IA

IA  (イア) is a Japanese VOCALOID developed and distributed by 1st Place Co., Ltd., and was released in January 2012 for the VOCALOID3 engine. Her voice is provided by the Japanese female singer, Lia, known for "Tori no Uta".

Etymology
"IA" is taken from her voice provider's name, "Lia".

There are at least two ways to read her sub-title of "- ARIA ON THE PLANETES -":
 * The words "Aria" and "Planetes" are Latin and Greek for "open space" and "planet" respectively, giving the translation of "Open Space on the Planet".
 * "Aria", is also the Italian word for "air" and is used as a term in opera for expressive pieces, usually sung by a single singer.

Appearance
Her design was illustrated by Aka Akasaka (D. Z.), while the design direction was by Maxilla Inc.

Despite the myth of IA's age being 15, she has had no age assigned to her. This myth seems to originate from a section underneath the paragraph on IA about her provider Lia, wherein one of the first things mentioned was that Lia debuted in America at 15 years old.

Examples of Usage

 * -|IA =
 * -|IA ROCKS =

Marketing
Information on IA was released much slower than the average VOCALOID. Her promotions have taken the approach to make her seem otherworldly and mysterious.

The licensing for IA is slightly different than past VOCALOIDs, and it is worth taking the time to read this page for more details. Unlike some past VOCALOIDs, users can use her image on CDs, flyers and posters without requesting permission, although some consent from the company is needed for greater use of her image. This is a departure from past VOCALOIDs such as Crypton Future Media, who require you to ask permission for use of their VOCALOIDs' images on things such as CDs, flyers and posters.

Trivia

 * Some of the overseas fans have mistaken the "Aria" in her boxes subtitle as part of her name, using it as her surname, or believing "IA" to be shorthand for "Aria".

Notable for...

 * First 1st Place VOCALOID released.
 * First female VOCALOID released by 1st Place.
 * First VOCALOID3 to hit over 1 million views on NND.
 * Having the highest tempo among all VOCALOIDs.
 * First new VOCALOID3 to receive an additional voicebank upgrade.