#vtuber theory

[lilithsaga]

Recent Agency Grads (Mini Rant)

Mysta, Magni, and Vesper.

3 fan favorite male vtubers leaving their agencies on their own this month. They were all super talented and will all be severely missed. 😭

But hear me out… what if that means they are actually starting a boy group together? 🤔

[luminachannel]

Supply and Demand!

I got sidetracked by an NPC in The Alliance Alive who said you can't make money off of learning.

I disagree, ECONOMICS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. It's a school of thought that can be applied to more than money.

Even in business, including serious career Vtubing, Economics exists. there is a supply and demand of attention and content.

You can supply the content to the people! The right kind, the specialized and unique kind that no one can replace!

How do you know what this kind of content is? You're gonna have to read up and study economic principles yourself.

If someone can TELL you what that content is, everyone else is already doing it and there will already be too much supply.

Learn the core principles and you will spot opportunities before anyone else can.

It's worth your time, absolutely.

Here's the link to that free Economics book by the way. This is openstax, its a free, non-profit educational project dedicated to keeping peer reviewed college course education textbooks free and accessible.

Books about economics, math, science, psychology, business and more!

[neverpollo]

Theory: Monty's birthday is October 31

Source: look at that man and tell me he's not a Scorpio. Also something something devil spawn evil day idk

[evelynpr]

Why the fuck are there roller skates, dubstep, stage lighting, an LED screen, and all kinds of modern technology in Xilonen's trailer??? I thought Fontaine had the most advanced technology next to Schneznaya and arguably Sumeru, and every instance of high-end technology we have seen leaned more towards machinations with gears, magic, alchemy, essentially fantasy styled sci-fi???

The disrespect towards Native American and African cultures is enough to piss me off already, but it even goes against Genshin's own consistency with its fantastical world design..and for what? Just so you can have this...pop and gamer aesthetic???

Just look at these two bubbly and optimistic characters for me okay

Yoimiya's design isn't the most respectful and accurate representation of a Japanese firework craftsman, but at least you can damn tell she is Japanese. The large ribbons, hair accessories, tassels, leg covering, tattoo design, shoe style, and fabric patterns all allude to this (I apologize for not knowing the exact terminologies for these, this needs further research).

Then there's Mualani who has...what? Please do correct me if I am wrong here, but her character must be inspired by the real Mualani, a Hawaiian Chiefess. Additionally, her tribe's specialty is in tourism and vacationing, which further leads into the idea that she and her tribe are based off of Hawaii despite the known issues regarding Hawaii and tourism (if there are any good sources that summarize the issue, please do lmk).

I am not too familiar with Hawaiian culture, but there really is nothing about her design that reads as Hawaiian, or even just traditional, to me. What about a 2 piece swimsuit with bows and tails, a bow + braids + ponytail hair style, combat gloves (?), and an entire neon shark, is Hawaiian???

The characters, their designs, and their trailers, are just so culturally disconnected from their real life counterpart that it's even disconnected to Genshin's own world building and design. How the fuck is the fashion trend in Natlan denim pants. I feel like the only parts of Natlan that feel like Genshin Impact and culturally inspired are the in-game music and landscapes (God bless Hoyo-mix and the world designers).

[dayofaestheticorsubculture]

Oshi Culture

Oshi Culture (推し文化, oshi bunka) is a Japanese socio-cultural phenomenon centered around the passionate support, admiration, and devotion of fans toward specific idols, artists, fictional characters, or entertainers. The term "oshi" (推し) derives from the verb osu (推す), which means "to recommend" or "to support." Within fan communities, “oshi” refers to a fan’s favorite member of a pop group, cast of a show, or even a favorite character in fictional narratives such as anime or video games. Although the concept originated in Japan, Oshi Culture has expanded globally through the proliferation of J-Pop, K-Pop, anime, manga, and internet culture.

Oshi Culture is distinct from general fandom in that it involves an intense, often emotional commitment to a single person or entity, whom the fan follows loyally, celebrates, and invests time, emotional energy, and often significant financial resources into supporting. It is deeply intertwined with Japan’s idol industry and otaku subcultures and has influenced broader cultural attitudes toward celebrity, consumerism, and emotional expression.

The linguistic root of "oshi" lies in osu (推す), meaning "to support" or "to back." The modern cultural usage of "oshi" began taking shape in the early 2000s, closely tied to the rise of idol culture in Japan, particularly with the proliferation of girl groups and male pop units under large entertainment management companies.

While earlier forms of fan culture existed around pop singers and actors in the Shōwa era (1926–1989), the specificity of identifying one’s “oshi” emerged in the 21st century. Groups like AKB48 helped popularize the term, as the group’s structure—consisting of dozens of members performing in rotations—encouraged fans to select their favorite member, who they would then actively promote, vote for in ranking contests, and support through merchandise purchases and event attendance.

At the core of Oshi Culture is a parasocial relationship—a psychological relationship experienced by an audience in their mediated encounters with performers. Fans often feel deep personal attachments to their oshi, even though the interaction is generally one-sided. This relationship is nurtured through structured experiences such as handshake events, live shows, social media interactions, and personal content such as blogs and livestreams.

The fan's role extends beyond passive consumption. Fans actively promote their oshi, participate in fan voting events (e.g., "senbatsu sousenkyo" for AKB48), and create digital and physical fan works. The oshi, in turn, is expected to maintain a certain image of approachability, wholesomeness, or authenticity to preserve this emotional connection.

Oshi Culture is closely linked to consumer behavior. Fans support their oshi by purchasing merchandise, multiple copies of music releases (especially when they include collectible items like photo cards or tickets to events), and attending live performances. This economic behavior has been termed “affective labor,” where emotional investment translates into economic output.

A notable economic practice within Oshi Culture is “multiple purchases,” wherein fans buy numerous copies of the same product to boost their oshi's popularity or ranking in polls. In return, they may gain extra benefits such as more votes or additional access to fan events. This system has been criticized for encouraging excessive spending, but it is an accepted and widespread norm within the culture.

For many, having an oshi becomes a form of self-identity. The act of supporting someone—watching them grow, overcome challenges, and succeed—creates a mirrored emotional journey in the fan's own life. This is particularly emphasized in idol culture, where idols are often marketed as "unfinished" or "developing," and fans are encouraged to “raise” or “nurture” their oshi by supporting their growth.

Fans derive a sense of purpose, community, and emotional fulfillment from their engagement. The oshi becomes a symbol of hope, inspiration, and emotional stability. This has led some psychologists to draw parallels between Oshi Culture and emotional coping mechanisms, especially among socially isolated individuals.

Idol culture is the primary ecosystem from which Oshi Culture arises. Japanese idols are typically young entertainers trained and promoted by talent agencies. Their appeal lies not in technical perfection but in their perceived authenticity, charm, and potential for growth. Fans choose an oshi from a group and follow their career trajectory, often through direct interaction events.

The structure of idol groups—large rosters, rotations, and frequent "graduations" (retirements)—encourages fans to commit deeply to specific members while constantly adapting to new additions. The resulting emotional investment is a hallmark of Oshi Culture.

Oshi Culture also thrives in otaku communities, particularly around 2D characters from anime, manga, and games. In these cases, the "oshi" may be a fictional character whom the fan supports through merchandise collection, fanart, cosplay, and online discourse. This is especially prevalent in franchises like Love Live!, The Idolmaster, or Touken Ranbu, where character-centered narratives allow fans to form emotional attachments similar to those found in idol fandom.

This dimension of Oshi Culture blurs the line between reality and fiction, emphasizing the emotional authenticity of the fan experience rather than the ontological status of the oshi.

While Oshi Culture is most associated with Japan, its elements have spread internationally, especially through K-Pop fandoms. Korean pop groups, such as BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE, also operate with a structure that encourages fans to pick a "bias" (the K-Pop equivalent of oshi). The emotional and economic engagement of fans in these contexts closely mirrors that of Japanese Oshi Culture.

Platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, and Weverse have amplified the global spread of Oshi Culture by enabling fans worldwide to share content, express devotion, and organize fan-driven initiatives such as birthday projects, charity donations in the oshi’s name, and digital fan campaigns.

The emotional core of Oshi Culture is the parasocial relationship between fans and their oshi. These relationships are often characterized by consistent one-way communication where the oshi may "respond" through general messages, performances, or simulated interactions. For many fans, these interactions fulfill social needs and provide emotional stability.

Studies in media psychology have found that parasocial relationships can be as emotionally significant as real-world relationships. However, they may also lead to obsessive behavior or social withdrawal in extreme cases.

Oshi Culture fosters vibrant fan communities both online and offline. Fans of a particular oshi often form tight-knit groups, sharing information, coordinating support actions, and organizing meetups or fan events. These communities create a sense of belonging and shared purpose, acting as support networks and cultural microcosms.

Events like birthday celebrations, anniversary projects, or collaborative fan art exhibits are often coordinated within these communities. In Japan, cafes and venues may host themed events for specific oshis, allowing fans to physically gather and celebrate.

One major criticism of Oshi Culture is its commercialization. Fans are often incentivized to spend excessively to support their oshi. Tactics like limited edition goods, exclusive content tied to purchases, and ranking-based privileges have led some to describe the system as exploitative.

The idol industry, in particular, has been criticized for commodifying young performers and manipulating fan emotions for profit. The industry’s emphasis on purity and accessibility can also lead to toxic expectations for idols, especially when fans expect their oshi to remain single or avoid personal autonomy to maintain an idealized image.

While Oshi Culture can provide emotional fulfillment, it may also lead to problematic behaviors, such as emotional dependency, obsessive collecting, and withdrawal from real-world relationships. In extreme cases, fans may experience identity confusion or depressive episodes when their oshi graduates, is embroiled in scandal, or retires.

Additionally, the intense social competition within fan groups—especially in ranking systems—can lead to infighting, stress, and social alienation.

Oshi Culture represents a unique fusion of emotional investment, consumer behavior, and identity formation. It is both a deeply personal and socially communal practice that reflects broader shifts in how individuals relate to celebrity, media, and emotional expression in modern societies.

In Japan, Oshi Culture is emblematic of broader socio-economic phenomena, such as declining birth rates and increased digital interaction, which have reshaped how people find meaning and community. It has also influenced global fandom practices, contributing to the normalization of highly engaged, emotionally expressive fan behavior across media cultures.

In academic contexts, Oshi Culture is studied across disciplines including media studies, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and cultural economics. It continues to evolve, particularly as new forms of media and virtual entertainers (such as VTubers) expand the boundaries of what it means to "have an oshi."

Oshi Culture is a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon rooted in Japan’s media and entertainment industries but transcending them to encompass emotional, psychological, economic, and social dimensions. It is a powerful example of how modern individuals forge meaning, identity, and connection in a mediated world. As media landscapes continue to change, Oshi Culture is likely to remain a central and influential aspect of global fan behavior.

[bigboobyhalo]

mouse and BBH are the biggest sinners on the island considering the fact that they're literally (probably) fallen angels. they sinned so hard they got cast out of heaven, who is doing it like them

[jellyfitzjelly]

incredible. "as long as k/irsche is not explicitly calling for the murder of gays or jews she's fine by me!" meanwhile she's spewing nati rethoric. the complacency in the vtubing community is staggering. the fact this nazi was not ran off this community tells me all i need to know. your "apolitical" stance is just complicity. And then these guys cry because vtubers get a bad rep! lmaoooooooo

[byyliss]

bruh not even just a pay check. they jumped into a dumpster fire for 2% of merch sales and 1/4 of every stream donation 💀 thats barely anything when you consider how much youtube takes before nijis cut of all streaming profits

Exactly! From a business standpoint it makes zero sense. Look at how the company works:

- Talents barely get the money they work for

- If they want to do a project that needs to come from their own pocket because Niji refuses to help

- They are well aware that Niji will actively try to push you into an early grave if you slightly piss them off or make a mistake.

- Defending Niji without evidence just made their channels loose subscribers. I think Elira lost 4k or smth

The only reasoning I can see for them to do this is: either they earn way more than other talents due to being favorites (which would explain why they were chosen to be meat shields in the first place) OR those three have some dirt and they don't want Doki or anyone to bring it out. That's what I think is what happened to vox, doki or other talent might have some serious dirt on him and he doesn't want them to have the guts to bring it to light

[bmpmp3]

character designers when they need to design a mascot for a masculine vocal synthesizer: and i will put a mole. under his LEFT eye

[everythingisarabbithole]

what if I started making videos

[catastrothy]

Hey, what if, this gonna sound crazy, but what if uhhh your v-tuber-sona(?) bellybutton was sticking out, like itss unffdcovered from thhe shirt, huoohuh

could be real.........

[neverpollo]

...this isn't even the first mental breakdown... it's the leadup to it... Almost 4,000 words... good lird

[jaylybean]

Literally watching every single theory video about Side Order, I can't get it out of my head. I personally think Tartar could be making a comeback, like when he sank on the NILS, maybe his goop found its way into that fossil looking thing at the end of the teaser and now he's some weird fusion spreading black ink and trying to replicate Agent 8 since they were the ultimate test subject? That's just one idea I had haha, we'll see if I'm totally wrong though. Do you all have your own ideas or theories or disagree with mine? I'd love to talk about it!

໒꒰՞ ܸ. .ܸ՞꒱ა

[batstrumpus-blog]

ok but like who is the first PNGTuber really?

I know people like to call MatPat the first one, but if that's all it takes to be one, then surely there were other people who did the same thing before him, right? Like, Gaijin Goombah, Extra Credits, and Zero Punctuation all kinda did the same thing. I suspect this is likely one of those things that's only defined by whether or not enough people say they are one, rather than any rigid criteria.

[justxplosions]

Hey yall! I'm working on a video on the character designs of genshin impact. I'm trying to what info people who know nothing about the game can get from the character designs of the gods!

Multiple choice answers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbCC--NCeDRlZMEqHYRCSGSrWqan9JFj5RBoT7WeqiuBZNZA/viewform?usp=dialog

Written answers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScX5GBW-s4vFY51KRFliQWD2clNy9U5kl-THhByRn52UAMpbQ/viewform?usp=dialog\

One or the other, both are useful and interesting data!