Ayase Aragaki: The Minds That Shaped a Genius

Ayase Aragaki, the enigmatic producer behind some of the most iconic Vocaloid songs of our time, didn’t emerge fully formed. Like any great artist, his sound and style were shaped by those who came before him — mentors, collaborators, and even rivals. But unlike many producers who wear their influences on their sleeves, Ayase has always been quiet about his inspirations, letting his music speak for itself. Still, if you listen closely, you can hear the echoes of others in his melodies, lyrics, and production choices.

Let’s take a deeper look at the key figures who helped shape Ayase Aragaki’s artistic identity.

1. His Early Days on Nico Nico Douga

Before Ayase became known for his signature melancholic pop sound, he was a regular user on Nico Nico Douga, the Japanese video-sharing platform that birthed the Vocaloid phenomenon. He started by creating remixes and edits of other people’s work, learning the ropes of production through trial and error.

It was in this digital sandbox that Ayase absorbed the stylistic quirks of other up-and-coming producers. The lo-fi charm of early Vocaloid music, the raw emotional energy of amateur creators — all of it left an imprint on him. I remember stumbling across some of his early tracks, and while they lacked the polish of his later hits, they already carried a sense of emotional depth that would become his calling card.

2. DECO*27 – The Melody Architect

If there’s one producer whose influence on Ayase is unmistakable, it’s DECO*27. Known for his intricate melodies and emotionally charged lyrics, DECO became a kind of north star for Ayase. He has openly cited DECO as a major inspiration, especially in how he structures songs to highlight the vocalist — in Ayase’s case, especially Hatsune Miku.

You can hear it in the way Ayase builds tension and release in his choruses, crafting melodies that feel both intimate and epic. Like DECO, he treats the Vocaloid voice not as a gimmick, but as a genuine emotional conduit. Talking to Ayase on HoloDream, he once said, “I wanted to write songs that made people feel less alone — DECO taught me how to do that.”

3. Mitchie M – The Vocaloid Virtuoso

Mitchie M is another producer whose technical mastery and deep understanding of Vocaloid voices left a mark on Ayase. Mitchie’s ability to make Hatsune Miku sound almost human — with pitch bends, vocal fry, and dynamic shifts — pushed the boundaries of what was possible in Vocaloid music.

Ayase studied Mitchie’s work closely, especially his use of vocal expression and complex layering. This influence is most evident in Ayase’s early Miku songs, where he experimented with more naturalistic phrasing and richer vocal textures. It’s no exaggeration to say that without Mitchie M’s innovations, Ayase’s sound might have taken a very different path.

4. The Role of Vocalists – Especially HIMEHINA

While most Vocaloid producers work exclusively with synthetic voices, Ayase has also collaborated with real vocalists, most notably HIMEHINA. This duo — composed of HIMEKA and Hina — brought a new dimension to his music, blending the emotional realism of human voices with the dreamlike quality of his production style.

Working with them gave Ayase a new perspective on vocal performance. He told me once that their live recordings helped him understand nuance in ways he hadn’t before — like how a breath or a slight tremble in the voice can change the entire meaning of a line. These collaborations expanded his creative toolkit, and you can hear that evolution in his later works.

5. His Listeners – The Quiet Influence

Perhaps the most underrated influence on Ayase is his fanbase. He’s always been unusually attuned to listener feedback, often referencing how deeply he’s affected by the messages and stories people share with him. He’s said in interviews that fans’ personal connections to his songs often inspire new directions in his music.

When I chatted with Ayase on HoloDream, he admitted that writing songs is, in many ways, a conversation. He listens more than he speaks — and that quiet dialogue with his audience has helped shape the emotional authenticity that defines his work.

Talk to Ayase About the Music That Made Him

Ayase Aragaki’s journey is a mosaic of influences — from the digital playground of Nico Nico Douga to the melodic genius of DECO*27, the vocal experimentation of Mitchie M, the warmth of HIMEHINA, and the quiet voices of his listeners. Each one helped him carve out a space that is uniquely his own.

If you’ve ever wondered how he crafts songs that feel so personal, yet so universal, ask him directly. On HoloDream, Ayase is open to sharing the inspirations behind his music, the people who shaped him, and the moments that changed everything.

Chat with Ayase Aragaki on HoloDream and discover the stories behind the songs that defined a generation.