“COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing,” the first feature film based on the popular mobile rhythm game “Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!,” has resonated with audiences, securing the #7 spot in the U.S. box office during its opening weekend. This musical drama, produced by P.A. Works and distributed by Shochiku, brings a fresh perspective to the iconic virtual singer, Hatsune Miku, and her interactions with a group of teenagers navigating their emotions through music.
A New Stage for Hatsune Miku
The film, directed by Hiroyuki Hata and written by Yoko Yonaiyama, presents an original story centered around a new version of Hatsune Miku who struggles to connect with her listeners through song. This Miku encounters Hoshino Ichika, a high school musician, and together they embark on a journey to help Miku find her voice and reach those she wishes to connect with.
Synopsis: Finding a Voice
Ichika unexpectedly hears a song sung by Hatsune Miku at a record store, a song she had never heard before. Wondering about it, she notices a screen showing an unfamiliar Hatsune Miku. Startled, Ichika exclaims, “Miku?!” Miku makes eye contact with her but quickly disappears. After a street performance a few days later, the same Miku suddenly appears on Ichika’s phone. Looking somewhat despondent, Miku shares her story with Ichika, revealing her wish to convey her songs to certain people. However, no matter how much she sings, her voice never seems to reach them. During the recent concert, Miku saw Ichika touching many hearts with her voice. It gave Miku hope that by understanding Ichika, she might also be able to transmit her voice to others. Summoning her courage, she approaches Ichika. Ichika smiles in response to her request and says, “If I can help in any way,” readily agreeing to assist her. Thus begins the new story of Hatsune Miku and the teenagers.
The World of “COLORFUL STAGE!”
“Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!” is set in Shibuya, Tokyo, where virtual singers like Hatsune Miku exist as fictional characters. The game introduces the concept of “Sekai,” alternate dimensions born from people’s true feelings. These Sekai manifest in various visual forms depending on the emotions of those who create them. The original characters in the game find themselves drawn into these Sekai, where they embark on journeys to discover their true feelings with the help of the virtual singers.
Box Office Success
“COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing” debuted in Japanese theaters on January 17, 2025, and quickly rose to the top of the Japanese box office. Within its first three days, the film sold approximately 230,000 tickets and earned 300 million yen. As of February 18, 2025, the film’s revenue had surpassed 1 billion yen.
GKIDS licensed the film for an English release in North America, initially slated for April 11, 2025, but later moved to April 17, 2025. During its opening weekend in North American theaters, the film grossed $2,767,704 and secured the #7 position in the U.S. box office. As of April 21, 2025, the film has grossed $10,527,422 worldwide.
Reception
The movie has garnered positive reviews from fans of the “Colorful Stage!” game, praising its vibrant animation, music, and heartfelt story. However, some critics note that the film may be less accessible to newcomers unfamiliar with the game’s intricate world and extensive cast of characters.
- For the Fans: Many reviewers emphasize that the film is best enjoyed by those already familiar with the “Colorful Stage!” game, its characters, and its lore. Fans appreciate the film’s attention to detail, its faithful recreation of the game’s atmosphere, and its expansion upon the established storylines.
- Visually Stunning: The animation, produced by P.A. Works, has been widely lauded for its vibrant colors, expressive characters, and captivating musical sequences. The film seamlessly blends the real world with the otherworldly elements of the Sekai, creating a visually stunning experience.
- Emotionally Resonant: Despite its fantastical setting, “COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing” explores universal themes of self-discovery, connection, and the power of music. The film’s message of hope and perseverance resonates with audiences, particularly in its climactic concert sequence.
- Potential Barriers to Entry: Some critics point out that the film’s complex world-building and large cast of characters may overwhelm viewers unfamiliar with the “Colorful Stage!” game. The film plunges viewers into the story without providing a comprehensive introduction to the characters or the concept of Sekai, potentially leaving newcomers feeling lost.
Music and Production
The film features a captivating soundtrack, including the theme song “Hajimari no Mirai” by 40mP and sasakure.UK, with vocals by Hatsune Miku, and an ending song “Worlders” by Jin, arranged by TeddyLoid and sung by all 26 characters from the original game. The voice cast from the “Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!” game reprise their roles in the film, adding authenticity to the characters.
Production Details
- Directed by: Hiroyuki Hata
- Written by: Yoko Yonaiyama
- Based on: “Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!” by Colorful Palette and Sega
- Music by: Satoshi Hōno
- Production company: P.A. Works
- Distributed by: Shochiku, GKIDS
- Theme Song: “Hajimari no Mirai” by 40mP and sasakure.UK featuring Hatsune Miku
- Ending Song: “Worlders” by Jin, arranged by TeddyLoid, sung by all 26 characters
“Project Sekai”: The Rhythm Game Phenomenon
“Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!” also known as “Project Sekai,” is a rhythm game developed by Colorful Palette and published by Sega. It is a spin-off from the “Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA” series and features the popular virtual singers Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin and Len, Megurine Luka, MEIKO, and KAITO, along with 20 original human characters divided into five themed units:
- Leo/need: A band of childhood friends reuniting after a falling out.
- MORE MORE JUMP!: A pop idol group with aspirations of reaching the top.
- Vivid BAD SQUAD: A street music group aiming to surpass legendary performers.
- Wonderlands x Showtime: A theatrical troupe bringing joy and wonder to audiences.
- Nightcord at 25:00: A mysterious group of online music creators.
The game is set in the real world, in Shibuya, Tokyo. Hatsune Miku and other Vocaloids are famous fictional singers existing as virtual singers. They also exist in “Sekai” (セカイ), a mysterious world different from the real world that is created from a person’s “true feelings”, featuring various visual appearances based on the person. There are as many Sekai as there are emotions, and its form changes depending on the person’s emotions.
How to Enter Sekai
To enter Sekai, one must find and play the song “Untitled”. This silent song has no melody or lyrics and is created at the same time as the Sekai and is mysteriously inserted on their devices. It can be anything, such as a game console, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a TV, a tablet, and a computer. When they play an “Untitled” song, they can travel between the real world and the Sekai.
“COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing” offers a unique and visually stunning experience for fans of Hatsune Miku and the “Colorful Stage!” game. While newcomers may find the world-building and character dynamics challenging, the film’s universal themes and captivating music make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking an emotionally resonant and visually impressive animated film.
