Since releasing his first VOCALOID song on Niconico Douga in 2009, Vocaloid-P PinocchioP has been a major force in the scene. In 2024, to celebrate his 15th anniversary, he is embarking on 'MONSTRO,' his largest national tour to date. We sat down with him to discuss what to expect from the tour, which kicks off at Zepp Sapporo, as he reflects on his career and shares his current state of mind.

A Warm Welcome on Niconico Douga From His Very First Post

PinocchioP

――Congratulations on your 15th anniversary! How are you feeling right now?

I never thought I'd be able to keep this up for so long. Back in high school, I did some home recording with just my guitar, but when I started as a Vocaloid-P, I didn't really understand music theory. I had no idea what compressors or equalizers were. I learned by communicating with other creators in the culture at the time, asking them how to use things and getting their advice.

――What was your mindset in the early days of your career?

When I made my first post, I was worried I'd get harsh comments, but everyone was so welcoming. The thumbnail for that video was of Hatsune Miku with a long nose, so people started calling me 'PinocchioP'... Before that, I'd never had a bunch of strangers praise something I made, so it was incredibly encouraging. That made me happy, so I posted a second song, and then a third. Each time, I received warm comments, which became the driving force for me to continue.

――Was there a turning point in your career?

The turning point was in April 2009. My early songs would get double-digit 'My List' registrations, but my 10th song, 'eight hundred,' reached four digits. That's when I thought that maybe I could create something that could move people's hearts.

In high school, my hobby was writing songs and having my friends listen to them. At first, they found it amusing, but I was so persistent that they started to get annoyed (laughs). I never had the experience of people enjoying my songs. By posting on Niconico Douga, I could feel my music reaching a scope I had never imagined. Until then, I had only been making music for myself, but I started to become conscious of conveying something to the people who were listening.

'eight hundred feat. Hatsune Miku'

The Message in the Music and the Moment He Started Thinking About Live Shows

――Last year, you released the album 'META.' What was the reaction like?

PinocchioP 6th Album 'META'

The theme of that album was 'creating songs by becoming something other than myself.' While it involved 'imitation = doing things unlike myself,' I hoped people would feel that I was still at the core of it. The tracks 'Egoist' and 'META' in particular strongly embodied this theme, so I was happy when fans who came to the release event mentioned those two songs. I felt that the message got through to those who were receptive to it.

――The track 'God-ish' (Kamippoi na), released in 2021, also became a hot topic when Ado covered it, right?

Some people thought the lyrics were criticizing Ado's 'Usseewa,' but I actually intended to portray the people who were imitating it. The theme of 'God-ish' was to depict various perspectives, but I think it might have been hard to understand. However, when I watched Ado's cover video, it was exactly 'something-ish.' She changed her vocal tone for each part and section, and I could feel her singing in a way that was 'like that person.' She sang it with an understanding of the message I put into the song, which I found really interesting and was very happy about.

'God-ish feat. Hatsune Miku'

――You've been consistently releasing music for 15 years. What motivates you to keep creating with Vocaloid?

I've been making music with Miku for 15 years now, and I strongly feel that my songs wouldn't have reached anyone without her. Lyrics that might sound too harsh if sung by a human vocalist seem to work because Miku sings them. I did try a solo project where I sang myself, but I feel I can make better songs with Vocaloid, and I think making music with Vocaloid is what suits me best.

――Your live shows feature a style where you and Hatsune Miku perform duets, like a collaboration. Did you always plan to perform in this style?

I hadn't thought about it at all originally. I started performing live in 2015, and at first, I was anxious about what a live show with Vocaloid would even be like. Initially, I would just play the tracks and stay offstage, having an acquaintance in a gold full-body suit dance in my place as a sort of 'distraction from myself.' But I realized that felt dishonest.

So, at one point, I decided to go on stage and sing myself. Seeing the 'Whoa!' expressions on everyone's faces made me finally feel like I was performing a real live show. Since then, I've been performing in my current style, and I've also started to create songs with live performances in mind. The album 'HUMAN' (2016) had the theme of 'the fusion of human and Vocaloid,' which was also influenced by my live activities.

'Gozouroppu' Live Video