| Soyogi Soyogi | CeVIO AI | VoiSona | VoiSona Talk | | | Originals |
|---|
This article is about the CeVIO AI software known as a voicebank. If you are looking for the CeVIO character then click here.
History[]
2023[]
On September 1, 2023, a new project to commemorate the Japanese actor, voice actor and singer Yuki Kaji's 20th anniversary as a voice actor was launched under the title of Soyogi Fractal with the goal of developing a character using voice synthesizer software. The short demo showcased a vocalist announced to be based on the voice of Yuki Kaji, singing to the tune of Happy Birthday to You in Japanese. With Soyogi Soyogi at the core, the Soyogi Fractal project announced its plan to collaborate with writers, manga artists, and artists who had a connection with Yuki Kaji, with the goal to produce animation and music. In the long term, the plan was to make an animated cartoon or video game version of the character, and to make entertainment more multidimensional. Yuki Kaji was noted to have started this project to celebrate his 20th anniversary as a voice actor. In parallel, the project would also function as a place for communication with general users, with the goal of building creative relationships through illustrations, video submissions, and other secondary productions. Soyogi Fractal also announced plans to hold contests and other events to create great opportunities for new creators and those who have yet to be discovered.
The project was also born with the notation that the voice changes from day to day due to aging and overuse, and due to Yuki Kaji's desire to preserve his form as a voice actor as data that would last forever so that the "romance of a new work" may be created with his voice in some future era.[1]
On December 1, a video update was posted featuring the new vocal announcing that an update and new information would be provided on December 8.[2] A follow up video message was posted soon after the first video announcing that the character's name had been decided, "Soyogi Soyogi" (梵そよぎ). It was noted that the surname "Soyogi". which comes from Sanskrit origins, means "to be untainted and normal" or "to be psychologically aware". Soyogi Soyogi noted in his message that he has "been in touch with the new concept of AI, and it is my desire to pursue the psychology of the human creature in a paradoxical way." It was noted that the name was made up of kanji and hiragana, invoking Japanese culture, with the hope that listeners would feel a sense of peace. Soyogi's silhouette was also shown of which Soyogi stated would be unveiled on Christmas, December 25. It was also stated that Soyogi would be featured on the Seiyu Grand Prix (声優グランプリ) magazine duet cover with Yuki Kaji, announced to be released on January 1, 2024 in celebration of Kaji's 20th anniversary as a voice actor.[3] Further information about the Soyogi Soyogi project was provided on January 12.[4][5]
Soyogi Soyogi's official illustration was unveiled on December 25, as expected with an accompanying rendition of Jingle Bells and a message wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. His illustration was announced to be illustrated by Mai Yoneyama.[6][7]
2024[]
Q1[]
The official Soyogi Soyogi Twitter account posted a new illustration of Soyogi Soyogi on January 1, wishing everyone a Happy New Year and asking for fans' continued support into 2024.[8] On February 1, the official Soyogi Fractal website was launched, providing an official profile and information on the Soyogi Soyogi project. An instrumental theme song titled "0-virtual" composed by Hiroyuki Sawano (澤野弘之) could be heard playing in the background of the website.[9][10]
On March 23, a new silhouette was posted to the Soyogi Soyogi Twitter account with a date (the same day, March 23) and a time, 19:00 JST.[11] This would be later revealed to be the illustration used for Soyogi Soyogi's first demonstration "sense of wonder". It was confirmed in the description of the video that the video featured synthesized singing and was tuned by hand. The synthesizer's name still had not yet been revealed.[12][13] On March 28, another date, March 30, was shown, this time without an accompanying thumbnail.[14] This was later revealed to be Soyogi Soyogi's second demonstration, a cover of "Akuma no Ko" (悪魔の子), the 7th ending theme of the Attack on Titan anime, composed and performed by Ai Higuchi.[15][16] It was stated in a follow up tweet that a Crowdfunding Information livestreaming event would be hosted on April 3rd at 9pm JST.[17][18]
Q2[]
On April 3, Yuki Kaji held the crowdfunding livestream as expected revealing information such as the history and meaning of the project, the crowdfund rewards and a "big announcement". Yuki Kaji noted that he had a goal of wanting to create a new kind of entertainment and has been working on a project to expand his circle of creativity by creating music in collaborations with various creators. He compared the Soyogi Fractal concept to vegetables, specifically that of romanesco broccoli where he noted if one looks closely, "you can see that the tiny shapes are stacked and folded together to form one large piece," making a comparison to creators who share the same ideals and working together to create a work of art. He stated that looking at the results of the work that each person has created, you can see that they are all one and the same, comparing this to the concept of fractals, they all face the same direction and weave together a completely new form. He noted that he was unsure of what he could do as a voice actor in this situation and was unsure if it's a good idea or not, however, he ultimately decided that it was a good idea. He stated that he wanted to give back to the voice actors and the animation industry that nurtured him and was happy to be able to work on this project for the first time with the help of professionals.
Yuki Kaji then provided a map of the plan for the Soyogi Soyogi project, with CeVIO AI at the center and the core of the project and expanded out to other branches including: video games, Metaverse Space NFT, AI Virtual YouTubing, original music, animation, 3D modeling, reading drama, narration, novelization, comics, cover songs, chatbot, dictionary/translation applications, medical/education for use in welfare, support and various other character creations. He then went over the design concept behind Soyogi Soyogi putting emphasis of the character holding a microphone, as that draws inspiration of his role as a voice actor. He took note of his shoes being colored and shaped like piano keys, the design being black and white similar to a piano keyboard. The design was noted to draw inspiration from conductors and butlers, taking on a sheepish nuance, as if it's going to "guide you to the next world." He also compared the voice to that of a cloak, like that of a magician. He also drew attention to the necktie and to the brooch on the left of his chest making reference to a tree called "My Housework, My Courage, My Housework" (僕の家事勇気の 家事) growing in his home.
He further elaborated that the goal was to commercialize Soyogi Soyogi for singing rather than talking, wishing users to experience his voice through his music videos. He replayed the aforementioned Happy Birthday demonstration. Following, he delved into the background of the creation of the second demonstration song, "Akuma no Ko", taking note on the collaboration with illustrators and producers from the Attack on Titan anime. He then began discussing the crowdfund and reviewed the available rewards including:
- Thank You Message
- Activity Report Exclusive to Supporters
- PC Wallpaper/smartphone Wallpaper
- Settings Collection (Data)
- Instruction Manual Credit Notation (Small)
- Thank You Voice Message
- Soyogi Soyogi System Voice (10 Pieces of Audio Material)
- For Personal Use Only.
- Dialogue Voice Data Between Yuki Kaji and Soyogi
- CeVIO AI Soyogi Soyogi Song Voice (Crowdfund Limited Package Version)
- CeVIO AI Soyogi Soyogi Song Starter (Crowdfund Limited Package Version)
- A copy of the Soyogi Soyogi Spin-off Manga (Original Work by Hajime Isayama)
- Soyogi Rubber Key Holder
- Soyogi Soyogi Acrylic Stand
- Certificate of Support With Serial Number
- Soyogi Soyogi Acrylic Board
- Soyogi Fractal Original Hoodie
- Wireless Earphone With Voice of Soyogi
- Voice Drama Data of Yuki Kaji & Soyogi (Script: Fumio Fujisawa)
- Right to Watch the Live Delivery "demo" of Soyogi Ai
- Participation in a Talk Show With Yuki Kaji & Soyogi Soyogi + Autograph
- Original Reproduction of Mai Yoneyama's Illustration
- One-on-one Online Planning Meeting
- Original Reproduction of Hajime Isayama's Illustration[19]
He then began exploring further goals of the project such as commercializing other software, and planned to have the crowdfund rewards delivered in the fall of 2024 and the items would be sent out in order as they are ready. He then explained the plans for the "big announcement" which was announced to be the collaboration with the manga illustrator Hajime Isayama to write an original story, based around the story of Soyogi Fractal. He noted that the story itself is a story about a man and a woman who are both in the same boat. It was noted that the story itself is based on Yuki Kaji's ideas, but Hajime Isayama is the one who is making the story. The first five pages of the story were also published.[20] A competition held in collaboration with DAYS NEO will be launched with the goal of finding an illustrator for the manga.[21][22] He then showcased a rough draft of the visual for the manga contest, illustrated by Hajime Isayama.[23] The image was announced to be redone by a selected illustrator in the future. The crowdfund was announced to begin on April 11 and would run through May 31.[24] The crowdfund would be held via CAMPFIRE, with an initial goal of ¥10,000,000 yen.[25]
The crowdfunding campaign was officially launched on April 11 as expected, reaching 50% of its goal within the first day.[26][27] By April 15, 100% of the crowdfund was reached, prompting the decision to develop Soyogi Soyogi's Song Voice. Individualized thank-you audio messages were posted the same day to supporters.[28] On April 18, official concept work was released for Soyogi Soyogi.[29] A second interim livestream was held on Monday May 6 in the midst of the crowdfund making several new announcements including:
- The announcement of Stretch Goals,
- The new names for Isayama Hajime's manga project revealed.
- Several pages of the first draft of Fujisawa Fumio's script revealed.
- The announcement of collaborations with special artists.
- The announcement of the third cover music video title.
Further stretch goals were added including the development of a Talk Voice for Soyogi Soyogi, the creation of an original 3D model and a duet collaboration with the Musical Isotope Project vocalist KAFU, as well as the announcement of the third music video "Orange" by SPYAIR coming soon.[30] The terms for developing the Talk Voice were being reviewed and would be released at a later date.[31] Additional storyboard pages (up to page 13) of the manga were also revealed during the broadcast as well as the script written by Fumio Fujisawa. The title of the manga was announced to be "ONE IN TWO".[32][33]
The third demonstration "Orange" by SPYAIR was released on May 18.[34] The ¥15,000,000 yen stretch goal was achieved on May 20, prompting the development decision of Soyogi Soyogi's Talk Voice.[35] By May 29, the ¥17,500,000 yen stretch goal was achieved prompting the decision to create an original 3D model for Soyogi Soyogi.[36] The Soyogi Fractal logo was published also on May 29.[37] The crowdfund exclusive merchandise was revealed on May 30.[38][39][40] A final broadcast was announced to be held at 21:00 JST the same day, where Soyogi Soyogi's chatbot was demonstrated.[41] The crowdfund concluded on May 31 with ¥34,197,702 yen raised by 907 supporters.[42]
Q4[]
On November 4, it was announced that Soyogi Soyogi's Song Voice would be simultaneously released for both CeVIO AI and the related VST-based engine VoiSona.[43] Shortly after, the first demo of his Song Voice being tested on VoiSona was published on Yuki Kaji's official Twitter.[44] His Talk Voice was later announced to be releasing concurrently with his Song Voice, not just for CeVIO AI but also for VoiSona Talk.[45] His release date was announced on November 15, expected for November 21, 2024.[46] A demonstration of Soyogi Soyogi's VoiSona Talk Voice library was released the same day, showcasing all of his eight expressions.[47] As of November 17, crowdfund supporters began receiving early shipments of the physical editions of Soyogi Soyogi.[48][49] Due to poor shipping and packaging conditions, it was reported that multiple users had received crushed and damaged boxes containing the CeVIO AI library.[50] The official Soyogi Fractal Twitter account was of the belief that the cause was due to poor packaging at a partner warehouse, which resulted in damage during delivery. Soyogi Fractal apologized for the inconvenience and announced that users experiencing this issue could contact Soyogi Fractal with a photo of the damage, and would be sent a new item, free of charge.[51][52] It was announced that Soyogi Soyogi would be releasing at 10:00 a.m. (JST) on November 21 as a digital download product, with Song Voice standalone and Starter Pack options, on the animate GAMES and DLsite distributors respectively.[53][54] Soyogi Soyogi was released on November 21 as expected.[55][56][57] An official PR TIMES press release article was published commemorating the release.[58][59]
CeVIO AI[]
Soyogi Soyogi Song Voice[]
Product Information[]
A masculine vocal capable of Japanese singing synthesis.
Demonstrations[]
| Original and Cover Songs |
|---|
|
| |
|---|---|
| Happy Birthday to You |  YouTube
|
| Jingle Bells | YouTube
|
| sense of wonder | YouTube
|
| 悪魔の子 (Akuma no Ko) | YouTube
|
| オレンジ (Orange) | YouTube
|
| Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star | YouTube
|
Soyogi Soyogi Talk Voice[]
Product Information[]
A masculine vocal capable of Japanese speech synthesis.
Demonstrations[]
| Samples |
|---|
|
| |
|---|---|
| もう1人の梶裕貴からのメッセージ #梶裕貴誕生祭2023 (Message from another Yuki Kaji #Yuki Kaji Birthday Festival 2023) |
YouTube
|
| もう1人の梶裕貴からのメッセージ② (Message from another Yuki Kaji (2)) | YouTube
|
| 梵そよぎからのメッセージ #梵そよぎ (Message from Soyogi Soyogi #Soyogi Soyogi) | YouTube
|
| 朗読『人間失格』 (Reading 人間失格 (Ningen Shikkaku - No Longer Human)) | YouTube
|
| 『CeVIO AI「梵そよぎ」ソングボイス』使い方動画【梶裕貴 音声AIプロジェクト】 (CeVIO AI "Soyogi Soyogi" Song Voice How-to Video "Kaji Yuki Voice AI Project") |
YouTube
|
System Requirements[]
- Operating environment
- Supported OS:
- Windows 11 (64bit Japanese or English version)
- Windows 10 Japanese edition (64bit Japanese or English version)
- Windows 8.1 Japanese edition (64bit Japanese or English version)
- Supported OS:
- CPU: Intel / AMD dual core processor or higher *4 Cores or higher recommended*
- Memory: 4GB or more * 8GB or more recommended
- HDD: 1GB or more (400MB or more if the editor is already installed)
- Starter pack: 1GB or more
- Display: 1280 x 720 or higher full color
Additional Notes[]
- Windows compatible sound devices are required for audio playback.
- Internet connection environment is required for license authentication and update.
- Can be used on one PC per license.
- This product supports Japanese singing voice synthesis.
- "CeVIO AI Song Editor" is required to use this product.
- Additional licenses may be required for commercial use of this product and synthetic voice, so please contact us in advance.
Voicebank Libraries[]
| Product Information | |
|---|---|
| Optimum | |
| Language: Japanese Genre: Unannounced Optimum Range: C#3 ~ G#4 Optimum Tempo: 80-170 BPM
| |
| Package details as noted: | |
|
Released November 21, 2024 by Soyogi Fractal this voicebank's stable release is CeVIO AI.
|
Trial Version/Starter Pack |
| Trial Version: No Starter Pack: Yes | |
| Phonetic notes as noted: | |
| |
| Voicebank sample | |
|
Solfege: | |
| Product Information | |
|---|---|
| Optimum | |
| Language: Japanese | |
| Voice Characteristics as noted: | |
| |
| Presets as noted: | |
| |
| Package details as noted: | |
|
Released November 21, 2024 by Soyogi Fractal this voicebank's stable release is CeVIO AI.
|
Trial Version/Starter Pack |
| Trial Version: No Starter Pack: Yes | |
| Phonetic notes as noted: | |
| |
| Voicebank sample | |
| |
References[]
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0reS-4i039o
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Hl6dxHTTo
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWnMauuB7iE
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1734415523990184372
- ↑ https://seigura.com/news/126340/
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1739209389217833066
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMsUBB_IZQE
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1741719806813044791
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1752648172193907059
- ↑ https://www.soyogi-fractal.com/
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1771121836006457537
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1771479881060098357
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri4UcTS96i0
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1772926779012829352
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1773651326632612184
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr4wTT7IL6I
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1774015495139987745
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1774753605679276465
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1775519093317370047
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1775519276289691650
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1775519260393267575
- ↑ https://x.com/days_neo/status/1775180880514023710
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1775519249936904569
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1775519085155213334
- ↑ https://camp-fire.jp/projects/view/748273
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1777977383951470917
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1778417518279012807
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1779499154026402237
- ↑ https://x.com/search?q=from%3A%40kaji_project&src=typed_query&f=live
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1787480681884553510
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1787480686347403592
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1787485815989583955
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1787486862636093640
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1792134885869801570
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1792181142155821100
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1795449927780511987
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1795658719214399805
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1795773539838312956
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1795774977901531472
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1795774986856329684
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1796400088820195412
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1796699766124138961
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1853361555913789757
- ↑ https://x.com/KAJI__OFFICIAL/status/1853376723439714451
- ↑ https://x.com/VoiSonaOfficial/status/1853366366537158874
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1857000613059473895
- ↑ https://x.com/KAJI__OFFICIAL/status/1857008494429266338
- ↑ https://x.com/rina_hazuki/status/1858006715020738575
- ↑ https://x.com/KAJI__OFFICIAL/status/1858021847830508022
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1858071182698045691
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1858071186057711764
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1858071189253746871
- ↑ https://x.com/KAJI__OFFICIAL/status/1859196211204383041
- ↑ https://www.animategames.jp/home/find?select_category=0&search=soyogi
- ↑ https://x.com/kaji_project/status/1859402041388564706
- ↑ https://x.com/animategames/status/1859405546983653426
- ↑ https://x.com/CeVIO_st/status/1859401739952394299
- ↑ https://x.com/PRTIMES_TECH/status/1859403908906614908
- ↑ https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000141087.html