The upcoming MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ) ceremony, set to occur in Kyoto this May, aims to highlight the influence and innovation of Japanese music on an international scale. Hosted by the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), the event introduces over 60 categories to honor various aspects of the music industry, including prestigious awards such as Song of the Year and Artist of the Year. Among these, a special focus is placed on the Best Vocaloid Culture Song category, which recognizes the creative use of voice synthesizer technology. By analyzing global streaming data, trends in Vocaloid usage reveal regional preferences for different virtual singers, with Hatsune Miku leading globally but Kasane Teto gaining prominence in Japan. The article delves into how Vocaloid music transcends borders, appealing differently across continents.
Organized under the theme "Connecting the world, illuminating the future of music," MAJ marks its debut as the largest music awards in Japan. This grand event, initiated by CEIPA, unites five major entities within the Japanese music sector. As part of its comprehensive recognition system, the awards cover diverse genres and creators. In particular, Vocaloid songs have captured significant attention due to their unique blend of technology and artistry. From February 2024 to January 2025, submissions were evaluated based on their global appeal, culminating in March when nominations were officially announced.
Analyzing global streaming patterns provides insight into Vocaloid's popularity. Data indicates that Hatsune Miku dominates overseas audiences, representing more than half of all Vocaloid streams outside Japan. Within Japan, her share drops slightly to 34%, indicating regional variations in preference. Notably, Kasane Teto has surged in popularity since Synthesizer V AI introduced her in April 2023, becoming the second most utilized voicebank after Miku. Other prominent contributors include Kagamine Len, Megurine Luka, IA, Kaai Yuki, KAFU, Zundamon, and Adachi Rei.
Vocaloid music enjoys substantial international support, accounting for 59% of streams in the Best Vocaloid Culture Song category compared to 25% in the broader Song of the Year category. Regional analysis highlights distinct tastes; while Latin American countries favor rhythmic tracks featuring Miku, East Asian nations like South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia exhibit diversified preferences incorporating alternative voicebanks. For instance, Kanaria’s “KING” using GUMI resonates well in certain areas, showcasing the genre's adaptability beyond traditional boundaries.
The nominees for the Best Vocaloid Culture Song award exemplify this diversity through works such as Sasuke Haraguchi’s “Igaku,” Yoshida Yasei’s “Override,” Kurousa P’s “Senbonzakura,” Hiiragi Magnetite’s “Tetoris,” and Satsuki’s “Mesmerizer.” These selections underscore both technical mastery and emotional expression achieved via voice synthesis software. With the ceremony approaching, anticipation builds regarding which creation will epitomize Vocaloid culture moving forward.
Beyond recognizing individual achievements, MAJ fosters dialogue about the evolving landscape of digital music production. As Vocaloid continues expanding its reach, influencing artists worldwide, it exemplifies how technological advancements can democratize artistic expression. Through celebrating these contributions annually, MAJ ensures ongoing exploration and appreciation of what defines contemporary music today.