Hiroyuki Ito, Creator of Hatsune Miku, to Appear on NHK's 'Shiten Ron-ten'! Proposing Ideas on the Future of AI and Creation.

Crypton Future Media, Inc. (Headquarters: Sapporo, Hokkaido; Representative Director: Hiroyuki Ito) is pleased to announce that our Representative Director, Hiroyuki Ito, will appear on NHK's opinion program "Shiten Ron-ten" (*1), to be broadcast on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, and Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Drawing on his experience in creating the voice synthesis software "Hatsune Miku" and witnessing the resulting chain of creations, Ito will discuss the future of creation in the age of generative AI. We hope you will tune in.

[Broadcast Information]

https://www.web.nhk/tv/pl/series-tep-Y5P47Z7YVW/ep/VJV2KRNNXL

NHK E Tele: Tuesday, July 7, 12:50 PM - 1:00 PM

NHK General TV: Wednesday, July 8, 3:45 AM - 3:55 AM

* NHK ONE will offer simultaneous streaming and a one-week catch-up service.

*1) "Shiten Ron-ten" is an opinion program broadcast by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) since 1991, where experts active in various fields analyze news, contemporary social issues, and global affairs from their unique perspectives and speak in their own words.

Hiroyuki Ito

Born in Shibecha Town, Hokkaido, in 1965. After graduating from high school, he worked at Hokkaido University while also graduating from the Faculty of Economics at Hokkai Gakuen University. In 1995, he founded Crypton Future Media, Inc., and serves as its Representative Director. As a "sound trading company" dealing with sound material, he has developed businesses related to digital content while exploring his specialty, "sound." In 2007, he planned and developed the voice synthesis software "Hatsune Miku." His stated mission is to "create" the technologies and services for creators to "make" things, and the platforms to present what they have made. He has been the chairman of the NoMaps Executive Committee since 2016 and the Representative Director of Ongalabo Inc. since 2020. In 2013, he received the Medal with Purple Ribbon for his contributions to new industries. His book, "The Future of Creation: The Story of How 'Hatsune Miku' Was Born in Hokkaido," was published in 2025.

[Contact Information] Crypton Future Media, Inc. Media Relations https://www.crypton.co.jp/cfm/inquiry-media

<Reference Information>

▼What is "Hatsune Miku"? https://piapro.net/

A voice synthesis software planned and developed by Crypton Future Media, Inc. in 2007, which can sing when lyrics and melody are input. The character depicted on the package has distinctive blue-green twin tails. The numerous songs created with this software posted online led to a chain reaction of creations including illustrations, songs, and dances, becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Today, she is active in various fields as a "virtual singer." In Japan, the event "Hatsune Miku Magical Mirai," which combines live performances by Hatsune Miku and her friends with an exhibition showcasing the joy of creation, has attracted over 580,000 visitors cumulatively since 2013. In 2026, it will be held in three cities: OSAKA, TOKYO, and HAMAMATSU. Internationally, the "HATSUNE MIKU EXPO" world tour series has visited 55 cities for 139 performances. In 2026, the North American tour has already concluded, and a European tour is scheduled for November. Beyond events, various related content, including collaborations with traditional performing arts and renowned artists, is being developed both domestically and internationally.

* "Kagamine Rin," "Kagamine Len," "Megurine Luka," "MEIKO," and "KAITO" are also virtual singers developed by Crypton Future Media, Inc. * "VOCALOID" and "Vocaloid" are registered trademarks of Yamaha Corporation.

<Company Profile>

Company Name: Crypton Future Media, Inc. Representative: Hiroyuki Ito, Representative Director Location: 11F, Nissei Sapporo Building, Kita 3-jo Nishi 4-chome 1-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0003, Japan Established: July 1995

Founded as a "sound trading company" importing and selling sound materials. While exploring its specialty, "sound," and developing businesses related to digital content, it planned and developed the voice synthesis software "Hatsune Miku" in 2007. Its stated mission is to "create" the technologies and services for creators to "make" things, and the platforms to present what they have made. From Sapporo, Hokkaido, to the world, the company is engaged in building a wide range of services and developing technologies, including licensing over 40 million sound content items, developing voice technology, developing and operating music distribution platforms, character licensing, live event production, and planning and operating local projects to support regions.