- The Vocaloid is a computer-synthesised singing voice software that comes with a virtual avatar
- Practise your English with our short listening exercises: play the audio linked below; answer the questions; and check the answers at the bottom of the page
A figure of Hatsune Miku is displayed at an event in Tokyo celebrating the Vocaloid’s 16th “birthday”. Photo: APQuestions
1. Complete the following sentences using information from the podcast.
Hatsune Miku is (i) _______ centimetres tall and weighs (ii) _______ kilograms. She is (iii) _______ years old and wears long aqua-coloured (iv) _______.
2. What does the phrase “legions of fans” mean?
A. a group of young audience members
B. a temporary and fleeting fan base
C. a large group of devoted followers
D. a small group of supporters
3. Which of the following statements is true about Hatsune Miku?
(1) She is famous in Japan.
(2) She has a virtual avatar.
(3) She is a very popular dancer.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. all of the above
4. How did fans celebrate the 16th anniversary of Miku’s release?
A. They wrote a song for her.
B. They held a virtual exhibition.
C. They attended her concert.
D. They invented vocal software.
5. Which word has a similar meaning to “bobbed” in the podcast?
A. based
B. moved
C. attended
D. showcased
6. What did Koyo Mikami love about Miku’s voice?
A. It did not sound human.
B. It’s projected as a hologram.
C. It’s created using Vocaloid software.
D. It’s accompanied by human musicians.
7. What does Miku’s name mean in Japanese?
A. “doe-eyed virtual idol”
B. “Japan’s most famous voice”
C. “high-pitched, cutesy”
D. “first note from the future”
8. According to the podcast, what does the Vocaloid software application need in order to work?
(1) a real vocalist
(2) inputs of melody
(3) lyrics in Japanese
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. all of the above
9. Which famous Japanese composers have used Vocaloids in their music?
(1) Hatsune Miku
(2) Yoasobi
(3) Kenshi Yonezu
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. none of the above
10. What does Miku’s merchandise suggest about her success?
A. Her success is only in the music world.
B. Her brand has been successful in selling a wide range of products.
C. Her products are not very popular.
D. information not given
11. According to the podcast, which of the following is true about Miku’s hits?
A. They have been shared by many people online.
B. They are limited to CD and DVD releases.
C. They’re only available in Toyko and Kyoto.
D. all of the above
12. Which of the following is an alternative headline for this podcast?
A. Hatsune Miku: the virtual idol who never gets old
B. Hatsune Miku: the voice of a new generation
C. Hatsune Miku: a virtual idol who has changed the music industry
D. all of the above
Answers
1. (i) 158; (ii) 42; (iii) 16; (iiii) ponytails
2. C
3. A
4. C
5. B
6. A
7. D
8. C
9. C
10. B
11. A
12. C
Script
Adapted from Associated Press
Voice 1: Hatsune Miku is 158 centimetres tall and weighs 42 kilograms. She has always been 16 years old and worn long aqua-coloured ponytails. She is also Japan’s most famous Vocaloid – a computer-synthesised singing voice software that, in her case, comes with a virtual avatar.
Voice 2: Legions of fans celebrated the 16th anniversary of Miku’s release last month with events including a virtual exhibition and songwriting to showcase her standard high-pitched, cutesy voice. Thousands of people packed a concert hall in a Tokyo suburb to watch their virtual idol dance and sing while accompanied by human musicians.
Voice 1: The audience bobbed colourful light sticks in time to the music, with some people dressed like the doe-eyed Miku. As laser beams flashed about, the cheering crowd, who knew the songs and the choreographed moves by heart, performed them in unison. A human-size hologram of Miku was projected at the centre of a dark stage as though she was really there. Koyo Mikami, 16, one of Miku’s fans who attended the concert, said that he loved how her voice did not sound human.
Voice 2: Miku’s name translates to “first note from the future”. Her voice is synthesised based on the voice of Saki Fujita, a human singer, actor and voice actor. The Vocaloid software application works by taking inputs of melody and Japanese language lyrics and outputting the music with Miku as the vocalist.
Voice 1: Creators who make music with Vocaloids are called “Vocalo-P” in Japan, with the “p” standing for “producer”. Some have gone on to become superstars in Japan, including the duo Yoasobi and singer Kenshi Yonezu.
Voice 2: Miku’s hits, including on her own official YouTube channel which has drawn 2.5 million subscribers, have been widely shared online. She has had CDs, DVDs and video games focused on fun rhythms co-produced with Sega, as well as cosmetic products plastered with her name and portraits of her drawn on T-shirts by famous manga artists.