Culture
Hololive: Natsuiro Matsuri Sparks a VTuber Design Wave on X
At the request of Hololive VTuber Natsuiro Matsuri, numerous smaller and independent VTubers are responding with full-body images of their models.
Hololive VTuber Natsuiro Matsuri has set off a broad wave of full-body depictions from other VTubers with a simple question on X. As KAI-YOU reports, on September 2, 2026 she asked for full views of the models, since in livestreams often only the upper body is visible. Numerous VTubers then replied with images and videos of their characters.
Full-body models reveal details that disappear in streams
KAI-YOU highlights several examples where the complete figure makes essential parts of the character design visible for the first time. These include a model inspired by a marching band and magical girl designs, a floating figure with permanently bent legs, and a VTuber model that can switch between male and female appearances. Other posts show elaborate props or models that incorporate instruments into their animations.
The request thus makes a practical difference between VTuber design and ordinary streaming presentation visible: Live2D models are designed as complete figures, yet in the usual camera frame often only a small part of them is seen. The reactions to Matsuri's post therefore also serve as a showcase for illustrators, Live2D riggers and independent VTubers.
Natsuiro Matsuri regularly seeks out smaller VTubers
According to KAI-YOU, Matsuri belongs to hololive's first generation and has for some time used her reach to make less well-known VTubers visible. In her format "VTuber Hakutsu" she has, among other things, introduced channels with fewer than 10,000 subscribers; on X she also repeatedly asks about unusual traits of models and characters.
The campaign thus complements VTuber coverage that is often more shaped by corporate and project announcements. Recently, for example, La+ Darkness was announced as a Red Bull ambassador, while Sony Music is ending the VTuber project VEE at the end of September 2026. Matsuri's request, by contrast, shows the creative breadth of the scene and gives smaller VTubers additional visibility in particular.