ViviON Expands VTuber Operations through Acquisition
ViviON, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has recently announced its acquisition of the Vebop Project, a VTuber agency operated by REALITY Studios, set to take effect on August 31, 2025. This transition will commence from October 22, allowing ViviON to take full control and revamp Vebop’s operations. The company’s goal is to enhance its VTuber business while creating exciting opportunities for content creators to shine and thrive.
Background of the Acquisition
According to research conducted by Yano Economic Research Institute, the domestic VTuber market is projected to reach a staggering 126 billion yen by 2025. The industry is expected to continue expanding rapidly, both domestically and internationally. The shared philosophy between Vebop Project’s tagline, “Breaking the mold rather than sticking to it,” and ViviON's motto for their VTuber group, “Anything goes if it's fun!” fosters a deep-rooted connection between the two entities. By uniting under the ViviON umbrella, both groups are anticipated to produce considerable synergies that will resonate powerfully with their audience.
Introducing Vebop Project Members
To celebrate this transition, ViviON has released introduction videos for the Vebop Project members. Here's a lineup of the talented creators:
- - Sumoa Amakatsu: A daughter of the “Amakatsu” maid lineage, known for her hospitality through sweets, though her talents in this domain remain uncertain. She loves to sing and has a penchant for certain quirky habits.
- - Gununu Joushou: Hailing from the “Joushou Muhai” maid style, specializing in protecting her master, she claims to embody an unstoppable spirit, although her abilities are also in question. She shares a love for music and believes her life lessons come from gaming.
- - Maria Ogiya: An heir to the Ogiya maid group, she values the essence of education for the next generation, but her qualifications in this respect are unclear. An exceptionally gifted young lady, she is surrounded by mysteries.
- - Wawako Aokui: Another member from a unique maid league, she believes in cleanliness as the essence of hospitality, though her competence remains ambiguous. A native of Kansai, she has a cryptic mindset.
- - Ichino Madorai: Gained the characteristics of a cat through mysterious smoke; sometimes capricious and an avid gamer, she is facing the recent closure of her favorite game.
- - Renge Sukiabashi: Like Ichino, she possesses feline traits and is cautious by nature. Despite this, her fluffy hair invites affection.
- - Shia Niain: She embodies maternal instincts alongside her feline qualities and is known for her nurturing yet dominant personality.
- - Yururu Eikou: This quirky deity has a mix of skills and fails to convey wisdom effortlessly.
- - Suiha Hanaemo: A mischievous vampire loving drinks, often teasing her surroundings while her voice sometimes unexpectedly deepens.
- - Fuwari Meikyou: A mysterious girl adored by humans, making good fortune seem common in her endeavors.
- - Niko Akashi: A mad scientist with an arts background, known for running the “Maboroshi Tomodachi Club.” She experiments on human thought and interaction through her YouTube channel, blurring the lines of science and entertainment.
Looking Ahead in the VTuber Industry
ViviON is dedicated to supporting aspiring VTuber creators while enhancing the overall vibrancy of the VTuber community. Following this acquisition, ViviON and REALITY Studios plan to collaborate closely, leveraging each other's strengths for mutual growth and creativity.
Comments from the Leadership
- - Tsunusuke Sugiyama, CEO of REALITY Studios: Appreciating the support from fans, he acknowledged the suddenness of the announcement while emphasizing the need for greater challenges. He expressed confidence in ViviON’s ability to enhance Vebop, ensuring continuous support for the creators.
- - Kousaku Akashi, CEO of ViviON: He believes that this collaboration offers vast potentials, paving the way for new entertainment possibilities and fulfilling their mission of fostering a happy environment for users and creators alike.
Company Overview
- - REALITY Studios: Focuses on developing IP-driven VTuber production, actively engaging in the metaverse and virtual realms.
- - ViviON: Striving to build a society where users and creators can enjoy life together, it provides comprehensive two-dimensional content services.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Vebop Project symbolizes ViviON's commitment to expansion within the thriving VTuber ecosystem, promising thrilling experiences for fans and creators alike.