MEIKO is a Japanese virtual singer and one of the original members of the Piapro Characters, alongside Hatsune Miku, KAITO, Kagamine Rin, Kagamine Len, and Megurine Luka. She was created by Crypton Future Media and officially released on November 5, 2004, using Yamaha's first-generation VOCALOID engine. Her singing voice is based on Japanese singer-songwriter Meiko Haigō. MEIKO is recognized for her short chestnut-brown hair, red outfit, and powerful, warm singing voice. Her signature look consists of a red crop top and a matching skirt. MEIKO made history as the first Japanese female VOCALOID voicebank and the first Japanese-language singing voice synthesizer of its kind. She was also the first character to appear on the packaging of a VOCALOID product, helping establish the concept of virtual singers as recognizable characters. In 2014, she received an updated version called MEIKO V3, which introduced improved vocal capabilities, including different singing styles and English vocals. Over the years, MEIKO has become an important part of Vocaloid culture. Her voice has been used by countless music producers to create songs across various genres, including pop, rock, electronic, and ballads. Today, MEIKO remains a pioneering virtual singer and an important figure in the history of Vocaloid, helping pave the way for future characters such as Hatsune Miku.
