Kizuna AI, the groundbreaking Virtual YouTuber, has made headlines with her announcement to resume activities after a three-year hiatus. On February 26, she unveiled her latest single titled "かもね" (Kamo ne), marking her return under the artist name "KizunaAI." This revival signifies not just her personal comeback, but also rekindles the excitement surrounding the VTuber phenomenon she helped pioneer.
Initially launched back in December 2016, Kizuna AI swiftly became the face of Virtual YouTubing, amassing more than 10 million followers across major social media platforms. Her unique approach and ability to connect with audiences not only made her famous but also inspired countless others to enter the burgeoning VTuber industry. On February 26, 2022, during the event "Kizuna AI The Last Live 'hello, world 2022,'" she announced her indefinite hiatus to undergo significant updates, cited as updating her character to create more meaningful connections with her global fanbase.
After over three years away, KizunaAI's fresh approach aims to resonate particularly through music, as highlighted by her new single. The track, "かもね," is described as a light-hearted pop song, with lyrics co-written by KizunaAI herself and ESME MORI. The song captures the essence of starting anew and reaching out to her fans worldwide.
The launch of the digital single was accompanied by the release of its music video, which showcases innovative visuals provided by the production unit qootain. The video, publicized at 10 PM on February 26, expresses KizunaAI's expansive musical world, reflecting her growth during her time away.
Following her comeback, Kizuna AI expressed her gratitude to her loyal fans with the heartfelt message, "Thank you for waiting. I've returned!" Accompanying her music release, she has ambitious plans for the future, including the release of new songs throughout the year and potentially even organizing live concerts. Specifically, she announced her intention to release approximately ten new tracks by the end of 2025, along with plans for additional single releases, starting with another track anticipated for March 19.
"We aim to connect with even more people through music as KizunaAI," she stated. The commitment to enhancing her artistic endeavors and engaging with her fans sets the stage for exciting developments. KizunaAI's creative team, including the voice model Kasuga Nozomi and illustrator Morikura En, will continue to play integral roles moving forward.
KizunaAI is not just returning as the same character but is significantly evolved, with updates to her appearance, including new outfits and hairstyles, reflecting her evolution over the years. KizunaAI elaborated on her motivations for the hiatus, mentioning feelings of disconnect with her audience and the desire for improvement to meet their expectations. "I realized I couldn’t continue with my previous persona if I wanted to grow and connect deeply with everyone," she shared.
Her absence was marked by engaging projects, including her notable appearance as the character Kizuna AI on the television anime "Kizuna no Aliru" and the introduction of her singing-focused AI model, titled "#kzn." Although she entered this hiatus, fans remained hopeful through various teasers and announcements—most recently through the hashtag campaign "#WakeUpKizunaAI," reflecting their eagerness for her return.
With her successful comeback, KizunaAI is positioned to not only reclaim her spot as a leading figure among VTubers but to also innovate the genre with her music. The announcement and accompanying single have been met with enthusiasm from fans and industry commentators alike, signaling the endless possibilities for KizunaAI as she embarks on this new chapter of her artistic career.
Looking forward, KizunaAI’s fans anticipate the vibrant integration of her music and interactive content, as she aims to return to her roots of connection, entertainment, and creative exploration. Her return is expected to inspire another wave of creativity within the VTuber community and solidify her status as a cultural icon.