In the first of what we hope to be more interviews with fun and exciting VTubers, we have Kyonko, an Irish variety gaming streamer who truly enjoys their job. Kyonko is a fun, energetic VTuber most active on Twitch with a loyal following that enjoys their streams. I conducted an interview to find out more about them, and how they carry on their work as a VTuber.
Justin: Let’s start at the top, what’s your VTuber lore? Your avatar, characterization, and so on?
Kyonko: A short summary of my VTuber lore goes like this:
I was once a gamer who died and woke up in this body. Later on, though, I found out that my new body is actually AI. Every so often I learn something new about this new body of mine. As I grow I introduce new things such as new looks and abilities. Also, I play along with the fact I’m using my actual voice and being a Babiniku VTuber, so I often talk about how everything about my body has changed except for my voice.
I decided to go with this approach as it gives me the flexibility to add something unique to my background.
Justin: That’s interesting! I’m curious though, what’s a “Babiniku VTuber”?
Kyonko: Basically I’m using my male voice with a female avatar. It might seem strange at first when you’re watching but most people get used to it pretty quickly. A Lot of people are often shocked to find out I’m actually a guy behind the avatar. I’m told I’m able to pull off my female persona really well!
Justin: That’s really cool! You really enjoy your time as a VTuber, then. Is that correct?
Kyonko: I do, it’s been an amazing journey so far and such an eye-opener. I’ve met people and made friends for life from all around the world. It helps me escape the harsh realities of life and do my bit to spread some much-needed positivity around the world. A Lot of people are happy to just drop into my streams to relax and just have some fun together.
Justin: That’s the power of a VTuber, all right. What inspired you to become a VTuber? Was there anyone who inspired you?
Kyonko: For me, the likes of the originals like Kizuna AI caught my eye. It was fascinating to see what she could do. Then, of course, we had the legendary Kiryu Coco, a good friend of mine introduced me to them and since then I was hooked on the whole VTubing scene. I used to watch a lot of Coco streams and loved the energy she brought to them.
It was also the same friend that encouraged me to give VTubing a go as a way of expressing myself in ways I never thought possible.
Justin: Ah, the classics and legends of VTubing, and we could all use that one friend to get us hooked on the good stuff. What do you most like about VTubing?
Kyonko: Haha that’s very true. I’m quite shy when it comes to conversation (although my rambling on would say otherwise).
If I had to say, there are a few things. Age means very little to the VTubing community. Being an older VTuber (I’m in my 30s), no one cares about that. If we enjoy similar topics we usually get along with no issues. Something that, for me, would in real life feel like I was out of place.
Also just the fact I can freely talk about most subjects.
Justin: You brought that up in the comments of our VTuber article.
Your favorite part about being a VTuber is that it allows you to be more open with people without fear of judgment?
Kyonko: That’s correct!
For me, it would be alot more difficult to talk about things without the ‘mask’. I feel, as a VTuber, I’m to be ‘myself’ more.
Justin: That’s fantastic, I’m glad you can enjoy that experience. What do you do during your streams? Do you play video games, reaction streams, or just chat?
Kyonko: Mostly video game streams but from time to time I just chat. I hope to do my first Korean language Duolingo stream too as I want my viewers to help encourage me to learn a new language.
Justin: I wish you luck on that one. I tried taking up other languages on Duolingo, and I never stuck with it. The reminder emails are just taunting me at this point.
Kyonko: Yeah, I think if I do it with others it’ll help me continue with it.
Justin: Which would you say is your favorite stream, or event from one of your streams?
Kyonko: A few months ago my VTuber friend Raku convinced me to pull an all-nighter. We’re in completely different time zones, so it’s hard to plan something. Finally did one and it was the best fun ever! We had great craic all night long.
(“Craic” is Irish slang for “Great fun or great banter”)
Another highlight was during my subathon. A good friend of mine Click surprised with a huge number of gifted subs and, because of that, we were able to reach a level 7 hyper train on Twitch.
I also want to give my friend Yune a shoutout when they became my 1st tier 3 follower a few months after my debut. We’ve known each other since I started VTubing. It was literally days after my debut we started talking & we’ve been friends ever since. I was so shocked they did so and it really made me feel like I could actually be a VTuber.
Justin: That’s awesome. Which VTuber would you like to collaborate with most?
Kyonko: Like a dream collab?
If I was ever given the opportunity it would be Marine.
Justin: I like Marine, too. Besides her fun streams, she has some great music videos.
Kyonko: Oh definitely I love her music videos. I’m tempted to try and see if I can recreate her dance moves from her latest videos!
Justin: What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking about becoming a VTuber?
Kyonko: I would say go for it!
Start off with the basics first to see if you actually like streaming.
Being a VRoid user I was able to start being a VTuber relatively cheaply.
There’s no point spending thousands and then not enjoying the experience!
Justin: What is a “VRoid user”? I’m guessing it’s a cheap VTuber model?
Kyonko: VRoid is basically a program you can use to create your VTuber model. You can use both the mobile and PC versions to create a model that you can use online.
VRoid is free to download as well, so it’s great for a beginner or someone on a tight budget.
https://twitter.com/Kyonko_VT/status/1249075710783901703
Justin: Oh, that’s perfect! I know VTubing can be expensive, what with the special software and the model itself. Having a free model to test out is certainly ideal. How is it to form a VTuber model? Does someone need professional experience? Like having trained in Blender or Unity, or is the program more turnkey?
Kyonko: Nope, VRoid helps big time with noobs like me haha.
I had pretty much no experience with building models.
Justin: That’s even better then, the barrier for entry is minimal at best, so just about anyone can at least give it a try.
Kyonko: Exactly and that’s how I was able to get my foot in the door and learn all about VTubing.
Justin: Besides video games, do you enjoy anime or manga?
Kyonko: I do enjoy anime and manga.
Personally, I love romantic, action, and slice-of-life anime.
I hope that in a future arc I want to use Komi Can’t Communicate for a school arc.
Justin: Nice idea. Besides Komi Can’t Communicate, what other titles do you recommend fans check out?
Kyonko: Well my first ‘proper anime’ outside of Pokémon was Initial D, especially since my family works in the car industry.
Also many of Ken Akamatsu’s works like Love Hina, A.I. Love You, Negima, and UQ Holder.
I loved the classic gender-bender Ranma 1/2 too.
Justin: Classic titles. How long have you been streaming?
Kyonko: This week it’ll be 1 year and 6 months since my debut.
Justin: Let’s wrap it up here for now, I’d hate to take more of your time. Do you have any final thoughts for the readers?
Kyonko: If there’s something I want to say to the readers it’s this; if you’re considering giving VTubing a go, then go for it. When I was young I struggled with my speech and projecting myself. Being a VTuber is a marvelous way to help break down barriers and boost your confidence in talking to people.
Don’t be afraid, take that chance, and who knows where you’ll end up.
Also, let’s keep spreading the love and joy this world needs. ❤️
Justin: Well said. Thanks for taking the time to hang out.
Kyonko: You’re welcome, thank you as well for this opportunity.
Justin: It was my pleasure.
You can find them on Twitter, and regularly streaming on Twitch.
I leave the ending to you, the readers. What do you think of Kyonko’s work as a VTuber? Are you going to follow their work? Are you inspired to try out VRoid and take a chance at being a VTuber? Let us know in the comments below.
This interview was edited for clarity and readability.
