Pop Culture and Life, Narrated in Pieces
Watching Virtual YouTubers is basically watching a live adlib of an anime character, mostly without subtitles from the get-go. Another term for this is “Virtual Streamers,” “Virtual Personalities” and the like, depending on what they do on stream or how they profess themselves as.
On this section, you will see and hear my thoughts on Virtual YouTubers and how it will change us.
I continue to write about VTuber culture on Kawa NewsDrop.
Among all the stuff I did at SMX Manila last weekend is go to Sticky Expo and check for VTuber merch. Aside from that, I promoted NewsDrop to all VTuber merch-creating peeps. Below is my haul, and I hope you can look until the end. Thank you!
Long time no see, everyone. If you haven’t caught up with me, I left Anime Corner last July due to differences in editorial direction. I have decided to pursue my interest in VTuber culture on another platform. Starting today, I am now part of Kawa Entertainment, writing content for its new initiative VTuber NewsDrop.
That’s more or less the official statement, and I will not entertain any further questions.
Allow me to use this space to write about my transition, as well as the stuff that happened to me at the sidelines.
We wound up our Weekly VTuber News Round-Up on Anime Corner in just one Discord call with my colleague and recruit Teddy Cambosa. I always give the credit of coining the idea to Teddy, who has the same level of enthusiasm in VTubers as mine. We take turns doing the weeklies, which proved to be a comprehensive rundown of what happened in the community every week. I mostly spend half a day writing the actual round-up, curated from a week’s worth of news items.
I remember writing about Brave Group’s acquisition of VSPO and Palette Project, back-to-back with ANYCOLOR’s IPO day, and that’s my proudest work to date. With my entry at NewsDrop, I am looking forward to reinstating this series soon.
As for Teddy, he’s happy writing anime news and general VTuber content for AC, and I’m happy that he found motivation there.
Following the end of the Round-Up, I took a break to focus on real-life matters: That month, we had four events in the metro, one of which is TOYCON PH 2022 where I am tasked to manage an important part of. Thank God it went well, and I learned a lot from that experience. Last time I staffed for TOYCON (2019), I was a wreck at the end. I shall treat my experience this year as a closure to what happened before.
After two events following TOYCON, I burned myself out, so I didn’t attend this year’s ACX. But I had a commitment I can’t miss, so I hailed a bike ride on what happens to be a rainy night on Saturday (and thank goodness I am given a disposable parka and I brought an extra shirt with me, because I was wet from belt down).
I instead enjoyed a private Anikura session with friends. That’s when I got my first taste of the Uma Musume Zone energy drink, which is delicious. I miss these kinds of sessions.
Did I forgot to mention we twerked to Diamond City Lights? That was a banger.
A week after was CONQuest 2022. Aside from it being my last gig at Anime Corner, I got the opportunity to meet Bao the Whale. Bao and Senz mark the second time an international VTuber reached the Philippines—first was Mirai Akari at CosMania 2019.
I had no idea what to give Bao at that time, so I whipped up Canva and prepared a certificate, which reads:
Thank goodness I am able to print the certificate at the mall beside the event venue.
It was a gesture of appreciation, which I trust in my heart that Bao accepted happily.
After my exit at AC, I spent more time making videos, starting with the recent Otasuke Cosplay Festival JapaNight Party and the Star Guardian Art School vlogs. I also went to AniCon in San Juan last weekend, but I’ll share the edited video once I finish other matters. As I write this diary, I do not want to think about work (work is work and keepsakes. is a hobby), so I’ll touch grass and go to Cafe Teyvat today next week.
As these events were happening, I prepared for NewsDrop, writing short news stories from time to time.
Remember the time Anime Corner opened doors for VTuber news and feature writers? That’s how I got this VTuber named Monty Seelana. His contributions for Anime Corner include the first fan convention for VTubers overseas, OffKai Expo, as well as an interview with indie VTubers Lucastre Mavia, Akumako Rei and Fuwako Yuni (which you can read here).
Fast forward, it was Monty, now a manager at Kawa, who coined the idea of having its news section and inviting me to the fold, leading to the development of NewsDrop. I am coordinating with Kawa in developing this news site, and I look forward to hitting the gas again—this time, I felt I’m much closer to the community.
Look forward to the VTuber stuff I will share on NewsDrop soon.
I’m also interested in Logos, so when my good friend Matthew was building his website Brandihan, I signed up. Our recent posts include SM’s new branding which is now applied to its malls nationwide, as well as GCash’s new app interface. Go check our pieces there if you are also keen on logos and branding.
Miminaru describes herself as a plus size monkey VTuber who frequently streams to her over 8,000 Twitch followers a variety of content such as Apex Legends, Genshin Impact, chat streams and the like. She debuted with a new model last February.
There’s quite a lot to Miminaru than just bringing chaos and gremlin vibes on stream though—she underwent model changes and other challenges, leading to who she is now. On this feature, the VTuber Section asks her questions about her origins, her strive for representation, and her outlook on VTubing.
How did you start VTubing? What made you want to start VTubing?
I started VTubing by accident! Back then I didn’t know it was called VTubing. I just wanted a way to bring my streams to life without a webcam for my friends to enjoy the streams. I remember getting scolded when a friend talked about Nijisanji and I asked who was that? That’s the day I learnt what VTubing was and realized I could make my own character. It opened up a whole new world for me.
I have many inspirations but what really made me want to grow was watching VShojo members, specifically Ironmouse! I have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and for me it causes immense pain and many other symptoms that make living harder. It’s a condition that many women have but it isn’t talked about enough, it can be very severe depending on the circumstances.
When I saw her have so much fun and bring life to those around her despite her circumstances. It really settled in, if she can do it why can’t I? I haven’t gotten to her level yet but I know one day I will! Hard work always pays off even if it isn’t right now. I have hope!
Who is your favorite VTuber/streamer to watch?
I have quite a few actually! The list could go on forever but we’ll go for the top 5 at the moment. My top 5 favorites are Ironmouse, Elly_VT, Wintercataru, Skelliebunneh and Benjy! Some of the cutest people ever really know how to make a stream theirs!
A VTuber’s model can be anything the personality desires, which lets people be anything they wish—however, this also lets them represent parts of their identities and take pride in them. Regarding this, what was your thought process in creating your design?
I went through multiple VTuber personas before I became a plus-sized monkey. I couldn’t connect to any of them, I had spent so much time, effort and money that I barely had tried to create the perfect me, the happiest me, the me that I hoped others would adore but it just never clicked. Something always felt off, and then suddenly the idea of a plus-size me came about. A way to have more of me, the real me, and with the help of my friends, Monkey Miminaru was born.
Many people choose to represent aspects of their identity in their VTuber identity—such as beliefs or the use of assistive devices. What are your thoughts on this?
I think it’s a great way to spread more representation! There are many kinds of VTubers but more often than not we only see one type of VTuber persona/model grow. However, within this community alone you can see VTuber models on wheelchairs, amputees, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), hearing aids, and many other aspects of a real person, real representation that truly showcases the wide variety of people who are in this space.
Seeing the amount of representation that has been born in recent years really puts into perspective how this community has been growing and how diverse it can be. Even though most of us who represent something not found in mainstream VTubing are not as known we’re still here making a difference in the day-to-day life of others.
It’s important to have representation in whatever field of media you fall into, no matter what we tend to see ourselves in others, so it’s important to have some of us in them. Regardless of how your body is and what makes you different when we see representation, it makes us acknowledge that while we may be different, there are always others like us. It’s important to have this in a growing community like VTubing!
What do you feel the current state of plus-size representation is like in the VTuber scene? Where do you see that heading in the future?
While it is growing, there’s a huge lack of representation, not only plus-size but plus-size in different shapes and sizes. Often times we tend to see the same type of “plus-size” which is unusually curvy with big breasts, very tiny waist and huge butt. There is no apple, pear or any other shape for that matter when we talk about plus-size. This is primarily because we tend to sexualize bodies.
If a body shape is found not conventionally attractive it often gets ignored or neglected, while there is nothing wrong with making a model with these features. At the end of the day, most models tend to be a fantasized version of ourselves. It speaks volume how these models are allowed but a model with a different shape would be looked down upon. A model with accurate proportions, regardless of it being hourglass or not, will be criticized. It’s fine so long as it can be sexualized.
That’s an awful truth that the plus-size community is currently fighting, not only in the VTubing community, but as a general stance. While I don’t know where it’s headed, I hope to be a guide that helps open the gates to diversity within the community. I hope to be at the forefront of it all!
An ugly truth about the VTubing scene is that, because people can make idealized versions of themselves, people’s designs tend to echo the same beauty standards and reinforce them. What are your thoughts on that?
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be an ideal part of yourself or a fantasized part of yourself, it’s fictional so you really can be anything you want! That being said, there’s also nothing wrong with wanting to be true to yourself while also bringing to life an ideal version of you.
Often times, however, creating a fantasized part of yourself tends to create a rift between you and your persona. There’s a disconnect that happens because you will look at this version of yourself more and more as you stream and grow. It can be hard to accept who you are in real life as well as the person you’ve created. This, along with other factors, can for some make them feel like an impostor.
They don’t know who they really are, their fantasized version of themselves slowly becomes a persona, and it becomes harder to be true to yourself. You often tend to admire the model and idolize this version of yourself that you’ve come to create. Grounding yourself to whether your VTuber model is you or a persona, and basing the creation of the model around this, has helped me combat this.
While oftentimes, models tend to echo the same beauty standards, we neglect to realize that this happens because the industry can be so hard and combat-bringing in something new. That’s not to say there’s no diversity. It can seem crazy how everyone seems to have similar ideas to what beauty standards are even with a fictional character. Despite this, you’ll see there’s more diversity than what most people realize.
Are you treated differently from other VTubers for being plus-sized?
Unfortunately, yes. I’ve gotten 3 reactions after coming out with my plus size model. One is very strong fatphobic comments, degrading and demeaning and suddenly making me in charge of the health and well-being of the entire human population correlating weight to every possible health problem possible. The second is sexualization, my size is now someone’s fetish and I’ve been made aware of that a lot with “interesting” comments shot my way quite often.
The third is my favorite, support of my strive to represent myself and others who are plus size, kind comments and overall cheering me on. I’m grateful for those who support me and help me by stopping by my streams or just liking a post or giving kind words of encouragement. It’s something that not many people have.
Have you attracted fans who are drawn to you, specifically because you are plus-sized?
On the Twitter space yes, I used to get very random DMs talking about what they would do to me or just overall sexual remarks. However, I’m a small streamer on Twitch, my average view count is around 20, and those 20 tend to be long term people that have been supporting from the get-go, so my Twitch space is safer than Twitter because of this.
We also noticed that you stream more on Twitch. Why did you choose to stream on Twitch versus YouTube?
When I first thought about streaming, I didn’t know you could stream on YouTube at all! I associated Twitch as the only site that you could live stream, but that was due to my lack of research and internet knowledge.
Would you recommend new streamers/VTubers start on Twitch, YouTube, or try to balance both?
To new streamers, don’t do like I did and only focus on one platform, vary your content and streams between multiple different platforms so that your audience carries over wherever you go!
What mistakes have you made in your streaming career that you think others should learn from?
I got too close to others too quickly. I didn’t know how people interacted as streamers. I didn’t develop a schedule nor did I have consistency (I still don’t). I streamed for fun, so I was unaware of all the right ways or the etiquette that people had.
No one sat me down and told me that people may use me or that consistency and variety really help you in the long run. I had no plan or knowledge and no one to guide me. Those were my mistakes.
What is the moment in your streaming career that you’re most proud of?
When I debuted my plus size model, I was scared people were gonna disappear forever, no one did! Everyone supported me and was nothing but kind to me. To this day it is one of my highest average streams. While I usually average 20 or less, this one day I averaged over 100.
It made me feel like I could one day reach (Twitch) Partner and make it. I don’t wanna be super famous. I just wanna be able to stream for a living, it’s my dream job! Maybe one day I’ll get there! Hard work will pay off!
If you could stream all over again, what would you change?
I think I wouldn’t get so close to people who are so focused on growth. I would set up a streaming schedule and stick to it and I would set up clear boundaries between my viewers, my mods, and myself.
Where do you think the VTubing scene is heading in the next few years?
The VTubing scene has exploded in recent years. It’s now a mainstream form of media. I see it entering national television as a daily normal, becoming an even bigger industry than people realize. However, I see it becoming harder and harder for indie VTubers to blow up or grow from scratch.
What advice would you like to give to other VTubers/streamers?
Believe in yourself more than you believe in others. Don’t give up when you see people starting who (will eventually) succeed you. Your timeline is not theirs and vice versa, your time will come. It just won’t be in the time you might want it to be. Your ups and downs will shape you and you will get there, but never forget everyone who got you there, those who supported you despite everything, every hiatus, every form or shape you took.
Be thankful and grateful for each and every one of your community members, but also to yourself you’ve worked hard for what you have and it’s something to always be proud of.
We certainly enjoyed asking Miminaru questions about her VTubing career, and I hope you enjoyed reading her answers. Thank you very much Miminaru for sharing your time with us. You can follow her on Twitch, Twitter and YouTube.
This interview was made possible in cooperation with Anime Corner’s Project Lune. Questions are curated from staff members of the VTuber Section. This interview is first posted on Anime Corner May 27, 2022.
Since its initial announcement last year, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) formally announces the first generation of VTubers under the “VEE” virtual talent development and management project. The first generation is composed of three new talents and two existing ones.
Otokado Ruki, Tulsi-Nightmare Madness IV, Hinahoshi Airu, Kujo Ringo and Syusetu Kohaku are revealed as the first generation members of the VEE project, as the “Dev-a” generation. Their individual profiles, Twitter accounts and debut schedules are revealed today, May 23, 2022.
Otokado Ruki is described as an inferior devil student with a friendly personality. She thought that Nostradamus’ great prophecy would destroy mankind, so she came to the human world to make memories until that time comes. However, the world is all right, and she decided to stay, pretending as a human and going to school. She became a VTuber thanks to her liking of otaku culture, with a goal to know humans better.
Debut: May 27, 2022 (Friday) – 8:00pm JST
The eldest daughter of the prestigious Kujo family, she is a hybrid lady vampire-human. She governs Marc Horte, the western country of the demon world. She comes from the demon world to become the new lord of the “main human beings” who live their lives hard.
Kujo Ringo has a stellar profile as one of the popular VTubers on the SHOWROOM app, has been featured in the SIGGRAPH 2019 VTuber Showcase, and is a host of her weekly radio show.
VEE Debut: May 26, 2022 (Thursday) – 9:00pm JST
Kohaku is a fox, not a cat, who was blown into this world from a forest in a different world. As she wonders around the new world she’s in, she stumbled upon a game for no apparent reason. As she got obsesses with the game, she became a hikikomori.
She excels at Apex Legends and has coached other VTubers. She is also an overall winner at the Legion Doujou Cup VTuber Edition in 2020.
VEE Debut: May 24, 2022 (Tuesday) – 9:00pm JST
In terms of age, the demon lord Tulsi-Nightmare Madness IV is perhaps the oldest in the roster at 100,017 years old—but she insists she’s just 17. She claims that he had a nice body in the past, but having slept tens of thousands of years (as per her profile), she never grew up; and her magical powers are not enough to make her big.
She needs an overwhelming amount of magical power to make herself big, and the only way to do it is to collect them from her fans via the Makainternet (demon internet). Her dream is to build a humongous castle in Harajuku.
Debut: May 27, 2022 (Friday) – 10:00pm JST
Aside from the five new members, VEE introduces Hanabi, its public relations officer in charge of sharing updates from the project:
VEE is Sony Music Entertainment Japan’s largest virtual talent development and management project in history. With the tagline “VTubers are human too,” they made it their business to discover talents and to continue nurturing them. More information is available on the VEE project website, as well their Twitter and Instagram accounts.
Sony Music Japan’s VTuber investments include Virtual Cinderella Project in cooperation with Bilibili, produced by Rino Sashihara; the VERSEⁿ project under Sony Music Labels’ NeOFRONT brand and Helixes; and the multilingual PRISM Project. Sony Music Japan also has a major investment in ANYCOLOR Inc., the management company of Nijisanji.
Photo Handouts from Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. · ©VEE
First posted on Anime Corner May 26, 2022
Symphoria, a new VTuber group under the V&U (Virtual & Universe) brand, unveiled its cast of Virtual YouTubers last May 8, Sunday. The new group is composed of office lady-slash-idol fan Liora Walkyria, magical girl Penelope Wiseman and twins Celine and Helen Etherna.
Liora is a working Valkyrie who is ~2,100 years old. She likes idols and cute things, but dislikes paperwork, physical activity and remembering things. Her gaming interests include rhythm, FPS and gacha games.
Her singing prowess is revealed with the release of her cover of Kanaria’s MIRA. She looks forward to doing a concert at an offline venue.
Penelope is a great elf magician who is also good at singing. As her final trial to become a full-fledged magician, she has to collect a hundred thousand wishes. Wishes are formed when someone is truly moved by music.
She likes playing games, the night, and being loved. She’s also interested in J-pop, K-pop, and Jazz. She plays League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, rhythm games, FPS and the like. One of her goals is to compose a song, as well as to not get angry.
She is proficient in Korean, and is learning English and Japanese. Penelope has released a cover of ado’s Yoru no Pierrot.
Spirit of Fire Helen is described as a non-playable fire spirit character created from re-used assets by lazy developers. It took a tongue-twister from a player for her to yell “Do you want to ever play the game? Take this seriously!” This is where she became aware of her independence.
The playful red-haired character likes spicy food and sand-bathing. It is later revealed that she doesn’t like ghosts, darkness, and long game descriptions. Her goals include doing a 3D live concert, and achieving top game rankings.
Spirit of Water Celine is Helen’s twin sister who claims that Helen has not yet been patched. She explicitly hates the word “skip.” She’s okay drinking coffee or tea, eating strawberry cake and adding mayonnaise. In contrast with Helen, she prefers swimming and taking a bath.
Both Celine and Helen like to play games, but singing is Celine’s ace in her sleeve. Just like Helen, Celine aims to be at the top of the gaming scene and have a 3D concert with Symphoria members.
Together with Helen, Celine has covered Hachoiji & Giga’s GIMME x GIMME.
The V&U Symphoria VTuber project recruited talents through a global audition and collaborated with reputable writers to produce each character. Their first merchandise set will be coming soon.
V&U is a joint project by animation company Maro Studio Inc., and virtual character planning company Metaro Inc., both based in South Korea. Maro Studio produced and co-planned the K-Pop animation series “Shining Star” in collaboration with SM Entertainment. Maro Studio is also involved in content creation for the virtual characters of SM Entertainment’s girl group Aespa, ae-Aespa.
Banking on the expertise of Maro Studio which has been working on VTubers since 2019 and has been awarded the 2010 Korea Content Awards Presidential Award in the field of Animation, it has formed a professional team and established Metaro Inc. as an independent VTuber corporation.
Source: Press Release / © 2022 METARO All rights reserved
First posted on Anime Corner – May 24, 2022