Translator’s note: You’ve probably seen me post the magazine cover of Tokino Sora alongside a real human idol here before. Spirits #48 (published 11/28/2019) had a number of feature articles on VR technology, with a photoset of Tokino Sora hanging out with this person and her fellow idols as they strolled through 3D Tokyo, an interview with these idols about VR, and the following crosstalk between Tokino Sora and Shinonome Megu. In addition to the usual contents we see from Sora introducing herself, we also learn about how she cares for her throat, what she might have been doing instead of becoming a VTuber, and her mental approach to singing at the time. She also mentions the care she takes in watching the reactions of her audience, something she talks at some length about in her crosstalk with Oishi Masayoshi. Her interests are listed as shopping and browsing music stores, rather different from how she’s profiled in Summer Scenes ’19 for example, perhaps due to the difference in audience. The article was also followed by a promotion for V.V.V.2019, a VR talent search sponsored by Spirits held on November 29th (the day after this issue was released) with Sora as MC and performer and Megu as an official supporter.
– With streaming as their main activity, these two are expanding into concerts and musicals. Have you met before?
Shinonome Megu (Megu below): We met when we were recording for a certain program!
Tokino Sora (Sora below): My first impression was that she was a cute and fluffy little girl. When we spoke, she turned out to be a girl who was gentle and serious.
Megu: I’m so happy! When we acted alongside each other, I thought you were a woman who was really kind and trying her hardest.
– What made you decide to become a VTuber?
Sora: I’ve wanted to become and idol and sing since I was small. A big impulse for me was learning that I could stream through the internet and talking with A-chan (a nickname for Yuujin-A, who manages things behind the scenes at Hololive) about doing it together.
Megu: I love singing too, and I started with the thought that I wanted to branch out into more things and connect with more and more people! Right now I’m working on streaming at 7:30 in the morning on weekdays so I can give people energy for the day to come!
Sora: W-wow! It’s great you get up so early!
Megu: That’s nothing~. Really, your one man live was much more incredible! I just started crying. I’ve been thinking about how I had to tell all that to you directly today!
Sora: Thank you~ (happy tears). Thanks to the kindness of my Sora-tomo (nickname for Tokino Sora’s fans), A-chan, and the staff it was a great concert! Though I took a good long nap the day after (laughing).
Megu: (laughing).
– Is there something you take care with on your daily streams?
Sora: I guess I’d say I keep an eye on how the people watching are reacting to me. Streaming isn’t something I can do alone, so I’m always thinking about what I could talk about to make people happy. Although my nervousness about singing is still on another level!
Megu: Me too… Lately I haven’t been able to sing the way I want to during song recordings… (sad).
Sora: Lots of times, when I start thinking about singing in a way that fits the song, I’ll get pulled into the swamp of infinite worries. But lately I’ve been able to think about putting everything, my nervousness and my own thoughts and feelings, into my singing, wanting to reach the audience with them. It’s made the nervousness kind of fun, I guess (laughing).
Megu: That’s amazing! Oh, by the way, what do you do for throat care?
Sora: I usually wear a mask, even when I’m at home. In the dry season I’ll use a humidifier, and I’ll have throat lozenges on me wherever I go to keep my throat moist! I feel like taking care in my day to day life might be better than just before a concert!
Megu: Yeah, a humidifier is a must in the winter!!
– You’re both very professional, but what do you think you’d be doing if you hadn’t become VTubers?
Megu: Hmm… I really, really can’t think of anything. I couldn’t think of anything else!
Sora: I might just be a normal high schooler. Going to school and working somewhere like a neko cafe because I like cats. I wanna tell myself a few years ago that I’d be doing stuff like performing a one man live and singing in front of lots of people (laughing).
Megu: Ufufu (laughing). Me too, this year they let me be ambassador for Tokyo Tower. Being able to work as an ambassador for Tokyo Tower, it felt kinda incredible. I was super surprised when they told me, like they must have been talking about someone else.
Sora: I hope we’ll be able to meet our fans’ expectations with the effort we’re putting in every day.
Megu: Yeah! It’s slow going, but I really feel like I’m able to live my days to the fullest!
– By the way, what are your dreams?
Sora: I wanna perform a solo concert at Yokohama Area. The first concert I went to was there, and my Mom told me, “Someday I wanna see you standing on this stage,” I’ll never forget those words.
Megu: As an immediate goal, I’d like to complete the VR musical “The Little Mermaid” I’ve been able to work on. I’m not sure I can call this a final goal, but I’d be glad if, through “Shinonome Megu,” lots of creators make my life freer and more fun. By collaborating with lots of creators, I’m able to offer my fans something new, and that makes me really happy.
– Your careers are growing by leaps and bounds and show no signs of stopping – could we have a word for the Spirits readers becoming fans of yours after reading this article?
Megu: Nice to meet you! I’m Shinonome Megu, and my charm point is my big, lively eyebrows. Anyone who’s looking for some energy on weekdays before work or school, feel free to come and play on my morning streams starting at 7:30! I’ll be waiting~~~~♡!
Sora: Nice to meet you, I’m Tokino Sora! I usually stream and post videos of my songs on YouTube. I’m always bright and cheerful, and I’d be happy if there are people out there interested in me!!
– Finally, could we have a word for your fans who have always supported you?
Megu: Thank you for always cheering me on and supporting me. Your words always give me energy and make me smile. I wanna give you all lots of energy and make you happy too, so I’d be very happy if you could continue to accompany me. I’m looking forward to it~!
Sora: Thank you to all my Sora-tomo for always supporting me! I’m truly very grateful for the many people who are always sending out their voices to me. I’m gonna be moving forward with all my power to make more fun memories with everyone, so I’d be happy if you accompanied me! Alright, now to learn from Megu-chan, the first thing I’m gonna do is work hard on waking up early~!
Megu: Wait, really (laughing)?
Sora: Hmm, probably (laughing)!
Tokino Sora
Born 5/15/2000. Her interests are shopping and going around to different CD shops. She started posting videos to YouTube in September of 2017, and had her major debut with Victor Entertainment with the album Dreaming! In March of 2019. Tickets sold out immediately for her one man live this month at Veats Shibuya. She’s a popular idol with a YouTube channel that currently has over 240,000 subscribers.
“My dream is to perform a concert at Yokohama Arena!”
Information: Her latest streaming single “Fure Fure LOVE” is on sale with great reviews. For streaming information and the latest happenings, check out her official Twitter (@tokinosora)!
Shinonome Megu
Born 4/6/2002. Became active starting in March of 2018. At the time she was a third year in middle school, but is now a high schooler attending Hiyorioka High School (combined junior/senior high school) and plays the horn in their wind orchestra. She’s a multi-talent creator who, besides appearing at concerts and events, does livestreaming, radio streaming, gaming streams and more, as well as writes and composes her own songs and creates picture books.
“I’ll be waiting on my weekday streams at 7 in the morning♡.”
Information: She’s doing weekday morning streams starting at 7:30. Check out her official Twitter (@megu_shinonome) for more details!
VTube Review 