One Of Japan's Biggest VTubers Is Officially Back After 3 Year Hiatus
Kizuna AI debuted on YouTube on December 1, 2016, as the first major Virtual YouTuber (VTuber), pioneering a trend that would spread worldwide. For over five years, her videos and bubbly personality helped shape the VTuber movement. Then, at the peak of her fame, she announced an indefinite hiatus on December 4, 2021, during the Kizuna AI The Last Live "hello, world 2022" event. The break officially began after the concert on February 26, 2022, with the stated goal of updating her AI and exploring future developments. No return date was provided.
During her absence, thousands of VTubers emerged, competing for her spot. Now, three years later, Kizuna AI has returned with a new update titled "I'm Back" and a music video, both uploaded to YouTube. In her update, she shared more details about her hiatus and her ambitious plans moving forward.
The Rise of a VTuber Icon
An Exciting Comeback Announcement
Kizuna AI was created by Activ8 Inc., with illustrator En Morikura designing her and Tomitake handling 3D modeling under Tda’s supervision. She rose to fame on A.I.Channel, leading the first wave of VTubers. Expanding beyond YouTube, she pursued music, blending indie and J-POP influences, and inspired the anime Kizuna no Allele (2023). As a pioneering virtual idol, she helped shape digital entertainment, evolving through media collaborations and music, cementing her legacy in virtual culture.
In her comeback video, Kizuna AI enthusiastically announces, “Today marks exactly three years since my last live concert! And now I’m officially resuming my activities! You waited for me, right?” She explains that her hiatus was meant to improve herself to better connect with people worldwide. “Connecting with everyone has always been my biggest goal,” she emphasizes.
Kizuna AI Is Doubling Down on Music
The Future of Kizuna AI
Now that she's back, Kizuna AI is focusing on music, believing it to be the best way to reach people. “I realized that if I wanted to connect on a deeper level, music was the way to do it,” she says. She has already launched this chapter with her new song “kamone” and its music video. Looking ahead, she hopes to release over 10 songs within the next year and has even teased a potential concert. Encouraging fans to check out her latest release, she adds, “It’s really amazing, so make sure you watch it all the way through!”
VTuber Kizuna AI Concert & Character Coming To Super Mecha Champions
In a collaboration with Super Mecha Champions, the Japanese virtual YouTuber Kizuna AI will perform a live concert and pilot a giant fighting robot.
Kizuna AI’s return marks a new era for the VTuber pioneer, blending nostalgia with fresh ambitions. With new music and a possible concert on the horizon, she is once again shaping the future of virtual entertainment.
Source: KizunaAI - A.I.Channel
