YENA and Hatsune Miku Deliver the Cutest Interdimensional Collaboration with “STAR!”
If any K-pop idol were to collaborate with the global phenomenon that is Hatsune Miku, it is no surprise that it would be the multitalented soloist YENA. On November 26, YENA collaborated with Hatsune Miku for her new Japanese digital single, “STAR!” This collaboration signifies a historic musical exchange, bridging together fans of Vocaloid and K-pop for an adorable bubblegum pop hit.
YENA debuted “STAR!” at her solo concert in Japan, “2025 THE YENA SHOW <私はSTAR！>,” on September 15. News of the collaboration quickly circulated across social media, and audiences rallied in agreement that YENA was more than deserving of Hatsune Miku’s first feature in over a year. After months of eager anticipation from Jigumis (YENA’s fandom) and Miku fans alike, the collaboration’s release was officially confirmed on November 19.
When Two Stars Collide
Hatsune Miku is the main face of the multi-million Vocaloid franchise from Japan — a series of singing voice synthesizer characters. As a virtual singer, she possesses the capability to cover any song or speak any phrase. Hatsune Miku has gone on to become an international icon with numerous era-defining hits since her debut in 2007. Though anyone is effectively able to collaborate with Hatsune Miku thanks to her accessibility, “STAR!” is Hatsune Miku’s first official collaboration with a K-pop act.
YENA is no stranger to the world of J-pop. YENA first entered the entertainment scene in 2018 with the survival show, PRODUCE48 — an ambitious spin-off of the widely popular PRODUCE101 series. Instead of only K-pop trainees gunning for a spot within the debut lineup, already-debuted megastars from Japan’s AKB48 Group also participated in the fierce competition. YENA ranked fourth place and debuted in the massively successful final group, IZ*ONE, who went on to acquire numerous accolades in both South Korea and Japan.
IZ*ONE was only the beginning of YENA’s artistic journey, as she made her solo debut on January 17, 2022 with the EP Smiley. YENA’s music would strike a chord for listeners looking for a healthy dose of serotonin in their heavy rotation. Her artistic identity became synonymous with colorful, cute campiness — a rare, yet much needed, concept in this era of K-pop. Later in August 2023, YENA made her Japanese debut with a Japanese rendition of her debut title track, “Smiley,” featuring Korean-Japanese rapper Chanmina.
“I’m a Star, Aren’t I?”
“STAR!” is quintessential YENA, in line with the bright pop melodies of “SMARTPHONE” and “네모네모 (NEMONEMO).” The song features composition credits from YENA’s previous collaborators such as NATHAN, Hong Hun Gi, Shannon Bae, MILLENNIUM, and b!ni. “STAR!” is an upbeat electropop song with 8-bit-like synths that play into the song’s digital themes.
YENA sings about recognizing her star power and inimitable style: “Style is star / You’ll understand when you see it / Blah blah, what will you do? / I’ll give you starlight (pew).” As a seasoned star, Hatsune Miku muses about her impact in the second verse: “A stage echoing with 0s and 1s / Swishing the green onion high in the air / Singing each person’s feelings / Multiplying everyone’s wishes to send to space.”
The music video taps into a 2000s aesthetic with internet imagery reminiscent of online platforms like Nico Nico Douga and Cyworld. Pixels decorate the screen with plenty of ASCII art and kaomojis. Hatsune Miku appears on a giant screen and bestows her magic to YENA to help her achieve her full virtual superstar fantasy. We later catch brief glimpses of YENA as a 2D character, showing how YENA entered into Hatsune Miku’s digital universe.
“STAR!” signifies more than a musical collaboration; it is a meeting between two stars. YENA and Hatsune Miku are more alike than they may seem. Both artists are dedicated to uplift audiences — regardless of culture, language, or even physical barriers — with their adorable appearance and unique sound.
“STAR!” is now available to stream on music platforms. Stay updated with YENA on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
Interested in more recent releases to add to your playlist? Check out EnVi’s coverage of RIIZE’s latest single album, Fame, here!
