After a long-awaited return, Hatsune Miku and Miku Expo finally arrived in Indonesia on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta. The night marked a special moment for Indonesian Japanese pop culture fandom, especially Vocaloid fans.
That evening, Tennis Indoor Senayan transformed into a sea of teal-green lightsticks as fans welcomed Miku Expo 2025 Asia’s Jakarta stop. The concert signalled the virtual diva’s long-anticipated comeback to Indonesia, more than ten years since her previous appearance.
From the start, fans’ enthusiasm was evident from the long queues forming since midday. By the time the concert began, the venue was entirely packed. Not only did fans from Jakarta and across Indonesia attend, but the audience also included several visitors from Japan and overseas who didn’t want to miss Miku’s return to the country.
Excellent Accessibility at the Heart of Jakarta
Tennis Indoor Senayan is known for its strategic location, especially convenient for attendees using public transport. Options ranged from the 24-hour TransJakarta bus system to the MRT, which connects directly to Dukuh Atas Station and offers seamless links to the KRL Commuter Line until the final departure of the night.
For those travelling by private vehicle, parking spaces around the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) complex were plentiful. Some concertgoers also opted to park at nearby shopping centres such as fX Sudirman or Senayan Park. Visitors could also find various F&B stalls around the venue. For those looking for budget-friendly options, vending machines offered bottled drinks at lower prices.
The Place Where Vocaloid Fans Across Generations Meet
As with most concerts, visitors underwent the usual ticket redemption and security checks to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Upon entering, attendees were greeted by an impressive row of flower stands sent by Indonesia’s Vocaloid communities to celebrate Miku’s long-awaited return. These displays, along with standees of popular Crypton Future Media Vocaloids, Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, Kagamine Len, and others, quickly became favourite photo spots, even long after the concert had ended.
One notable aspect of this year’s Miku Expo was its diverse audience. Many younger fans discovered Hatsune Miku through the mobile rhythm game Project Sekai, while older fans had followed her since the days of World Is Mine, the Project Diva game series, or the 2014 Miku Expo. The mix of generations highlighted Miku’s enduring appeal: her ability to transcend eras through music and digital creativity.
Another highlight outside the venue was the official photobooth, provided completely free of charge by the organisers. Fans just had to queue to take photos with official standees or a Miku Expo backdrop. The printed photos included a barcode for downloading a digital version, a treasured keepsake for many fans.
A Spectacular Reunion at Miku Expo 2025
At exactly 20:00 WIB, after the audience enthusiastically sang along to the Indonesian national anthem, the concert began with a burst of energy. The opening track was this year’s theme song, Artifact by buzzG, followed by newer Vocaloid hits such as DECO*27’s Vampire, which instantly raised the excitement. Kagamine Rin and Len also took the stage with the fan-favourite Bring It On by Giga.
The audience erupted again when M@GICAL☆CURE! LOVE SHOT! a track that went viral among Fortnite players, played, prompting fans to chant “Miku Miku Beam!” together. But the most emotional moment came when Supercell’s legendary Melt filled the venue. The song is a core memory for many long-time Vocaloid fans, and tears flowed as it played. For countless listeners, Melt was their introduction to Vocaloid and Japanese pop culture. The shared emotional outpouring illustrated the deep connection Miku has built with her fans over the years.
From a vantage point at the back of the festival area near the Front of House (FOH), the visual spectacle was surprisingly even more striking. Despite the distance, the LED visuals of Hatsune Miku and her fellow Vocaloids Luka, Meiko, Kaito, Rin, and Len appeared vividly sharp and lifelike. The darker stage background enhanced the holographic 3D effect, making the characters look as if they were stepping out of the screen.
Animation quality was another highlight. The characters moved with remarkable smoothness and natural flow. A particularly striking moment was Meiko’s performance of Red Land Marker by Twinfield, featuring fluid choreography that captivated the audience and showcased the technological advances behind the concert.
The lighting design also elevated the show. Synchronised with every beat, the lights shifted in intensity and colour, amplifying the atmosphere from softer ambience to high-energy bursts.
Of course, Miku did not perform alone. A live backing band of Takumi Nishizawa (drums), Wakazaemon (bass), Ken Edo (keyboard), and Ryuto Ajima (guitar) performed throughout the concert. Their precision and chemistry added a vibrant, organic layer to each song. At times, the performance felt so seamless that one could forget this was a live concert and not a studio recording. Their contributions were essential to bringing the virtual performance to life.
Conclusion: Until Next Time!
As the concert drew to a close, a blend of joy and bittersweet emotion filled the venue. Fans lingered to take photos and capture the memory of Hatsune Miku’s long-awaited return to Indonesia. Miku Expo 2025 Jakarta served as a special gathering point for Vocaloid enthusiasts from across Indonesia.
After waiting more than a decade, Indonesian fans finally had their reunion with the virtual diva. Hopefully, it won’t take another ten years for Miku to return. Thank you, Miku Expo 2025!
The Indonesian Anime Times | Event report by Reza A. | Translation by Dany Muhammad
