
Hatsune Miku made her American TV debut on Wednesday night, performing on none other than the Late Show with David Letterman. Miku, of course, is a vocaloid, a super-famous Japanese idol who just happens to be virtual. The turquoise-haired star surprised viewers by performing an English song, “Sharing the World”.
Mr. Letterman, meanwhile, looked a little nonplussed.
The veteran TV host dealt admirably with the challenges of appearing alongside a virtual idol, thanking Miku repeatedly before quipping, “It’s like being on Willie Nelson’s bus.” We don’t think he’ll be lining up to buy any Miku merchandise any time soon though…
▼TV history in the making!
“Sharing the World” is the theme song of the MIKU EXPO, although if you find her English a little difficult to make out (Japanese synthesisers currently sound better on Japanese songs than English ones. Who knew?!) you should check out some of her songs in Japanese too.
Miku got some decent exposure Stateside this year when she opened for Lady Gaga on sections of Gaga’s art-rave concert tour The ARTPOP Ball. The Letterman performance is a push for the New-York based MIKU EXPO, which includes an art exhibition dedicated to all things Miku, on at Wallplay until October 19th. She will also be performing “live” in Los Angeles on October 11th and 12th, and then back in New York to play at the Hammerstein Ballroom on the 17th and 18th.


Virtual idol Hatsune Miku announces seven-city U.S., Canadian concert tour
Japanese vocaloid Hatsune Miku takes the reins from Scarlett Johansson in new shampoo commercial
Ukiyo-e woodblock print of vocaloid Hatsune Miku in Edo-period Japan sells out immediately online
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku to act in kabuki play with human co-star【Photos】
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku dances and sings, for real, with awesome new figure 【Video】
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Seaweed bread is one of the most unusual baked goods in all of Japan
Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Hatsune Miku and Pharrell Williams team up in new remix music video
Hatsune Miku’s “Melt” celebrates 10th anniversary with enka cover
Japan Self-Defense Force members breakdance while performing Hatsune Miku song