
Nijisanji (にじさんじ) is a group of mostly 2D-only Virtual YouTubers who are also known as "Virtual Livers" (バーチャルライバー Bācharu Raibā) when posting on sites outside of YouTube, such as NicoNico Douga and Bilibili. The term Liver, coined by mixing Japanese and English, is a heteronym for calling Nijisanji's streamers.[1]
Managed by Ichikara Inc., the group started in Japan in early 2018 and has since expanded to other countries as an international project.[2] As of March 2021, there are currently 103 active Japanese Nijisanji members, 36 active VirtuaReal members, 16 active NIJISANJI ID members and 14 active NIJISANJI KR members.[3] There's also 5 VirtuaReal Star members and 23 VirtuaReal Link members who are independent VTubers, not considered part of Nijisanji and are only in a network partner system.
There are a large number of Nijisanji Livers in the Top 100 Virtual YouTubers; Kuzuha has the highest number of subscribers with Tsukino Mito, Kanae and Honma Himawari following close behind.
For the list of original songs released by Nijisanji members and musical units, refer to the following Wiki page: List of Nijisanji Songs.
Contents
- 1 Technology
- 2 History
- 3 Members
- 3.1 First Wave
- 3.2 Second Wave
- 3.3 Gamers (former members; now part of the main Nijisanji group)
- 3.4 SEEDs (former members; now part of the main Nijisanji group)
- 3.5 VOIZ
- 3.6 2019 Wave
- 3.7 2020 Wave
- 3.8 Nijisanji NetWORK (former members; program terminated)
- 3.9 NIJISANJI ID (Indonesia)
- 3.10 NIJISANJI IN
- 3.11 NIJISANJI KR (South Korea)
- 3.12 VirtuaReal (China)
- 3.12.1 First Generation
- 3.12.2 Second Generation
- 3.12.3 Third Generation
- 3.12.4 Fourth Generation
- 3.12.5 Fifth Generation
- 3.12.6 Sixth Generation
- 3.12.7 Seventh Generation
- 3.12.8 Eighth Generation
- 3.12.9 Ninth Generation
- 3.12.10 Tenth Generation
- 3.12.11 Eleventh Generation
- 3.12.12 Twelfth Generation
- 3.13 VirtuaReal Star (China)
- 3.14 VirtuaReal Link (China)
- 4 Trivia
- 5 Gallery
- 6 Video Clips
- 7 External Links
- 8 References
Technology
Nijisanji Livers usually stream with iPhoneX facial motion capture technology, Live2D models, and the Nijisanji app (commercially unavailable). Although this method is technically simpler and much less expensive than full-body 3D motion tracking equipment, the resulting motion is mostly limited to facial features and has been noted to suffer from stuttering and accuracy issues. After debuting, Livers are able to receive 2.0 and 3.0 brushups that allow them to expand their range of movement and make more facial expressions.
In addition to Live2D and conventional full-body 3D motion capture, Nijisanji also supports "Niji 3D" (にじ3D), which allows Livers to stream using their 3D models without a studio. But the range of motion for Niji 3D is limited to the upper body and hand tracking.
History
2018
On 17 July, Nijisanji announced Chinese and Taiwanese Vtubers as an expansion into those markets. However, they are no longer active within Nijisanji and on April 2019, were transferred to another virtual group called "VEgo" which only lasted for a month before retiring from Youtube entirely.[4]
2019
In April 2019, a new branch of the Nijisanji Project in China called "VirtuaReal" officially began their activities.
On 10 May, they announced the commencement of their Nijisanji NetWORK (にじさんじネットワーク Nijisanji NETTOWAAKU) partnership program which is aimed towards giving support to other virtual talents. The first VTubers to participate in the program were Tenkai Tukasa and Fairys Chan.[5] It was first hinted at on 8 May.[6] Since 31 December 2019, it is no longer operational.[7]
On 19 July, Nijisanji's parent company Ichikara Inc. announced a new branch of the Nijisanji Project in Indonesia called "NIJISANJI ID." Auditions for four initial virtual YouTuber positions were open from 19 July until 4 August[8], and the selected candidates officially began their activities in September 2019.
On 18 November, Ichikara Inc. announced a new branch of the Nijisanji Project in India called "NIJISANJI IN." Auditions for three initial virtual YouTuber positions were open from 18 November until 2 December[9], and the selected candidates officially began their activities in January 2020.
On 17 December, Ichikara Inc. announced a new branch of the Nijisanji Project in South Korea called "NIJISANJI KR." Auditions for five virtual YouTuber positions were open from 20 December until 6 January 2020[10], and the selected candidates officially began their activities in late January 2020.
2020
A 6-show national music concert tour called "Nijisanji JAPAN TOUR 2020 Shout in the Rainbow!" took place between 9 February and 5 April. A total of 29 Nijisanji members performed across 5 Zepp venues (Sapporo, Fukuoka, Namba, Nagoya, and DiverCity Tokyo). Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Zepp DiverCity Tokyo show was entirely cancelled and the second Zepp Namba show was exclusively streamed online.[11]
On 22 June, NIJISANJI IN rebranded and changed the name of their branch to "NIJISANJI EN."[12] Additionally, Nijisanji launched their official English YouTube channel on this day too.[13]
On 27 November, it was announced that Aadya, Noor, and Vihaan would continue streaming as "NIJISANJI IN" once again.[14]
On 30 November, Ichikara Inc. announced that they were launching the first wave auditions for English speaking countries. The auditions were open until 15 December.[15]
On December 25, Ichikara Inc. announced that the previously unofficial Nijisanji subreddit, r/Nijisanji, would become officially run by Ichikara Inc.[16] Many of Nijisanji's Livers joined as moderators for the subreddit as well.
2021
On 28 February, it was announced at the Nijisanji annversary fesitval that 3.0 brushups would be implemented, which allow for Live2D models to have more movement and facial expressions. JK Gumi (Tsukino Mito, Higuchi Kaede, Shizuka Rin) will be the first to receive 3.0 brushups in April 2021.
In 3 March, Kuzuha became the most subscribed Nijisanji liver, surpassing Tsukino Mito who was the most subscribed vtuber in the agency since Nijisanji was established in early 2018.
On 13 April, it was announced on twitter that Nijisanji IN will be temporarily suspended at 30 April 2021, 23:59 JST, as well as the coming graduation of the branch's livers, Aadya, Noor, and Vihaan. [17]
Members

Nijisanji's entire roster of Japanese Virtual Livers as of November 2020. For the list of names in order, click "More Info" on the image.
The current members endorsed by Nijisanji include:
First Wave
Tsukino Mito | Yuki Chihiro | Elu | Higuchi Kaede | Shizuka Rin | Shibuya Hajime | Suzuya Aki | Moira |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Second Wave
Mononobe Alice | Fushimi Gaku | Ienaga Mugi | Morinaka Kazaki | Suzuka Utako | Ushimi Ichigo | Yuuhi Riri | Kenmochi Toya |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gilzaren III | Fumino Tamaki | ||||||
Gamers (former members; now part of the main Nijisanji group)
The Nijisanji Gamers group was later dissolved and merged into the main Nijisanji group in December 2018.[18]
Kanae | Akabane Youko | Sasaki Saku | Yamiyono Moruru (retired) | Honma Himawari | Makaino Ririmu | Kuzuha | Setsuna (retired) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shiina Yuika | |||||||
SEEDs (former members; now part of the main Nijisanji group)
The Nijisanji SEEDS group was later dissolved and merged into the main Nijisanji group in December 2018.[18]
Dola | Hanabatake Chaika | Hassaku Yuzu (retired) | Izumo Kasumi (retired) | Azuchi Momo | Nakao Azuma (retired) | Naruto Kogane (retired) | Ryushen |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sister Cleaire | Suzuki Masaru | Todoroki Kyoko | Umiyashano Kami (retired) | Uzuki Kou | Yashiro Kizuku | Kanda Shoichi | Amemori Sayo |
Takamiya Rion | Asuka Hina | Maimoto Keisuke | Debidebi Debiru | Rindou Mikoto | Joe Rikiichi | Machita Chima | Tsukimi Shizuku (retired) |
Sakura Ritsuki | Achikita Chinami (retired) | Belmond Banderas | Yaguruma Rine | Yumeoi Kakeru | Kuroi Shiba | ||
VOIZ
Originally a four Virtual Liver ensemble that was part of Nijisanji SEEDs. Only two members of the VOIZ group are continuing with their activities:
Harusaki Air | Naruse Naru |
---|---|
2019 Wave
2020 Wave
Furen E Lustario | Melissa Kinrenka | Ibrahim | Nagao Kei | Genzuki Tojiro | Kaida Haru | Kingyozaka Meiro (suspended) | Sorahoshi Kirame |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Asahina Akane | Suo Sango | Todo Kohaku | Kitakoji Hisui | Nishizono Chigusa | |||
Nijisanji NetWORK (former members; program terminated)
These two are still active VTubers but they are no longer officially affiliated with Nijisanji. Refer to Category:Nijisanji Network for more information on this program.
Tenkai Tukasa | Fairys-chan |
---|---|
NIJISANJI ID (Indonesia)
First Wave
Also known as 3SetBBQ.
Hana Macchia | ZEA Cornelia | Taka Radjiman |
---|---|---|
Second Wave
Also known as Clover McOver.
Rai Galilei | Riksa Dhirendra | Amicia Michella | Miyu Ottavia |
---|---|---|---|
Third Wave
Also known as LAN_NEE3S.
Azura Cecillia | Layla Alstroemeria | Nara Haramaung |
---|---|---|
Fourth Wave
Also known as 3FicLite.
Etna Crimson | Bonnivier Pranaja | Siska Leontyne |
---|---|---|
Fifth Wave
Also known as 53Renade.
Nagisa Arcinia | Derem Kado | Reza Avanluna |
---|---|---|
NIJISANJI IN
Aadya | Noor | Vihaan |
---|---|---|
NIJISANJI KR (South Korea)
First Wave
Wiffy (retired) | Yu Ruri (retired) | Shin Yuya | Min Suha |
---|---|---|---|
1.5 Wave
These members were formerly part of an agency named 541 E&C, which merged with Nijisanji KR on 25 January, 2020.
Moarin (retired) | Gaon | Kaen (retired) | Lorou (retired) | Han Chiho | Hakuren (retired) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Second Wave
Lee Siu | So Nagi | Chae Ara |
---|---|---|
Third Wave
Akira Ray | Lee Roha | Nun Bora |
---|---|---|
Fourth Wave
Oh Jiyu | Shin Kiru | Yang Nari | Ryu Hari |
---|---|---|---|
VirtuaReal (China)
VirtuaReal is a branch of Nijisanji that was created in partnership with the Chinese media site, BiliBili. Apart from their VTubers/VUP's (what VTubers are called in Chinese), VirtuaReal has a producer named Tokimori Seisa, whose BiliBili page can be found here.
First Generation
Eine | Ruki |
---|---|
Second Generation
Nanami | Ichigo (retired) | Kouichi (Guangyi) |
---|---|---|
Third Generation
Muri | Hanon (retired) |
---|---|
Fourth Generation
Plus | Nyatsuki | Waku |
---|---|---|
Fifth Generation
Miki | Mahiru | Hoshimi |
---|---|---|
Sixth Generation
Aza | Yagi | Tabibito | Roi |
---|---|---|---|
Seventh Generation
Seiya | Saya | Yukie |
---|---|---|
Eighth Generation
Samael | Karu | Mimoi (retired) | Shiki | Pax (retired) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ninth Generation
Chaos | Kiyora | Chiharu |
---|---|---|
Tenth Generation
Reve | Sirius | Yua | Shaun |
---|---|---|---|
Eleventh Generation
Tanoshiba | Mari | Chiyuu | Imi |
---|---|---|---|
Twelfth Generation
Mayumi | Kendou | Tsukumo (99) | Remi |
---|---|---|---|
VirtuaReal Star (China)
Members of VirtuaReal Star are the VTuber identities of popular, pre-established Chinese content creators and celebrities on Bilibili.
Ling Yuan Yousa | Sakura Haruka | Nanako | Zuya Naxi | Hanser |
---|---|---|---|---|
Identity: Ling Yuan Yousa, singer and Vocaloid producer |
Identity: Ruanruanbing, MC and vlogger |
Identity: Cai Ming, actress |
Identity: Utaite, voice provider for Liliko (voicebank for Muta synthesizer) |
VirtuaReal Link (China)
VirtuaReal Link is similar to the former Nijisanji NetWORK partnership program such that independent VTubers are given technical support from Ichikara Inc. "Super Virtual High School" (SVHS) is the unit name for four members. JRM Project is another unit composed of three members that joined VirtuaReal Link.
Andou Inari | KINGSK科科 (retired) | Mitsusa | Lynn (SVHS) | Eli (SVHS) | Muse (SVHS) | Seven (SVHS) | Sumire Hina | Suzukaze Suzuka (disbanded) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mama Mara | Prime Star | Karon | Isabella | Azusa | Kero | Jinxy (JRM) | Ruruna (JRM) | Mori (JRM) |
Miyazono Rin | Syo | Susam | Noi | Nox | ||||
Trivia
- Nijisanji can be represented as the number 2434, so this is sometimes seen in their material. Also during live-streams, fans sometimes donate 2434 yen (~$21 USD).
- NIjisanji is also often represented using the rainbow emoji (niji) and 3 o'clock emoji (sanji). Livers use this to represent their affiliation with Nijisanji while fans use it to show that they are fans of Nijisanji.
- Nijisanji is run by a man named Iwanaga, whose Twitter is here. He sometimes does live-streams as a female-looking VTuber named Iwanaga-chan.
- Ichikara Inc. itself is run by Tazumi Riku, the CEO of the company. He has made appearances on the Nijisanji YouTube channel and is even the inpiration behind some of the membership emojis. He has his own Twitter and YouTube channel.
- Nijisanji's app has a mascot called Yugamin. Livers can stream as Yugamin instead of their usual forms, as Yugamin has a Live2D model. Yugamin was designed by ほーじろ, who also designed Shibuya Hajime, Kenmochi Toya, Fushimi Gaku, Sister Cleaire, Amemori Sayo, Todoroki Kyoko, and Yumeoi Kakeru.
Gallery
Video Clips
- Virtual to LIVE - NIJISANJI 1st Anniversary Song
- Wonder NeverLand - NIJISANJI 3rd Anniversary Song
- 虹色の Puddle - NIJISANJI 3rd Anniversary Song
- PUCHISANJI (ぷちさんじ, PetitSanji) - Daily short illustrated videos of moments clipped from Nijisanji Liver streams. English translations are in the Closed Captions. As of July 2020, PUCHISANJI clips with English hardsub translations are simulcasted on the official Nijisanji English YouTube channel.
- into reality - NIJISANJI ID 1st Anniversary Song
External Links
- Nijisanji's Official Company Website on ichikara.co.jp (Japanese)
Official stores
- Nijisanji Official Store
- にじさんじ公式 nijisanji.booth.pm - Official Booth store
- NIJISANJI ID nijisanji-id.booth.pm - Nijisanji ID's official Booth store
- nijisanji-kr nijisanji-kr.booth.pm - Nijisanji KR's official Booth store
Official channels
- にじさんじ - Main channel (Japanese)
- NIJISANJI English Official - Official English channel (English)
- にじさんじ [公式サブch] - Sub channel (Japanese)
- にじさんじ公式切り抜きチャンネル【NIJISANJI Official Best Moments】 - Official Clip channel (Japanese)
- NIJISANJI ID Official - Official Indonesian channel (Indonesian)
- NIJISANJI KR Official - Official South Korean channel (South Korean)
- VirtuaReal - Official VirtuaReal channel on bilibili (Chinese)
Official Twitter accounts
- @nijisanji_app - Main Nijisanji account (Japanese)
- @NIJISANJI_World - International Nijisanji (English)
- @NIJISANJI_IN - Nijisanji IN (formerly Nijisanji EN with former Twitter handle @NIJISANJI_EN) (English)
- @NIJISANJI_ID - Nijisanji ID (Indonesian)
- @NIJISANJI_KR - Nijisanji KR (Korean)
- @NIJISANJI_staff- Nijisanji staff contact account (English)
- @Virtua_Real - VirtuaReal (Chinese)
Official Facebook pages
- @nijisanji.indonesia - Nijisanji ID
- @NIJISANJI.KR - Nijisanji KR
Other
- r/Nijisanji - Official Nijisanji Subreddit
- Nijisanji - on Simple English Wikipedia
References
- ↑ NIJISANJI Project excerpt on the official Ichikara Inc. website (English)
- ↑ Overseas NIJISANJI VTuber Project excerpt on the official Ichikara Inc. website (English)
- ↑ Complete member roster on the official Nijisanji website
- ↑ https://vtuber-post.com/news/news-other/6131
- ↑ Ichikara Corporation. (2019, May 10). VTuberコミュニティサービス「にじさんじネットワーク」始動!VTuberを「流行り」から「文化」へ。 [Press release]. Retrieved from https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000063.000030865.html
- ↑ nijisanji_app. (2019, May 8). 【重大告知 近日公開】 [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/statuses/1126049107942858752
- ↑ https://twitter.com/tenkaitukasa/status/1210394878921723904
- ↑ Ichikara Corporation. (2019, July 19). いちから、インドネシアへ本格進出!「NIJISANJI id」始動! [Press release]. Retrieved from https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000076.000030865.html
- ↑ NIJISANJI_EN (formerly Nijisanji_India). (2019, November 18). Nijisanji IN Audition Announcement. [Tweet].Retrieved from https://twitter.com/NIJISANJI_EN/status/1196375269168140288
- ↑ NIJISANJI-KR. (2019, December 17). Nijisanji KR Audition Announcement. [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/NIJISANJI_KR/status/1207146745966104577
- ↑ Nijisanji JAPAN TOUR 2020 Shout in Rainbow! Website
- ↑ NIJISANJI_EN. (2020, June 22). Announcement of NIJISANJI ID Rename. [Tweet0. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/NIJISANJI_EN/status/1274932165436796928
- ↑ NIJISANJI_World. (2020, June 22). Announcement of New English YouTube Channel. [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/NIJISANJI_World/status/1274916991950819328
- ↑ NIJISANJI_IN. (2020, November 27) Anouncement of return to NIJISANJI IN. Tweet Retrieved from:https://twitter.com/NIJISANJI_IN/status/1332187398109847552
- ↑ NIJISANJI_WORLD. (2020, November 30). Nijisanji English Speaking Countries Audition. Tweet. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/NIJISANJI_World/status/1333621846881628169
- ↑ NIJISANJI_EN. (2020, December 25). Announcement of Official Subreddit. [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/NIJISANJI_World/status/1342334257784643584
- ↑ NIJISANJI_IN. (2021, April 13) Announcement of NIJISANJI IN's temporary suspension and liver graduation. [Tweet]. Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/NIJISANJI_IN/status/1381864733482029058
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 nijisanji_app (2018, December 13) 【にじさんじが1つのグループに!】 今月末をメドに、「にじさんじ」「にじさんじゲーマーズ」「にじさんじSEEDs」が『にじさんじ』へと順次統合致します。 詳細はこちら!▷https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000038.000030865.html [Tweet] Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/nijisanji_app/status/1073081999701684224
3SetBBQ |
Hana Macchia (☕) ·
ZEA Cornelia (🔶) ·
Taka Radjiman (🍖)
|
---|---|
Clover McOver |
Rai Galilei (🚨) ·
Riksa Dhirendra (💥) ·
Amicia Michella (🐧) ·
Miyu Ottavia (🦦)
|
LAN_NEE3S |
Azura Cecillia (👽) ·
Layla Alstroemeria (🕰️🌺) ·
Nara Haramaung (🐯)
|
3FicLite |
Etna Crimson (🌋🍔) ·
Bonnivier Pranaja (🎣) ·
Siska Leontyne (🔦🦁)
|
53Renade |
Nagisa Arcinia (🐥🍭) ·
Derem Kado (🎁) ·
Reza Avanluna (🌒🎸☁)
|
Aadya (🌸) ・ Noor (💎♦️) ・ Vihaan |
1st wave | |
---|---|
541 E&C | |
2nd wave |
So Nagi (🌧) ·
Chae Ara (🌹💛) ·
Lee Siu (🐾)
|
3rd wave |
Nun Bora (❄️💜) ·
Akira Ray (😸) ·
Lee Roha (🔰)
|
4th wave |
Yang Nari (📌) ·
Ryu Hari (👁🗨) ·
Shin Kiru (🌫) ·
Oh Jiyu (⚜️)
|