Now let’s look at the talk show and mini live concert given by Kimura Yu, a VOCALOID fan and top model from the teenage magazine KERA, and Haigo Meiko, singer-songwriter who was the voice behind the first VOCALOID “MEIKO”. The energetic performance by Kimura Yu-chan really got the audience going. And Haigo Meiko gave an insight in to the behind the scenes production of MEIKO – a precious experience for those who were lucky enough to be there.

Kimura Yu-chan made her appearance on stage right after the ASIA VOCALOID finals. Being a former KAWAII Ambassador for Japan, she seemed particular about her outfit. She wore a pink-based costume in the image of Hatsune Miku. But today she was appearing as Kimura Yu the artist and she bounced back and forth across the stage, and her petite figure gave a performance brimming with energy. She finished up her stage with “Tokyo Cinderella-ron”, a song that Yu has recorded the Hatsune Miku version on her CD. That’s how much she loves VOCALOID. She commented that, “Being part of this event is like a dream come true and I was so thrilled to be on that stage.” Yu met many of her fans at the CD sale booth after the concert.

The second guest appearing in the talk show was Haigo Meiko, who’s voice was sampled and used in the first ever Japanese language VOCALOID “MEIKO”. Meiko shared with us the behind the scenes stories commenting that, “MEIKO’s recording was not like recording a song. I didn’t get to hear the finished product, I just kept recording words for about two hours – it was like I was casting a spell – so I was a bit bewildered at first.”

“When I heard the finished product for the first time it was a strange feeling. It was like my voice had let go of my hand and could dance to a many different songs. I had no idea that this was how it was going to end up. It was a real surprise. I am really thankful that it worked out like this.” It seems that Haigo-san was surprised at how far and wide the VOCALOID popularity has spread.

After the talk show Meiko put on a mini live concert. She “Wanted to do a collaboration with MEIKO”, and performed “Kanashimi Closet” with a MEIKO chorus. Her powerful, clear voice reverberated throughout the venue and it drew me right in. It reconfirmed the reason why MEIKO’s voice is loved by so many.

After the event was over we heard comments like, “Fukuoka was fantastic, The atmosphere at the venue and backstage was electric. I’m so proud that I could be part of the popular VOCALOID scene. I was so happy so many came to my concert. Thank you all so much”. It was only a short stay in Fukuoka for the performers but they all got to try Fukuoka’s famous food ramen and mentaiko.

We asked Meiko what was her favorite MEIKO song that was cut from the concert playlist. To which she answered “Get Lost”. Next time I would like to hear Haigo-san sing a self-cover (?). About the VOCALOID players mingled together backstage, Meiko said, “ It was great fun talking to and having photos taken with those who came from other parts of Asia. This circle of friendship continues to grow and it is wonderful to know that we can make true friends through music and dance.”

Until now there have been few opportunities to talk about VOCALOID directly, making these interviews a rare insight into the scene. After Haigo-san’s concert and CD sales booth appearance she went straight back to Tokyo, making it a hard day’s work. We were so happy to be able to meet her in Fukuoka. Thank you, Meiko-san!
text:maikey

VOCALOID is a registered trademark of the YAMAHA Co., Ltd.
“Hatsune Miku”“MEIKO”are registered trademarks of CRYPTON FUTURE MEDIA INC.