Popular streamer and VTuber powerhouse Kson (@ksononair) has always captivated audiences with her hilarious interactions and high-energy streams, winning over a massive international fanbase.
In a recent interview with Japanese media outlet Bunshun Online, she got real about her career as a VTuber and her past experiences, revealing that while the world of VTubing might look glamorous, it's often a turbulent space where sudden hiatuses and retirements are common—a far cry from the perfect dream job many imagine.
Kson, who was once part of a major VTuber agency and is now a member of VShojo, shared the story behind her decision to leave her former company, the moment she realized "maybe I'm not having that much fun right now," and the key to long-term success in the industry. Here’s a breakdown of the Q&A:
——Did you get into the agency through an audition?
Kson: Yep. Back then, there were only two major agencies, so I sent a 10-minute video to both. One of them got back to me the very next day. The other one reached out a week later saying they wanted to talk, but by then, I had already accepted the first offer. It's wild to think about, but in another timeline, my career could have been completely different (laughs).
——What was the vibe like inside a major VTuber agency around 2020?
Kson: It was free... or maybe a better way to put it is that it was a total free-for-all (laughs). Things seem a lot stricter now, but back then, there were basically no rules.
——So they just let you run wild?
Kson: Pretty much. The instructions were basically to download the agency's designated 3D model app, and then it was, "The rest is up to you." Actually, I was originally supposed to debut with a different character, but due to some issues, I ended up with a brand-new original model, which delayed my debut by a full six months. By the time I started, basically all of my gen-mates were already gone.
——Another "what if" parallel universe scenario?
Kson: But debuting with an original character was a blessing for me. At least the design matched my personality. This is just my personal take, but there's a different kind of pressure when you're performing as the "talent" for a pre-established model versus creating one based on your own style. I'm not great at playing characters that are different from my own personality, so I probably would have felt way more stressed if I had a fixed persona.
——Is it harder for talents in bigger agencies to choose their own image?
Kson: For sure. Some people have to adapt to the characters the agency gives them and work hard to build a personality that fits the image, but that can end up feeling really restrictive. I was lucky to have the freedom to choose my character and activities, but on the flip side, some people struggle when there's "too much freedom." It's a tough balance.
——Do you hang out with other VTubers?
Kson: Oh yeah! The VTuber industry has its own unique set of challenges that you can't really talk about with outsiders, so it's always fun when we all get together. Active VTubers, retired ones—we all meet up sometimes.
——What do you guys usually talk about?
Kson: "How much longer can this boom last?" That's pretty much a recurring topic at every gathering (laughs).
——Did you ever strategize about how to grow your audience?
Kson: In the beginning, I barely even looked at the analytics. Even after YouTube started providing more data, I didn't really care. For a VTuber, you can't feel the difference between 100, 1,000, or 10,000 viewers from your end. The only noticeable change is when the comments start flooding in and the chat scrolls too fast to read (laughs). But I think the VTubers who last the longest are the ones who don't get too hung up on view counts.
——If not view counts, what do you focus on?
Kson: Usually, it's "Am I having fun?" Your audience size is never going to grow exactly how you expect it to. If you get too fixated on numbers or revenue, you're just setting yourself up for burnout. The VTubers who stick around for the long haul are usually the ones with the mindset of "I'm just doing what I love and having a good time."
——Have you ever had a tough time with it?
Kson: Toward the end of my time at the agency, yeah. Back then, I didn't have the mental space to even think about whether I was "having fun" anymore.
——If you're able to talk about it, what was the reason you left the agency in 2021?
Kson: I can't get into the specifics, but a pretty big issue came up. The situation was that if they had to choose between "protecting me" and "protecting the group as a whole," it would have negatively impacted other people. I didn't want to put anyone in a difficult position, so I figured it was better if I just left on my own. I feel like I made a contribution to the VTuber scene, and I'm grateful I got to give it 150% during the peak of that wave. It was an amazing time.
——After going solo, you must have had more freedom to be yourself, right?
Kson: It was actually the opposite. About two years ago, I had a period where it suddenly hit me: "Maybe I'm not actually having that much fun right now?" It was the first time I'd felt that way in eight years, and it was a huge shock.
——What made you feel that way?
Kson: After leaving the agency and going solo, I told myself, "I have to work my way up from zero!" But that mentality became too intense. I gradually started obsessing over numbers and audience reactions instead of just focusing on my own enjoyment. Before I knew it, I wasn't happy anymore.
——How did you get back on track?
Kson: I started streaming less frequently and just... played games by myself.
——Not for a stream, but just for fun?
Kson: Exactly. Gaming is my hobby, after all (laughs). Some streamers don't really play games when they're not live, but I'm the type who's always playing. For example, *ARK: Survival Evolved* was super popular in the VTuber community for a while. Before I even recommended it to anyone, I had already sunk 1,500 hours into it myself! I was trying to figure out if it would be a good game for streaming, and it turned out everyone got hooked. It became a huge hit on stream, which made me really happy.
——Audiences can probably tell when a streamer is genuinely having fun versus just forcing it, right?
Kson: Totally, people can sense that. I still watch a lot of other streams, and you can just feel the positive vibe when someone truly loves what they're doing. Looking back, I've gone full-throttle at 150% twice in my career—once at the agency and once after going independent. Now, the most important thing for me is to just go at my own pace.
After years in the industry, Kson has clearly learned that the key to longevity is her own happiness. The goal is to entertain her audience, but if she isn't enjoying the ride herself, it's not sustainable. Her story offers a candid look at the realities of the industry, something that aspiring streamers, current creators, and even fans can surely appreciate.
via： 文春オンライン