KAITO Celebrates 20 Years: Global Call for Music and Art Submissions

KAITO, the pioneering Japanese male VOCALOID, marks its 20th anniversary on February 17, 2026. Developed by Crypton Future Media, KAITO was the first Japanese male voice library for VOCALOID software, released in 2006. The character's name was chosen through a public contest.

To commemorate this milestone, Crypton Future Media is inviting global submissions of music and illustrations themed around KAITO's 20-year journey. Selected works will be featured in upcoming KAITO 20th Anniversary projects. Submissions are open until February 27, 2026, via the piapro platform.

KAITO was Crypton's second VOCALOID project, following the female VOCALOID MEIKO. Using Yamaha's first-generation VOCALOID engine, KAITO became the world's first software to synthesize Japanese male vocals. The voice behind KAITO, provided by professional singer Naoto Fuga, has remained consistent from its initial release to the latest software updates.

The rise of platforms like Nico Nico Douga in 2006 and YouTube's Japanese service in 2007 helped propel KAITO and MEIKO into the spotlight. Hatsune Miku's 2007 release popularized VOCALOID characters globally.

KAITO appears in merchandise and 3D CG concerts worldwide. KAITO V3 was released in 2013, with further updates in the 2024 Piapro Characters Super Pack.

The 20th anniversary celebrations will kick off with a special webpage launching on February 17, 2026. For more details on the submission process, visit the official collaboration page.

Source: PR Times via クリプトン・フューチャー・メディア株式会社