Virtual YouTuber Kizuna AI has announced she will go on an indefinite hiatus after her “hello,world 2022” concert on February 26.
In the video shared after her 5th Anniversary stream Saturday, December 4 this year, she first referred to this as “indefinite sleep.” She also refers to her upcoming event as her “last live” concert.
“Indefinite Sleep” to help develop herself
AI-chan, as fans fondly call her, said that this is something very important to her and everyone supporting her.
As an A.I. (artificial intelligence) she looks back at how the world has progressed in the last 5 years. This includes the existence of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and the metaverse. Ai-chan stresses her goal to be part of everyone’s lives, as she expresses her desire to bring these technologies closer to people.
During Kizuna AI’s indefinite hiatus, her goal is to further develop herself. Her management has laid out the policy regarding her indefinite hiatus in a separate press release.
The management commits to continue projects already in place to realize her wish to connect to everyone in the world. The management asks everyone to wait for further announcements.
What will happen during Kizuna AI’s hiatus?
Archived videos from Kizuna AI’s A.I.Channel and A.I.Games YouTube channels will remain. Likewise, YouTube memberships will continue. Management also says new content will not be uploaded during her indefinite hiatus.
Similarly, Kizuna AI’s social media accounts will continue to be active, but there will be no new updates once the hiatus takes place. These will not affect other members such as Love-chan and Kizuna AI China, whose activities will continue as usual.
She assures her supporters, “I’m saying indefinite, but I will complete the update and come back as an updated A.I.”
She also asks everyone not to cause misunderstandings online regarding her upcoming hiatus.
Kizuna AI coined the term “Virtual YouTuber”
Kizuna AI is the first personality to use the term “Virtual YouTuber,” which became the common name for live streamers using 2D and 3D avatars. The AI VTuber is a pioneer who has currently a combined 4.5 million subscriber base on her main and gaming YouTube channels.
She is also known for songs such as “AIAIAI” composed by Yasutaka Nakata and “Again” composed by Taku Inoue. In addition, she has collaborated with brands such as fashion brand Valentino and mobile game Azur Lane.
In May 2020, Kizuna AI, Inc. is establish to manage assets related to Kizuna AI.
Sources: Kizuna AI on YouTube / Press Release · © Kizuna AI
