Examples of Unique VTubers in Japan

VTubers, who post videos using anime-style personalitys (avatars), are a burgeoning form of expression that began with the emergence of “Kizuna AI” in 2016. With the spread of the novel coronavirus leading to restrictions on movement, the demand for video viewing at home (nesting demand) has increased, and the popularity and recognition of VTubers have rapidly expanded.
By 2022, the number of VTubers has exceeded 20,000 and continues to grow.
We will introduce some of the most unique VTubers in Japan among the many that have emerged.

Unique VTubers from Major Agencies

VTubers, also known as corporate talents, who belong to companies, are gaining popularity for their high-quality technology and broadcasts. Recently, they have become more visible in television and advertisements in Tokyo. “Nijisanji” and “Hololive” are well-known, but there are many other VTubers out there.

Marine Ch. Houshou Marin (Houshou Marin) / Hololive

Houshou Marin is a Japanese Virtual YouTuber and Virtual Idol affiliated with Hololive Production. She claims to be the captain of the Houshou Pirate Crew and is currently working as a VTuber on YouTube to save money to buy a pirate ship. Her broadcasts often include illustration creation, game commentary, and singing, and she keeps her viewers entertained with her lively talk, a wide range of topics, and expanding on topics based on viewer comments. Her original songs are captivating and have garnered a lot of attention on platforms like TikTok.
https://www.youtube.com/@HoushouMarine[ja]

Kuzuha Channel Kuzuha (Kuzuha) / Nijisanji

Kuzuha is a Virtual Liver belonging to the Virtual YouTuber (VTuber) group “Nijisanji,” operated by ANYCOLOR, Inc. He debuted on March 8, 2018, and mainly does game commentary broadcasts. He achieved the remarkable feat of being the first male VTuber to surpass one million subscribers. He is also actively involved in music activities, captivating many fans with solo concerts and album releases.
https://www.youtube.com/@Kuzuha[ja]

Met Channel Komori Meto (Komori Meto) / Vspo!

Komori Meto is a Virtual YouTuber affiliated with the Virtual eSports Project “Vspo!”. She is said to have been thrown from space and is considered a candidate for the hikikomori NEET role in Vspo! She has played numerous FPS titles, and her cultivated game sense is considered top-notch. She was previously affiliated with the VTuber agency “774inc.” but transferred to an agency operated by another company. Even after the transfer, her visuals and name remained the same, which was a groundbreaking event in the VTuber industry. Vspo! is attracting a lot of attention as the next agency following Nijisanji and Hololive.
https://www.youtube.com/@Met_Komori[ja]

Unique Vtubers Operating Independently

While major corporate Vtubers are making their mark, there are also many Vtubers, known as individual Vtubers, who are not affiliated with any agency. They are active in a variety of fields, including singing, game streaming, drawing, and crafting, and they have a wide range of personalities and charms that have earned them the support of many viewers. Furthermore, being an individual Vtuber does not necessarily mean operating alone; it can also refer to those who are part of a group or circle. Individual Vtubers build their own fan base by expressing their personality and interacting with their viewers. One of the advantages of operating independently is that you can get started as soon as you’re ready. Moreover, individual Vtubers have the freedom to express their own personality and personality, which is considered a major appeal.

Shigure Ui

Shigure Ui is a Japanese illustrator, manga artist, and also active as a Virtual YouTuber.
She is involved in creating illustrations for light novels and personality designs.
She was responsible for the personality design of Hololive’s Virtual YouTuber, Subaru Oozora.
She started her activities as a Virtual YouTuber in May 2019 (Heisei 31), delivering content such as illustration production, casual chats, and game commentary. On September 23, 2023, she achieved one million channel subscribers.
https://www.youtube.com/@ui_shig[ja]

Nito Ch. Niito Wai

Niito Wai is a Japanese Virtual YouTuber who operates independently. She began her activities in July 2022 and has since gained popularity through her various endeavors.
Her activities span a wide range, including gaming commentary and “try it out” style video posts.
She has attracted attention through her short videos on YouTube and has enjoyed communicating with fans through game streaming and other means. She is one of the most notable individual Vtubers of 2023.
https://www.youtube.com/@nitowai[ja]

Gatchman V

Gatchman V is a Japanese individual virtual YouTuber (Vtuber) who began his activities on May 7, 2020. His name represents the transformation of the game commentator, Gatchman, into a Vtuber. He primarily conducts live commentary of horror games, a style known as explanatory commentary.
His channel achieved 100,000 subscribers just one day after its launch, and his first video reached 5th place on YouTube’s trending ranking.
His model has evolved over time, currently featuring designs such as cyber ninja, host, and revolutionary-style military uniforms. In addition, he has performed his original song “Gatchman V” and a cover of TM NETWORK’s “Get Wild”.
https://www.youtube.com/@gatchmanV666[ja]

Peanuts-kun! I Want to Be Stylish!

“Peanuts-kun! I Want to Be Stylish!” is a Virtual YouTuber (Vtuber) active on YouTube, personalityized by a peanut-themed head and a yellow body.
He is the protagonist of the independent short animation “I Want to Be Stylish! Peanuts-kun,” which has been posted on YouTube since 2017.
He also produces original songs and music videos, including “Gumi Chou Ume e” and “Drippin’ Life”.
Furthermore, he holds a meta perspective towards the entire industry, such as hosting expert meetings for VTubers. Neither a beautiful girl nor a handsome boy, and not affiliated with any company, he posts videos almost every day. His duo with the female Vtuber, Kouga-Ryu Ninja Ponpoko, known as “PokoPi,” has a certain presence.
https://www.youtube.com/@Peanutskun[ja]

Summary

Aside from the Vtubers introduced this time, there are many unique Vtubers actively working in various ways. We look forward to the continued success of these Vtubers who carry out various activities in the virtual world. With so many Vtubers now in existence, finding a Vtuber that piques your interest could be a source of enjoyment.