It takes a special performer to get thousands of people, including many from outside of Japan, to make the trip out to Chiba’s Makuhari Messe on a rainy Friday afternoon. Hatsune Miku, though, fits the bill.

Fans from around the world Braved stormy conditions on Aug. 30 to kick off the Tokyo leg of Magical Mirai 2024 (the gathering also takes place in Fukuoka and Osaka). The annual event — centered on a concert starring the aqua-haired Miku and other avatars created by Sapporo-based company Crypton Future Media, as well as various exhibitions — was held over three days.

Day One attracted thousands of visitors despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, and the event played out a short distance from the 60th Japan DIY Home Center convention, making for the disorienting sight of suit-clad salarymen navigating through packs of Miku fans.