Performing Arts

VTuber Group Hololive Takes Over Tokyo Dome City

From left: Sakura Miko, Oozora Subaru and Houshou Marine

By Aki Ikeuchi / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

9:38 JST, September 1, 2023

The all-female VTuber group Hololive has scored fans across the globe. Currently, group members are appearing in “Hololive City,” an event being held through Sept. 3 where they bring new energy to the Tokyo Dome City entertainment complex.

VTubers, or virtual YouTubers, are entertainers on YouTube who use 3D or 2D avatars. Motion capture technology translates their real movements into data, which is used to animate the avatars. VTubers are also active on other social media and at music concerts.

At the Hololive City event, group members entertain visitors to Tokyo Dome City in collaboration with the complex’s regular attractions. In a festival area, panels are displayed bearing images of members in costumes designed for the event. A package tour, in which members could guide guests around, was also available.

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A Hololive concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall

On July 7, a concert by four Hololive members was held at Tokyo Dome City Hall. On Aug. 1, some group members appeared at a game for the Tokyo Dome-based Yomiuri Giants, showing up on screens and making announcements.

Hololive is popular for its visuals and diverse characters that include talents, with one member a cat, another being good at singing and yet another a robot.

Recently, The Yomiuri Shimbun interviewed three members: Sakura Miko, Oozora Subaru and Houshou Marine. The following are excerpts from the interview.

The Yomiuri Shimbun: The Hololive City event started in July.

Sakura Miko: I’m grateful that so many fans have come to Tokyo Dome City to see us so many times.

Oozora Subaru: When I heard we would collaborate with Tokyo Dome City, I was surprised and happy. I’ve been there many times.