In a surprising announcement that has captured the attention of fans worldwide, Gawr Gura, a leading VTuber affiliated with Hololive English, revealed she will graduate from the group on May 1, 2025. This news was shared during a live stream on her YouTube channel titled "important announcement," which aired on April 16, 2025, at 11:30 AM.
Gura, who has gained immense popularity since her debut in September 2020, cited a "disagreement with management and company direction" as the reason for her departure. This revelation comes amid a notable trend within Hololive, where several prominent talents have also chosen to leave the agency in recent months.
Cover Corporation, the company that operates Hololive English, responded to Gura's announcement with a statement expressing their sadness over her decision. They stated, "We respect her wishes and have accepted her resignation. We are saddened by this, but we are deeply grateful for her activities up until now." This acknowledgment reflects the significant impact Gura has had on the VTuber community.
Gura, affectionately known as "Shark-chan" due to her shark-themed avatar, has been a standout figure in the VTuber scene, boasting an impressive 4.56 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. This makes her the most subscribed VTuber globally, a testament to her popularity and the connection she has forged with her audience.
During her time with Hololive, Gura became known not only for her engaging game commentary but also for her musical talents. Her original song "REFLECT," released in 2021, has garnered over 16 million views, while her collaboration with fellow VTuber Mori Calliope and DECO*27 on the song "Q" has surpassed an astonishing 30 million views. These achievements highlight her versatility and appeal as a content creator.
In February 2023, Gura was appointed as a Tokyo Tourism Ambassador, a role that further solidified her status in the public eye. However, in a recent turn of events, her profile was removed from the official Tokyo Tourism Ambassador website around mid-April 2025, raising questions about her ongoing involvement in this capacity.
The recent trend of graduations within Hololive has raised concerns among fans. In the past year, notable figures such as Minato Aqua, Watson Amelia, and several others have also announced their departures or ended their streaming activities. Gura's announcement has sparked discussions about the future of Hololive and the potential implications of losing such a high-profile talent.
Gura had not streamed for over a month prior to her announcement, leading to speculation and concern among her fans about her well-being and future with Hololive. During her graduation stream, she took the opportunity to express her gratitude to her fellow VTubers and her loyal fanbase, reflecting on the memorable experiences and connections she has made during her tenure.
As Gura prepares to transition away from Hololive, many are left wondering how this will affect the VTuber landscape. Her departure marks the end of an era for both her and the agency, which has been a significant player in the VTuber phenomenon since its inception.
In a community that thrives on engagement and connection, Gura's graduation is sure to resonate deeply with her fans, who have supported her throughout her journey. The impact of her decision will likely be felt for years to come as both she and Hololive move forward in new directions.
Gawr Gura's legacy as a pioneering VTuber is undeniable, and while her time with Hololive is coming to an end, her influence will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of content creators.
