虚拟偶像明星开启日本音乐大奖

MTV Japan's Video Music Awards started off on Saturday, attracting top bands such as British group Coldplay. But the honour of being the opening act fell on a singer that is not even human.

Hatsune Miku, a computer-generated pop sensation, is portrayed as a 16-year-old girl with long turquoise hair.

Hatsune Miku is a virtual character produced by the Sapporo-based Crypton Future Media. She went viral in Japan a few years back, selling out every concert and continues to grow in popularity with the international audience.

Apart from the opening stunt, the usual suspects of the Japanese pop scene stole the awards ceremony, with Exile winning the Best Video of the Year award for the fifth time in a row, and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu winning Best Album and Best Karaoke Song.

E-girls have been nominated for the first time and walked away with the Best Choreography award.

Among the guest acts were Coldplay, who performed "Magic" and "A Sky Full of Stars". It was their first appearance at the Video Music Awards in Japan.

Unfortunately, Miley Cyrus was on tour and was not able to pick up her Best Female Video award. She sent a selfie-style message to thank the fans that had voted for her.

Launched in 2002, the Japan VMAs have become a prominent music event in Japan's entertainment calendar, joined by major international artists.