"Why Are We Drawn to Synthetic Voices?" Tokyo University of Foreign Studies to Host Special Lecture Featuring VOCALOID Creator Hidenori Kenmochi

The Institute for Advanced Studies in Asia at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (Fuchu, Tokyo; President: Nobuo Haruna) will host a lecture titled "Why Are We Drawn to Synthetic Voices? A Conversation with VOCALOID Creator Hidenori Kenmochi" on Friday, July 3, 2026. The event is organized by Atsushi Tajima (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies).

In this lecture, Hidenori Kenmochi, the lead developer behind "VOCALOID," will share behind-the-scenes stories of the singing synthesis technology’s development, its impact on artistic practices, and its potential to shape the future of "multicultural coexistence." Guests include popular VocaloP emon(Tes.), and commentator Tetsuro Irie (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies).

■ Background and Concept

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies aims to promote multicultural coexistence. Contemporary internet culture, which transcends cultural boundaries, can be seen as one manifestation of this ideal. The singing synthesis technology "VOCALOID" (developed by Yamaha Corporation) is not bound by a singer’s emotional expression, allowing listeners diverse interpretations. As an artistic medium, it may have supported creativity and empathy among people from diverse cultural backgrounds in online communities. This event will explore the question, "Why are we drawn to synthetic voices?" to examine the charm of synthetic voices and the potential for multicultural coexistence.

Movie screening flyer

*"VOCALOID" and "Vocalo" are registered trademarks of Yamaha Corporation. https://www.vocaloid.com/

■ Event Overview

Date and Time: Friday, July 3, 2026, 16:00–19:30

Venue: Agora Global Prometheus Hall, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

(Address: 3-11-1 Asahicho, Fuchu, Tokyo; 5-minute walk from "Tama Station" on the Seibu Tamagawa Line)

Organizer: Institute for Advanced Studies in Asia, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Co-organizer: Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Support: Yamaha Corporation, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Miku Live Research Group

Event Planner: Atsushi Tajima (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies)

Admission: Free, advance registration required (capacity: approx. 300). Registration may be closed if applications exceed capacity.

Funding: This lecture is supported by a grant from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 26K06535).

Details: https://www.tufs.ac.jp/event/2026/260703_1.html

■ Speaker Profiles

Event Planner: Atsushi Tajima

Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Global Studies, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Specializes in educational psychology and intercultural communication theory.

Speaker: Hidenori Kenmochi

Chief Engineer, Research and Development Division, Yamaha Corporation. A renowned engineer who led the development of VOCALOID and is widely known as the "father of VOCALOID."

Guest: emon(Tes.)

Music producer known for VOCALOID songs such as "Dreamin' Chu-Chu," and for providing music to various artists.

Commentator: Tetsuro Irie

Lecturer at the Center for Global Language and Society Education, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Specializes in cultural representation theory and American intellectual history.

■ Registration Method

Please register in advance via the QR code provided in the attached materials or on the event website: https://www.tufs.ac.jp/event/2026/260703_1.html

■ Contact for Inquiries

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Lecture Office
Email: vocaloid@tufs.ac.jp

*"VOCALOID" and "Vocalo" are registered trademarks of Yamaha Corporation. https://www.vocaloid.com/

Lecture poster (front) Lecture poster (back)

▼ About the Lecture Poster Illustration

"Hatsune Miku" https://piapro.net/

A software developed by Crypton Future Media, Inc. that allows anyone to input lyrics and melodies to make a virtual singer perform. The widespread creation and online sharing of music using Hatsune Miku sparked a global movement. As a character, she has gained immense popularity and now performs live concerts, releases merchandise, and has become a globally recognized virtual singer.

*If quoting the lecture poster—including the name or illustration of Hatsune Miku—in articles or other media, please contact Crypton Future Media, Inc. in advance.

About Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies is Japan’s leading institution for research and education on the world’s languages and the cultures and societies based on them. The university aims to cultivate individuals with advanced language skills and deep respect for multiculturalism, while widely disseminating academic findings to contribute to the realization of a multicultural coexistence society.

Institution: National University Corporation Tokyo University of Foreign Studies

President: Nobuo Haruna

Address: 3-11-1 Asahicho, Fuchu, Tokyo

Founded: 1873 (originally established as Tokyo School of Foreign Languages)

URL: https://www.tufs.ac.jp/