Digital Diva Hatsune Miku hits Newark for Miku Expo at Prudential Center

The radiant lightsticks created a wave of green around the Prudential Center on May 7th. Crowds full of long time fans, cosplayers and creators alike brimming with energy through their chants. The 2 years of anticipation all building up to this very moment. The digital diva Hatsune Miku hits Newark for her world concert tour, Miku Expo 2026.  

As the opening began, fans were immediately immersed into an electrifying performance as Hatsune Miku appeared on the big screen for “Teo” produced by Omoi setting the tone for the rest of the show. We were barely a song in and I could already feel my arm growing tired as we shook our lightsticks to the beat but we remained ecstatic. More energetic songs would follow with “Raspberry*”Monster” by Honeyworks, “Solar-System Disco” by Nayutan Seijin and “Hiasobi” by Camellia all accompanied with their own unique choreography along with mesmerizing visuals through the animations and stage lighting.

The newly improved stage design definitely caught my eye and that of many others. Following Crypton Future Media’s controversial decision in 2024 to stray away from hologram-like technology in exchange for the use of LED screens for future performances. The media company has been making active efforts to create an immersive atmosphere for concerts despite this change. 

These attempts were very much visible in Newark’s show with a new wide screen allowing Hatsune Miku and others to dance all around the stage as it blended in with other screens for the use of props and special animations for each song.

Contrary to popular belief, just because Hatsune Miku is a virtual pop star doesn’t mean we’re paying just to see a screen. In fact one of the best parts of Miku Expo is the concert arrangements to each song all played by the amazing accompanying band. This tour featured Dylan Wood on Drums, Yas Nomura on Bass, Bonnie McIntosh on keyboard and Jason Richardson on guitar. Each member giving it their all, providing rocking instrumentals for such as a packed setlist featuring both classic songs alongside new songs from up and coming producers. 

Hatsune Miku wasn’t the only one taking the stage with Miku Expo featuring other popular virtual singers produced by Crypton Future Media.  We got to see Hatsune Miku and Megurine Luka perform in a duet for the iconic song “World End Dancehall” by Wowaka. Each virtual singer got their own moment to shine with MEIKO’s performance of “TYQOON” by Sohbana, Kagemine Rin’s “Sweet Magic” by Junky, Kaito’s “Caged Flower” by Re:nG and Megurine Luka’s stunning performance of “Wanderlast” by Sasakure.uk each singer bringing their own unique energy between each song. 

There were also a considerable number of duet and trio performances throughout the night. The Kagemine twins Rin and Len jumped on stage for their iconic rock song “Roki” by MikitoP and the song “Super Nuko ni Narenkatta” produced by my favorite artist of all time, Mafumafu. The twins would also join alongside MEIKO for the jazz-rock song “Amazing Dolce” by HitoshizukuP. Kagemine Rin and Megurine Luka would also pop in for the catchy upbeat song “Drop Pop Candy” by Giga. 

My favorite duet featured has got to be Kaito and Hatsune Miku’s “Ohedo Julia-Night” by Mitchie M. The crowd’s energy was at an all time high. I also really appreciated the creative use of animation and props utilized such as when Miku is using a taiko drum and with text bursting on the screen.

Hatsune Miku would return to us once again for many solo performances with “God-ish” by PinocchioP, The classic gut wrenching “Love is War” by ryo and “Patchwork Staccato” by toa which featured an absolutely beautiful piano solo by Bonnie McIntosh that even remembering it makes me tear up. The energy began to wind down with the slower songs transitioning into “Room for a Fantasy” by nostraightanswer which featured my favorite instrumental from the band. 

As you can see Miku Expo features such a wide setlist with songs ranging in various genres from electronic, pop, rock and even jazz. The crowd could only just wave their light sticks anxiously predicting for the next song making for many fun interactions between fans.

The band also got their own moment to shine through the Band Introduction, each band member given time for their own stunning solos. With such a long setlist, I really cherished the band’s constant energy throughout the concert to create such memorable moments for many.

Although the energy was winding down, it quickly got ramped back up with the song “M@GICAL☆CURE! LOVE ♥ SHOT!” The winning song for the Miku Expo 2024 song contest produced by SAWTOWNE. I lost my voice as we all screamed together for the famous Miku Miku Beam making it one of the most popular moments of the show.

 The night was reaching an end, entering in a moment of celebration with the following songs dedicated to recognize the powerful community behind virtual singers like Hatsune Miku with songs “Catch the Wave” by kz, “39” by Sasakure.UK & Deco*27 and one last trio between Hatsune Miku, Kagemine Rin and Len with “shake it!” by emon(tes). 

Alas we reach the end, Hatsune Miku appears to give a short speech, reminding fans of the importance of making connections with one another not just at the show but beyond. This was a clever way to segway into the “last” song for the night, the winning song for this year’s Miku Expo song contest “CONNECT:COMMUNE” by the trio, Flavor Foley. Hearing this song live filled me with so much content, truly a deserved win for the trio who have been making many strives in the English vocalsynth scene. 

The song drew to a close and it all went silent, is what I would say if we were at any other concert. The crowds chants filled across the stadium once again excitedly waiting for an encore. Their wishes were granted as Hatsune Miku ran back onstage for “Artifact” by BuzzG and a surprise performance of “Decorator” by kz featuring all 6 virtual singers! MEIKO, Kaito, Kagemine Rin, Kagemine Len, Megurine Luka and Hatsune Miku dancing together for one last time.

Finally, we have reached the end with “ODDS&ENDS” by ryo. As the song played, everything up until that moment from the different performances to the fans, the sea of lightsticks and the cosplayers I ran into, it all jumbled together into one climactic finale. Confetti bursted, raining all over the fans as I found myself struggling to hold back tears in such an emotional moment. The screen faded into one last message “Thank you Newark!” The band members came together to give a one big bow as they walked off, giving an end to such a vibrant night. 

As someone who’s been listening to Hatsune Miku for a very long time. For many, Hatsune Miku and the vocalsynth community serves as a vessel of creativity. While Hatsune Miku is a digital star, the community is very much human, thriving for many years to come. Going to Miku Expo is more than just seeing Hatsune Miku dance on the big screen but rather, a celebration of what brings everyone together for one night both old and new fans alike. It’s a celebration of the many song producers that have made history in the scene with emotional messages that leave a life changing impact on listeners all over the world. 

That is how Hatsune Miku turned this performance into such a magical memory in everyone’s hearts. Making it a night to remember for all. 

You can find out more about Hatsune Miku & Crypton Future Media here: Website // Instagram // X