Nijisanji facts for kids
Nijisanji logo
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Trade name
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NIJISANJI |
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Native name
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にじさんじ
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Romanized name
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Niji-sanji |
| Industry | Virtual YouTubers Livestreaming |
| Founded | February 2018 |
| Parent | ANYCOLOR Inc. |
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Formerly
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Ichikara Inc. |
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| Kabushiki-gaisha | |
| Traded as | TYO: 5032 |
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| Founded | 2 May 2017 |
| Founder | Riku Tazumi |
| Headquarters |
Akasaka, Tokyo
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Japan
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Key people
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| Total equity | ¥2,641,914,764 (2021) |
| Owner | (as of March 27, 2023): Riku Tazumi (44.4%) Sony Music Entertainment Japan (5.47%) Yuzuru Honda (4.90%) Skyland Ventures KK (4.15%) Bilibili (3.56%) |
| Subsidiaries | Atelier Colors |
Nijisanji (Japanese: にじさんじ), also known as NIJISANJI, is a super popular group of Virtual YouTubers, or VTubers! It's owned by a company called Anycolor Inc. (which used to be Ichikara Inc.). Nijisanji started in 2018. Its main goal was to help people become VTubers easily using special 2D models and live streaming. This was a new way compared to the 3D videos that were popular at the time.
Contents
Nijisanji's Journey Through Time
How Nijisanji Started in 2018
On January 11, 2018, a company called Ichikara Inc. announced they were looking for new virtual idols. They had a special app for iPhone X phones, also named Nijisanji. This app made it simple to become a VTuber using Live2D software and the iPhone X's cool Animoji feature. People chosen for this program were called Virtual Livers. They were expected to stream live on different platforms using the app. The name Nijisanji wasn't used for the VTubers themselves until a second group was announced on March 15, 2018.
The name "Nijisanji" comes from two Japanese words: nijigen (二次元), meaning two-dimensional, and sanjigen (三次元), meaning three-dimensional. The idea was to create a new type of entertainment that connects the real and virtual worlds. The Nijisanji logo also has two meanings: niji (虹) means rainbow, and sanji (三時) means three o'clock. The rainbow in the logo shows how colorful and different the characters and personalities in the agency are!
Later in 2018, Nijisanji started looking for VTubers in China, in cities like Shanghai and Taipei. They worked with another company called CAPSULE Inc. However, this partnership ended in March 2019.
Big Changes and New Branches in 2019
After the first Chinese branch ended, Nijisanji started new auditions in China in April 2019. This time, they worked with bilibili to create the "VirtuaReal Project" in May.
Also in May, Ichikara launched the "Nijisanji Network." This service helped other content creators and companies by sharing Nijisanji's management and support. This service eventually closed on December 31, 2019.
In July, auditions began for an Indonesian branch, called Nijisanji ID, which started in September. Then, in November and December, auditions started for Indian and Korean branches (Nijisanji IN and KR). These branches began their activities in January 2020.
Growing Globally in 2020
In January 2020, Nijisanji opened official English Twitter (now X) and YouTube accounts. To reach more English speakers, they changed their Indian branch to a wider English branch (Nijisanji EN). But in November, the three members of Nijisanji EN went back to their original Nijisanji IN branch. Auditions for new English-speaking talents were held in December. Nijisanji IN eventually closed, and all its members graduated on April 30, 2021.
In October 2020, Nijisanji temporarily hid some Among Us streams. This happened after a programmer who made a popular Japanese translation for the game complained. Nijisanji then worked with the programmer to give proper credit for his work.
On December 1, Ichikara Inc. announced the first official auditions for English-speaking VTubers.
New Talents and a New Name in 2021
Nijisanji EN's first group, "LazuLight," debuted on May 16, 2021. It had three female Livers: Elira Pendora, Pomu Rainpuff, and Finana Ryugu. More groups followed: OBSYDIA in July and Ethyria in October.
On May 17, 2021, Ichikara officially changed its name to Anycolor.
In June, Anycolor started a training program called "Virtual Talent Academy." People who finished this program could join Nijisanji or try out for other agencies.
On December 12, 2021, the fourth group of Nijisanji EN VTubers, "Luxiem," debuted. This group had five male Livers: Luca Kaneshiro, Shu Yamino, Ike Eveland, Mysta Rias, and Vox Akuma. Luxiem was special because it was the first group of English-speaking male talents from a big VTuber agency.
Big Milestones in 2022
On February 17, 2022, Anycolor announced that Nijisanji ID and Nijisanji KR would join the main Nijisanji branch starting April 15, 2022. This meant their social media accounts would close, and ongoing auditions for new members in those branches would be canceled.
On February 22, 2022, Noctyx, the second male group of Nijisanji EN, debuted. It included Sonny Brisko, Uki Violeta, Alban Knox, Fulgur Ovid, and Yugo Asuma.
On March 16, 2022, Anycolor announced a new group of three Nijisanji Livers from the Virtual Talent Academy. This group, "Ranunculus," started their activities on March 20, 2022.
Nijisanji's VTubers also announced they would work with Japanese singer Yuya Tegoshi.
On June 8, 2022, Anycolor became a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This means anyone could buy shares of the company. By October 18, 2022, the company was worth over $2.5 billion! The founder, Riku Tazumi, became Japan's youngest billionaire.
On July 13, 2022, Anycolor announced the next group of Virtual Talent Academy graduates to join Nijisanji. This group, "Voltaction," started on July 16, 2022.
On July 24, 2022, Iluna, the sixth group of Nijisanji EN, debuted. This was the first English-speaking group with both male and female members. It included Maria Marionette, Kyo Kaneko, Aia Amare, Aster Arcadia, Scarle Yonaguni, and Ren Zotto.
On December 9, 2022, XSOLEIL, the seventh group of Nijisanji EN, debuted. This was the second English-speaking group with mixed genders. It included Doppio Dropscythe, Meloco Kyoran, Hex Haywire, Kotoka Torahime, Ver Vermillion, and Zaion LanZa.
On December 14, 2022, Nijisanji EN Liver Yugo Asuma from Noctyx left the agency. This decision was made after discussions about his activities and behavior.
Recent Events in 2023-2024
On January 23, 2023, Nijisanji announced an AR Live concert called "Colors." It was supposed to feature members from LazuLight, Obsydia, Ethyria, Luxiem, and Noctyx. However, the event was canceled on February 2 due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 10, 2023, Anycolor ended the contract of Nijisanji EN Liver Zaion LanZa from XSOLEIL. The company stated she broke her contract and rules, including copyright issues.
On March 23, 2023, Nijisanji temporarily stopped Gundo Mirei's activities. She had posted a tweet about baseball that caused issues with Japanese baseball fans. Mirei eventually announced she would leave the agency on June 21, 2023.
On June 24, 2023, Krisis, the eighth group of Nijisanji EN, debuted. This male trio included Vezalius Bandage, Vantacrow Bringer, and Yu Q. Wilson.
On June 26, 2023, Nijisanji EN Liver Nina Kosaka from Ethyria announced she would leave on July 8, 2023.
On July 23, 2023, Nijisanji EN Liver Mysta Rias from Luxiem announced he would leave on August 27, 2023.
On October 21, 2023, Nijisanji announced that Xia Ekavira, Mika Melatika, and Riksa Dhirendra would be leaving. These talents were part of the former Nijisanji Indonesia branch. Many talents from the Indonesian and Korean branches have left since they merged with the main Japanese branch.
On October 27, 2023, TTT, the ninth group of Nijisanji EN, debuted. This group included Kunai Nakasato, Victoria Brightshield, and Claude Clawmark.
On December 12, 2023, Nijisanji announced that two Livers, Chihiro Yuki and Momo Azuchi, would be leaving on January 31, 2024.
In 2024, more Livers announced their departures:
- On January 5, Nijisanji EN Liver Pomu Rainpuff from LazuLight announced she would leave on January 20, 2024.
- On February 1, Nijisanji EN Liver Kyo Kaneko from Iluna announced he would leave on February 17, 2024.
- On February 5, the company ended the contract of Nijisanji EN Liver Selen Tatsuki. They said she broke her contract and caused payment delays for artists. This caused a lot of discussion online. Some artists said Nijisanji's management was responsible for the delays, not Selen. Because of this, several Nijisanji EN Livers took a break from social media. A company called HYTE also ended its projects with Nijisanji.
Meet the Virtual Livers
Nijisanji members are called Virtual Livers or simply Livers. This name is a mix of "live streamers." They mostly stream on YouTube. Their activities often include playing video games, singing, or just chatting with their audience. Over time, some Livers get cool merchandise like Nendoroid figures, pin-back buttons, acrylic stands, special voice packs, and signed cards for special events or anniversaries.
Here are some of the current and former Livers from Nijisanji.
NIJISANJI (Japan)
Generation 1
- Tsukino Mito [ja] (月ノ美兎)
- Shibuya Hajime [ja] (渋谷ハジメ)
- Higuchi Kaede [ja] (樋口楓)
- Shizuka Rin [ja] (静凛)
- Moira [ja] (モイラ)
- Suzuya Aki [ja] (鈴谷アキ)
- Elu the Elf [ja] (エルフのえる)
Generation 2
- Ienaga Mugi [ja] (家長むぎ)
- Mononobe Alice [ja] (物述有栖)
- Kenmochi Toya [ja] (剣持刀也)
- Morinaka Kazaki [ja] (森中花咲)
- Fushimi Gaku [ja] (伏見ガク)
- Gilzaren III [ja] (ギルザレン)
- Suzuka Utako [ja] (鈴鹿詩子)
- Fumino Tamaki [ja] (文野環)
- Ushimi Ichigo [ja] (宇志海いちご)
- Yuhi Riri [ja] (夕陽リリ)
NIJISANJI Gamers
NIJISANJI Gamers was a group of Virtual Livers who loved to play games. It used to be a separate group, but it joined the main Nijisanji group in December 2018. After the merge, these Livers are also known as Ex-Gamers.
Generation 1
- Kanae [ja] (叶)
- Akabane Youko [ja] (赤羽葉子)
- Sasaki Saku [ja] (笹木 咲)
- Honma Himawari [ja] (本間ひまわり)
- Makaino Ririmu [ja] (魔界ノりりむ)
- Kuzuha [ja] (葛葉)
- Shiina Yuika [ja] (椎名唯華)
NIJISANJI SEEDs
NIJISANJI SEEDs was a Virtual Liver group focused on "living in the virtual world." Like the Gamers, it was a separate group that joined the main Nijisanji group in December 2018. After the merge, these Livers are also known as Ex-SEEDs.
Generation 1
- Dola [ja] (ドーラ)
- Hanabatake Chaika [ja] (花畑チャイカ)
- Ryushen [ja] (緑仙)
- Sister Claire [ja] (シスター・クレア)
- Suzuki Masaru [ja] (鈴木勝)
- Todoroki Kyoko [ja] (轟京子)
- Uzuki Kou [ja] (卯月コウ)
- Yashiro Kizuku [ja] (社築)
Generation 2
- Harusaki Air [ja] (春崎エアル)
- Naruse Naru [ja] (成瀬鳴)
- Kanda Shoichi [ja] (神田笑一)
- Amemori Sayo [ja] (雨森小夜)
- Takamiya Rion [ja] (鷹宮リオン)
- Asuka Hina [ja] (飛鳥ひな)
- Maimoto Keisuke [ja] (舞元啓介)Hiatus since 1 September 2023
- Debidebi Debiru [ja] (でびでび・でびる)
- Rindou Mikoto [ja] (竜胆尊)
- Joe Rikiichi [ja] (ジョー・力一)
- Machita Chima [ja] (町田ちま)
- Sakura Ritsuki [ja] (桜凛月)
- Belmond Banderas [ja] (ベルモンド・バンデラス)
- Yaguruma Rine [ja] (矢車りね)
- Yumeoi Kakeru [ja] (夢追翔)
- Kuroi Shiba [ja] (黒井しば)
Post-2018 Merger Groups
At the end of 2018, NIJISANJI, NIJISANJI Gamers, and NIJISANJI SEEDs all joined together into one big Japanese branch called NIJISANJI. After this, new Japanese groups usually named themselves after they debuted.
Usa-chan Club
- Yuzuki Roa [ja] (夢月ロア)Hiatus since 21 October 2020
28 January Debut
- Onomachi Haruka [ja] (小野町春香)
- Kataribe Tsumugu [ja] (語部紡)Hiatus since 11 March 2019
- Seto Miyako [ja] (瀬戸美夜子)
Sanbaka
- Inui Toko [ja] (戌亥とこ)
- Ange Katrina [ja] (アンジュ・カトリーナ)
- Lize Helesta [ja] (リゼ・ヘルエスタ)
Beni Zuwaigani
- Saegusa Akina [ja] (三枝明那)
- Aizono Manami [ja] (愛園愛美)
MahiLulu
- Yukishiro Mahiro [ja] (雪城眞尋)
LvEx
- Ex Albio [ja] (エクス・アルビオ)
- Levi Elipha [ja] (レヴィ・エリファ)
Chichiyama
- Hayama Marin [ja] (葉山舞鈴)
- Nui Sociere [ja] (ニュイ・ソシエール)
SMC-gumi
- Hakase Fuyuki [ja] (葉加瀬冬雪)
- Yorumi Rena [ja] (夜見れな)
- Kagami Hayato [ja] (加賀美ハヤト)
Blues
- Ars Almal [ja] (アルス・アルマル)
Posanke
- Amamiya Kokoro [ja] (天宮こころ)
- Eli Conifer [ja] (エリー・コニファー)
- Ratna Petit [ja] (ラトナ・プティ)
Tulip-gumi
- Sukoya Kana [ja] (健屋 花那)
- Hayase Sou [ja] (早瀬 走)
- Shellin Burgundy [ja] (シェリン・バーガンディ)
Orihimeboshi
- Fumi [ja] (フミ)
- Yamagami Karuta [ja] (山神カルタ)
- Hoshikawa Sara [ja] (星川サラ)
Aka no Soshiki
- Emma★August [ja] (えま★おうがすと)
- Luis Cammy [ja] (ルイス・キャミー)
- Matsukai Mao [ja] (魔使マオ)
Night Kingdom
- Gwelu Os Gar [ja] (グウェル・オス・ガール)
- Shirayuki Tomoe [ja] (白雪巴)
- Fuwa Minato [ja] (不破湊)
Mananatsu
- Kurusu Natsume [ja] (来栖夏芽)
- Naraka [ja] (奈羅花)
- Mashiro Meme [ja] (ましろ爻)
Meifu
- Furen E Lustario [ja] (フレン・E・ルスタリオ)
- Ibrahim [ja] (イブラヒム)
VΔLZ
- Genzuki Tojiro [ja] (弦月藤士郎)
- Nagao Kei [ja] (長尾景)
- Kaida Haru [ja] (甲斐田晴)
Kiramero
- Sorahoshi Kirame [ja] (空星きらめ)
Selene Drama Club
- Suo Sango [ja] (周央サンゴ)
- Kitakoji Hisui [ja] (北小路ヒスイ)
- Todo Kohaku [ja] (東堂コハク)
- Nishizono Chigusa [ja] (西園チグサ)
Eden-gumi
- Lauren Iroas [ja] (ローレン・イロアス)
- Leos Vincent [ja] (レオス・ヴィンセント)
- Oliver Evans [ja] (オリバー・エバンス)
- Lain Paterson [ja] (レイン・パターソン)
Ranunculus
- Umise Yotsuha [ja] (海妹四葉)
- Amagase Muyu [ja] (天ヶ瀬むゆ)
- Ponto Nei [ja] (先斗寧)
NIJISANJI ID (Former Indonesian Branch)
This was Nijisanji's Indonesian branch. It had Livers who spoke Indonesian and aimed at Indonesian audiences. It joined the main NIJISANJI branch on April 15, 2022. These Livers are now known as Ex-IDs.
First Wave
- Hana Macchia [ja] (ハナ・マキア)
Second Wave
- Rai Galilei [ja] (ライ・ガリレイ)
Third Wave
- Layla Alstroemeria [ja] (ライラ・アルストロエメリア)
Fourth Wave
- Etna Crimson [ja] (エトナ・クリムソン)
- Bonnivier Pranaja [ja] (ボンニフィエール・プラナジャ)
Fifth Wave
- Nagisa Arcinia [ja] (ナギサ・アルシニア)
- Derem Kado [ja] (デレム・カド)
NIJISANJI KR (Former Korean Branch)
This was Nijisanji's South Korean branch. It had Livers who spoke Korean and aimed at South Korean audiences. It also joined the main NIJISANJI branch on April 15, 2022. These Livers are now known as Ex-KRs.
Second Wave
- So Nagi (Hangul: 소나기)
New Livers After 2022 Merger
Here are the NIJISANJI Livers who debuted after the NIJISANJI ID and NIJISANJI KR branches joined the main group.
Solo Debut
- Hyakumantenbara Salome [ja] (壱百満天原サロメ)
VOLTACTION
- Fura Kanato [ja] (風楽奏斗)
- Watarai Hibari [ja] (渡会雲雀)
- Shikinagi Akira [ja] (四季凪アキラ)
- Seraph Dazzlegarden [ja] (セラフ・ダズルガーデン)
Idios
- Igarashi Rika [ja] (五十嵐梨花)
- Koshimizu Toru [ja] (小清水透)
- Ishigami Nozomi [ja] (石神のぞみ)
- Sophia Valentine [ja] (ソフィア・ヴァレンタイン)
- Kuramochi Meruto [ja] (倉持めると)
- Kaburaki Roco [ja] (鏑木ろこ)
- Shishido Akari [ja] (獅子堂あかり)
Oriens
- Akagi Wen [ja] (赤城ウェン)
- Usami Rito [ja] (宇佐美リト)
- Hibachi Mana [ja] (緋八マナ)
- Saiki Ittetsu [ja] (佐伯イッテツ)
Dytica
- Murakumo Kagetsu [ja] (叢雲カゲツ)
- Hoshirube Sho [ja] (星導ショウ)
- Koyanagi Rou [ja] (小柳ロウ)
- Inami Rai [ja] (伊波ライ)
Mitarashi-dan
- Tachitsute Toto [ja] (立伝都々)
- Shioriha Ruri [ja] (栞葉るり)
- Milan Kestrel [ja] (ミラン・ケストレル)
3SKM
- Kitami Yusei [ja] (北見遊征)
- Kaisei [ja] (魁星)
- Sasaki Ness [ja] (榊ネス)
NIJISANJI EN (English-Speaking Livers)
LazuLight
- Elira Pendora [ja] (エリーラ ペンドラ)
- Finana Ryugu [ja] (フィナーナ 竜宮)
OBSYDIA
- Rosemi Lovelock [ja] (ロゼミ ラブロック)
- Petra Gurin [ja] (ペトラ グリン)
Ethyria
- Millie Parfait [ja] (ミリー・パフェ)
- Enna Alouette [ja] (エナー・アールウェット)
- Reimu Endou [ja] (遠藤霊夢)
Luxiem
- Luca Kaneshiro [ja] (ルカ・カネシロ)
- Shu Yamino [ja] (闇ノシュウ)
- Ike Eveland [ja] (アイク・イーヴランド)
- Vox Akuma [ja] (ヴォックス・アクマ)
Noctyx
- Sonny Brisko [ja] (サニー・ブリスコー)
- Uki Violeta [ja] (浮奇ヴィオレタ)
- Alban Knox [ja] (アルバーン・ノックス)
- Fulgur Ovid [ja] (ファルガー・オーヴィド)
ILUNA
- Maria Marionette [ja] (マリア マリオネット)
- Aia Amare [ja] (アイア アマレ)
- Aster Arcadia [ja] (アスター アルカディア)
- Scarle Yonaguni [ja] (スカーレ ヨナグニ)
- Ren Zotto [ja] (レン ゾット)
XSOLEIL
- Doppio Dropscythe [ja] (ドッピオ ドロップサイト)
- Meloco Kyoran [ja] (狂蘭 メロコ)
- Hex Haywire [ja] (ヘックス へイワイヤー)
- Kotoka Torahime [ja] (虎姫 コトカ)
- Ver Vermillion [ja] (ヴェール ヴァーミリオン)
Krisis
- Vezalius Bandage [ja] (ヴェザリウス バンデージ)
- Vantacrow Bringer [ja] (ベンタクロウ ブリンガー)
- Yu Q. Wilson [ja] (ユウ Q ウィルソン)
TTT
- Kunai Nakasato [ja] (中里苦無)
- Victoria Brightshield [ja] (ヴィクトリア ブライトシールド)
- Claude Clawmark [ja] (クロード クローマーク)
Past Livers
Many Livers have been part of Nijisanji over the years. Some have moved on to new adventures. Here are a few examples of Livers who have graduated or left the agency from different branches:
From NIJISANJI (Japan)
- Yuki Chihiro [ja] (勇気ちひろ)
- Gundo Mirei [ja] (郡道美玲)
- Suzuhara Lulu [ja] (鈴原るる)
- Mayuzumi Kai [ja] (黛灰)
From NIJISANJI ID (Indonesia)
- ZEA Cornelia [ja] (ゼア・コルネリア)
- Mika Melatika [ja] (ミカ・メラティカ)
From NIJISANJI EN (English)
- Pomu Rainpuff [ja] (ぽむ れいんぱふ)
- Selen Tatsuki [ja] (セレン 龍月)
- Mysta Rias [ja] (ミスタ・リアス)
- Yugo Asuma [ja] (遊間ユーゴ)
Cool Events and Shows
Nijisanji often holds exciting events and concerts for fans!
- Nijisanji Music Festival (October 2, 2019)
- Virtual to Live in Ryōgoku Kokugikan (December 8, 2019)
- Nijisanji Anniversary Festival 2021 (February 27–28, 2021)
- Nijisanji Japan Tour 2020 "Shout in the Rainbow! Tokyo Revenge Performance" (February 27, 2021) – This was a live concert with an online stream.
- Nijisanji AR Stage "Light Up Tones" (July 31 – August 1, 2021)
- Nijisanji held two concerts at Yokohama Pia Arena MM (October 30–31, 2021):
- "Nijirock Next Beat" with 7 Livers on October 30.
- "initial step in Nijisanji" with 8 Livers from the First Wave on October 31.
Awards and Nominations
Nijisanji and its Livers have been recognized with awards!
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | The Vtuber Awards | Best FPS VTuber | Selen Tatsuki | Won | |
| Shu Yamino | Nominated | ||||
| Best Minecraft VTuber | Pomu Rainpuff | Nominated | |||
| Best Roleplay/ASMR VTuber | Vox Akuma | Nominated | |||
| Miss VTuber | Elira Pendora | Nominated | |||
| Best VTuber Org | Nijisanji | Nominated | |||
| Most Dedicated Fanbase | Kindred | Nominated | |||
| Best Philanthropic Event | Mika Melatika's 60-hour charity marathon | Won | |||
| Vox Akuma's Save Charity stream | Nominated | ||||
| Gamer of the Year | Selen Tatsuki | Won | |||
| Kuzuha | Nominated | ||||
| VTuber of the Year | Hyakumantenbara Salome | Nominated |
