A Special Program for Sapporo, an Unforgettable Time for Fans

This will be the first performance held in Sapporo

—This time, it's the first-ever performance in Sapporo, a city with deep ties to Hatsune Miku.

Ikeda: It's deeply moving. Every year, we received requests to hold it in Sapporo. If we were going to do it in Sapporo, we wanted to hold it during the "Snow Miku" season, which made scheduling even more difficult. I'm truly happy that we were fortunate enough to hold it in the milestone 10th-anniversary year. This Sapporo performance will be a pure classical concert style with only live music. Saki Fujita, the character voice for Hatsune Miku, will also join as the MC. I was born in Hokkaido and my family lives in Sapporo, so this holds a special meaning for me.

Voice actress Saki Fujita, who will MC the Sapporo performance (Photo: Toshimitsu Kokufuda)

—Of course, we're curious about the program. Will there be any pieces performed only in Sapporo...?

Ikeda: In our past concerts, we've had various composers write theme songs for us. For this 10th anniversary, we commissioned Mitchie M, who composed the first year's theme song "Mirai Jokyoku," to write this year's theme, "Play On." The Sapporo performance will be its world premiere. Also, the main highlight is that we will perform a medley of all the official Snow Miku theme songs from 2014 to 2024. This will only be performed at the Sapporo concert, and the medley is a spectacular performance lasting nearly 20 minutes. I really hope everyone enjoys it.

(Photo: Toshimitsu Kokufuda)

—Having gained so many fans and reached the 10th anniversary, the presence of conductor Hirofumi Kurita must have been significant, wouldn't you say?

Conductor Hirofumi Kurita (Photo: Toshimitsu Kokufuda)

Ikeda: Absolutely, he is a cornerstone of this concert. He's an indispensable part of its history. He has a great sense of humor and has captured the hearts of the fans, but above all, his performances are passionate. I believe it was that passion that allowed him to be accepted by the fans who are so enthusiastic about Hatsune Miku. Mr. Kurita himself is very busy with various other concerts besides Hatsune Miku, and I want to express my respect for him leading the Hatsune Miku Symphony stage for 10 years, and also say, I look forward to continuing to work with you! I hear he enjoys a drink, so I'd love to chat with him about Hatsune Miku Symphony and personal things at a post-performance party or something (laughs).

—Finally, please share your enthusiasm for the 10th-anniversary concert, which kicks off with the first-ever performance in Sapporo.

Ikeda: I'm delighted that we can hold our first Sapporo performance at the timing of our 10th anniversary. Sapporo is a major tourist city, and within that, it's also a cultural city where cultures like Hatsune Miku have taken root, as you can see at the airport and elsewhere. I hope this concert can contribute to Sapporo's culture. Since it's our first time, I'm both excited and anxious, but I am determined to make it a success.

"Hatsune Miku Symphony 2025" Performance Schedule

Hatsune Miku Symphony 2025 Sapporo Performance

■Date: February 11, 2025 (Tue/Holiday)
■Venue: Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara (1-15 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
■Time:
・Matinee Performance: Doors open 13:00 / Starts 14:00 (Matinee is SOLD OUT)
・Evening Performance: Doors open 17:30 / Starts 18:30
■Tickets: S Seat ¥9,900, A Seat ¥8,800, P Seat ¥5,500, U-18 Seat ¥3,900
■Inquiries: info@wess.co.jp (WESS)

For details, please check the official website below.
Miku Symphony 2025 Special Site

Interview and text by Kyohei Yamashita