Hatsune Miku

Virtual Pop Star & Vocaloid Pioneer | Japan

Hatsune Miku is the world's most famous virtual pop star—a pioneering Vocaloid character who has transcended the boundaries of what a digital performer can achieve. Created by Crypton Future Media in 2007, Miku began as a voice synthesizer software but evolved into a global phenomenon. Her name means "first sound of the future," and she has lived up to that promise, selling out hologram concerts worldwide, from Tokyo to Los Angeles, London to New York. Miku represents the democratization of music—her songs are created by thousands of producers worldwide, making her a truly crowdsourced pop star. With her iconic twin turquoise pigtails, she has become a cultural icon, appearing in video games, merchandise, and collaborations with brands like Toyota and Google. She has performed at Coachella and opened for Lady Gaga, cementing her status as a legitimate music industry phenomenon.