Crypton Unveils Hatsune Miku’s New 19th Anniversary Design as Official Fan Survey Opens
Image by James RichardsonHatsune Miku is officially celebrating her 19th anniversary today, marking another year since the virtual singer first made her debut on August 31, 2007.
Crypton Future Media is celebrating the occasion with newly created Miku artwork and an anniversary survey that gives fans the chance to win several special prizes.
Hatsune Miku originally launched as singing voice software developed using Yamaha’s VOCALOID technology, allowing musicians to create songs by entering melodies and lyrics for Miku to perform.
What followed went far beyond the original software, with creators around the world producing music, illustrations, videos and other works that gradually transformed Miku into one of Japan’s most recognizable virtual characters.
Her popularity has since led to concerts around the world, rhythm games including the Project DIVA series, thousands of figures and collectibles, major fashion collaborations and the continuing annual Hatsune Miku “Magical Mirai” events in Japan.
For her 19th anniversary, illustrator SPIKE has created completely new Miku artwork that sees her wearing a bright and colorful outfit decorated with floral elements.
Crypton has also launched its annual Hatsune Miku anniversary survey, which takes on added importance this year as several of its questions look ahead to Miku’s 20th anniversary in 2027.
Fans are being asked how they first discovered Miku and which moment from their time as a fan has been the most memorable or emotional, giving the survey a chance to look back across almost two decades of her history.
Other questions ask fans to name an artist they would most like to create a future Hatsune Miku song and an illustrator, manga artist or contemporary artist they would like to see produce new Miku artwork.
Crypton is also asking which products, services, characters or other properties fans would like Miku to collaborate with in future anniversary projects.
Looking specifically toward 2027 and beyond, another question asks what fans most want to see from Miku’s 20th anniversary, including potential merchandise and new projects, while the survey finishes by inviting everyone to leave a personal message for Miku on her 19th anniversary.
Fans who complete the survey can enter a prize draw, with 10 winners set to receive Hatsune Miku products.
One winner will receive a copy of “Hatsune Miku NT,” while another nine will each receive an assortment of Hatsune Miku merchandise.
“Hatsune Miku NT” is Crypton’s modern Miku singing software package, combining updated voice libraries with customized vocal expression technology, voice effects and its own software interface to give creators greater control over her singing.
This year’s anniversary also begins the final countdown to one of the biggest milestones in Miku’s history, with August 31, 2027 set to mark 20 years since her original release.
With Crypton already directly asking fans what they want from the 20th anniversary, the survey provides an early indication that preparations for the milestone are already underway.
The Hatsune Miku 19th anniversary survey and giveaway are open until September 7 at 12:59 PM JST, with winners selected from those who complete the questionnaire and enter the prize draw.
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