STORY AND PHOTO BY SEVEN
Asia’s largest offline Vtuber (Virtual YouTuber) concert closed its curtains at the Suntec City Convention Centre on 27 April, featuring eight streamers from world-renowned Vtuber agency NIJISANJI EN.
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Having achieved resounding success in the United States, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, Virtual Rhapsody’s exclusive launch in Singapore makes the city-state the first in Southeast Asia to host this one-of-a-kind concert.
The talents took to the stage in two acts and delivered covers of classic and modern hits, anime themes, and original releases, treating fans to a spectacle that celebrated each Vtuber’s dynamic character traits and outfit designs.
Female virtual personalities Alira Pendora, Finana Ryugu, Enna Alouette, and Millie Parfait took the stage in the first act, opening with an electrifying joint cover of Le Sserafim’s Perfect Night and filling the convention hall with a sea of raised lightsticks and enthusiastic cheers.
A snaking queue also formed outside the hall hours before the start of the second act, with fans eagerly anticipating performances from male virtual personalities Shu Yamino, Luca Kaneshiro, Uki Violeta, and Sonny Brisko.
FAN INTERACTION MADE POSSIBLE
Virtual Rhapsody also treated VIP ticket holders to a 3-minute meet-and-greet session after each act, providing them with a rare opportunity to interact directly with their favourite Vtuber in private booths equipped with large, portrait screens.
For many fans like Kii-chan, 27, who has been following the NIJISANJI group for several years, getting up close and personal with her favourite virtual personalities amid their thousands of subscribers was a new experience.
“I am hoping for more opportunities for fan interaction at future concerts, perhaps something like a Q&A panel,” she said while waiting in line for a meet-and-greet with Enna Alouette.
Similarly, cosplayer Mirie, 30, echoed the sentiment for more personal time with the Vtubers and shared hopes for larger-scale Vtuber events in Singapore.
Donning a full cosplay of Enna Alouette, Mirie explained that some fans regularly host unofficial events at cafes on a small scale to celebrate their favourite Vtubers’ birthdays.
With the growing interest in the community, Mirie is looking forward to “bigger and significant fan meets with the Vtubers for such special events”.
GROWING TREND IN SEA
Vtubers or livers represent a burgeoning trend in online entertainment and have been rapidly gaining popularity in Southeast Asia by forming deep connections with their dedicated fan bases. Originating from Japan, the trend first spread to other countries in East Asia through social media platforms.
“With Japan’s geographical location, the Vtubing trend made its first impactful waves in regions like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Greater China,” said Saki Kong, Managing Director of Konosaki Media Entertainment and organiser of Virtual Rhapsody 2024 in Singapore.
“Given that we share some cultural similarities in Southeast Asia, we are now also witnessing an integration of these trends, driven by platforms like YouTube.”
“We are witnessing new types of concerts emerge as technology advances, including hologram and 4D experiences.
With courage and innovation, Singapore, being a hub, has the potential to tap into these trends and introduce fresh concepts to our local entertainment scene,” he added.
PHOTO: SEVEN/TMSG