Nijisanji is a face-tracking app and virtual YouTuber group, managed by Anycolor Inc. (formerly named Ichikara Inc.). The company began activities in early 2018, originally as an app developer with no intention of management (legend saying that at one time management had fewer people than their talent, before Mito exploded in popularity and necessitated more staff). The project was helmed by CEO Tazumi Riku and then-COO Iwanaga Taiki, the latter having since departed from the company.
While the app has no release date, and early on wasn't even approved by Apple, it is actively used by Nijisanji Project, a group of official virtual YouTubers referred to as "Virtual Livers".
Their characters are notably in 2D, instead of the initially more popular and established trend of 3D. This strategy was to minimize upfront investment and allow themselves a broader range of personalities. While some of the more popular characters do also have 3D models, 2D is still used for most appearances.
The official website offers a short profile for each character; however, the talent is given the freedom to develop their characters as they wish. As a result, few if any actually resemble their original profile.
Nijisanji Project members
Initially grouping was done according to the time of debut and the nature of contract, but after 2019 these distinctions were removed and all members placed under Nijisanji Project. This list represents their origins.
First debut: May 2, 2018. A group specializing in video gamestreaming, aiming to bridge the gap between the audiences for virtual YouTubers and professional gaming. Membership included both professional and casual oriented gamers, however, and activities still involved traditional Liver content such as chatting streams and singing videos. While the group was treated as separate, there were no restrictions from interacting with members outside the group. Integrated into Nijisanji Project as of 2019.
First debut: June 3, 2018. A group based on a "challenge framework with the potential for group activities." Its members were selected for variety, rather than experience or skill. While the group was treated as separate, there were no restrictions from interacting with members outside the group. Integrated into Nijisanji Project as of 2019.
Debut: June 8, 2018. Nijisanji's first all male virtual liver group. The group was dissolved after half its members retired, and the remainder were integrated into SEEDs a couple months later.
Nijisanji's Indonesian Branch. They have a bit of interaction with the main and other branch members. On April 15, 2022, this branch was merged into the main Nijisanji branch.
Nijisanji's Indian Branch, briefly known as the English branch due to failed marketing within India and attempting to diversify in light of growing international interest in the brand. They too had a bit of interaction with the main and other branch members. The branch was 'temporarily suspended' on April 30, 2021, its members graduating the same day.
Nijisanji's Korean Branch. They also have a bit of interaction with the main and other branch members. On April 15, 2022, this branch was merged into the main Nijisanji branch.
The original branch, auditions starting on July 17, 2018, and starting from August 24, 2018. It consisted of two parts, one based in Shanghai and the other in Taipei. By the end of March 2019, Nijisanji Shanghai had been deprecated, and on March 29, the branches stopped using the name 'Nijisanji', collectively changing their name to VEgo. VEgo later went inactive on March 31, 2020. Member list found on the branch's Wiki page.
The current Chinese branch, established in collaboration with Bilibili, with auditions starting April 19, 2019, officially starting beginning from May 14, 2019. Member list found on the branch's Wiki page.
AniMare and Honey Strap - sister projects co-founded by (but not controlled by) Anycolor
Nijisanji NetWORK - a partnership program aimed at supporting virtual talent; lasted from May 10 to December 31, 2019, only members were Tenkai Tsukasa and Fairys
Virtual Talent Academy - Anycolor's VTuber Trainee Program, debuted announced on June 18, 2021, and soft-debuted November 1; has so far produced Ranunculus and VOLTACTION.
