Hololive Production, Japan's most popular VTuber agency, announced a new event that has sparked intense discussion on social media. The "Hololive Meet & Greet 2024" will take place on September 15 and 16, 2024, at Tokyo International Forum Hall B7 in Tokyo. What caught the attention of many is the cost of 7,700 yen (approximately US$ 53) for the opportunity to speak for one minute with one of the Hololive members.

The event includes two types of special activities: the “Ichi-Oshi Talk,” which allows fans to have a one-minute face-to-face conversation with their favorite VTuber, and the “Monitoring Talk,” where VTubers will host live broadcasts from the event. Each “Ichi-Oshi Talk” session comes with a postcard with a message reproduced from the VTuber.

Fan reaction was mixed, with comments ranging from enthusiasm to disbelief:

• «Didn't the previous event cost less than 5,000 yen? That became expensive, perhaps because of the yen's appreciation?».
• «It's quite reasonable, if I were a Hololive fan, I would go too».
• «It's much better than sending a 10,000 yen super chat and not knowing if it will be read.».
• «This seems like a healthy business somehow».
• «The perception of value depends on who's paying. A great product is trash if you're not interested.».
• «Won't they care about the most popular VTubers?».
• «Hello, nice to meet you, [name] and this takes about 30 seconds».
• «Without including insurance, a consultation with a psychiatrist costs the same».
• «It's an excessive price, but criticizing how people spend their money gets you nowhere. Leave them alone, if you have the heart.».
• «The cast is very mediocre. 7700 yen so it's almost a scam».

Despite criticism about the cost, many fans are willing to pay for this unique opportunityFor some, interacting with their favorite VTuber, even for a minute, is a dream come true. The emotional connection that these virtual characters generate with their followers is very strongand events like this allow fans to feel a special closeness, even if they can't directly see the person behind the avatar.

The VTuber industry has proven to be a powerful force in digital entertainment., and events like the "Hololive Meet & Greet 2024" are proof of this. Despite the controversy over the cost, demand remains high, reflecting fans' dedication and enthusiasm for their favorite VTubers.

Source: Otakomu