FUURYUUFES 5.0 2025: A Hybrid Spectacle Coming to BS Fuji
On December 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM (JST), BS Fuji will broadcast “FUURYUUFES 5.0 2025 Close-up Special,” offering an exclusive look into the revolutionary festival that blends the boundaries of real and virtual entertainment. Held on November 22 at Pia Arena MM in Kanagawa, this event brought together a diverse lineup of 25 virtual artists, including the legendary Kizuna AI, pop icon Maki Goto, and a virtual iteration of the idol group iLiFE!, performing over 30 songs.
The “FUURYUU” Concept: Bridging Worlds
“FUURYUUFES” is built upon the concept of “Fūryū,” an aesthetic that historically intertwines refined taste with contemporary trends. This festival reimagines it as a “real metaverse festival,” an immersive experience where attendees feel as though they’ve stepped into a virtual world. It serves as a vibrant platform to share Japanese culture globally through the innovative blend of real and virtual elements, positioning itself as one of Japan’s largest VTuber festivals.
A Day of Unforgettable Performances and Backstage Insights
The upcoming BS Fuji special will offer an intimate look at “FUURYUUFES 5.0 2025,” with comedians Kazuhiro Fujiwara (License), Miyuki Torii, and Sei Koike (Platinum Boys) guiding viewers through the day’s events. Beyond the selected live performances, the program promises unique footage, including rare glimpses into the VXers’ dressing rooms.
The festival itself was hosted by Hiroyuki Amano of comedy duo Cyaīn and freelance announcer Anna Nakagawa. Amano humorously recounted how he unexpectedly stepped in as MC due to a last-minute change, receiving warm applause from the audience. Nakagawa expressed her excitement for her first VTuber festival experience, noting the colossal stage vision that made the virtual artists appear larger than life, a spectacle Amano compared to an IMAX theater.
iLiFE! Kicks Off the Spectacle
The live performances began with an electrifying start from iLiFE!. The eight-member group, appearing in their virtual forms, performed “Aini KiTE!” and “Kiss Hug Shinryakusha,” captivating the audience. Member Karen shared the exciting news that the group, usually active in their real forms, had recently begun virtual activities in October. This announcement was met with enthusiasm, setting a high bar for the rest of the festival.
Following iLiFE!’s energetic opening, NanasiiinC members Akane Kanna, Soya Ichika, Ryugasaki Rin, and Suzumi Nemo took the stage with “Hiten,” later performing solos and concluding with “Starring Together!”. MiliPro’s Konomi Amagami and Nono Otonono then delivered powerful individual performances of “Watashi, Idol Sengen” and “HYPE SEEKER,” respectively, before joining forces for “phony” and “Kimagure Romantic.”
VXers and a Mysterious Debut
The festival then introduced VXer 1 TSUCASA, an artist who traverses real and virtual dimensions. TSUCASA captivated the audience with a serious, cool atmosphere and powerful vocals, performing “Gravity of Love” (digitally released on November 23) and “REAL CORE.” The stage was bathed in blue light as TSUCASA’s virtual form appeared on the vision, escalating the venue’s excitement.
VXer 0 Ririna Mizui, appointed as a panda goodwill ambassador in Beijing in April 2024, delighted the audience with her panda-themed songs “Shirokuro Nikosmile” and “I Need You,” accompanied by virtual pandas on screen. KMNZ followed with performances including “DROP IN” and “VERSE.”
The first half of the festival concluded with the highly anticipated debut of JYuno, a mysterious newcomer whose character design was crafted by popular illustrator Murakaruki. The stage transformed with a new visual world as a powerful message was displayed: “The wounded heart transforms into light. I live in this moment. This pain, these tears, all become sound. Across borders, music connects me and the world. And this is my beginning.” JYuno then performed “The ONE,” a song with strong, bilingual lyrics and a cool sound, creating a profound impact. Flames erupted, and in the latter half of the song, JYuno’s real form was revealed, creating a moment of awe and solidifying their presence.
Star-Studded Second Half and Grand Finale
The latter half featured a dynamic lineup, starting with Baacharu, the world’s first male virtual YouTuber, followed by SIRO with “Moechakka Fire” and MonsterZ MATE performing “Tensai Monsters no Genki ga Deru Roulette.” The stage also hosted unique collaborations, such as Shinichiro Inui’s first joint performance with URS-No.1005 (Tōko), and his collaborations with Shibuya Hal and Shirayuki Reid of NeoPorte, as well as a lively chat with Hiyori Yui from the same group.
Pop icon Maki Goto, joined by V-Goma, delivered a powerful performance of “Which? Prod. Giga” from her new album, ‘COLLECTION.’ She expressed her delight, stating, “The stage is incredibly gorgeous, and it’s a really great view with all the people gathered here.” The duo then collaborated on “Chokotto LOVE,” followed by a lively rendition of “Ren’ai Revolution 21” with other VTubers, filling the arena with infectious energy.
The grand finale was headlined by Kizuna AI, who made her highly anticipated return to activity in February 2025 after a hiatus. Her first appearance at “FUURYUUFES” was met with resounding cheers as she performed “Kamo ne,” “future base (Homecoming REMIX),” and “AIAIAI.” Kizuna AI shared her heartfelt joy: “It’s incredibly fun to hear everyone’s voices in the venue. I’m so happy that we can become one through music in the same space, which is unique to live performances. Today was truly the best!” The festival concluded with a memorable collaboration on “Hello, Morning” featuring Konomi Amagami, Nono Otonono, Soya Ichika, V-Goma, and iLiFE!.
The Future of Kawaii Culture Abroad
“FUURYUUFES 5.0 2025” successfully scaled up its ambition, featuring a diverse array of first-time performers like JYuno, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the real-virtual entertainment space. This festival represents a significant step forward for kawaii culture, showcasing how the fusion of cutting-edge technology and artistic expression can redefine idol performances and entertainment on a global scale. By blurring the lines between physical and digital, it creates new avenues for artists to connect with fans and for Japanese pop culture to reach international audiences in increasingly immersive ways. The upcoming broadcast is a testament to this evolving landscape, promising a future where the boundaries of performance are limited only by imagination.
Program Overview:
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Program Title: “FUURYUUFES 5.0 2025 Close-up Special”
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Broadcast Date: December 30, 2025 (Tuesday) 16:00-17:00 (JST) on BS Fuji
Event Overview:
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Date: November 22, 2025 (Saturday) Doors Open 14:00 / Start 15:00
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Location: Pia Arena MM, Kanagawa
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MCs: Hiroyuki Amano (Cyaīn), Anna Nakagawa
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Featured Artists: iLiFE! (Virtual), Akane Kanna, Soya Ichika, Ryugasaki Rin, Suzumi Nemo, Shinichiro Inui, URS-No.1005 (Tōko), Kizuna AI, Kōusaka, Anjō (MonsterZ MATE), Maki Goto (Special Guest), V-Goma (V-Maki Goto), SIRO, Baacharu, LITA, TINA, NERO (KMNZ), Nono Otonono, Konomi Amagami, Hiyori Yui, Shibuya Hal, Shirayuki Reid, JYuno, VXer 0 Ririna Mizui, VXer 1 TSUCASA
