What is Kasane Teto?
Kasane Teto is a character originally created for the free vocal synthesis software UTAU. With her signature red twin tails and love for French bread, she was first introduced as a fake VOCALOID on April 1, 2008, as part of an elaborate April Fools’ joke on Japan’s biggest anonymous online forum, 2channel (2ch).
However, what started as a prank soon took on a life of its own. Fans took the joke seriously and actually created a functional UTAU voicebank for her. Over time, her popularity grew, and she eventually became an officially recognized virtual singer. Today, she even has a voicebank for Synthesizer V, a next-generation vocal synthesis software, making her one of the most beloved singing voice characters alongside Hatsune Miku and other VOCALOIDs.
1. The Beginning of a Legend: An April Fools’ Prank
The “Fake VOCALOID” Prank
On April 1, 2008, users of 2channel’s “VIP Board” came up with an idea for an elaborate prank—creating a brand-new VOCALOID. And so, Kasane Teto was born.
2channel (2ch) was Japan’s largest anonymous forum, founded in 1999. It played a major role in shaping internet culture, similar to 4chan in the West. With its highly active and often chaotic environment, 2ch was the birthplace of many internet memes and viral content. The VIP Board, in particular, was known for its creative pranks and humorous projects, making it the perfect place for the Teto prank.
To make the hoax convincing, they released official-looking information, claiming she was a “VOCALOID 2.5” character.
• Name: Kasane Teto
• Age: 15
• Height & Weight: 159.5 cm / 47 kg
• Nationality: 1/4 French
• Voice Actress: “Mai Koyama” (a completely fictional person)
To further sell the illusion, they even created a professional-looking illustration and spread the news online. Many people were convinced that Teto was a real upcoming VOCALOID. However, the very next day, the creators revealed the truth—it was all a joke.
Normally, this would have been the end of the story. But for Teto, it was just the beginning.
2. From a Joke to a Real Singing Voice with UTAU
The prank had attracted a lot of attention, and fans started to think: “Why not make her real?”
At that time, VOCALOID was expensive software developed by professional companies. However, an alternative program called UTAU was gaining popularity. Unlike VOCALOID, UTAU allowed anyone to record their own voice and create a custom vocal synthesis voicebank for free.
So, a group of fans decided to give Kasane Teto a real voice by recording an UTAU voicebank for her. When she was released, she quickly gained a dedicated fanbase.
Her voice had a robotic yet warm quality, distinct from the more polished VOCALOIDs. This uniqueness contributed to her growing popularity, and before long, Teto became a major presence in the UTAU community.
4. The Evolution of Kasane Teto: Synthesizer V Brings a New Era
In 2023, Kasane Teto underwent a major transformation—she was officially released as a voicebank for Synthesizer V, a next-generation vocal synthesis software.
What is Synthesizer V?
Synthesizer V is an advanced vocal synthesis program that uses AI technology to create incredibly realistic singing voices. Compared to VOCALOID and UTAU, it offers:
• More natural and fluid vocals – Less robotic, more human-like.
• Advanced vocal expression – Users can control breath, vibrato, and subtle nuances.
• AI-powered singing – Greater versatility in tone and singing style.
With her Synthesizer V voicebank, Teto is no longer just a fan-made character—she has become a legitimate virtual singer on par with professional VOCALOIDs.
5. Recommended Artists Who Use Kasane Teto
Kasane Teto has been used by many talented producers over the years. Here are some of the most influential creators who have helped shape her musical identity.
① Masarada (マサラダ)
Notable Song: “Lier Dancer”
The first creator is Masarada. A relatively new artist, Masarada is known for their clever and humorous lyrics as well as their highly realistic tuning, making UTAU and Synthesizer V sound incredibly human-like. Additionally, they are a multitalented creator who also produces their own visuals.
This particular song revolves around the theme of “lies”, which makes it even more enjoyable when considering Kasane Teto’s origins as a character born from a prank.
② Sasuke Haraguchi (原口沙輔)
Notable Song: “Hito Mania”
The second creator is Sasuke Haraguchi. His music is characterized by peculiar sound textures, complex chord progressions, and yet an oddly catchy appeal that lingers in the listener’s mind. His lyrics are also quite bizarre and thought-provoking, making them worth analyzing.
Interestingly, rather than using the more human-like Synthesizer V, he deliberately chooses to work with UTAU, preserving a more robotic and mechanical feel in his music.
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③Satsuki（サツキ）
Notable Song: “Mesmerizer”
The third creator is Satsuki. This song is a duet between Kasane Teto and Hatsune Miku, who come from entirely different origins.
The music video, created by Channel, became a hot topic for its cute visuals that cleverly conceal an underlying sense of madness, adding a deeper layer of intrigue to the song.
6. Why is Kasane Teto Still Loved Today?
Kasane Teto started as a 2channel joke, but thanks to the dedication of her fans and the evolution of vocal synthesis technology, she has grown into a legitimate virtual singer.
From her humble beginnings in UTAU to her official recognition and her upgrade to Synthesizer V, Teto’s journey is a testament to the power of internet culture and community-driven creativity.
Even today, new songs, collaborations, and innovations continue to keep Kasane Teto’s legacy alive. Who knows what the future holds for her? One thing is for sure—Teto is here to stay.
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