Hatsune Miku is getting a picture book treatment, but not the sparkly, feel-good version you might imagine.

"Watashi Hatsune Miku Komatteruno" (I'm Hatsune Miku, and I'm Troubled) hits shelves June 26 from Shufunotomo Publishing. The book comes from Tanaka Hikaru, a comedian and manga artist known for award-winning children's books like "Pants-san" and "Sushi-n."

When Tanaka accepted the project, he figured he'd have to play it safe. Instead, the publisher told him to do whatever he wanted—so he did. The result is a surreal, bittersweet story that's the complete opposite of Miku's usual polished, colorful image. According to the source material, staff at the publishing house were genuinely confused, asking aloud: "Did the official side really approve this?"

Tanaka himself expressed similar doubts during the creation process. In a statement, he admitted his first reaction was "I absolutely can't do this"—he'd never drawn cute girls or written pop-focused stories before. But given creative freedom, he embraced the opportunity and discovered the work was actually enjoyable. He describes the final product as "having the opposite feeling of Miku's sparkling image, a slightly sad picture book."

For fans wanting an extra experience, Amazon Japan's special edition includes a bonus audio file featuring voice actress Saki Fujita (Miku's original voice provider) reading the story aloud. The file can be downloaded to smartphones via SONOCA.

Tanaka ended his comments with a lighthearted plea: "Please don't be angry—laugh and enjoy it."

The book represents an interesting direction for Miku properties, proving even a 2D icon can take unexpected creative turns when given to the right artist.