Nijisanji

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.

Managed by Ichikara Inc., the group started in Japan in early 2018 and has since expanded to other countries as an international project. 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. 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.

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 However, they are no longer active within Nijisanji and on April 2019, were transferred to another virtual group called "VEgo" which only lasted for a month before retiring from Youtube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.

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. It was first hinted at on 8 May. Since 31 December 2019, it is no longer operational.

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, 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, 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, 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.

On 22 June, NIJISANJI IN rebranded and changed the name of their branch to "NIJISANJI EN." Additionally, Nijisanji launched their official English YouTube channel on this day too.

On 27 November, it was announced that Aadya, Noor, and Vihaan would continue streaming as "NIJISANJI IN" once again.

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.

On December 25, Ichikara Inc. announced that the previously unofficial Nijisanji subreddit, r/Nijisanji, would become officially run by Ichikara Inc. 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.

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.

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.

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

Warabeda Meiji	Kudo Chitose (retired)	Gundo Mirei	Yuzuki Roa	Onomachi Haruka	Kataribe Tsumugu	Seto Miyako	Shindo Raito (suspended)
Otogibara Era (retired)	Inui Toko	Ange Katrina	Lize Helesta	Saegusa Akina	Aizono Manami	Suzuhara Lulu	Yukishiro Mahiro
Ex Albio	Levi Elipha	Hayama Marin	Nui Sociere	Hakase Fuyuki	Kagami Hayato	Yorumi Rena	Mayuzumi Kai
Ars Almal	Aiba Uiha	Amamiya Kokoro	Eli Conifer	Ratna Petit	Hayase Sou	Sukoya Kana	Shellin Burgundy
Fumi	Hoshikawa Sara	Yamagami Karuta	Matsukai Mao	Emma★August	Luis Cammy	Fuwa Minato	Shirayuki Tomoe
Gwelu Os Gar	Mashiro	Naraka	Kurusu Natsume

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

Nijisanji ID (August 2020)

Nijisanji IN (November 2020)

Nijisanji KR (August 2020)

VirtuaReal, VR Stars, and VR Link (August 2020)

Yugamin

Add a photo to this gallery

Video Clips

• Virtual to LIVE - NIJISANJI 1st Anniversary Song
  • Sanbaka (さんばか) Cover
  • Ex-Gamers Cover
  • Nijisanji ID Cover (3SetBBQ Ver.)
  • VirtuaReal Cover
  • Nijisanji ID Cover (CloverMcOver Ver.)
• 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