I’ve only recently started exploring VTubing for my project, but I know Hololive well. Even if you don’t know the name, if you’re a streaming or anime culture nerd, chances are you’ve come across one of the many sketches, songs, or memes that start with one of these. Talented Hololive performer. I was allowed to attend their first North American show in Los Angeles. This is not only my first time to participate in a VTuber concert, but it can be said to be the closest idol concert I have ever participated in. I’ve always seen their energy and performances from many anime and video games, but does that energy translate to real life? The answer is yes.
First, I must commend the venue for the presentation. The main stage has a huge digital screen at an angle that almost blends into the scenery. The screen will be the way idols interact with the audience, with different background changes and virtual anchors appearing on the screen. First flashed ten hololive idols, including Mori Calliope, Takanashi Kiara, Ninomae Ina’nis, Gawr Gura, Watson Amelia, IRyS, Ceres Fauna, Ouro Kronii, Nanashi Mumei and Hakos Baelz. Each has a special catchy card with charming text that reflects the character’s personality. There are not many fans of a VTuber. Every scene change and every appearance on the screen made the whole hall burst into applause. After all the eye-catching cards were displayed, the concert officially kicked off with a large-scale collaborative performance by ten VTubers.
model rendered in 3D2016 with shadows to give the illusion of a 2D character model. Looking at the screen from an angle (like where I’m sitting), it’s hard to appreciate the obvious effort that went into the demo. However, the designers, artists, and organizers thought of this, because two additional screens were added on either side of the stage, not only to show close-ups of all the characters dancing throughout the event, but you can even see the characters dancing from the Different angles not shown on the main projection screen. In any case, none of these angles are exaggerated. If anything, it felt like if you got close enough, you’d see live performers on stage.
After the main collaboration performance, all idols will have a chance to perform their songs to the crowd. Some performed fan-favorite songs, while others, like Gura, debuted new songs to be released. Between every song or two, other VTubers appear on-screen and interact directly with the audience. Some had the entire crowd waving, while others had us shout along with them. Perhaps the highlight of the event was the audience yelling “pee pee” during an echo game.
©2016 COVER Corp
But the audience took it in stride because, why wouldn’t they? These fans were so in sync, they instinctively changed the color of their batons to match the corresponding color of the idol on screen. You can’t call VTubing a fad anymore; it’s a fad. It has grown far beyond that. This phenomenon touched the hearts and lives of many people and brought them together under the same love. This is the theme of the concert, and the slogan “connecting the world” is repeatedly emphasized. I like how it lasted until the end of the concert, and there seemed to be additional performances from the hololive Japanese and Indonesian divisions before the main performers ended with another large, elaborate set.
All the girls got a chance to speak at the end, and between all the banter and teasing, there was a real sense that they, too, appreciated all the progress that had been made. This is the first time some of them have seen so many English-speaking fans in one place, and the fact that things aren’t showing any signs of slowing down is both impressive and daunting. Many of these girls seem genuinely grateful for being able to get this far as singers and performers. I don’t know what the future holds for VTubing, but glad we still have moments like this, with love and reverence.
2016
