Summary of Popular and Classic Songs That Colored the Vocaloid Scene of the Heisei Era
Since the arrival of Hatsune Miku in 2007, countless masterpieces have emerged in the Vocaloid scene.
From love songs and anthems of encouragement to darker tracks, and spanning every genre—pop, rock, dance music, hip-hop, and more—Vocaloid music covers it all.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of songs born in the Heisei era that helped establish the popularity of the Vocaloid scene.
Even now, long after their release, these beloved works continue to be cherished—be sure to give them a listen!
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Summary of Popular and Classic Songs That Colored the Heisei-Era Vocaloid Scene (1–10)
Sand PlanetBee
A story about seeking new hope in a desolate desert.
It’s a work released by Kenshi Yonezu under the name Hachi.
It was unveiled in July 2017 as the theme song for Hatsune Miku’s 10th anniversary event, “Magical Mirai 2017.” It was later included on the album BOOTLEG.
The lyrics, which juxtapose the evolution of Vocaloid culture with the past and present of Niconico, invite deep reflection.
The blend of nostalgia for the past and hope for the future is truly moving.
Please give this song a listen and let it bring back memories of that time.
Senbonzakurakuro usagi P
When it comes to Vocaloid songs, this is probably the first one that comes to many people’s minds! Senbonzakura, the smash hit by Kurousa-P, was released on Niconico in 2011.
It sparked an explosive boom, expanding into novels, manga, a musical, and even a kabuki performance.
It also made waves when it was used in a Toyota commercial.
Its Taisho retro-flavored mixture rock sound grabbed listeners’ hearts.
Back during the height of the craze, fans were even saying things like, “Let’s make this our national anthem.”
Dear Doppelgängerkemu
A song with a captivating, mysterious, and alluring worldview that begins with an encounter with one’s exact double.
Released by kemu in 2017, it features breakneck rhythms and a heavy guitar sound.
GUMI’s clear, straightforward vocals vividly color the story.
Through an exchange with a doppelgänger that gradually steals the protagonist’s place, the lyrics explore universal themes of identity instability and self-discovery.
If you like mixture rock, this will absolutely hit the mark!
Compilation of Popular and Classic Songs That Colored the Heisei-Era Vocaloid Scene (11–20)
Hated by life.Iori Kanzaki
This is a work that depicts emotions wavering between life and death with overwhelming expressive power.
It is one of Iori Kanzaki’s signature songs, released in August 2017.
In 2021, it drew attention when Mafumafu covered it at the 72nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The driving melody blends perfectly with lyrics that deliver a scathing critique of modern society.
The words also convey the dignity of clinging to life—even when consumed by negative emotions.
It’s a must-listen when you feel lost in life or want to reflect on the value of life.
Meltryo
It’s one of the iconic songs from the very early days of the Vocaloid scene.
Composed by ryo, who is active as the composer for the creator unit supercell, it was released in 2007.
With lyrics brimming with the sweet-and-sour feelings for someone you love, there’s no way it won’t make your heart skip a beat.
Back then, the standard way to make a Vocaloid song was to “have the Vocaloid sing the Vocaloid’s own feelings,” but in this track, the protagonist isn’t Hatsune Miku—it’s a single girl in love.
The way it invites you to imagine what might happen next in her relationship, adding a sense of imagination and storytelling, may be one of the reasons it became a hit.
MatryoshkaBee
Its lively, internationally flavored rock sound is insanely addictive! It almost needs no introduction—this is one of the tracks released by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu under his Vocaloid producer name, Hachi.
Unveiled in October 2010, it quickly joined the ranks of popular songs.
The rhythm that makes your body move on its own, the melodies that get stuck in your head, and the slightly decadent worldview of the lyrics—there’s no end to its charms.
Lots of people also did cosplay of Miku and GUMI from the music video, didn’t they?
Unknown Mother Goosewowaka
It’s an exquisite track woven from a speedy tempo and philosophical lyrics.
Created by the Vocaloid producer wowaka and released in August 2017, it expresses themes of “love” and “imitation” through Hatsune Miku, drawing you in with its unique worldview and a vocal performance that feels like a trembling of the soul.
The highly addictive rock sound—this relentless surge of notes—sounds unbelievably cool.
I recommend listening to it when you want to let your emotions run free.