[Hits Home] A Special Feature on Dark/Vent Vocaloid Songs

Imperial educationOmoi

Imperial Education / Hatsune Miku

From the opening alone you might think it’s loud rock, but the real charm of this song lies in its development.

The way the style rolls and shifts, paired with the repeated melodic lines, is addictive.

It’s a track by Omoi, the music unit of Sakurai and Kimura, released in 2019.

With philosophical lyrics and a highly refined music video, it’s an irresistibly compelling “yami” song no matter where you cut it.

The Good Child and the Fox SpiritKikuo

Kikuo – Good Girl and the Bewitching Fox

Even though just listening to the vocals or reading the lyrics can make you think, “How cute,” why does it still give you the creeps like this? It’s a track by the Vocaloid producer kikuo, known for avant-garde musicality, released in 2022.

The Japan-inspired tone and melody make you feel as if you’re witnessing a myth or an epic picture scroll.

Only kikuo could create a world like this, right? And be sure to pay attention to the emotional development after the final chorus—highly recommended!

Observation of AntsHealing P

Kagamine Rin - Ant Observation 2010 [Original]

It features the vibe of a children’s educational anime and developments that can only make you say, “How did it end up like this?” Works by Healing-P, such as “Pink Bunny,” “Tomobe Station,” and “Shinoman,” have uniquely distinctive titles.

Since they’re a Vocaloid producer with a wide range—from dark, troubled lyrics to heartrending ones—I recommend starting with whichever title catches your eye!

massacre (literally: 'kill everyone'; often written 皆殺し)Nakiso

Minagoroshi / Kaai Yuki

The song “Minagoroshi” by Vocaloid producer Nakiso was released in February 2024.

Its spine-tingling sound arrangement and Yuki Kaai’s innocent vocals create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Not only the musical style but each lyric feels raw; though it’s a “yami-song” (dark, depressive track), it carries a bittersweet, beautiful mood.

From this work—an intricate blend of gentleness and madness—you can sense Nakiso’s unfathomable punk spirit.

Is it still okay for me to live?Tohta Kasamura

Is it still okay for me to be alive? / feat. KAFU

When it comes to Vocaloid songs that help you learn to love your true self, “Soredemo Ikitete Ii Desu ka” (“Is It Still Okay for Me to Live?”) comes to mind.

Created in 2022 by Vocaloid producer Kasamura Tota, who gained attention with youth-themed tracks, the song lays bare sincere feelings that are hard to express in everyday life.

KAF’s poignant vocals, carried by beautiful piano tones, are sure to soothe you.

It’s a piece whose sound gently wraps around the honest emotions in your heart.

Give it a listen when you want a good cry or are in a melancholic mood.

Psychedelic SmilePinocchioP

PinocchioP – Psychedelic Smile feat. Hatsune Miku / Psychedelic Smile

An aggressive and slightly off-kilter Vocaloid track released on Niconico in 2009.

It’s a work by PinocchioP, who’s active as a multi-creator.

It may sound bright at first, but if you take a closer look at the lyrics… It’s a dark, addictive song you can’t get out of your head.

severing ties; breaking off a friendshipNakiso

Breakup / Kaai Yuki・NurseRoBo_Type T

Renowned for its horror-themed world, “Zekko” (“Severed Ties”) is a track released by Nakiso, a Vocaloid producer known for crafting dark songs.

Centered on the theme of “絶交” (cutting off a relationship), the piece sings of deep hatred—ambiguously directed either at the other person or at oneself, which is a compelling touch.

Also noteworthy is the effective alternation between Kaai Yuki and NurseRobo_Type T, which further heightens the song’s eerie atmosphere.