MikuMikuDance (software)
MikuMikuDance is a 3D-CG software that creates computer animation by manipulating preset 3D models of characters. It was created by Yu Higuchi and is abbreviated as MMD. In addition to using 3D models of Vocaloid characters such as Hatsune Miku by default, it is possible to import original character models and accessories. Many 3D models for MMD have been made by volunteers.
Although it is named MikuMikuDance after Hatsune Miku, the software was the brainchild of Higuchi, who has made it completely free-to-use. Though the software is recognized by Crypton Future Media, the distributor of Hatsune Miku, it is not a product from the company and while not officially sanctioned by Crypton, they still allow users to enjoy it.
The Vocaloid models provided by the software are subject to the Piapro Character License meaning they are not allowed to be used without permission for commercial reasons.
Since May 26, 2011, regular updates to the software ceased. Its creator, Higuchi stated that he wanted to leave updates to the community however he has since not yet released the source code. After receiving backlash for this, Higuchi decided to resume updates but with far less frequency. The current version 9.32 was released in December 2019.
A new software, MikuMikuMoving (MMM), was created by other fans and is considered the spiritual successor to MMD. MMM is unique in that, on top of the feature-rich MMD, it also includes new file formats exclusive to the software, as well as support for the Oculus Rift headset. This means that instead of handling the animation using a keyboard and mouse, the software can track the motions of an Oculus Rift user, and then create animations based on their actions. In this way, animations are far more realistic and smoother compared to traditional MMD animations.
Features
Upon the first launch of the software, beginners unfamiliar with 3D-CG can immediately create animations using the included 3D models. The software uses DirectX for real-time performance rendering. There is also a feature within MMD to automatically create a lip-sync animation by reading the VSQ project file that the Vocaloid software uses for vocal creation. In this way, animators can simply focus on creation keyframes for body motion without worrying about lip-sync.
Since this software is specialized for creating animations, additional software is required for the creation or modification of model data. Any 3D modeling software that handles the PMX file format will be able to be used to create a 3D model, which can then be imported into MMD directly.
Besides being completely free-to-use, one of the main reasons fans enjoy using MMD is that the software itself is robust, portable, and lightweight, yet it is fewer than 10 MB whereas paid 3D animation software regularly breaches 1 GB of software data.
Character Models
The following is a list of default character models as of Ver.8.10.
- Hatsune Miku
- Kagamine Rin
- Kagamine Len
- Akita Neru
- Yowane Haku
- Sakine Meiko
- KAITO
- MEIKO
- Megurine Luka (new to Ver.8.10)
Popularity
Since its creation, MikuMikuDance has been frequently used for the creation of music video animations for thousands of songs, some of which have reached massive popularity in Japan (high ranking on the Oricon music charts) and overseas. Its ease of use for the creation of animations was cited as the main reason musicians chose to create animated videos compared to standard illustration-based music videos, or recorded video footage. At its peak popularity, over 80% of all Hatsune Miku videos that were uploaded to Nico Nico Douga or YouTube used the software, cementing its place in the Vocaloid legacy.
Many people who started using MikuMikuDance to learn animation have continued with the industry, some finding professional music video jobs within the music industry while others work in games or animation. A series of MMD-based animations in the late 2000s had been created in the form of Virtual YouTubers, such as Kizuna AI, which started a new wave of popularity for the software and its 3D model editing equivalents.
Links
Official Website
Nico Nico Douga
Wikipedia - VOCALOID
Wikipedia - VOCALOID Derivative Characters
Bullet (MMD's physics engine)