Image: Kizuna Ai, Kizuna AI Inc.
Popular Japanese Vtuber idol Kizuna Ai has returned after a three-year hiatus.
After an indefinite hiatus that started in 2022, Vtuber idol Kizuna Ai has returned to her regular schedule with a new music video released yesterday, 26 February, 2025. Her return was marked with a campaign headed with the hashtag #WakeUpKizunaAi, which started last year.
Kizuna Ai to focus on making more music
Kizuna Ai’s official YouTube channel ‘A.I Channel’ revealed a new music video and re-introduction video. The music video features a new single performed by the Vtuber herself, titled kamone (Could Be).
In her re-introduction video, Kizuna Ai officially announced her resumption of activities, while featuring a new room background, a significant change to the usual white space she had occupied during her streams before.
Kizuna Ai also listed out the other changes she has implemented in a bid to ‘connect’ with her fans, like an updated model design, and a focus on her musical career. The Vtuber is set to release 10 songs throughout 2025, with the second of these scheduled to debut on 19 March. A concert performance is also hinted to be in the works, with a new album being teased.
Kizuna Ai doubled down on a post to her official X (formerly Twitter) about her focus on music. In a machine translation of her statement, she expresses: “With the help of many creators, I will do my best to deliver my unique music to everyone!”
Kizuna Ai debuted in 2016, and is currently part of Kizuna AI Inc., a subsidiary of the digital entertainment company Activ8. Before her hiatus, Kizuna Ai was the most subscribed VTuber on YouTube, with over four million subscribers across three channels.
Kizuna Ai’s voice is provided by voice actress Nozomi Kasuga, who voiced cameo roles in anime titles like Ingress and Magical Girl Site. She also performed the theme song for the Laidbackers anime movie.
Kizuna Ai received an anime of her own in 2023, titled Kizuna no Alelle, with a second season premiering the same year.
