#6: Atlantis Has(n't) Fallen

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Here we go again.

Fresh off the departures of (checks list) Murasaki Shion and Nanashi Mumei from the VTuber agency Hololive, who was once the world's most popular VTuber and unofficial public face of the phenomenon has decided to hang her jacket and graduate (idolspeak for 'I'm leaving') on 1 May 2025.

All three have cited 'direction' and phrases related to that as reasons for graduating - even bandmembers from local bands cite the exact same things when they leave. All three have historically faced difficulties in their health as well as managing personal responsibilities outside Hololive. Both Gura and Shion have rarely (or sporadically, if you wish to be charitable) held livestreams for the past few years due to the issues aforementioned above.

Yes, I'm aware that certain 'Hololive "fans"' are pouring petrol on literally anybody they set their sights on. Cover Corporation, the company that owns Hololive. Other talents for any reason. Even God himself. Mates, the Christian world is observing their Holy Week.

I am aware of the much-dreaded 'change in direction' that Cover are embarking on, if not are putting in motion. Emphasis on the talents' music careers, sponsorships in all cardinal directions, making all-around multi-talented agencies targeting the mass market.

I, for one, welcome this change. While the age of the streamer with some singing here and there has come and passed, I am optimistic about how the other talents are saying with regards to their present and future within the agency. I like the music they produce, and I like their let's plays as well. One can support both Hololive talents and independent/outside-agency talents without tribalist pillockery. Such people who insist on 'the good old days' are the scabs of the community. You're not mad because they left. You're mad because you've grown old. There are many places out there that cater to your tastes better than Hololive can or will.

From this point on I'm likely going to parrot a condensed version of Entry 4. It does get tiring having to say something over and over again, isn't it?

To rip the proverbial bandage off: if you don't care about getting used to Japanese idol culture and don't care for or respect what mainstream culture currently exists in Japan, then you don't deserve to be a fan of Hololive. From the very beginning they were envisioned as an idol group, just with virtual talents instead of real people. The whole 'streamer' image stuck to them only because of the Covid years. Now that they're past that, they are returning to what Cover wanted them to be in the first place. If you want to keep supporting them today, then I want you to keep an open and flexible mind and to be more appreciative about their brand of entertainment. Again, there are plenty of places where you can satisfy your gamer-streamer fix and while Hololive may dip their toes every now and then, this is not their stage anymore. Streaming, for them, is just one of many ways of entertainment, as well as promoting their primary job as idols.

If there are new or revived VTubers that sound very familiar within the next few months, send them all the support they need. As much as the current talents within Hololive do, and as much as they will have in the future, because they will need it.

If you really think about it, being a talent in Hololive or an equivalent agency is rolling two jobs into one. Streamers are considered celebrities in our day and age, and idols are a form of music artist. VTubers, particularly within Hololive, are effectively doing the work of two celebrities in one. Makes you wonder why so many of them stress the importance of health and well-being to their audiences.

And just as important as the talent and the board of directors are the backstage: managers, producers, artists, writers, directors, editors, assistants, marketers and everyone in between. I don't think those people working for Cover get enough praise for all that they've done, especially in times like these and during any event where the talents get to have fun. I can only feel for how much emotion they have at this time, if not all the time.

Alright, session's adjourned. Chumbuds of Gawr Gura, look out for ... a 'senzawa'? Whatever, look that up.

PS: where's that 'Full Color' MV? GIVE US THE MV!!