“At this rate, isn’t he going to graduate…?”
Right now, such distressing voices are spreading among the fans of Rou Koyanagi, a popular VTuber belonging to NIJISANJI.
His streams, particularly the chat sections, have fallen into a negative spiral where conflicts between some radical fans and others cause chaos, leading Rou himself to express strong discomfort.
This situation is exhausting many sensible fans and has begun to erode even their pure feelings of support.
What Is Happening Right Now?
The incident started when the comment section for the “MADTOWN (GTA Streamer Server)” stream became turbulent.
The chat was flooded with extreme remarks from fans known as “Gachikoi” (those who harbor romantic feelings for the streamer) and criticisms against them from other listeners, creating a bizarre scene of fans swearing at each other.
In response to this, there were noticeable moments during the stream where Rou Koyanagi himself could not hide his irritation and disgust, saying things like “I really hate this” and “I want you to stop that.”
His overly frank and strong words of rejection shocked his fans, leading to a succession of heartbreaking consultations on social media, such as the following:
“He looks so genuinely unhappy that I’m worried there’s an atmosphere suggesting he might just quit.”
“It feels like he seriously dislikes it, and I worry it’s becoming detrimental enough to make him change his activity style or content.”
“When I watch, the problems inevitably flicker in my mind. Thinking about how much endurance is needed to stream while holding such feelings, it gradually became painful for me.”
The “Oshi” (favorite) you want to support is suffering, and the cause lies within the same fanbase.
And by continuing to watch that situation, you end up hurting your own heart as well.
Truly, a chaotic situation has been born where no one is happy.
Why Has It Become So Serious?
This problem is not simple enough to be dismissed as merely the fault of “some annoying listeners.”
There lies a specific background related to his unit “Heroes,” and several “missteps” in the early stages of community formation.
Influx of Different Cultures and the Collapse of “Unspoken Rules”
On SNS and elsewhere, long-time fans have pointed out that “Many ‘Heroes’ listeners come from other communities like ‘Utaite’ (singers) or Idols, rather than being traditional NIJISANJI fans.”
If this is true, the root of the problem can be considered a “clash of cultures.”
In the VTuber community, which has a long history, there are several “unspoken rules” regarding fan activities.
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Prohibition of “Pigeon” comments (Hato). (Relaying information from one stream to another).
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Do not bring up other streamers’ names without context.
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Refrain from excessive conversation between listeners or talking about oneself.
These are pieces of wisdom to ensure the stream flows smoothly and all listeners can watch comfortably, and for many VTuber fans, they are “common sense.”
However, for fans coming from different cultural spheres, these are unknown rules.
For example, in idol culture, “spreading the name of your Oshi” is sometimes seen as proof of passionate support.
If they mention Rou’s name in other streams with that mindset, it becomes a serious breach of etiquette (annoying promotion) in the VTuber world.
Without malice, acting on the common sense of their own culture results in unintentionally disrupting the harmony of the community.
And if that new demographic forms a majority, the veteran fans who point out the traditional rules are labeled as “uptight” or “vigilantes” (self-appointed moderators) and become isolated.
Thus, the community’s self-cleansing ability is lost, and an atmosphere where bad manners are “normal” is fostered.
Absence of Initial Response and the “Negative Spiral”
So, was the streamer side unable to do anything?
Here lies the second factor.
In any community, rule-making in the initial stages is extremely important.
However, to say “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” the “rules of Rome” must be clearly demonstrated.
It is quite possible that Rou and the management hesitated to issue strict warnings that might dampen spirits during the period right after debut when they wanted to increase fans.
The fear that “I don’t want to be thought of as uptight” or “fans might leave” is a natural emotion for a content creator.
The expectation that “they should know without being told” and risk avoidance of “causing friction by giving warnings.”
I believe these two overlapped, and the community expanded without clear rules being presented.
As a result…
- “Influx of fans from different cultures” → “Occurrence of situations where ‘unspoken rules’ don’t apply” → “Streamer side hesitated to present clear rules or give initial warnings” → “Bad manners became ‘normal’ and behavior escalated” → “Problem became serious and the streamer can no longer endure it”
This worst-case negative spiral has been completed.
Rou’s current strong reaction of rejection might be a scream-like cry trying to liquidate this accumulated “negative legacy” all at once.
3 Perspectives for Solution
Simply analyzing the past won’t solve anything.
What can we do to get out of this quagmire?
Let’s consider concrete actions from the perspectives of the “Streamer,” “Management,” and “Listeners.”
Perspective 1: The Path the Streamer (Rou Koyanagi) Should Take
The person with the most influence is, of course, himself.
The mental burden is immeasurable, but there are primarily three conceivable options.
- Establishment and Declaration of a Firm Rulebook
This is a method of clearly verbalizing and listing “Prohibited Matters in My Stream” in the stream description or video, and declaring that violators will be subject to blocking, etc., without warning.
By eliminating ambiguity and showing standards of behavior, sensible fans are protected, and legitimacy is born to eliminate nuisance behavior.
Initial backlash is unavoidable, but it is the surest first step to regaining order.
- Physical Communication Restrictions
This involves physically shutting out trolls, such as temporarily making the comment section members-only or thoroughly setting specific NG words.
It is effective in reducing his mental burden and setting a cool-down period, but it carries the risk of creating new sparks by seemingly “cutting off fans.”
- Seeking Solution Through Dialogue
Instead of emotional rejection, this is a method of calmly and sincerely talking about “why I am troubled” and “how I want fans to be.”
This is the ideal solution, but given the current situation where fans are fiercely opposing each other, it is unknown whether a calm dialogue can be established.
Perspective 2: Support Required from Management (ANYCOLOR Inc.)
This problem should never be blamed solely on the Liver individually.
The management is required to have a strong support system to protect the talent.
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Support for Introducing Moderators
The management appoints or commissions trusted moderators to handle the monitoring and management of the comment section. This allows the streamer to focus on content and significantly reduces mental burden.
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Firm Measures Against Malicious Users
By issuing an official statement that they will not hesitate to take legal action against excessive slander or obstruction of business, they can strongly deter radical behavior.
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Thorough Mental Care
Needless to say, this is the most important. Concrete care, such as counseling by professionals, is essential to protect the hearts of exhausted talents.
Perspective 3: What We Fans and Listeners Can Do
You might think, “Nothing will change just because I do something alone.”
However, the accumulation of individual small actions is the greatest power to change the atmosphere of a community.
- Complete Ignoring of Trolling/Conflict Comments
Do not react at all to claims like “We aren’t wrong!” or counter-arguments from a sense of justice like “You guys are wrong!”
Arguments in the comment section are perfect “fuel” for trolls. They enjoy the reaction.
A thorough “ignore” (passing over) is the most effective weapon to dampen their motivation.
- Creating an Atmosphere with Positive Comments
Even if rough comments catch your eye, do not touch upon them; just keep posting positive comments about the stream content.
“That play just now was amazing!” “This story is funny lol” “Today’s outfit is cool”…
If you fill the comment section with pure impressions, unpleasant comments will naturally flush away, and you can create the scene the streamer really wants to see.
- Behavior on SNS
Do not incite conflict between fans in public places.
I understand the desire to discuss the issue, but that can become new fuel and might be seen by the person himself or those involved.
Summary
The series of issues surrounding Rou Koyanagi is not limited to him personally or specific fans, but highlights structural challenges that VTubers, a content form where “distance to fans is close,” always face.
The “pain” and “suffering” many fans are feeling right now is the flip side of their pure desire to support him from the bottom of their hearts.
We need to turn that feeling not into conflict or criticism among fans, but into constructive energy on how to create an environment where he can work with peace of mind.
The streamer shows resolute rules, the management supports it with systems, and fans respond with thorough ignoring of trolls and positive support.
Isn’t this tripartite cooperation the only way to break through the current chaotic situation?
There is a saying, “Push (support) your Oshi while you can.”
That doesn’t just mean consuming content. Protecting and nurturing the “place” where your Oshi can continue to shine with the fans’ own hands might also be “Oshikatsu” (fan activities) in the truest sense.