Top 10 Most Influential VTubers in Japan
In recent years, VTubers (short for Virtual YouTubers) have exploded in popularity, becoming one of the fastest-growing segments of internet culture. These digital personalities connect with audiences through animated avatars in real time, creating unique entertainment experiences that go far beyond gaming or chatting. Today, VTubers are making their mark across music, advertising, international media, and more.
In this article, we’re spotlighting 10 of the most influential VTubers in Japan right now—names that are shaping the industry both locally and around the world. Our selection is based on a mix of YouTube subscribers and views (as of June 2025), social media presence, event appearances, media coverage, and global fan reach.
Ranking of Influential VTubers in Japan
- Gawr Gura
- Houshou Marine
- Usada Pekora
- Shirakami Fubuki
- Hoshimachi Suisei
- Hyakumantenbara Salome
- Inugami Korone
- Kenmochi Tōya
- Amane Kanata
- Mori Calliope
1. Gawr Gura
Source: Gawr Gura YouTube
Gawr Gura made her debut in 2020 as part of Hololive English’s first generation and quickly rose to the top. With a shark-themed avatar and impressive bilingual skills—she’s a native English speaker fluent in Japanese—Gura has played a key role in bringing VTuber culture to a global audience.
Key Stats & Milestones
- ~4.74 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 2025)
- Holds the title of most-subscribed VTuber in the world
- Actively involved in merchandise, live concerts, and fan events
What Makes Her Stand Out
While most of her streams are in English, Gura often speaks Japanese too, making her especially popular among fans in both the West and Japan. Her streams range from gaming and chatting to singing, and her upbeat personality and quick wit have earned her a massive following. She’s considered the gateway VTuber for many fans discovering the scene for the first time.
Fanbase & Streaming Style
- Core audience: Young English-speaking viewers, especially in North America and Southeast Asia
- Known for her relaxed yet playful vibe and quick responses to chat
- Her debut stream’s single-word “a” became a meme that still circulates today
- Fans call themselves “Shrimps,” a name that regularly shows up in her chat
2. Houshou Marine
Source: Houshou Marine YouTube
Houshou Marine debuted in 2019 as part of Hololive’s third generation. She blends high-energy talk, humor, and a dash of sex appeal into a pirate-themed persona that fans can’t get enough of. Drawing on her past experience as a doujinshi artist, she’s known for her deep knowledge of otaku culture and her confident, fast-paced delivery.
Key Stats & Milestones
- ~4.01 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 2025)
- Surpassed Kizuna AI in subscriber count, making her one of Japan’s top VTubers
- Releases popular original songs and regularly performs in 3D live concerts
What Makes Her Stand Out
Marine’s streams are packed with personality—whether she’s chatting, singing, or cracking jokes. Her “Ahoy!” greeting has become a signature phrase among fans and fellow VTubers alike. Though she plays the role of a pirate captain, she jokes that she doesn’t actually have a boating license. She’s beloved for her bold, variety-show energy and ability to mix humor with genuine idol appeal.
Fanbase & Streaming Style
- Core audience: Primarily men in their 20s–30s who are into anime, games, and otaku culture, though her female fanbase is growing
- Stream style: Talk-heavy, high-energy content with singing and spontaneous humor
- Her streams feel like live variety shows, with a fun, chaotic vibe
3. Usada Pekora
Source: Usada Pekora YouTube
Usada Pekora debuted in 2019 as part of Hololive’s third generation. With her bouncy rabbit-themed avatar and trademark “peko” catchphrase, she’s built a vibrant fanbase that thrives on interaction, humor, and pure entertainment value.
Key Stats & Milestones
- ~2.7 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 2025)
- Known for high simultaneous viewer counts and lively chat activity
- Specializes in gaming content, especially RPGs and horror titles
What Makes Her Stand Out
Pekora’s streams are energetic, unpredictable, and often hilarious. Her exaggerated reactions during gameplay (especially horror games) are fan favorites, and she has a talent for turning even simple moments into comedy gold. She also excels at themed or challenge-based streams, keeping things fresh and engaging.
Fanbase & Streaming Style
- Core audience: Teens to 30-somethings, especially gamers and passionate “oshi culture” supporters
- Stream style: Interactive gameplay (especially RPGs and horror), witty commentary, and frequent improv
- Known for her use of “peko” at the end of sentences, a quirk that fans love to copy in their own conversations
4. Shirakami Fubuki
Source
Shirakami Fubuki is one of the original members of Hololive, debuting in 2018. She’s known for her cheerful personality, adaptability, and wide range of content, from casual chats and gaming streams to ASMR and viral memes.
Key Stats & Milestones
- ~2.59 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 2025)
- One of the most active VTubers in terms of collabs and cross-channel appearances
- Strong social media following and frequently clipped content
What Makes Her Stand Out
As one of Hololive’s most recognizable faces, Fubuki is often seen as the group’s friendly front-runner. Her improvisational comedy (“Vrrrn!” is one of her famous gags) and warm demeanor make her a go-to VTuber for first-time viewers and longtime fans alike. She’s also well-known for her love of inari sushi, which has become a fun inside joke among fans.
Fanbase & Streaming Style
- Core audience: A wide range, from new VTuber viewers to longtime fans, across all genders
- Stream style: Lighthearted chatting, gaming, ASMR, and comedic skits
- Highly approachable and consistently engaging with comments in real time
5. Hoshimachi Suisei
Source:
Hoshimachi Suisei started out as an independent VTuber in 2018 before joining Hololive. She's earned a reputation as one of the most respected music-focused talents in the VTuber world, known for her powerhouse vocals, original songs, and sharp production quality.
Key Stats & Milestones
- ~2.71 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 2025)
- Performed a solo concert at the iconic Nippon Budokan in 2023
- Frequently charts on Spotify, iTunes, and other major platforms
What Makes Her Stand Out
Suisei is a full-fledged artist. She writes and composes many of her own songs, and her streams often center around music, from high-quality singing sessions to rhythm game challenges. Her voice, especially her crisp high notes, is frequently compared to that of professional recording artists.
Fanbase & Streaming Style
- Core audience: Music lovers of all ages and genders, from teens to 40s
- Stream style: Live singing sessions, music production, serious yet friendly chat streams
- Known for her polished visuals and emotionally resonant performances
- Appeals to both dedicated VTuber fans and general J-pop or anisong audiences
6. Hyakumantenbara Salome
Source: Hyakumantenbara Salome YouTube
Hyakumantenbara Salome made waves in 2022 when she debuted as a solo VTuber under Nijisanji. Her elegant “ojou-sama” (high-society lady) persona—and the contrast between her refined tone and chaotic content—instantly captured attention.
Key Stats & Milestones
- ~1.77 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 2025)
- Gained 1 million subscribers in just two weeks after debut
- Peaked at over 100K concurrent viewers during her first stream
What Makes Her Stand Out
Salome is all about contrast. She speaks in a formal, upper-class tone, but regularly dives into absurd, over-the-top content—from horror game streams to bizarre trivia quizzes. One of her most infamous moments? Sharing an image from her own endoscopy during a stream. She brought a fresh kind of viral energy to the VTuber world.
Fanbase & Streaming Style
- Core audience: Internet-savvy fans in their teens to 30s
- Stream style: Horror gameplay, chat segments, niche quizzes, and wild concepts
- Her speech patterns and quotes frequently go viral on social media
- Her name is made up of kanji that translate to “1,” “100,” and “10,000,” with “Salome” referencing the biblical figure
7. Inugami Korone
Source: Inugami Korone YouTube
Korone debuted in 2019 as a member of Hololive Gamers. With her warm tone, occasional use of regional Japanese dialects, and comforting presence, she’s widely seen as one of the most endearing VTubers on the platform.
Key Stats & Milestones
- ~2.0 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 2025)
- Known for viral clips popular with overseas audiences
- Famous for ultra-long “endurance” gaming streams
What Makes Her Stand Out
Korone doesn’t chase trends—she sets them. She’s built a niche with retro game streams, quirky movie reviews (especially B-grade horror), and marathon-length play sessions. Her calming voice and silly charm have earned her a loyal following both in Japan and around the world.
Fanbase & Streaming Style
- Core audience: A wide international fanbase, especially from Japan, North America, and Southeast Asia
- Stream style: Relaxed but emotionally engaging, with charming reactions and heartfelt interactions
- Her catchphrase “Yubi Yubi~” has become a signature greeting among fans
8. Kenmochi Tōya
Source: Kenmochi Tōya YouTube
Kenmochi Tōya debuted in 2018 with Nijisanji. He plays the role of a school student council president—but with a sharp tongue and clever humor. Known for his quick wit and confident presence, he's carved out a unique space as one of the most popular male VTubers in Japan.
Key Stats & Milestones
- ~1.32 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 2025)
- Regular participant in major Nijisanji projects and cross-agency collaborations
- Has appeared in voice acting events and virtual stage productions
What Makes Him Stand Out
Tōya’s strengths lie in his live hosting skills. He’s excellent at reading comments, leading segments, and smoothly running collaborative projects. Whether he's streaming solo or with other VTubers, he brings structure, humor, and a sense of reliability—qualities that make him a favorite among viewers and fellow talents alike.
Fanbase & Streaming Style
- Core audience: Men and women in their 20s–30s who enjoy witty banter and variety content
- Stream style: Talk-based content, special projects, and frequent collaborations
- His late-night radio-style stream, Kenmochi Tōya’s Sleepless Night Show, is especially popular
9. Amane Kanata
Source: Amane Kanata YouTube
Amane Kanata made her debut in 2020 as part of Hololive’s 4th generation. She’s often praised for her pure, high-pitched vocals—earning nicknames like “the angel with a powerful voice.” Despite facing ongoing health issues, her commitment to streaming continues to inspire fans.
Key Stats & Milestones
- ~1.49 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 2025)
- Performed in solo 3D concerts and music-focused events
- Balances game streams with regular music content
What Makes Her Stand Out
Kanata is known for her emotional transparency and creative drive. Her ability to consistently deliver quality streams—whether it's gaming, chatting, or singing—makes her one of Hololive's most well-rounded talents. Her live singing streams, in particular, stand out for their clarity and emotional depth.
Fanbase & Streaming Style
- Core audience: Music fans in their teens to 30s, with a strong female following
- Stream style: Balanced mix of music, horror game playthroughs, and thoughtful chats
- Nicknamed “Kanata-sō” by fans and often playfully teased about her broad shoulders—something she fully embraces
10. Mori Calliope
Source: Mori Calliope YouTube
Mori Calliope, a founding member of Hololive English, is best known for her grim reaper aesthetic and impressive rap skills. She combines English-language performance with deep respect for Japanese culture, creating a hybrid style that resonates with fans worldwide.
Key Stats & Milestones
- ~2.42 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 2025)
- Strong presence on music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music
- Has collaborated with global musicians, VTubers, and Japanese voice actors
What Makes Her Stand Out
Calliope is a self-produced artist through and through. From music videos and album concepts to live event planning, she’s hands-on with every aspect of her work. Her unique style bridges Western hip-hop and Japanese pop culture, making her a trailblazer among bilingual VTubers.
Fanbase & Streaming Style
- Core audience: English-speaking fans, bilingual viewers, and global music lovers
- Stream style: Rap performances, music videos, English-Japanese chat sessions, and creative storytelling
- Her fans are affectionately known as “Dead Beats”
Conclusion
VTubers are no longer just a niche corner of the internet—they’re shaping the future of entertainment as digital performers, musicians, and cultural icons.
Each of the 10 VTubers featured here brings something unique to the table. Whether it’s Gawr Gura’s international reach, Houshou Marine’s variety-show flair, Usada Pekora’s playful chaos, or Hoshimachi Suisei’s artistry, they’re redefining what it means to be a content creator in the streaming age.
So whether you’re brand new to VTubers or looking for your next favorite, this list is a great place to start. Open a stream, join the chat, and experience the creativity, community, and connection that define the VTuber phenomenon.
