/jp/ - Otaku Culture

If they really wanted Vocaloid to enter the mainstream in America, then wouldn't it be smarter for them to promote Meiko instead of Miku? Nothing about Miku is socially acceptable as a pop idol for Americans- she looks too young, she has a screechy voice, long blue/green pigtails that go down to the floor, and an image that doesn't translate well to overt sexuality (aka she's flat-chested); it will never work. Unless you're already a weeaboo or are a really small child, she isn't going to be appealing at all.

Meanwhile Meiko has hair and eyes that are non-threateningly brown, with a normal, stylish haircut, and the body of an adult that is easily exploitable. Her "personality" is often portrayed as sensual and womanly, which American consumers of pop music prefer over the child-like purity of Miku. Plus she has one of the more realistic, non-exaggerated/cartoony voices that while yes is still robotic sounding, Americans could more easily adapt to it than Miku's often shrill vocals that take getting used to if you aren't already a weeb. They've been going about it all wrong.

One of Miku's biggest selling points in her popularity in Japan is how cute she is. But that's Japan. America likes cuteness in small doses, but hates it in large amounts. What do Americans like? They like "cool" and "sexy". They like things that make them feel "edgy" for liking them. It wouldn't be difficult to achieve that kind of image for Meiko.

Meiko could be the starting point to get them through the door. Gradually, they could introduce the more "wacky" (by America's standards) Vocaloids after getting people even used to the idea of virtual pop singers in a way that's palatable to the maintream American audience.