Hatsune Miku first appeared in 2007 as a Vocaloid character created by Crypton Future Media in Japan. s were able to use Miku’s voice to create their own songs, making her a pioneering virtual pop star. While Miku has spent the last few decades as a musical icon, she’s now venturing into the world of anime, and the results so far are impressive indeed.

Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing, the twin-tailed Vocaloid’s first anime film has recently sured the one-billion-yen mark in ticket sales—roughly equivalent to $6.62 million. This milestone certifies the Miku movie as a hit in Japanese theaters, where it has consistently ranked in the top ten for five weeks and counting. The film’s character designer, Yuki Akiyama, also celebrated the Miku movie’s success with a new character sketch, also shared on X.

Animation Magic

A Musical Journey

Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing was animated by studio P.A. Works (Shirobako). It was inspired by the story and characters of SEGA’s Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage! rhythm game. The film centers on Ichika, a high school musician with the rare ability to enter a mysterious realm called "SEKAI," where she and her friends reveal their innermost feelings through music alongside Hatsune Miku.

After a live performance, Ichika encounters a new version of Miku unlike any she has seen before. Despite her best efforts, this new Miku struggles to connect with her loyal audience and move hearts. To rediscover her lost voice, Miku must rely on the of those around her.

Behind the Scenes

North American Debut

Voice actress Saki Fujita—who first supplied Miku’s voice for the original Vocaloid software—also performs the role of Miku in the Colorful Stage film. Other notable staff include director Hiroyuki Hata (The Ancient Magus' Bride). Together, they helped bring Miku to the big screen with a certified hit film.

Now, Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing is set to dazzle North America with a theatrical release starting on April 11, 2025. Fans can expect a film featuring detailed animation, a carefully curated soundtrack, and a storyline that builds on Hatsune Miku’s established musical legacy. Will it be as big a hit as it was in Japan? We’ll have to wait and see.

Source: Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing on X (Formally Twitter)