Virtual-san Miteru review: Exploring a fascinating virtual world

Virtual-san is Watching - A slapstick anime featuring charming VTubers

Overview

"Virtual-san wa Miteru" is a TV anime series that aired in 2019, and is an original anime work starring VTubers. It aired from January 10 to March 28, 2019, and consists of 12 episodes. It was broadcast on TOKYO MX and Niconico Live Broadcast, and each episode is 24 minutes long. The anime was produced by director Daigo Abe and animation production company Lide, and the copyright belongs to DWANGO and Lide.Inc.

■ Story

"Virtual-san wa Miteru" is made up of short segments, with different VTubers appearing in each segment. Below is a list of the main short segments.

• Virtual Grandmother
• VIRTUAL WARS
• Fuji Aoi Park
• Trivia Alley
• Hinata-chan is on her way to school
• Chairman, it's 3 o'clock.
• Kellyn Slayer
• Listen, it's good!
• This is terrible! Akari-chan
• Everyone's Virtual-san
• Unity-chan wants to roll
• Virtual Radio
• I was watching Virtual Reality

In these segments, VTubers get into all sorts of antics in various situations, entertaining the viewers. Each segment is short but unique, bringing out the best in the VTubers.

■Explanation

"Virtual-san wa Miteru" is an anime starring VTubers, who have rapidly gained popularity since around 2017. VTubers have become more and more popular over time, evolving into a content that attracts attention not only in Japan but all over the world. Then in 2019, fans were surprised and delighted to see VTubers appear as an original anime on terrestrial TV. This anime is a slapstick anime in which VTubers go wild in the viewers' living rooms, and is full of short segments that bring out the charm of VTubers to the fullest.

■Cast

The following VTubers appear in this work:

• Mirai Akari / Mirai Akari
• Cyber ​​Girl Siro / Cyber ​​Girl Siro
• Nekomiya Hinata / Nekomiya Hinata
• Tsukino Mito / Tsukino Mito
• Hime Tanaka / Hime Tanaka
• Suzuki Hina / Suzuki Hina

These VTubers entertain viewers with their performances that make the most of their individual personalities, adding color to the works.

■ Main staff

The following staff members are involved in the production of this work:

• Director: Daigo Abe
• Music by Yasutaka Nakata
• Supervising producer: Daisuke Yokozawa
• Production Producer: Shinnosuke Suzuki
• Idea cooperation: Hideaki Anno
• Animation Production: RIDO Co., Ltd.
• Produced by Dwango Co., Ltd.

In particular, the presence of Yasutaka Nakata, who was in charge of the music, and Hideaki Anno, who contributed ideas, were major factors in improving the quality of the work.

■ Main Characters

The main characters of this work are as follows.

• Mirai Akari
• Cyber ​​Girl Shiro
• Nekomiya Hinata
• Tsukino Mito
• Hime Tanaka
• Suzuki Hina

These characters have unique character settings that reflect their activities as VTubers, making them easy for viewers to relate to.

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 01: The Birth of Virtual-san (2019/01/09)
• Episode 02: The legendary elixir, ah... my body is hot (2019/01/16)
• Episode 03: Real Life Explosion, Gorilla Explosion (2019/01/23)
• Episode 04/Explosion! Maximum Magic Buchitoga (2019/01/30)
• Episode 05: I can't live without taking detours! (2019/02/06)
• Episode 06: PP Dance Festival (2019/02/13)
• Episode 07: I'm Salty (2019/02/20)
• Episode 08: White Tears (2019/02/27)
• Episode 09: The Wandering Soul of Granny (2019/03/06)
• Episode 10: Let the Time Go (2019/03/13)
• Episode 11/Baba (2019/03/20)
• Episode 12: The Disappearance of Virtual-san (2019/03/27)

The subtitles for each episode are often humorous and reflect the personalities of the VTubers and the content of the segment, attracting the interest of viewers.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music for this work are as follows:

• OP1
  • Period: 1-6
  • AIAIAI (feat. Yasutaka Nakata)
  • Lyrics by Yasutaka Nakata
  • Composer: Yasutaka Nakata
  • Arrangement: Yasutaka Nakata
  • Sung by: Kizuna Ai
• OP2
  • Period: 7-12
  • Aigatarinai (feat. Yasutaka Nakata)
  • Lyrics by Yasutaka Nakata
  • Composer: Yasutaka Nakata
  • Arrangement: Yasutaka Nakata
  • Singer: Virtual Real (Mirai Akari, Cyber ​​Girl Siro, Nekomiya Hinata, Tsukino Mito, Tanaka Hime, Suzuki Hina)
• ED
  • Period: 1-12
  • Lyrics by Gogo (originally "The Book of K")
  • Composer: Kengo Minamida (onetrap)
  • Arrangement: Kengo Minamida (onetrap)
  • Sung by: HIMEHINA (Tanaka Hime + Suzuki Hina)

The theme songs and ending songs are important elements that bring out the charm of the VTubers, and the music by Yasutaka Nakata in particular really enhances the atmosphere of the work.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Virtual-san wa Miteru" is an anime created against the backdrop of the popularity of VTubers, and has received support from many viewers in a way that lived up to their expectations. The new attempt at a short corner format succeeded in bringing out the best in the VTubers' personalities, providing viewers with laughter and emotion. Additionally, the content of each corner is diverse, and the efforts made to keep viewers from getting bored have also been praised.

In particular, for VTuber fans, being able to see their favorite VTubers in action in the form of an anime was a great joy, and it deepened their attachment to the work. It was also a good opportunity for viewers who were not familiar with VTubers to learn about the appeal and fun of VTubers, and it can be said that it played a part in popularizing VTuber content.

In terms of music, the theme songs and songs by Yasutaka Nakata not only enhance the atmosphere of the work, but also leave a lasting impression on viewers. In particular, the opening theme "Aigatarinai" was sung by the VTuber unit Virtual Real and was highly praised as a song that symbolizes the theme of the work.

Another point to note is the creative contributions of Hideaki Anno, whose influence contributed to improving the overall quality of the work. Thanks to the efforts of director Daigo Abe and animation production company Lido, the animation expression that made the most of the individuality of the VTubers entertained viewers on a visual level as well.

■ Recommendation points

"Virtual-san wa Miteru" is a work that can be recommended not only to VTuber fans, but to anyone who enjoys anime and comedy. Below are some points that I would particularly like to recommend it for.

• The appeal of VTubers : The individuality and humor of VTubers are brought out to the fullest, making it a must-see for fans. It is also a good opportunity for those who are not familiar with VTubers to learn about their appeal.
• Short corner format : Each corner is short but packed with content, and is designed to keep viewers from getting bored. Even busy people can enjoy it casually.
• Music : The theme song and other songs by Yasutaka Nakata not only enhance the atmosphere of the work, but also leave a lasting impression on viewers. In particular, the OP2 song "Aigatarinai" is a must-listen.
• Hideaki Anno's creative input : Hideaki Anno's creative input is a major factor in improving the quality of the film. His influence is reflected in the visual expression and storytelling.
• Animation quality : Thanks to the efforts of director Daigo Abe and animation production company Lido, the animations have been able to express the individuality of the VTubers. It's a visual treat as well.

Related information

"Virtual-san wa Miteru" is an anime created against the backdrop of the popularity of VTubers, and has received support from many viewers in a way that lived up to their expectations. The new attempt at a short corner format succeeded in bringing out the best in the VTubers' personalities, providing viewers with laughter and emotion. Additionally, the content of each corner is diverse, and the efforts made to keep viewers from getting bored have also been praised.

In particular, for VTuber fans, being able to see their favorite VTubers in action in the form of an anime was a great joy, and it deepened their attachment to the work. It was also a good opportunity for viewers who were not familiar with VTubers to learn about the appeal and fun of VTubers, and it can be said that it played a part in popularizing VTuber content.

In terms of music, the theme songs and songs by Yasutaka Nakata not only enhance the atmosphere of the work, but also leave a lasting impression on viewers. In particular, the opening theme "Aigatarinai" was sung by the VTuber unit Virtual Real and was highly praised as a song that symbolizes the theme of the work.

Another point to note is the creative contributions of Hideaki Anno, whose influence contributed to improving the overall quality of the work. Thanks to the efforts of director Daigo Abe and animation production company Lido, the animation expression that made the most of the individuality of the VTubers entertained viewers on a visual level as well.

Conclusion

"Virtual-san wa Miteru" was loved by many viewers as a slapstick anime that brought out the best in VTubers. Various elements such as the innovative attempt at a short corner format, music by Yasutaka Nakata, and the creative collaboration of Hideaki Anno have all contributed to raising the quality of the work. This is a work that can be recommended not only to VTuber fans, but to anyone who enjoys anime and comedies. Please give it a watch.