You may have seen an uptick in Hatsune Miku fanart on social media over the past few days. While depicting Miku enjoying different cultures is nothing new, you would have seen very specific regional Mikus recently: Brazilian, Norwegian, and English.

Turns out, this is all to do with the World Cup. What started as a joke between Japanese and Brazilian football fans has now blown up into an international custody battle for Hatsune Miku. And right now, Miku is enjoying beans on toast in England. Yes, really.

The Hatsune Miku World Cup Custody Battle Explained

This all started with the Japan v Brazil game a couple of weeks ago. Fans joked that whichever side won would gain custody of Miku, so after Brazil's 2-1 win, Miku officially became Brazilian. Fan art of Miku representing Brazil was everywhere, and fans played around with different designs.

However, she wouldn't stay with Brazil for long. Shortly after the Japan win, they were knocked out by Norway - turning Miku into a viking.

Then, last Saturday, England beat Norway 2-1. This means that for now, England has custody of Miku - and artists are finding plenty of ways to interpret what an English Miku would look like. I have to say, I am particularly fond of chav Miku, but I see the vision with knight Miku as well.

For now, England is guaranteed to have Miku until Wednesday. Then, we'll be up against Argentina, with both Miku and a spot in the World Cup finals up for grabs. Tomorrow is France v Spain, which will decide who else gets into the final - and what other cultures we could see Miku adopt. And if that's what it takes to get you following the games, there's no shame in that at all.

It helps that Miku fits into everything that she graces with her presence. Just look at Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, with its wide array of DLC characters - including Miku.

Whatever happens, we're guaranteed to get a ton of new Miku art, at least. What a World Cup this has been.

Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage Like Follow Followed Rhythm Systems Released December 6, 2021 ESRB E for Everyone Developer(s) Colorful Palette, Crypton Future Media Publisher(s) Sega Multiplayer Online Co-Op
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