KAITO
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0KAITO is one of the earliest and most respected figures in the Vocaloid world. Released in 2006 by Crypton Future Media for the original Vocaloid 1 engine, KAITO was designed as a male counterpart to MEIKO, another early Vocaloid. At the time of his debut, male Vocaloids were not as popular as their female counterparts, and KAITO’s initial sales were modest. However, over time, his charming voice, iconic design, and loyal fanbase transformed him into a beloved and enduring virtual idol.
KAITO’s name comes from a combination of “Kaikō” (開港), meaning “opening of a port” in Japanese, symbolizing a gateway or beginning, and the phonetic “to” from the word “tone,” referring to sound or music. This reflects his role as one of the first voices to open the world of Vocaloid to deeper male tones. His voicebank was recorded from Japanese singer Naoto Fūga, giving him a smooth and gentle tenor voice that works well for ballads, pop songs, and traditional Japanese music. Visually, KAITO is easily recognizable with his short blue hair, bright blue eyes, and long white-and-blue scarf, which has become his trademark accessory. His outfit combines a futuristic coat with casual touches, making him appear both approachable and stylish. The scarf, in particular, has become a beloved symbol in fan art, often appearing in different colors or animated in dramatic ways.
One of KAITO’s unique charms is his versatility. While he is often used for warm and emotional ballads, he can also sing upbeat dance tracks, rock anthems, and even comedic songs. Popular fan-made tracks using his voice include Cantarella (often sung as a duet with MEIKO or Miku), Erase or Zero, and The Disappearance of Hatsune Miku (KAITO versions). His gentle yet expressive tone makes him perfect for storytelling through music. Despite his slow start in popularity, KAITO experienced a huge revival in the late 2000s, largely thanks to fan communities on Nico Nico Douga and YouTube. Producers began creating songs that
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