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Vocaloid music still isn’t exactly what you’d call mainstream in Japan, but the genre of virtual idols has made considerable strides in popularity over the last couple of years. Just last month, Vocaloid Hatsune Miku appeared on perpetually popular TV program Music Station, a feat that’s considered a feather in the cap of any performer.

Now, Japan’s most popular virtual vocalist has teamed up with one of its most popular human ones, as Hatsune Miku and J-pop recording legend Namie Amuro have collaborated on a new song and music video.

Since Miku doesn’t have a physical body, Amuro (who’s no stranger to innovative videos) instead ventures into her world, appearing alongside the Vocaloid in animated form to promote their joint project, titled “Be Who I Want 2 B feat. Hatsune Miku.”

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In keeping with Miku’s technological based roots, there’s a heavy use of synthesized sounds. But Amuro rose to fame on the strength of her dance and R&B releases, so in short order there’s also a strong, steady beat bumping along.

The animated medium obviously allows for quick and easy costume changes, but the producers did more than just mix up the two singers’ outfits and makeup. As the video goes on, Miku and Amuro transition multiple time from hand-drawn anime to CG models and back.

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There’s even a point in which the two strap on headsets to play a round of what looks like VR Splatoon This gives us the unusual situation of watching a representation of a virtual idol running around and firing a laser in a second layer of virtual reality.

▼ Wait, if this is a case of double-virtual reality, does that mean Miku is real now?

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▼ Back to hand-drawn style

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At just two minutes and 36 seconds long, “Be Who I Want 2 B” is likely to have fans ready to hit the replay button as soon as it’s done, although it’s possible the album edit, which appears on Amuro’s, is a bit longer. Still, the short and sweet music video is a treat for the eyes and ears, and who knows, it might just be the start of a beautiful friendship.

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Source: Twitter/@namieamuro_jp
Images: YouTube/AmuroNamiech