GKIDS, the acclaimed producer and distributor of animated films, has acquired the North American distribution rights to “COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing.” The film is based on the popular rhythm game “HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE!” and will be released in theaters across North America on April 11, 2025.
A New Chapter for Hatsune Miku
“COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing” is an all-new story that combines original characters with the virtual singers from the hit game. The film promises to be a visual and auditory treat for fans of Hatsune Miku and newcomers alike.
The Story
The film centers around Hoshino Ichika, a high school musician who finds herself transported to a mysterious realm called “SEKAI.” In SEKAI, Ichika and her friends use music to express their deepest emotions alongside Hatsune Miku. After a live performance, Ichika encounters a Miku unlike any she has seen before – one who struggles to connect with her audience through song. This new Miku must rely on the help of others to rediscover her voice.
Production
The film is produced by P.A. Works, the animation studio known for titles such as “Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms” and “Komada: A Whisky Family.” Hiroyuki Hata directs the film, with Yoko Yonaiyama writing the screenplay.
The Music
Music plays a central role in “COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing”.
- The theme song, “Hajimari no Mirai,” is by 40mP and sasakure.UK, featuring vocals by Hatsune Miku.
- The ending song, “Worlders,” is by Jin.
- TeddyLoid has created an arrangement of the ending song. The arrangement will be sung by all 26 characters from the original game.
Release Information
Japanese Debut
The film was released in Japan on January 17, 2025, debuting at #2 at the box office. It has earned over 570 million yen since its release. The film sold 232,500 tickets and earned 306,817,000 yen (about US$1.96 million) in its first three days. As of February 13, 2025, the film has earned a cumulative total of 870,389,000 yen (about US$5.64 million).
North American Release
GKIDS will release “COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing” in North American theaters on April 11, 2025.
About Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!
“HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE!” is a rhythm game that first launched in 2020. It quickly gained popularity, reaching over 10 million users worldwide in just two years. The game features Hatsune Miku and other virtual singers and original characters.
Game Premise
“Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!” is set in Shibuya. The game follows 20 teenagers who discover Sekai, an alternate world born from people’s feelings. Each Sekai is inhabited by Virtual Singers, including Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin & Len, Megurine Luka, Meiko, and Kaito. These Virtual Singers guide the teenagers as they face challenges and mature. The film tells an original story where they meet a Miku who looks different from their respective Sekai’s Miku.
GKIDS and CyberAgent Partnership
The deal to bring “COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing” to North America was negotiated between GKIDS and CyberAgent, marking their first collaboration.
About GKIDS
GKIDS is a producer and distributor of award-winning animation. Since 2008, GKIDS has received 13 Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature. GKIDS also handles North American distribution for Studio Ghibli films.
