Gakupo Kamui

Developer: Internet Co, Ltd.
Release Date: 7/31/2008

Kamui Gakupo was the first Vocaloid released by Internet Co, Ltd. Gackt was used as a voice provider after he was recommended to them by another company as a singer who was often cooperative (as Internet Co, Ltd thought that it would be difficult to get a singer to use their voice for a Vocaloid). Gackt also named the Vocaloid (Kamui Gakupo being one phonetic letter off from "Camui Gackt"). He was originally supposed to be released in June 2008, but didn't have a design done at the time. He was released at the end of July after manga artist Kentarou Miura (famous for Berserk) did the design for free because he loved Nico Nico Douga. The name Camui Gackt, spelled properly as Kamui Gakuto, translates to "Divine Power of Music" or "Divine Being of Music", which carries over to his Vocaloid's very similar name. Until Gakupo's release, the only "mature-sounding" male Vocaloid was Kaito; this and his large depth range has led to his popularity, as well as being used for a variety in genres. His voicebank is said to be one of the best in quality. Fan reaction to Gakupo's design was mixed; some thought he was female and others thought that he seemed too flamboyant and effeminate, but he was praised for being unique from the designs of the previous Vocaloids. He is often portrayed as a goof, like Kaito, but also as a pervert or a casanova. His character item is an eggplant, likely based off of his purple hair.