Shigure Ui, an illustrator and VTuber, isn't just the character designer for many VTubers; she also boasts a massive following with over 2 million channel subscribers.
However, her recent collaboration with Japanese children's clothing brand "mezzo piano" sparked a huge controversy. Critics argued that her fanbase didn't align with a children's brand, especially given online accusations of her having "many lolicon fans" and having previously released "Lolishin Requiem." On the 17th, planning company coly and Shigure Ui herself announced the complete termination of the collaboration, just under three days after it was first revealed.
The collaboration was originally set to feature pop-up stores in Nagoya, Shibuya, and Osaka's Shinsaibashi, offering various merchandise and children's apparel.
However, after news of the partnership broke, controversy erupted. Shigure Ui's viral hit single "Purification!! Lolishin Requiem," which gained massive popularity after its MV release in September 2023, became a focal point. Netizens questioned why a children's brand would choose to collaborate with someone accused of having "many lolicon fans."
This led to widespread criticism and fueled a polarized debate across Japanese X/Social Media, causing significant friction between opposing sides over the past few days.
Today, the 17th, planning company coly immediately announced the termination of the collaboration. While not explicitly stating the reason, they expressed deep apologies for the various disputes and inconvenience caused. The termination is now confirmed, with further details to be provided if any new developments arise.
Although Shigure Ui herself didn't specify the exact reason for the cancellation, she admitted on her personal X/Social Media that, in addition to reviewing various opinions regarding the collaboration, she also received direct violent threats to her personal safety and that of the involved staff.
She decided to discuss the possibility of terminating the collaboration with the organizers, prioritizing safety, which ultimately led to the decision to cancel.
While the appropriateness of such a collaboration partner might be subjective, the fact that it caused such a stir and had to be canceled less than three days after its announcement suggests that the collaborating parties should perhaps consider potential risks of controversy more thoroughly.