Hatsune Miku x Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble (2017)/Special Live 2018
Hatsune Miku x Kodo Special Live Performance was the encore collaboration featuring virtual singer Hatsune Miku and Kodo Taiko at NHK Hall on March 4 and 5, 2017. The event was part of the “Tokyo Olympic Official Program” which aims at spreading the charm of Japanese culture and as a lead-up event for the Olympics in 2020. It was a collaboration featuring a virtual singer made using the world’s leading digital technologies and a traditional Japanese group that presents a glimpse of traditional culture through the sound of taiko drums. The performance was a mixture of classical Japanese music with more contemporary music.
Hatsune Miku x Kodo Special Live Performance 2018
Due to the huge success of the event in the previous year, “Hatsune Miku x Kodo Special Live Performance 2018”, in association with NHK BS4K and NHK World Japan, was held in Tokyo once again in June 2018. Currently, NHK BS4K is only available for viewers in Japan but viewers can rewatch the concert on NHK World Japan from outside of the country. The event was broadcast again in December.
The performance was held at NHK Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo. Tickets were available from April via the ticketing website Pia and cost between 6,500 and 7,500 yen. All ticket holders were given a limited-edition glowstick and random sticker upon entering the venue.
Limited-edition merchandise was also available. The traditional long-sleeve happi went on sale for 6,000 yen and sold out within 30 minutes, a Hatsune Miku and Kodo collaboration folding fan (1,500 yen) also sold out quickly. Also available were money pouches, T-shirts, clear files, carry bag, and wrapping cloth.
Performance
Rehearsals lasted for a couple of months leading up to the performance in a backstage room. The lack of space meant that sounds from all musical instruments could be heard by everyone which helped in matching the timing with each other.
Kodo is a professional taiko drumming performance group based in Sado Island, Japan. The group specializes in taiko drumming and performs mainly in Japan, but has also performed in areas like Europe and the United States. Along with the group members themselves, other Vocaloids such as Megurine Luka, Kagamine Len, Kagamine Rin were also featured as the event's guest performers. A wide arrange of producers were also involved in running the event and planning, including 40mP, DECO*27, Mikito-P, ryo, wowaka, absorb, etc. Many of Hatsune Miku’s hit songs were performed, such as ワールドイズマイン (World is Mine), 初音ミクの消失 -DEAD END- (Hatsune Miku no Shoushitsu -DEAD END-), 千本桜 (Senbonzakura) and エイリアンエイリアン (Alien Alien) in conjunction to the beats of taiko drums.
The performance lasted for approximate 1 hour and 30 minutes to a sold-out arena.
Performers
Musician: MKP39
Drums: Kosuke “Camacho” Kamata
Bass: Tsuguhito Konno
Guitar: Takahiro Kisawa
Keyboard: MEG.ME
Reaction
Reactions online were generally positive. Many praised the natural way that Miku sounded when she was speaking as well. Regarding the Kodo band, fans overseas praised the energy that Kodo showed especially during the fast-paced song Hatsune Miku no Shoushitsu. Additionally, fans noticed that there were more costume changes for Miku when compared to other concerts such as Hatsune Miku Magical Mirai.
Overseas fans who are unable to attend the event often request that there be a blu-ray or digital release of it, so that they can experience the production in any way possible. Although global interest is present, the producers of the event have yet to announce any such plans.
Documentary
NHK released a 49-minute long documentary covering the event entirely in English. Mixed into clips of the performance was information about the beginnings of the taiko group and what it means to be a Vocaloid producer. The documentary discusses how Miku herself became popular and the lead-up to the rise of her fellow Vocaloids. There are ample interviews with some of the popular producers who helped organize the event DECO*27, Livetune, MikitoP, and wowaka.