Anime Killed the Hollywood Star

In 1996, Connie Willis wrote a book called Remake, in which Hollywood is all software and manipulation. Computer-generated images replace real actors, and instead of producing new movies, Hollywood simply remakes old movies using these technological techniques. All the live actors are then free to do whatever they wish, which involves endless debauchery, of course. And law suits.

Since we’ve witnessed it happen with music, the possibility that the film industry, or any other visual performance medium, could be reduced to flashy images and digital reproductions is particularly resonant. Now, 15 years later, it’s no longer just a possibility.

In Japan, where a man married his avatar girlfriend, millions flock to concerts in which anime characters, rather than live people, perform. Hatsune Miku, a holographic cartoon character with bright blue, nearly floor-length pigtails and angel wings rises up from inside the stage, sporting thigh-high stockings, platform heels, and arm gauntlets. She sings and dances in front of millions of devoted fans, regularly selling out shows in Japan, and even one in Los Angeles. Last year, she had a number one single.

Watch Hatsune Miku on Youtube.

Miku’s holographic presentation is carefully and flawlessly crafted and rendered, and Yamaha’s Vocaloid software takes concepts pioneered by Auto tune to a whole level of vocal possibility. Fans can even write and submit songs for her to sing.

Recently, fans noticed that there was something strange about the new member of Japanese pop band AKB48. The band confirmed that she, a 16-year-old girl, is actually an avatar comprised of the facial features of the six existing human band members. AKB48 may not make it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but they’ll make history as the first band with a computer-generated member.

Many music fans have accepted lip synching as a part of the business, and many don’t think twice about the incorporation of Auto tune and other voice-alteration software. Fans of AKB48 and Hatsune Miku love these artists not in spite of, but because of their incorporation of cutting-edge audio and visual technology. The question is, how far will it go?

Are we headed for a Remake-style future where live performers and actors become obsolete?

For the moment, computer-generated stars are still relatively novel and concentrated largely in Japan, which tends to be the frontrunner of such trends. This trend could either spread across the world, or remain in the idiosyncratic niche it’s carved for itself.

Part of the appeal is novelty, but there’s more than that. Sal9000, the screenname of the man who married a video game character, claims he got the ultimate catch–his animated love adapts to his wishes and never gets angry at him. It’s easier for him to express love in the virtual world than in the real one, so this is the safest and most gratifying relationship he can imagine.

Fans’ adoration of computer-generated superstars is similarly gratifying and risk-free. These artists won’t get intoxicated, sick, or injured before a performance. They won’t cancel appearances due to personal problems. They’ll never be arrested for drunk driving, they’ll never throw punches at the paparazzi, and they won’t die at 27. Their routines will never suddenly fall below par—sure, they’ll be robotic because they are robotic, but they’ll be consistent. And when they figure out a way to sign autographs, they’ll never refuse.