the concert, they will enjoy the Cal Area, they will enjoy the Mirai Area. And then, if by looking at other people who attended like "Ahh, fans like this exist", they can enjoy interacting with other fans, I'd be pleased.

--What kind of existence is Hatsune Miku to you? Saikawa: Even now, I have no answer. I'm just thinking, isn't it fun because I don't know? When making the documentary there were various opinions, but because I was not familiar with her at the time, I learnt a lot by listening to the views of all kinds of people. There are people who see her as an existence that conveys the feelings of creators as is, and ther are people who only see her as a cute girl. At the end of "Hatsune Miku no Katachi", when we asked Itoh-san "Do you like Hatsune Miku?", I totally get how he feels when he said "I do like her. Although she is a difficult girl." (lol). Hatsune Miku may not have a physcial form, but she does have a presence. Unlike real artists, you cannot hold a conversation with her, but she really does feel present, you know?

--Please leave a message for all those who attended. Saikawa: I am nothing but grateful for your coming. Thank you. The event would not have come to be without people gathering. It's thanks to everyone coming here like this today, that we were able to successfully present what we have created so far. I hope today's accomplishments can connect to next time. Although, whether we will keep going or not depends on all the fans, yeah? I believe that is the form [katachi] of Hatsune Miku, "Magical Mirai".

ITOH HIROYUKI interview Crypton Future Media, Inc. Representative Director

PROFILE On July of 1995, he founded Cypton Future Media, Inc. in the city of Sapporo. He developed a business around sounds, such as ringtones and sound effects. The "Hatsune Miku" software, released in 2007 utilizing YAMAHA's vocal synthesizing techonology VOCALOID 2, stimulated the creativity of many creators, and has become the trigger that brought forth the current creative movement. On November of 2013, he was bestowed a Medal with Blue Ribbon, granted to those who have contributed to public welfare.

Hatsune Miku has left a strong impression in many people's memories, and has written a new page in her 6-year history. What has her creator seen and felt through her? Mr. Itoh Hiroyuki, the Representative Directrof of Crypton Future Media, told us his feelings after the "Magical Mirai 2013" event.

Hatsune Miku is an interface connecting creators and listeners. It's precisely because there was respect for creations, that the past 6 years have been possible.

--Please tell us your thoughts looking back on "Magical Mirai 2013". Itoh: Now, being surrounded by the cold of winter like this, the heat of that summer, and the ethusiasm of the poeple that had gathered, are starting to feel nostalgic. When I think again about what that heated atmoshpere was, it is the enthusiasm all the fans that gathered have for Hatsune Miku, it is the enthusiasm for the creators who are creating Miku. Various kinds of excitement got mixed up, but they were all in that place. What we wanted to convey using that place is "Creating thins is fun, isn't it?". However, when thinking about whether the message we wanted to communicate was properly conveyed, I feel that there were areas where we are still inexperienced, and many things we could have done. Since there is a large repertory of things I want to do, I feel like I found unresolved problems [homework], such as how I could process the things I wasn't able to complete. I'm thinking I want to put on some kind of event again next year, but now I am in a state of being troubled by the amount of homework (lol).

--This event was labeled as being able to enjoy "all of Hatsune Miku", but thinking back on it, how do you feel? Itoh: The internet has become the core of Hatsune Miku, or rather VOCALOID culture, but internet trends pass by extremely quickly, right? Even when it comes to trends in the real world, the English edition software "Hatsune Miku ENGLISH" was announced, the performance of "THE END" starring Hastune Miku was carried out in Paris, in the span of just 3 months there's been various happenings that make me feel almost nostalgic for "Magical Mirai". If there was someone named Hatsune Miku, I think she must have lived a very hectic life over these past 6 years.

--This time, it turned out to be a great event that can be described as the culmination of those 6 years, right? Itoh: Frankly, I am wondering if this event was too big. Though, just because the scale has gotten bigger, I don't think Hatsune Miku has become distant, and I hope she doesn't lose that feeling of closeness and familiarity. What we presented in this event was Hatsune Miku how we see her, but that does not meant that is all of Hatsune Miku. Everyone has their own interpretation, and there are as many forms of Hatsune Miku as there are interpretations, so I hope you can value it in the future.

--I see. Itoh: I, personally, would like to have Hatsune Miku remain as a blank paper as much as possible. Hatsune Miku is, so to speak, like a canvas for painting pictures. Only, it would be hard to create some work with a completely blank sheet, so at the very least we suggest settings, like age, voice and outward appearance. That is, kinda like adding the squares of a graph paper on a blank paper, I want it to be a situation where, what will be drawn on there and what colors will be used, is entrusted to the creators.

--Is there anything you want people who will watch the "Magi" live again in this package to feel? Itoh: Behind every work you see, be it the music, the costumes, or the dances, there are "people who make things", but that is no longer a place just for those of the privileged class who have received elite education. That means it's possible for the song you made to be played at next year's Magical Mirai. The scene of Hatsune Miku is an open culture, and everyone has potential. There are also many free software, so it's a period where, as long as you have patience, anyone can create works and publish them. Therefore, if by watching the video of "Magical Mirai 2013" you become interested, I do want you to challenge yourself into creating some work.

--Through Hatsune Miku, the doors from amateur to pro have opened up, haven't they? Itoh: There are a lot of active young people and overseas creators, right? I think being able to go past national borders and age, is one of the good things about content centered around the internet. Among music fans, I think the asuumption that works by amateurs are bound to be of poor quality still remains, but I believe in a few more years that situation will begin to change.

--Were you already anticipating the current popularity centered around video sites like NicoNico Duga at the time of Hatsune Miku's announcement? Itoh: It's not like we predicted it or set anything up. As a platform for publishing content, it's as if the needs of creators and listeners perfectly aligned, so to say....... Ever since the relatively early days of NicoNico Douga, MEIKO videos would pop up every now and then. However in those days, completely original works were scarce. It was a chaotic world with a lot of copyright-infringing videos, like MADs. Then, after Hatsune Miku appearing in 2007, and videos being realeased one by one, the genre called VOCALOID grew as original content worth seeing. It was a good timing for both of them, don't you think?

--Hatsune Miku, even as a software, is continuing to evolve since her announcement in 2007, but what are your plans for the future? Itoh: Like I said a moment ago, Hatsune Miku is like a blank canvas. We have to work hard in order to make that canvas evolve. We want to keep creating and providing solutions that expand the world of creation, and to keep evolving a certain platform, that is Hatsune Miku, in the future. More specifically, making her voice easier to sing, and making it easier to add accompaniment. In order for creations to go well, going forward, we want to keep developing on the direction to increase the things Hatsune Miku herself can do.

--Lastly, please leave a message for Hatsune Miku's fans. Itoh: Using the fun place for creations knwon as the internet, the people who want to share their own thoughts, rapidly publish works, and the listeners enjoy them daily. In an environment like that, Hatsune Miku is becoming an interface connecting people who work hard on creating things with listeners. The reason Hatsune Miku rose in popularity this much might be due to her adorable appearance, but I think it is becausee all sorts of people are touched by this situation where a great number of creators are trying their best to express themselves using Hatsune Miku. Hatsune Miku cannot do anything without a creator in the first place, she is an existence dependant on others. For that reason, I want those who hold Hatsune Miku dear not to forget to also respect the creators. I believe it is thanks to the atmoshpere where people don't forget to pay respect to the fact these works were born, that these past 6 years have been possible. The feeling of holding Hatsune Miku dear, the respect you have for Hatsune Miku, that is to say the respect for the creators, please pay attention to being respectful even a little bit. On top of that, I'd be pleased if you enjoyed the works and joined events.