Niigata Festival Fireworks and Hatsune Miku Collaborate for the First Time in "Senbonzakura Exhibition," Special Music Event Held Simultaneously.

Gugenka Co., Ltd., headquartered in Niigata City, is a creative studio specializing in anime metaverses and XR (AR, VR, MR) content. With the aim of promoting the appeal of Niigata City and its creator culture to the world, we have planned the Night Sky Program.
The main character of the Night Sky Program is the globally renowned virtual singer, Hatsune Miku. The program features an original design created by popular illustrator Naoki Saito.

"① Collaboration of Hatsune Miku and Music Fireworks
Hatsune Miku will collaborate with music fireworks through special AR content, featuring the popular song "Senbonzakura."
- Using the AR smartphone app "HoloModels," Hatsune Miku will gracefully dance in synchronization with the music fireworks.
Download the app (free) here ▷ https://xr-marketplace.com/download
- A special live streaming event will be held, allowing viewers to enjoy the fireworks together with Hatsune Miku.
- Date and Time: August 6, 2023 (Sunday) from 19:20
- Launching Location: Upstream of Showa Bridge (Behind Ryuto Pia), between Showa Bridge and Yachiyo Bridge."

② Special Exhibition
- Date and Time: From August 4th (Friday) to August 6th (Sunday), 2023
* Further details will be announced on the official website at a later date.
③ Music Event
- Date and Time: August 6th (Sunday), 2023
* Further details will be announced on the official website at a later date.
④ Original Merchandise Sales
We will be selling original merchandise featuring Hatsune Miku Night Sky Program, with illustrations by Naoki Saito.
Please note that specific details regarding the exhibition, music event, and merchandise sales will be announced on the official website at a later date.

- Date and Time: From August 4th (Friday) to August 6th (Sunday), 2023
- Venue: Niigata Manga Anime Information Center (Manabia) - 1st Floor, Bandai City Building 2, Niigata City
Niigata Manga Anime Information Center Official Website: http://museum.nmam.jp/

≪Comment from Naoki Saito≫
I designed the illustration with the image of Hatsune Miku blending into the night sky. While primarily inspired by the summer night sky, I wanted to create a design that could be enjoyed beyond just the summer season. When you open the umbrella, fireworks decorate the summer night sky, and when you close it, you can appreciate it in other seasons as well. The twin tails feature shining summer constellations, although the stars visible in each season may change.

≪Naoki Saito Profile≫
Profile:
Illustrator and YouTuber
Born in 1982, from Yamagata Prefecture. After graduating from Tama Art University, worked at a game company and is currently a freelancer.
Currently restarting after the disappearance of the YouTube account, which had surpassed 1.3 million subscribers. Also shares information on topics such as 'Improving Drawing Techniques.'
As an illustrator, works on card game illustrations for Duel Masters and Pokemon, as well as game illustrations for Uma Musume and Pokemon.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_NaokiSaito
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saitonaoki2