Vocaloid fans flew from all over the United States (and even abroad) for a chance to see digital diva Hatsune Miku "in person", and she definitely did not disappoint!

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Prior to the "Mikunopolis" concert, a special Vocaloid press conference was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring Vocaloid music creator Onyx Kobayashi and Crypton marketing representative, Sasaki Wataru. The press conference gave both new and long-time fans alike a "behind-the-scenes" look at the popular program.

During the press conference, Sasaki went over "APPEND", a Hatsune Miku expansion pack that allows musicians to use different sound banks for a more natural and flexible Vocaloid experience. Fans were able to sample the APPEND expansion by listening to several different clips from Japanese Vocaloid producers; they also heard Onyx's opinion about the new feature as a "Vocarupi" (or Vocaloid user).

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While the press conference was certainly interesting to follow, all eyes were looking toward the "Mikunopolis" concert at the Nokia Theater the next day. Anime Expo attendees strolled over to wait in line, only to discover that some of Miku's hardcore fans were already there and that the lines stretched farther than the eye could see.

Once inside, fans waited anxiously for the concert to begin. Hundreds of Vocaloid fans cosplayed their favorite character, with some even creating their own leek glowsticks from items purchased at the theater. The energy in the room cranked to a new level after Danceroid - a dance group that performs and sings to Vocaloid songs - entertained fans with a pre-show performance.

After about half an hour, Danny Choo came onto the stage, and the theater started to buzz excitedly. "We're waiting for a few more comrades," said the MC as he walked around the stage. "Should we wait or start?"

The crowd immediately burst into chants of "Miku! Miku!", a sure sign that the audience was ready to begin as soon as possible. The lights shut off, and the cheers turned into howls� as Hatsune Miku's Toyota commercial played on screens, acting as a grand prelude before the concert finally began.

The entire venue exploded as soon as Miku's hologram appeared on screen, dancing energetically to the tune, "Project Diva Desu." Clad in her distinctive uniform, the digital superstar led the crowd through live band versions of the popular Vocaloid songs, "World Is Mine", "Electric Angel", and "Koi Suru Voc@loid�, before sinking beneath the stage.

Miku re-appeared in a cute �red riding hood� outfit for the song �Clover Club�, then changed twice for the upbeat tune �Poppippo!� and �Cinderella and Romeo".

After performing "Uraomote Lovers", Miku paused for a bit to introduce her bandmates, real musicians who were performing alongside her hologram projection. Her drummer, guitarists, keyboard player, and string section each gave their own shout-out through a mini solo, sending the audience into a frenzy of cheers and clapping. Once she finished introducing her band, the Vocaloid continued her concert with the songs "Puzzle", �VOiCE�, �1/6�, �moon�, and �Hatsune Miku no Shoushitsu� (The Disappearance of Hatsune Miku), changing her costume on a whim to suit the mood of her performance.

The concert also included the appearance of several other Vocaloids. Kagamine Rin and Kagamine Len came on stage to perform the song �Migikata no Chou� ("Butterfly on Your Right Shoulder") together, followed by Kagamine Rin with �Meltdown�, Megurine Luka with the upbeat song �Just Be Friends�, and a collaboration performance of �World�s End Dancehall� featuring Miku and Luka.

Following Luka and Miku�s performance, the lights went out completely. �Thanks for coming today! Arigatou!� said Miku to the crowd before pushing on with �From Y to Y�, �Saihate�, �Finder -DSLR remix-re:edit�, �SPiCa�, �Ai Kotoba�, and �StargazeR�.

After performing the final song �Hajimete no Oto�, the digital diva bowed to the crowd, wrapping up her sold-out concert for Anime Expo 2011.



Photography by: Kevin Chang & Alex Gao