Virtual YouTubers or Vtubers have become more popular among Japanese pop culture enthusiasts. One of those virtual Youtubers is the virtual talent from the hololive group. They gained recognition in Indonesia after they established hololive ID, a hololive branch for Indonesian virtual Youtubers, in 2020.
In 2023, hololive ID held its first 3D concert titled viv:ID CRUISE: hololive Meet Asia Tour at the Indonesia Comic Con x DG Con 2023 event on 4 November 2023. During the event, the KAORI Nusantara and other media representatives had the opportunity to interview Motoaki Tanigo famously known as YAGOO. Motoaki Tanigo is the CEO of Cover Corp., the talent agency that oversees hololive activity.
In this interview, we delve into Tanigou’s role in hololive, why he chose Indonesia as one of Hololive’s international branches, and why he often appears in public as the representative of hololive, something that is rarely done by any other Vtuber agency’s CEOs. Here’s the full interview:
Hello, nice to meet you. Congratulations on the concert and the third-generation talents 3D debut. Are there any plans or goals that hololive wants to achieve by creating this event?
Certainly, there are. We aim to bring our fans closer to our talents by organizing live events, live streaming, or even collaborating with famous artists. For example, Kobo just had a collaboration with a famous music label. And of course, this viv:ID Cruise concert is another example.
Tanigo-san, you’re also often interacting with the fans directly. Usually, many Vtuber agency CEOs choose to work behind the scenes. Why does Tanigo-san want to be in public?
In my opinion, Vtubers themselves are a new concept. To be accepted by many people, we must diligently promote what Vtubers are and strive to make it a new culture.
Interesting! Then Tanigo-san, is this your first time interacting with Indonesian fans? what do you think about them?
I have been to Indonesia before. Back then, I was visiting the Comifuro, before the debut of the first generation. I can see that the enthusiasm of anime fans in Indonesia is enormous.
Sometimes hololive talents present themselves in a way that is similar to Japanese idols. Is there any inspiration for this?
Certainly, we got many references from manga, anime, and the culture of Japanese idols themselves. If I can give an example, it’s like the famous Indonesian idol groups JKT48 and LoveLive!. Our talents also have their uniqueness representing their identity, such as being talented in music and easily communicating with fans.
Why does hololive itself feel very similar to idols?
For me, Vtubers are actually very different from idols. What makes us different from existing idols, is that each talent has its uniqueness. The Vtuber culture is created to express individual creativity, and we strongly support talents who want to hone their skills. In a sense, Vtuber culture can be described as a limitless creative culture.
In 2020, hololive ID was established. Why did Tanigo-san choose to open a branch in Indonesia?
This is because many Indonesians are very fond of Japanese culture. Also, with the presence of a new branch, it can be a way to enjoy the cultures of both countries simultaneously. I also hope that the Vtuber culture can grow in Indonesia, and hololive ID can become even bigger.
Hololive itself also experienced its peak of popularity during the pandemic. According to Tanigo-san, why did Hololive become famous during that time?
The pandemic was a difficult time, wasn’t it? With the talents entertaining fans or viewers with game streams, karaoke, and zatsudan (chatting), I think it became a chance for them to “heal”. Many viewers like the anime style, which makes us present talents with an anime appearance.
But now people are allowed to go outdoors again, so we are trying to adapt. This event is one of the examples. By attending events like Indonesia Comic Con, we want to create an atmosphere that could be enjoyed by fans offline.
Tanigo-san has been involved in the Vtuber industry for about 7 years. Is there anything that has impressed you greatly?
There are many things, of course. But what impresses me most is our growth. We have built a company from zero to a well-known agency. Yes, this growth is rapid. I also want to focus on new and unique activities.
Based on your experience in managing Hololive, do you have any advice that you can share for those who want to develop their business in public?
If I may give advice, try to create something new and unique. From this new thing, competitors will come. Of course, we have to compete healthily so our business can develop well.
How does Tanigo-san view the Vtuber trend in Indonesia?
They have become popular, especially after the launch of Hololive ID’s third generation. Independent Vtubers starting to become popular. It’s time for Vtubers to become a growing trend in Indonesia, just like in Japan.
In the VTuber scene, doxing (leaking personal data) is a common phenomenon. How does Tanigo-san deal with all of that?
We will take the matter into the legal domain if we have to, especially if it endangers our talent.
Now, according to Tanigo-san himself, what is unique about Hololive?
Certainly, each talent has its uniqueness. We also plan our activities depending on their interest. Besides, we also translated our content into other languages like Holo no Graffiti.
Final question, is there anything Tanigo-san wants to say to Indonesian fans?
I hope that fans are happy with our content and live concerts. I also hope that fans can have fun. Of course, we will do our best for you. Thank you!
Also read:
Comivuro 2: Exclusive Interview with Hololive’s Ayunda Risu and Pavolia Reine
The Indonesian Anime Times | Interview by Dean Astarada, Andira Indrawan, Aldin Firgiawan, and Widya Indrawan | Text by Widya Indrawan and Tanto D. | Translation by Dany Muhammad | The original Indonesian article can be read here.
