MikuMikuDance (MMD)

MikuMikuDance (ミクミクダンス MikuMikuDansu?), commonly abbreviated to MMD, is a freeware animation program that lets users animate and create 3D animation movies, originally produced for the movies of Vocaloid Hatsune Miku.[1][2] The MikuMikuDance program itself was programmed by Yu Higuchi (HiguchiM) and has gone through significant upgrades since its creation. Its production was made as part of the VOCALOID Promotion Video Project (VPVP).

OVERVIEW

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The software allows users to import 3D models into a virtual space that can be moved and animated accordingly. The expressions of the 3D figures can be easily altered and sound can be further added to create music videos. The motion data creature by move the figures around can be exported and imported into other music videos made by the software and allows users to share the data with other users. The software also has its own physics engine and users can make adjustments to any object within the virtual space provided by the software. Users can also use Microsoft's Kinect for motion capturing. Map shadowing, screenshot rendering and full movie rendation is also possible.
All content, including the 3D models, is distributed freely by the users and most of its additional content is produced by users with new models made by 3D modeling software. The software itself comes with a number of models based on the mascots of Crypton Future Media Vocaloids. The software was originally only released in Japanese, however an English version was released at a later date.[4] Videos using the software are regularly seen on sites such as Nico Nico Douga and YouTube and is popular among Vocaloid fans and users alike. A magazine which hands out exclusive models with every issue was also produced in owe of this popularity.[5] Some models for Vocaloid may also be used for Vocaloid music, going on to be used by studios working with the Vocaloid software.[6]
Many people also buy Window 100% magazines which give models exclusive to the public. These come out once every month and due to popularity, model creators are giving out secret models, as well as the models people have paid for. Most of these tend to be vocaloid or models that do not have a particular owner.
In May 2011, the updating of the software came to an end and the last version was released. In closing statement the creator left the software to the hands of the fans to continue building upon.