History of Hatsune Miku in Timeline
Hatsune Miku, codenamed CV01, is a Vocaloid software voicebank and its mascot. Developed by Crypton Future Media, she is depicted as a 16-year-old girl with turquoise twintails. Miku is marketed as a virtual idol and performs in concerts as an animated holographic projection.
August 31, 2007: Hatsune Miku's Debut
On August 31, 2007, Crypton Future Media released Hatsune Miku as a Vocaloid software, marking her debut. She was marketed as "an android diva in the near-future world where songs are lost."
September 12, 2007: Hatsune Miku Sales Success
On September 12, 2007, Amazon.co.jp reported substantial sales figures for Hatsune Miku, indicating her early success in the market.
2007: Initial Marketing of Hatsune Miku
Hatsune Miku was initially marketed towards professional musicians upon her release in 2007.
July 2008: Continued Sales Success
By July 2008, Hatsune Miku had reportedly sold 40,000 units, demonstrating her sustained popularity.
2008: Expansion of Marketing Efforts
Due to her growing popularity, Hatsune Miku's marketing expanded beyond professional musicians starting in 2008.
2008: Good Smile Racing Licensing
In 2008, Good Smile Racing began licensing Hatsune Miku for promotional purposes, including appearances in racing events.
August 22, 2009: First Live Virtual Concert
Hatsune Miku held her first "live" virtual concert at Animelo Summer Live at the Saitama Super Arena on August 22, 2009.
September 2009: Hachune Miku Figurines Launched
In September 2009, three Hachune Miku figurines were launched in a rocket from Nevada's Black Rock Desert.
November 2009: Petition for Miku on Akatsuki Spacecraft
A petition began in late November 2009 to include a Hatsune Miku aluminum plate on the Akatsuki spacecraft.
November 21, 2009: First Overseas Performance
On November 21, 2009, Hatsune Miku made her first overseas live appearance at Anime Festival Asia (AFA) in Singapore.
December 20, 2009: Original Deadline for Akatsuki Petition
The original deadline for the Akatsuki petition was December 20, 2009.
December 22, 2009: Akatsuki Petition Exceeds Goal
The petition to include Miku on the Akatsuki spacecraft exceeded its goal of 10,000 signatures on December 22, 2009.
2009: Continued Racing Appearances
In 2009, Hatsune Miku continued to be featured in racing events through Good Smile Racing's licensing agreement.
January 6, 2010: Extended Deadline for Akatsuki Petition
The deadline for the Akatsuki petition was extended to January 6, 2010, receiving over 14,000 signatures.
March 9, 2010: First Solo Live Performance
Hatsune Miku's first solo live performance, "Miku no Hi Kanshasai 39's Giving Day", took place at Zepp Tokyo in Odaiba, Tokyo, on March 9, 2010.
April 30, 2010: Hatsune Miku Append Release
On April 30, 2010, Hatsune Miku Append, an add-on for Vocaloid 2, was released. It included six different timbres for her voice: Soft, Sweet, Dark, Vivid, Solid, and Light. This was the first time a Vocaloid had such a release.
May 21, 2010: Akatsuki Launch
The Akatsuki spacecraft, carrying three plates depicting Hatsune Miku and Hachune Miku, launched on May 21, 2010.
May 31, 2010: Exit Tunes Presents Vocalogenesis feat. Hatsune Miku Tops Charts
On May 31, 2010, the Vocaloid album "Exit Tunes Presents Vocalogenesis feat. Hatsune Miku" became the first Vocaloid album to top the Japanese weekly Oricon album charts.
August 2010: Over 22,000 Hatsune Miku Songs
By August 2010, over 22,000 original songs had been created using Hatsune Miku's voice.
August 31, 2010: End of Black Rock Shooter OVA Promotion
On August 31, 2010, the promotional campaign for the Black Rock Shooter original video animation (OVA) concluded. While the character Black Rock Shooter visually resembles Hatsune Miku, they are not officially related.
2010: Crypton Future Media sponsors Sapporo Winter Festival
Crypton Future Media began sponsoring the Sapporo Winter Festival in 2010, featuring Hatsune Miku on public transport using the "Snow Miku" derivative.
2010: Racing Miku and Team COX
In 2010, Team COX used Racing Miku, an official Hatsune Miku derivative, as their image in racing events. This was the first season with an official "Racing Miku" design.
January 2011: Sales Milestone
By January 2011, Hatsune Miku had sold 60,000 units, marking another sales milestone.
July 2, 2011: Hatsune Miku at Anime Expo 2011
On July 2, 2011, Hatsune Miku performed at the Nokia Theater at L.A. Live during Anime Expo 2011 in Los Angeles.
October 2011: Miku Recognized by Japanese Minister of Economy
In October 2011, Hatsune Miku received recognition from the Japanese Minister of Economy for her contribution to the advancement of information technology.
2011: Unique Snow Miku Designs Begin
Starting in 2011, unique Snow Miku designs were created each year for the Sapporo Winter Festival, with figurines being produced based on these designs.
2011: English Voicebank Announcement
In 2011, an English voicebank for Hatsune Miku was announced, although its release was delayed until 2013.
2011: 100,000 Hatsune Miku Songs
In 2011, it was confirmed that Hatsune Miku's voice had been used in 100,000 unique songs.
2011: Hatsune Miku in "Freezing" Anime
In 2011, a cover of the Hatsune Miku song "Color" was used as the opening theme for the anime series "Freezing".
2011: Racing Miku 2011 Season
In 2011, GSR and Studie with TeamUKYO sponsored the Racing Miku team. The Racing Miku design was created by Yuichi Murakami. The Racing Queens were Ayami, Tachibana Saki, and Haruka Aoi.
2011: US Marketing Focus
In 2011, Crypton Future Media began focusing on marketing Hatsune Miku to US audiences.
February 7, 2012: Snow Miku Sculpture Collapse
On February 7, 2012, a Snow Miku snow sculpture collapsed at the Sapporo Winter Festival, injuring a woman. The sculpture was later rebuilt.
February 2012: Black Rock Shooter Anime Series Airs
In February 2012, a televised anime series based on the character Black Rock Shooter aired.
March 2012: Estimated Economic Impact
In March 2012, the Nomura Research Institute estimated a significant economic impact from sales of Hatsune Miku-related goods.
December 2012: The End Opera Debut
In December 2012, Hatsune Miku and other Vocaloids starred in *The End*, an opera where they replaced human actors. The production was a collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs.
2012: Fluffy Coat Snow Miku
The 2012 Snow Miku design, "Fluffy Coat Snow Miku," was chosen through a contest.
2012: Racing Miku 2012 Season
The 2012 Racing Miku season continued with sponsorship from GSR and Studie with TeamUKYO. Gan designed the Racing Miku outfit. Tachibana Saki and Aoi Haruka returned as Racing Queens, joined by Sena Kougami and Ayana Sato.
2012: English Voicebank Delay
In 2012, the release of Hatsune Miku's English voicebank was delayed due to technical issues and the decision to move to the Vocaloid 3 platform.
2012: Return to Animelo Summer Live
In 2012, Hatsune Miku returned to Animelo Summer Live to perform "World is Mine" and "Tell Your World".
August 10, 2013: Performance at Summer Sonic 2013
Hatsune Miku performed at the Japanese rock festival Summer Sonic 2013 on August 10, 2013.
August 31, 2013: Hatsune Miku's Vocaloid 3 Release
On August 31, 2013, Hatsune Miku was released for Vocaloid 3, including an English vocal library. This marked a significant expansion of her capabilities and potential audience.
September 26, 2013: Hatsune Miku Vocaloid 3 Japanese Vocal Library Release
On September 26, 2013, the Japanese vocal library for Hatsune Miku Vocaloid 3 was released, featuring updates to most of the previous Vocaloid 2 vocals.
2013: Racing Miku 2013 Season
In 2013, Studie with TeamUKYO continued their sponsorship of Racing Miku. The Racing Miku design was by Mari Shimazaki, with official art by Saitom. Sena Kougami, Tsukasa Arai, and Elena Ishiguro were the Racing Queens. The sponsorship expanded to include Team Mirai in the Isle of Man TT, featuring a Racing Miku-designed bike. A "Sepang" version of the design was also released.
2013: Fei-Yen HD in Super Robot Wars UX
In 2013, a character named Fei-Yen HD, based on one of Hatsune Miku's modules, appeared in *Super Robot Wars UX*, voiced by Saki Fujita.
2013: Strawberry Daifuku Shiromuku Miku
The 2013 Snow Miku design was named "Strawberry Daifuku Shiromuku Miku".
March 12, 2014: Collaboration with Bump of Chicken
On March 12, 2014, Hatsune Miku and Bump of Chicken released a music video for the song "Ray", featuring the real band and Miku singing together in real time.
March 2014: Real-Time Collaboration Technology
In March 2014, Crypton Future Media developed technology that allowed for real-time collaboration between real bands and virtual characters like Hatsune Miku.
April 3, 2014: Pocket Miku Release
On April 3, 2014, Hatsune Miku's voice was integrated into a device called Pocket Miku.
June 3, 2014: Opening Act for Lady Gaga
Hatsune Miku was the opening act for Lady Gaga's ArtRave: The Artpop Ball tour from May 6 to June 3, 2014.
October 8, 2014: Debut on David Letterman
On October 8, 2014, Hatsune Miku made her American network television debut, performing "Sharing the World" on the Late Show with David Letterman.
2014: Magical Girl Snow Miku and Rabbit Yukine
The 2014 Snow Miku was a magical girl design by dera_fury, illustrated by "Nekosumi" and featuring the pet "Rabbit Yukine".
2014: Korg Miku Stomp and Just Dance Wii U Appearance
In 2014, Korg released "Miku Stomp," a guitar effects unit emulating Miku's voice. Additionally, Livetune's "Tell Your World," featuring Miku, was included in *Just Dance Wii U* in Japan.
2014: Racing Miku 2014 Season
For the 2014 season, Oguchi designed the Racing Miku outfit, which was inspired by Kill la Kill and designed by Koyama Shigeto. Shōji Kawamori contributed to the machine version of the design. Tsukasa Arai and Sena Kougami returned as Racing Queens, joined by Kelal Yamaura and Noa Mizutani.
July 23, 2015: Miku Announced for Persona 4: Dancing All Night
Hatsune Miku was announced as downloadable content (DLC) for *Persona 4: Dancing All Night* on July 23, 2015.
November 26, 2015: Miku in Aikatsu! Arcade Game
On November 26, 2015, Hatsune Miku became a collaborative idol in the second update of the 2016 *Aikatsu!* arcade game.
2015: Snow Bell Snow Miku
Nardack illustrated the 2015 Snow Miku design, known as "Snow Bell Snow Miku".
2015: Racing Miku 2015 Season
The 2015 Racing Miku design was based on a "Princess Knight" theme. Taiki created the illustration, Shigeto was the art director and designer, and Tsuyoshi Kusano designed the machine.
August 31, 2016: Hatsune Miku V4X/V4 English Release
On August 31, 2016, Hatsune Miku V4X/V4 English was released, featuring the new EVEC system for Piapro Studio, which allows for more nuanced vocal control.
2016: Racing Miku 2016 Season
The 2016 Racing Miku design incorporated elements from public submissions, with Mai Yoneyama creating the final illustration. Koyama Shigeto was the art director.
2016: Miku Expo 2016 Main Visual
Neco illustrated the main visual for Miku Expo 2016.
2016: Miku in LG G5 Commercial and Just Dance 2017
In 2016, a remix of "Ievan Polkka" was used in an LG G5 commercial. "PoPiPo" was also included in *Just Dance 2017*, featuring a dancer resembling Miku.
2016: Magical Mirai 2016 Main Visuals
In 2016, Len[A-7] illustrated the main visuals for Magical Mirai 2016.
2016: Hatsune Miku Expo with Anamanaguchi
In 2016, American electronic band Anamanaguchi opened for the Hatsune Miku Expo tour and recorded a single titled "Miku" featuring her.
March 2017: Miku Joins #COMPASS
In March 2017, Hatsune Miku was introduced as a playable character in the mobile game #COMPASS.
August 2017: Ricoh Theta SC Type Hatsune Miku Release
In August 2017, Ricoh celebrated Miku's 10th anniversary by releasing a limited edition 360° camera, the Ricoh Theta SC Type Hatsune Miku, featuring Miku imagery and related mobile apps.
August 31, 2017: Chiba City Website Celebrates Miku's 10th Anniversary
On August 31, 2017, the municipal government website for Chiba City temporarily changed its logo to resemble Hatsune Miku in celebration of her 10th anniversary. The city's flag was thought to resemble Miku's silhouette.
September 2017: Mandarin Chinese Voicebank Release
In September 2017, a Mandarin Chinese voicebank was released for Hatsune Miku, making her the first officially trilingual Vocaloid.
2017: Big Boi Samples Hatsune Miku Song
In 2017, Big Boi sampled Aura Qualic's song "DATA 2.0" featuring Hatsune Miku for his single "Kill Jill."
2017: Racing Miku 2017 Season
The 2017 Racing Miku season, the 10th anniversary, featured a fairy-like design by Tony, known for his work on the Shining series. Koyama Shigeto was the art director. As of 2023, this is the only Racing Miku design with fairy elements.
May 11, 2018: Collaboration with Slushii
The song "Through the Night," a collaboration between Hatsune Miku and Slushii, was released on May 11, 2018.
November 2018: Unofficial Marriage to Akihiko Kondo
In November 2018, Akihiko Kondo, a Japanese school administrator, held an unofficial wedding ceremony with a Hatsune Miku character. While the event garnered media attention, Crypton Future Media clarified that they were not involved in the wedding.
2018: "Weebmalion" Opera
In 2018, Hatsune Miku starred in the short opera buffa "Weebmalion", featuring a duet with a real tenor.
2018: "Love Ward" in Just Dance 2018
In 2018, OSTER project's "Love Ward" was featured in *Just Dance 2018* with a Miku-inspired dancer.
2018: Racing Miku 2018 Season
Hiro Kanzaki, illustrator of Oreimo and Eromanga Sensei, designed the 2018 Racing Miku. Kanzaki also composed the theme song, marking the first time the illustrator was also the composer. Koyama Shigeto was the art director.
2019: Departure from Yamaha's Vocaloid Engine
In 2019, Crypton Future Media announced that Hatsune Miku would be departing from Yamaha's Vocaloid engine for future development.
2019: Racing Miku 2019 Season
The 2019 Racing Miku was illustrated by annin doufu, known for The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls. Koyama Shigeto returned as the art director.
January 2020: Coachella 2020 Announcement
Hatsune Miku was announced as a performer at Coachella 2020 in January 2020, though the event was later cancelled.
June 4, 2020: Piapro Studio NT Prototype Release
On June 4, 2020, a prototype of Piapro Studio NT, the new engine for Hatsune Miku, was released.
November 27, 2020: Piapro Studio and Hatsune Miku NT Release
On November 27, 2020, the full version of Piapro Studio and Hatsune Miku NT were officially released.
December 11, 2020: Collaboration with Ashnikko
On December 11, 2020, a remixed version of Ashnikko's song "Daisy", titled "Daisy 2.0" and featuring Hatsune Miku, was released.
2020: Miku in Space Channel 5 VR DLC
In 2020, Hatsune Miku, under the name Space Channel 39 (or Space 39), appeared as DLC in *Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash*. This allowed players to dance with or battle Miku.
2020: Racing Miku 2020 Season
Len[A-7], the illustrator for Magical Mirai 2016, designed the 2020 Racing Miku. Koyama Shigeto continued as art director.
2021: Racing Miku 2021 Season
En Morikura, known for their work with Kizuna AI, illustrated the 2021 Racing Miku, focusing on circular and square design elements. Koyama Shigeto was the art director.
2022: Collaboration with Set It Off
In 2022, American rock band Set It Off featured Hatsune Miku in their single "Why Do I featuring Hatsune Miku."
2022: Miku Appears in Dropkick on My Devil! X
In 2022, Hatsune Miku appeared as a recurring guest character in the third anime season of *Dropkick on My Devil!*, voiced by Saki Fujita.
2022: Racing Miku 2022 Season
Neco, who also illustrated the Miku Expo 2016 main visual, designed the 2022 Racing Miku. Koyama Shigeto was the art director.
September 2023: Pokémon x Hatsune Miku Collaboration
In September 2023, a collaboration between Pokémon and Hatsune Miku was announced, featuring 18 illustrations and 18 songs with accompanying music videos.
2023: 10th Anniversary of Racing Miku noted
In 2023, the 2017 Racing Miku design was remembered as the only one with fairy-like elements, marking the 10th anniversary of the project.
2023: Racing Miku 2023 Season
Toridamono, known for their work on Atelier Ryza, illustrated the 2023 Racing Miku, with Koyama Shigeto returning as art director. The design aimed for a "back to basics" approach.
January 2024: Coachella 2024 Announcement
Hatsune Miku was announced as a performer for Coachella 2024 in January 2024.
April 2024: Hatsune Miku x Magic The Gathering
A collaboration between Hatsune Miku and Magic The Gathering was revealed in April 2024, resulting in six Miku-themed cards for the game.
April 2024: Hatsune Miku in Like a Dragon and Crypt of the Necrodancer
In April 2024, two songs from Hatsune Miku Colorful Stage! were included in Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth, and Miku DLC, featuring her songs, was added to Crypt of the Necrodancer.
August 1, 2024: Piapro Characters Super Pack Announcement
On August 1, 2024, Sonicwire announced the upcoming release of the Piapro Characters Super Pack and anticipated updates for Hatsune Miku V6 AI and Hatsune Miku NT.
August 30, 2024: Piapro Characters Super Pack Release
On August 30, 2024, Sonicwire released the Piapro Characters Super Pack.