Miku EXPO was a DISASTER? My thoughts and a Miku Figure Unboxing!

I was just happy to see my queen 😭
Today I'm back with a very chatty chill unboxing! I went to the April 4th Miku Expo concert in Vancouver and I wanted to give my thoughts on the whole situation including the cursed screen, lack of light-sticks, stolen Mikus, and much more!
As always have a wonderful day and thanks for watching my videos!
Gwyn
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FIGURES MENTIONED
[Hatsune Miku] Hatsune Miku - 1/8 - Miku Expo 5th Anniversary Ver., Lucky☆Orb: Uta X Kasoku Ver. by Good Smile Company
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#mikuexpo2024 #hatsunemiku #unboxing

[@edible_milk]

The Phoenix show in particular was hilarious because tickets at the 2nd show were literally $1-$5, so a lot of us just went again!

[@R.Williams]

My daughter went to the Phoenix show and while she was disappointed she bought the $20 tickets when they dropped so much, she was happy to validate that Miku was actually a thing. All through high school none of her friends were Miku fans like she was. They just thought she was weird liking vocaloids. So she had a good time with other Miku fans!

[@Narwhal39]

It's wild that they announced a Phoenix Day 2 so late that no one asked for 😂 The line was MINUSCULE compared to Day 1 but with a Day 2 Floor ticket I was able to get around the same spot as I did having a VIP ticket Day 1. The crowd was smaller but much more cozy and just as good vibes, it was easier to make friends there, the band still gave it their all and put on a very good show. I'd argue I had a better experience on Day 2 than on Day 1

[@Aesos3429]

@@R.WilliamsHow are they her friends if they negatively think she’s weird for something she likes? Those don’t sound like friends at all…

[@R.Williams]

@@Aesos3429 Its like any friend that disagrees with some things but really clicks with others. Her friend group was really tight. Vocaloids were pretty alien to them though. They're all still good friends though they've been out of school for awhile.

[@MsSaskue360]

Part of the anger is that Crunchyroll is involved and there are many reasons to hate Crunchyroll and this is another reason why.

[@heroic_antagonist759]

Wait, what did crunchyroll do???

[@ffather_]

what did crunchyroll do? i didn't know they did anything

[@MsSaskue360]

@@ffather_ since KZbin deletes any links automatically just look up tweets blaming Crunchyroll or the article by niche gamer about miku expo and Crunchyroll, the year Crunchyroll takes charge with get that screen instead of classic technology, they make a rule about only using glowsticks from this year or previous miku expo glowsticks when that wasn’t a thing before, the way they handle ticket pre orders, the lack of merchandise at the actual event just like Gwen was talking about I mean the Vancouver event only 95 glowsticks on a pack house like are you serious so yeah crunchyroll has always been trash company and it continues with this, miku expo should never team up with Crunchyroll ever again

[@idiotoninternet]

Yeah!! The Crunchyroll con in Melbourne australia was horrific in so many ways!!!

[@Toki_Towa]

If Crunchyroll is why Miku Expo Is in so many more cities than before then I’m grateful to them. Besides that, there’s no proof Crunchyroll is the reason for the screen. It was also used recently in Japan. Miku looked amazing on the screen. It wasn’t even close to looking bad. The merch situation was awful though. Can’t argue with that.

[@asc23channel]

Being positive and having fun is truly important! I can understand people being upset though, because its a cheaper option AND not what was to be expected. Your bubbly positivity is always refreshing! Best wishes ❤

[@lI-tm2pn]

Imagine going to a Taylor swift concert and instead of her performing on stage, it's an lcd screen of her doing her routine. This is the exact same thing.

[@Murillos1]

Bubbly positivity or self gaslighting?🫢

[@janine3496]

I wished they would have told everyone before the event that it is a LED screen. Now I know about it, unfortunately only after I bought my tickets. I hope they fix the light setup before Miku comes to Europe, I would prefer it if the illusion isn't broken. But I will see Miku in november and I made peace with the LED screen. But I'll get mad if I can't get my hand on lightsticks. Are glowsticks allowed this time? It will be my first Miku concert but I read that only offical Miku Lightsticks would be allowed (to not mess with the hologram). Btw your outfit looked really cute

[@SamBoii]

There was a statement saying the LED screen will be in Europe too :(

[@Toki_Towa]

I went last night to Miku Expo and to me the show was incredible. Miku looked amazing. One of the best nights of my life. Seeing the screen in person makes me see why they're going that route. In person Miku looks fantastic on it. I hope I get the chance to experience a Miku concert again. I agree that a lot of people complaining likely didn't go, or won't be going. Those things or they just want to complain. My only complaint was the merch situation which was a disaster, which allegedly varies based on the venue. I got there around 9am and they randomly started a different line elsewhere a few hours later. People that had just gotten there were ahead of me and I ended up missing out on a light stick.

[@cooldudealex28]

To anyone curious mikus shows used to be done with something called the peppers ghost trick! Its what gives the hologram effect and it's what disney uses in the haunted mansion for the ghosts! It mostly just makes me sad that we don't use a cool effect like that anymore and instead are just switching to using LED screens for animated concerts just feels less fun for me

[@halfiecafe]

I’m a bit mixed on the whole miku expo situation. At first I was pretty upset about the switch, but honestly the thing that most upsets me is that they led fans on to believe it’d be a hologram effect like every other miku expo in the past without disclosing anything, and when people found out it wasn’t, they stopped allowing refunds/cancellations on Ticketmaster. The screen would have been perfectly fine if they had set the stage a little differently because the backlight definitely ruins the immersion. If they could have just incorporated the screen into more of the background, it probably wouldn’t have been as big a deal. But that whole vip and merch situation is unforgivable. Seriously, what’s the point of setting up merch outside 6 hours before the show? And only 95 light sticks for a venue full of people is just insane. I really do feel bad for people that splurged for vip because there really wasn’t any point in the end, some people didn’t even get their vip bags from what I heard. The stolen miku cutout was just the cherry on top. Someone does something sweet for the community and they get their work stolen, not to mention they had fan-made merch that got confiscated at the airport they had planned on passing out, and had the police called on them when they tried to set up the displays despite having permission from Crypton to do so ahead of time. With all those reasons I low-key feel like it wouldn’t be that’s crazy to call it a disaster, but at the end of the day, lots of people had fun, which is what really matters. (Still scummy of Crypton and Crunchyroll tho) UPDATE: It was actually really fun at the Dallas show and merch wasn’t (as big of) an issue! Most importantly, the screen didn’t hamper the experience whatsoever!

[@beefxcake2523]

i m ean i did my best to stay away from news and stuff i just went the the phoenix day 1 and honestly on the floor the tv didn't look terrible, she was bright and lots of fog kind of diminished the edges of the screen, of course we'd all want the hologram and it sucks i over paid but i still had a blast!!! i danced the whole time and my group shared a lightstick from like 2015 or something lol we got it at a thrift store. loved all the songs they played!

[@xelaw16]

For someone who first miku expo was 2018 and gone to the 2019 magical mirai concert. I wasn't disappointed at all. Sure, it would have been nice to have the glass screen. But just to experience and meet many different people who are part of this fandom was a really fun experience in itself. I agree with you, many of these people who hate the show, prob didn't even go to the concert themselves. I mean, people who did attend and thought it could have been more better, I can understand that. In the end, the concert was a good place to meet many other vocaloid fans that you might not have the chance to know in public. I mean I met a bunch of first timers at the concert, so to be able to see their reaction of first timers was somewhat fun and interesting expereince. People traveled far for these concerts, i can understand they not get that 2018 experience or maybe the japanese concert experience. Also it's important to lend out light sticks to those don't have one. I personally have 4 glow sticks, 3 from the past concerts i attended. It's an nice thing to do for a first timer, because you gotta have a light stick at the concert! Also i'm glad you had fun at the event! "intergalactic bound" was hyped haha, but yeah... wish luka sang "Luka Luka night fever". Oh well~ ! haha

[@aftershifthobbies]

I like what you said around 2:35, people tend to get upset at events they haven't been yet or they are not actually present there. All opinions are valid like you said but sometimes the negativity is too much. I'm glad you still had fun though! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@stickdownman]

So sad that someone stole the Canada Miku standee. I guess it was already stolen by the time I lined up otherwise I would have taken a pic with it!

[@insertnamehere1398]

3:16 that isn’t the case actually. Most of the people hating on it are e people who have either had gone to it or are incredibly familiar to how it’s done in japan. And feel that Crunchyroll betrayed it’s audience by not properly disclosing that they wouldn’t do things the way it’s done in japan for corner cutting

[@TheIain531]

I was lucky enough to get to go to the London 2020 Miku Expo concert and I've bought tickets for the 2024 one in london, so I'm hoping that if it's a screen that it won't impact my enjoyment too much, but fingers crossed. Gonna stay positive and have a good time either way ^.^

[@maverickmoonshine2894]

Me too, not sure if I'll go this year. Not keen on the screen thing. There was no merch at 2020 gig either. Really poor.

[@TheIain531]

@@maverickmoonshine2894 I was lucky enough to be at the 2020 show a few hours beforehand so could snag and stick, hoodie and poster. Will defo take my 2020 stick with me in case they are sold out this time ^^;

[@Narwhal39]

I think it's been confirmed in a Business Insider article that they'll continue to use the screen. That being said they'll probably do a different stage set design for Europe so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.

[@lemonmintcat4269]

I am going next month, and was super disappointed that the light sticks sold out so early. I paid for tickets for both my sister and I so maybe we can get lunch in the city before the concert and make it to the merch stand early. I am glad you still enjoyed the show :)

[@suhben]

Did they list what tech they would be using for the stage prior to the event? If not, I'd be pissed too if an expectation/precedent was not met

[@zoeyc5851]

The ticketmaster page did say 'holographic Miku' and the May 9th show says its a transparent screen

[@oscarreyes4511]

Unfortunately, I have seen a recent video where the tv screen is dying and displaying a big discolored flashing square on the screen during the concert. I wonder if they are going to have time to repair it before the next concert or just keep playing the concerts on that faulty tv

[@cereza1091]

They actually fixed it during the concert within like 2 songs so it wasn't as bad as people made it out to be

[@oscarreyes4511]

That made me laugh really hard! Thank you! I needed that! 🤣

[@ytsang1]

Oh wow, another Edmontonian that attended the Vancouver Miku concert on April 4. I also flew in on April 4 from Edmonton as well. I had a good time at the concert and that what matters the most. The situation with the sold-out light-sticks kind of put a damper on the whole experience. BTW, I had VIP ticket as well. I believe that I was the person that brought the last t-shirt at the merchandise booth inside the arena. I am okay with the LED screen but would have preferred the glass projection screen.

[@ebubbyy]

I completely agree with the screen being to far forward. I was thinking they should have pushed it back so the black parts of the screen didnt block all the fun stage lights and it could have been more immersive. otherwise I think it was still fun and we got our tickets early so we weren't paying crazy aftermarket prices. the live band had great energy. LET THEM OUT OF THEIR CAGE THOUGH.

[@cosplaydevotee]

I think it's sadly just a sign of the times. Everyone is so jaded after the last 4 years, and emotions are still running high. What could have just been upset grumbling instead upgraded to extreme anger. 😅

[@bernadette1605]

The tickets in Australia are like 300 to 500...so will we get the led screens or the actual Japan vibe of the concert

[@herbbot8241]

Went to NJ show merch line was a joke I didn't get to buy light pens or anything either but I still had fun to see the fandom and sing along and felt like a teenager again 😆. They needed to have more merch inventory vip or not. I ordered stuff online too after lol...traveling there was easy $10 for train Tix

[@CourageousGoldfish]

I was also at the Vancouver show! Definitely second that I had a really fun time, I’m a classic Vocaloid era fan so the set list wasn’t my most favourite but it had enough that I knew and a couple new ones to discover so overall it was pretty good. I think you could tell the crowd wasn’t really as into it when Miku disappeared before the encore, there was cheering but it sounded pretty half hearted and that was kind of sad. Definitely really angry about the person who put together the Canada Miku display, not only did they get their stuff stolen the venue also called the cops on them for trying to do swaps (they made badges and keychains to hand out of the design) and the staff was harassing them about the floral displays even though they had specific permission by Crypton to put it up. REALLY shoddy way to handle the situation and shows how badly prepared the organizers were for an event of this magnitude. Did end up going to the unofficial after party hosted by the UBC Engineering students, and that was a great end to the night! Overall a good experience because I was just happy to be there, but I am ultimately disappointed that they didn’t care enough to make this special in any way, let alone for the 10th anniversary.

[@guyjin788]

Flat screen Miku is absolute bullshit.

[@QuilavaKakes]

I also was sad about not getting the hologram. I think it was wrong for them to not say anything before people bought tickets. I really had a good time honestly I loved the set list as well it was awesome. The crowd was awesome too. I had a lightstick from last expo but my friend didn't and it was their first concert... so I was sad about the merch situation being just as bad as last time. I really think they should just make more sticks. 90 sticks or less isn't enough for the concerts. I think they should bring at least the number of people attending... the extra would sell they know it would so not sure why they're still doing that. They should also keep the strict rule of one per person but they don't.

[@brycenakagawa2225]

There are numerous reasons to hate on Crunchyroll for their handling of this event, but the playlist, the band and the crowd was all great. I'd go again.

[@Ichika1UP]

Honestly I glad at least this event happened and did not canceled

[@LoderryPlaysPVP]

I'm going to the Toronto show on may 16. Idc what anyone says I'm still excited!

[@ayayalgueewe9361]

I'm going to the European tour, I'm just hoping that they are going to fix, or at least address, some of the issues that were brought up because waiting 6 months for *this* is kinda disappointing :') beautiful figure though!

[@cereza1091]

The only thing I was personally upset at mikuexpo was the lack of lightsticks. I get people being upset at not getting the glass screen but the screen they used in person is not bad. It definitely looks worse in videos. In the Phoenix show they even added a border to blend with the background. I honestly had so much fun at the concert!

[@maverickmoonshine2894]

I went at the start of 2020 here in UK. The queue was horrendous so I snuck in front as it was a bit chaotic. Keeping in mind I was in the first few hundred in, all the merch was gone!!! Ridiculous! Through experience ive learned the Japanese have a strange business approach. They just don't fulfill demand. But the gig was so much more than expected. The light show was excellent and a great song set considering i hadn't heard many of the songs and I'm really a rock band guy! But the atmosphere was just one of excitement. The Len + Rin numbers were great. Crowd was such a mix of ages not as young as I was expecting. Thankfully, I was paranoid I'd stand out being an older gen of Anime/Manga fan! But the TV screen thing I'd be annoyed about. Ruins the whole illusion. It's the illusion that always fascinated me over the years and that's why I needed to go. It's this type of fascination that feeds my child inside. Never lose that child! I've got that figure too.

[@christinacummins13]

Very colourful figure! I love the two tones in the hair. 🥰

[@JeskidoYT]

Thst scarf design looks radical! Is thst only available at the expo? 😊

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

3:52 People will just steal anything, I find stealing to be reprehensible, just taking things that aren’t yours is just disgusting to me.

[@xsd]

I would have to take an Amtrak to see the show in D.C. Hologram and the future digital Aesthetics is partly what I'm paying for. Its not worth paying $200+ on travel to see the show when for example I can see it in VR. I seen it live in 2018 and was my first solo concert and I want that hype I had to be the same if not higher as my first show.

[@justanoman6497]

Huh.... Didn't even know this was happening something and the stop near me have already happened. I actually bought tickets for the 2020 one which was cancelled, would probably have gone if I knew. That said, not upset about it. I actually don't about miku all that much. I prefer Luka, and there weren't gonna be much of her anyway. Looking at the setlist via google, there are only two songs, and not ones I know of. This is probably how I missed it, not that deep in the vocalroid shpere to begin with.

[@berenicepenguin8993]

I think this is a big over exaggeration from both the fans and the non-fans of vocaloid. Personally, I go to the concerts to experience the live music and being a room full of fans, that like the same kind of songs that I do. The projection is great, but seeing so many people call it a “hologram” is seeming more disingenuous because truly she never was a hologram. I am also upset at newer fans and those outside of vocaloid spaces calling their first Miku Expo a “joke.” This has been the most successful Miku Expo with the most locations visited in NA ever and a performance at Coachella. I understand if you dislike the screen, but it seems like lots of people want to convince everyone this is the worse thing Crypton could do to western fans which is far from it.

[@TheRoleplayer40k]

it is a joke compared to the ones in Tokyo

[@berenicepenguin8993]

@@TheRoleplayer40k it is on a much smaller scale than Mirai I can totally agree with that, but in comparison Hatsune is a lot more popular in Japan. On top of that they have the advantage of being where Crypton is located and they only have to preform in two cities compared to multiple counties across two continents, constantly having to move equipment. It’s not bad to ask for more, but you can see why things are different for the Expo’s. Either way I don’t think these concerts with smaller venues make them a “joke” in anyway, especially since every concert in the past had the clear glass screen just like Mirai

[@Narwhal39]

@@berenicepenguin8993 I don't see the point in comparing apples to oranges. Of course her home country will have a bigger budget, a much bigger venue. They are different experiences. If I were to be honest I couldn't see myself in one of the huge arenas Japan does. Having been in the floor nearly on the front section, I was fully immersed in getting to see Miku & friends up close. I don't think I'd be able to get tickets like that for Japan.

[@berenicepenguin8993]

@@Narwhal39 yeah, I know. Was only comparing them because of the reply to my comment. I was talking about why their are differences, not that one was inherently better. But it’s great that you appreciate the Expo’s

[@kmgollon]

How the event was handled was a joke. The ticket sales, merch, venue, etc. The show itself was great. People out there making the LED screen out to be a big downgrade to the projection, but I actually like it more if I had to pick between the 2.

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

10:49 Oh wow, this is the first Miku figure I’ve ever seen that I would think about buying. It’s so colourful, and I love the text. There’s some My Hero Academia figures that have sound effects on them, I love when they do that.

[@minty.wolf.studios688]

I'm going to Miku Expo in London later this year! although I'm disappointed that she isn't a 'hologram' I'm not gonna let it ruin my experience and I defo think it was down to the way they designed the set around the screen and the lights being behind it, I know they can't see how it'll look at each venue until they're there but I think they should of just kept it to the sets they were doing for miku x kodo and mikufes so it doesn't ruin the illusion, I also understand people's anger about the pricing for the tickets and the goodie bag for VIP but I'm going general so I'm not too fussed, for the setlist I get playing the classics but also the theme songs as it is the 10th anniversary but I was annoyed that they've gotten lazy with changing the setlist for each concert as they used to change some of the miku songs but also the other cryptonloids but now they're just changing like 2 miku songs. Overall I'm very excited to see her again as I went in 2020 but I also love lucky orb so much! I remember seeing her prototype at the venue and preordering her defo one of my fav miku designs and figures she means a lot to me ❤

[@htsunmiku]

what gets me is: why didn't they crowd-fund if they couldn't afford it? for the online miku expos they crowdfunded. tho i can't wait for the Euro tour. As you said. vocaloid is a community thing. like yh we love Miku, but we are also there to support the producers and see other fans.

[@Rachel-xo1fj]

I couldn’t get tickets to Miku expo and maybe I’m crazy but I never had any expectation of a hologram? 😭 I feel like most Miku concerts are on screens… anyways so glad you had fun! Love the Miku expo shelf idea and your guy’s outfits are adorable!

[@princessjello]

Far as I know, they've always been on holograms. I've never seen them use an LCD screen and i've been to the concerts in the east coast almost every time they've been in the US.

[@halfiecafe]

there has been only one other instance of an led screen used for a miku event which took place over ten years ago, it caused major backlash at the time and thus was never used again, that is until now.

[@zoeyc5851]

@@halfiecafe An LED screen was used as MikuFes24, and the screen and layout was WAY better

[@Aesos3429]

You are a little crazy, yeah, since a majority of the performances have had the holograms. But there’s been screens used in the past for events as well. The screen for Miku expo wouldn’t have been an issue if they bothered to do what the other screen performances did…and make it bloody blend in with the rest of stage. They didn’t even try for Miku expo it’s just…out there. And it especially sucks since that new Vocaloid game came out around Covid (I think?) and it brought in newer Vocaloid fans that probably saw all the older concerts online that did use holograms…and then they get Miku expo tickets and are blindsided by the giant visible screen. I honestly kinda feel bad for them, that being their first experience and all, but I hope they had fun despite the screen and the other…mess, lol

[@halfiecafe]

@@zoeyc5851 I actually did see that mentioned online and you’re right, it looked WAY better

[@rudyfruity]

that figure is soooo cuuuute

[@DiamondFlame45]

I still plan to go to the concert! She is coming to Atlanta April 30 and I plan to go with my friends!

[@thanamechanges]

I finally got my kisame statue now i got a few others on my list to get for inuyasha and naruto.

[@masterfuture1]

Any vlog of the event! Hi from Asia!

[@DEFENDER-lx2hs]

Hi never been lucky enough to get a concert near me.I do enjoy her You Tube Channel though.Regards.

[@katie4849]

The Canada miku is so cute!

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

Yea I agree with that, I bet nearly everyone complaining never went. It’s exactly the same as the people online complaining about fan service in anime and ecchi figures. They’re never going to watch or buy them to begin with, they’re just angry it exists. But I will say I’ve no idea how anyone is bothered going to a concert to listen to a computer program haha.

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

Thank god I’ve no interest in Miku, because the amount of figures she gets is bonkers. New ones every single week, she’s definitely the most reproduced character in figures.

[@SJZ00]

Why are you trying to invalidate people's complaints? Just because you went and you were OK with Crunchyroll breaking tradition doesnt mean others feel the same way. I went, many of the people i know went, and we didn't like how they use the OLED screen in replacement of the hologram method (yes, hologram is when an image get projected onto a clear glass). I dont mind if you are ok with it but pls dont invalidate other people's complaints and opinions. You said you tried not to invalidate anyone, but you are doing just that by saying "those who complaints are the ones that didnt go"

[@kmgollon]

Genuinely curious, what part of the LED screen do you not like about? Not talking about the bait and switch they did and tradition but the screen itself.

[@GwynCollects]

Sorry about that! I filmed this closer to when I went when there had only been two concert stops so I knew most of the people complaining hadn't actually gone yet. I do think since more people have gone I've seen more comments on the screen being ok but there are still a lot of people who didn't like it. I agree that Crunchyroll definitely had a hand in the poor management though!

[@Narwhal39]

I only have a bone to pick with the devil incarnate Ticketmaster, bc the VIP tickets that were supposed to open only showed up 2 hours late, and I got VIP after I already bought a General ticket bc I was afraid they were already selling out the first day of presales. And as someone who bought all the merch I needed back in 2020 (the canceled tour 🥲) I felt so bad for how they fumbled the merch sales both online and in-person. The show itself I have no complaints about. We all were enjoying ourselves so much, and even though the band for the NA tour was new (they were locals instead of from Japan) you could tell they were fully in on performing for Miku, the band cams they shared online were so good too (search Dylan Wood Music, Leanne Bowes Bass, Vixens Diary, Tobias Witt)