Vocaloid Project ‘Topaz’ Released the Music Video Using the Newest AI Technology

TOKYO JAPAN / On October 25th 2024, Gonzo K.K., Studio ENTRE Inc., Animechain.ai Inc., and AiHUB Inc. released a music video utilizing the latest AI technology to showcase the charm of the new Vocaloid project ‘Topaz’.

The music video for the song ‘WAFU,’ produced by Studio ENTRE and music creator Yusuke Asada, has been released in both Japanese and English versions. The song is performed by Shimon Topaz, an AI singer born from the AI singer label and media ‘GEMVOX,’ and the video was created using Animechain’s latest generative AI technology.

The character design was created by the anime studio Gonzo, while the AI-generated vocals were produced by music producer Yusuke Asada, who is also the Chairman of the Japan Synthesizer Professional Arts (JSPA). This project is a product of the expertise of professionals.

In the future, the series will be released weekly, with over 10 works planned for production.

[Music Video] Wafu / Shimon Topaz & U-SKE
URL: https://youtu.be/qBA3bZHIsfg

■Empowering Music Creators through the Use of AI Technology and Future Prospects

The creation of music videos is essential for delivering the works of music creators to their fans. Gonzo, Studio ENTRE, Animechain, and AiHUB are working together to build an environment where music creators can utilize generative AI technology to produce high-quality music videos anywhere, any time.

This will allow music creators to freely express the worlds they evoke from the music, delivering their work to fans worldwide with visualization.

Regarding this initiative, the following are the comments by representatives from each company.
Gonzo K.K.
President and CEO, Shinichirō Ishikawa

“GONZO‘s latest masterpiece aims to change the world through the combination of AI singers, generative AI for animation, and blockchain technology!!!”

Studio ENTRE Inc.
CEO, Norikazu Yamaguchi

“The rapidly evolving AI technology for vocal synthesis is an area where Japanese companies hold a significant advantage. Our first singer, Shimon Topaz, will be released on SynthesizerV. However, the second singer is currently being developed using Techno-Speech’s VoiSona. Preparations are also currently in progress for an AI singer release with Yamaha Vocaloid. We believe that the Vocaloid culture represents a creator economy system that Japan can proudly share with the world. In line with the evolution of AI for vocal synthesis, GEMVOX aims to involve more professional creators and drive global movements originating from Japan. We are implementing various initiatives, such as voice auditions, official song contests, and remix competitions, and we welcome the participation of diverse creators, both amateur and professional.”

anything goes CEO/ Bromide.jp – Director / JSPA – Representative Director
Yusuke Asada

“AI singers are an exciting new technology, and I found it incredibly thrilling for the idea of mastering them as a creator and using them for self-expression. I also sense Japan’s advantage with its wealth in voice synthesis content, and I have a strong feeling that this will become an important tool for Japanese creators to expand onto the global stage.
As a side note, the song I contributed, ‘Wafu,’ was originally meant to convey a sense of excitement, like ‘wakuwaku’ (the Japanese word for ‘excited’). However, I accidentally typed ‘wafuwafu,’ and the result had an interesting sound that also played off the term ‘wafu,’ meaning Japanese-style, so I decided to keep it as is.”

Animechain.ai Inc.
CEO, Shuhei Mise

“We aim to continue offering new entertainment experiences through the use of technology. This initiative enhances Japan’s unique Vocaloid culture by adding anime elements, while advancements in AI are further elevating the quality of vocal synthesis. We believe this will showcase new aspects of Vocaloids. With support for multiple languages, we can reach international audiences, and we aim to keep expanding and engaging the world even more.
At Animechain.ai, we are committed to using AI as a tool for creators while keeping it under control. We will continue to focus on empowering creators and giving back to them through our initiatives.”

AiHUB Inc.
Representative of Director & CTO, Arai Mono

“At AiHUB, we are developing foundational models specialized in Japanese content. Our approach focuses on generative AI that is uniquely suited to Japan and capable of capturing the excitement and ‘moe’ of otaku culture, which is challenging to achieve with general-purpose models. This project kicks off our efforts to develop AI tools for creating music videos to make J-POP, anime songs, and Vocaloid content even more captivating. Please get ready for an exciting new era of entertainment where generative AI technology is utilized to empower creators and connect them deeply with fans around the world.”

■About “GEMVOX,” Project by Studio ENTRE×GONZO
“GEMVOX” is an AI production featuring AI singers named after gemstones. The name originates from the words ‘Gemstone(GEM) Box(BOX).’ Using leading-edge AI to vocal synthesis technology, GEMVOX brings ‘singing characters’ to life and shares them with the world.

■”GEMVOX” 1st Artist: AI Singer ‘Shimon Topaz’
Despite her dark appearance, she possesses a beautiful, clear voice and is trilingual in Japanese, English, and Korean. Where she came from and her origins are shrouded in mystery. Rumor has it that she was once a cheerful and energetic girl, but after losing her beloved cat due to a bizarre person, she suffered deep emotional trauma and closed off her emotions. Since then, she has been elusive in her relationships and unsure of her true feelings. Some say she harbors a desire for revenge and is trapped in a cold darkness. There is a person on the missing person’s list who resembles her, but due to a change in eye color and her mood, no one is certain if it’s really her. Her favorite thing is “murky puddles”.

■About GONZO
Gonzo is a global company that delivers visual culture for next-generation through an international network. Utilizing its outstanding creative staff, international marketing capabilities, and the strength of the ‘GONZO’ brand, the company is committed to taking on innovative challenges as a leading company in next-generation digital visual content.

■About Studio ENTRE
Studio ENTRE is a startup studio that combines technology with entertainment business to create new ventures. The company supports entrepreneurs and creates new business ideas within the studio, seeking investment with validated hypotheses and carving out startups as independent companies. Working with innovators who bring business ideas across various entertainment fields such as music, film, publishing, and fashion, Studio ENTRE supports the development of business plans and the procurement of funding and human resources for launching new businesses. GEMVOX was also established as a business division within ENTRE.

■About Animechain.ai
Through the ‘Animechain Initiative,’ Animechain.ai aims to expand the content ecosystem and enable creators to continue their creative activities by maximizing their earnings in the upcoming AI era. To respect creators’ rights, we provide generative AI and related tools that are rebuilt using ‘opt-in materials’ with permission from rights holders. Furthermore, to ensure transparency and legitimacy in generative AI, we record the process on the blockchain. Therefore, this approach addresses not only copyright issues but also ethical concerns related to generative AI.

■About AiHUB
AiHUB is a research and development company that emerged from Japan’s open-source generative AI community. The company focuses on the research and business development of multimodal foundational models and AI orchestration. By specializing in Japanese entertainment, such as anime and virtual humans, AiHUB aims to become the No. 1 entertainment AI company.