A commotion seems to have erupted around Rou Koyanagi, a member of the popular VTuber group “NIJISANJI.”
The incident began with a single “Cautionary Announcement” released by the management, ANYCOLOR Inc. It was not a warning regarding slander against a specific Liver, but rather cited an extremely specific case: “Attacks on Rou Koyanagi’s collaboration partners are occurring frequently.”
It is unprecedented for management to issue such a pointed statement regarding trouble occurring around a specific talent. Currently, a vortex of suspicion is swirling on the internet regarding “Who is the true culprit?”
What Is the “Unprecedented Statement” Released by Management?
Normal statements mainly consist of content like “Please stop slandering Livers,” but this time the vector is reversed. The main focus is placed on “Attacks on ‘others (collaboration partners)’ involved in the Liver’s activities.”
The following is a summary of the official statement released this time.
【Summary of Official Statement】
It has been confirmed that certain individuals are engaging in the following nuisance behaviors towards collaboration partners of our affiliated Livers.
- Aggressive speech and conduct towards collaboration partners, or acts that obstruct streams.
- Slander and defamation in the form of comparisons with affiliated Livers.
While these acts are occurring towards the collaboration partners of multiple Livers, we have received noticeably many reports regarding malicious nuisance behavior specifically towards “Rou Koyanagi’s” collaboration partners, and we are currently proceeding with a response.
(Summarized and excerpted from the NIJISANJI Official Statement)
As you can see, the individual name “Rou Koyanagi” is clearly listed.
The management avoids stating clearly the attributes (whether they are fans or antis) of the “persons engaging in nuisance behavior,” but they have officially certified the fact that “harmful acts towards collaboration partners are concentrated around Rou Koyanagi.” This has caused shock, with people wondering, “Is this a public scolding of the fans by management?”
Who Is the Culprit? The Emerging Theory of “Fans of Other Livers”
At first glance, it looks like a composition where “Rou Koyanagi’s fans (listeners) are bashing collaboration partners out of jealousy or possessiveness.” However, in deep fandoms such as SNS and anonymous bulletin boards, a more complex debate is heating up. Currently, on the internet, three main theories are jumbled together, falling into a state where people are pushing the blame for the culprit onto each other.
First, the theory most strongly argued and supported by existing fans is the theory of crimes by “imposter antis” pretending to be fans. Based on the belief that “If they were real fans, they would never do something that smears mud on their fave’s face,” the view is that antis are intentionally pretending to be fans and attacking collaboration partners to lower Rou Koyanagi’s reputation.
However, the situation is not that simple. The theory emerging as the darkest part of this turmoil is the theory that “fans of other Livers” who prioritize “relationships” are involved.
Rou Koyanagi boasts extremely high popularity in combos or units (pairings) with specific “Synchronous Liver A” or “Senior Liver B.” Therefore, there is a suspicion that radical fans of the other party (A or B) who hold a distorted desire for monopoly—thinking “I don’t want to see collabs other than that specific combo” or “I don’t want him getting along with anyone other than my Oshi (A or B)”—are attacking Rou Koyanagi’s new collaboration partners out of jealousy.
Actually, on bulletin boards, shifting of responsibility and accusation battles such as “This isn’t the work of Koyanagi listeners, it’s XX (another Liver)’s listeners running wild” are rampant, and the discussion has become a quagmire.
Of course, we can’t just blame others.The straightforward theory that it is “his own fans”—specifically the “Gachikoi” demographic who are genuinely in love with Rou Koyanagi, or over-interfering fans (backseat gamers) who want to dictate his streaming style—are out of control remains strong. The fact that the number of reports to management is named as “noticeably high” is heavy, and the reality is that the possibility that a certain number of his own fans are included cannot be denied.
His Response and Concerns About “Collabs”
What makes the situation more complex is the response of Rou Koyanagi himself.
Until now, when his own stream comment section became chaotic or caused trouble elsewhere, Rou Koyanagi seems to have had a tendency to avoid giving strong warnings, claiming, “That’s not the work of my fans, but of antis.”
Even regarding this serious statement, his only reaction was a short quote-repost saying, “Please read this.”
Opinions on this are divided, with some voicing disappointment saying, “I wanted him to warn them resolutely,” while others sympathize, saying, “Perhaps he is also a victim who is confused because he cannot identify whether they are his fans, the partner’s fans, or antis.”
However, regardless of who the culprit is, there is one fact that has been established. That is the recognition that “Collaborating with Rou Koyanagi carries a high risk of being attacked by someone” has spread throughout the entire community.
Heartbreaking cries have arisen from fans of other Livers saying, “Please don’t get my Oshi involved,” and there are concerns about “isolation” in his future activities.
Summary
The factors causing this turmoil to become such a quagmire are as follows:
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Management officially certified the “frequent occurrence of damage around Rou Koyanagi” but did not conclude the attributes of the perpetrators (whose fans they are).
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As a result, an ugly search for the culprit (witch hunt) involving other Livers has begun, with claims like “It’s not my fans, it’s fans over there.”
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Distrust towards him for continuing to neglect the issue, and the actual harm to collaboration partners, have reached a breaking point.
Whether the perpetrators are “troublesome fans,” “imposter antis,” or “fans of other Livers obsessed with relationships,” the truth remains in the dark. However, a swift resolution to the situation is awaited so that the place where the Oshi is active can be protected.