hololive 3rd Generation Live “Operation Heartful Cuties” Official Report Released!
From January 17 to 18, 2026, the K-Arena Yokohama became a vibrant stage for “hololive 3rd Generation Live #きゅるるん大作戦 〜最強アイドル、推すしかないでしょ〜” (Operation Heartful Cuties ~The Strongest Idols, You Just Have to Oshi Them~). This eagerly awaited concert featured the four members of hololive’s 3rd Generation: Usada Pekora, Shiranui Flare, Shirogane Noel, and Houshou Marine. Following their debut under the theme “hololive fantasy” and their first live concert, “HOLOLIVE FANTASY 1st LIVE FAN FUN ISLAND,” this event marked their second major performance, allowing both long-time and new fans to experience their charm without the restrictions of previous years.
The two-day event unfolded like a grand music festival, boasting a diverse setlist that included solos, duets, unit performances, and shuffle covers, all backed by a dynamic live band. True to the theme of “strongest idols,” the concert focused on cute and captivating songs, allowing each member to fully express their unique appeal.
As the scheduled start time approached, the venue buzzed with anticipation, fueled by the members’ relaxed pre-show announcements and a heartfelt group cheer. Following an introductory video, the four idols emerged, radiating brilliance as they swiftly changed into their dazzling stage costumes. The opening number, “Ai Ai Ai Ai ♡ I Love You,” an idol anthem infused with their names, personal lore, and an abundance of affection, perfectly set the tone for the day.
This was immediately followed by “Kyuru☆Cheer,” a song that ignited the audience with thunderous calls and responses, propelling the two-day celebration into an early climax. On stage, the 3rd Generation’s energetic movements were beautifully complemented by their sweet, multi-tiered frilled mini-skirts. The main screen, split into four, ensured every fan could catch each idol’s expressive face during the performance.
Day 1: A Whirlwind of Solos, Duets, and Surprises
After an intense opening, the four members paused for their first MC segment, catching their breath with self-introductions and call-and-response with the audience. They shared fan-submitted idol chants and highlighted the unique aspects of their costumes, particularly their distinctive head accessories. With the help of the live band, they even indulged in some playful air band antics.
Usada Pekora kicked off the solo performances, declaring, “Now is the time to execute the All-Human Rabbitification Project!” She then launched into an original song medley featuring “All Human Rabbitification Project!”, “Shoten Chokuzen Love it LIVE,” “Lalala Rabbit!!,” and “Usaza Story.” For a moment, the 3rd Generation Live felt like a solo Pekora recital, evoking memories of her first solo concert. After three energetic songs in her regular outfit, she transformed into her Usamega Pekora costume for “Usaza Story,” performing a dance reminiscent of an exotic dancer.
Next, Shirogane Noel, vying for the title of Pekora’s best friend, joined her for a “NoePeko” duet. Their cover of “Fantastic Future” showcased a delightful synergy in their costumes, with Pekora’s goddess-like aura and Noel’s knight-princess charm creating a truly fantastical pairing. Following this, Houshou Marine and Shiranui Flare, forming the “MariFlare” duo, covered “Iiwakkyun.” Their coordinated berets, contrasting black-and-white outfits, and playful choreography, including a chase-like sequence and zombie-esque moves, captivated the audience.
Shuffle covers continued, with Flare performing Pekora’s “Pekorandom Brain!” and Marine singing Noel’s “Rough Me Tender.” The unique vocal qualities of each performer brought new dimensions to these familiar tracks, creating special, memorable stages.
Despite the earlier “MariFlare” chemistry, Marine awkwardly called Pekora back to the stage, creating a humorous, dramatic atmosphere. Shaking off the tension, the “PekoMari” duo delivered an unforgettable performance of the wedding song “Bridal Dream.” A playful slap from Pekora to Marine was resolved with a warm embrace, culminating in a happy ending. Pekora remained on stage to cover Marine’s original song, “Bishojo Muzai ♡ Pirates,” showcasing a charming, bashful cuteness that had the audience chanting “Pekora is innocent!”
Marine then collapsed onto the stage, beginning her medley with “I’m Your Treasure Box *Anata wa Marine Senchou wo Takarabako kara Mitsuketa.” This flowed into “Yureisen Sen” and “Suki Suki Die Suki Chō Aye Shiteru,” mirroring the structure of her first solo live. Marine, adorned in a sister-like costume, twirled and glided across the stage, her long sleeves and frills shimmering. The luxurious medley concluded with “Marine Shukkou!!” in her regular outfit, leaving the audience with the satisfaction of having watched a full-length movie.
As Day 1 drew to a close, all four members reunited for an MC session, engaging in lively call-and-response with different sections of the arena and even picking up individual fan shouts. This concert, themed around idols, clearly prioritized fan service. The main part of Day 1 concluded brightly with the pop tune “Yokubari Dennou Girl.” Having showcased various outfits throughout the day, their idol costumes—with balanced red, light blue, orange, and gray hues—appeared particularly vibrant. Lyrics like “I can see to the back” and “Reaching beyond the screen” carried a powerful message especially in a live setting. As Pekora and Flare shouted, “Let’s get even more excited tomorrow!”, silver confetti rained down in response.
Day 2: Angelic and Demonic Charms
On the second day, the pre-show background music was met with an even more fervent chorus of cheers from the audience. As the excitement reached its peak, the show began. The four members, now clad in black versions of their idol costumes, dashed onto the stage from opposite sides. Picking up where Day 1 left off, they launched into “Yokubari Dennou Girl,” with Noel exclaiming, “Let’s get even more excited on Day 2!” and Marine adding, “You guys can still shout, right!?” further raising the temperature of K-Arena Yokohama.
Flare’s gentle voice then shifted the atmosphere, signaling the start of a shuffle medley. The set included “ours” (Flare), “Iiwake Bunny” (Marine), “Zenryoku Jumping!” (Pekora), and “Paipai Kamen de Douka Shiran?” (Noel), a dizzying array of covers of each other’s original songs. While one member sang, the other three waved their penlights and performed otagei (enthusiastic fan dances), creating a feeling of being at a casual karaoke collaboration with the 3rd Generation—a truly unique experience.
During the MC, the members pointed out the intricate details of their black costumes; what were angel wings yesterday had transformed into devil wings today, perfectly reflecting the multifaceted charm of the 3rd Generation. It was no surprise that when Marine playfully asked, “Which do you prefer, angels or devils?”, the audience’s penlights split beautifully into two distinct colors.
Flare’s medley showcased her versatility, ranging from uplifting, refreshing tunes to passionate parade songs, comprising “Smile & Go!!,” “Atelier,” “SKYSONAR,” and “Funfair.” Flare skillfully adapted her singing style to each song, demonstrating her prowess as a “diva” and effortlessly surpassing expectations. With Pekora declaring that “PekoFlare” would be a prominent duo in 2026, Flare proposed they demonstrate their chemistry immediately. They covered “Baby Sweet Berry Love,” likely a counterpart to “Fantastic Future” performed by PekoNoe on Day 1. Dressed in white-based costumes, their symmetrical dance created a highly elegant stage.
Without missing a beat, Noel’s medley burst forth with unique chants and movements, transforming K-Arena Yokohama into a virtual Oita. The distinct, perhaps quirky, atmosphere of Noel’s songs is precisely their charm. So, her medley transitioned from “VAVAVA! Virtual Oita” to “Homenobi,” then a costume change during “Happy.” The final song, “Lyrical Monster,” included a poignant interlude where Noel teared up, saying, “I’m able to stand here thanks to all the 3rd Generation members and everyone who supports us,” a truly touching moment.
Following Noel’s performance, she and Flare held an MC session. Flare set a modest goal: “One NoeFlare collaboration stream this year,” to which Noel enthusiastically replied, “Let’s do more!” Backstage anecdotes included Noel’s delight over a meat-heavy bento and Flare bundling herself in a blanket due to the cold upon arrival.
After teasing the audience with hints like “It might be a love song?”, “It might be an unexpected song?”, and “K-Arena might become a mysterious space?”, they launched into “Otonoke.” The subsequent “NoeMari” duo’s choice of “Shaka Beach ~Laka Laka La~” was distinctly Noel-esque, yet it allowed for the enjoyment of Flare and Marine’s lower vocal registers, making it a highly enriching segment for fans. The NoeMari MC session was, of course, full of playful antics. Marine specifically requested the drummer for a sound effect, then performed a “kabedon” (a classic shojo manga move where one pins someone against a wall) towards Noel and the audience. Noel attempted to mimic her, but it hilariously turned into a sumo-style slap, filling the talk with laughter rather than heart-fluttering moments. They also showered the audience with consecutive blown kisses in response to calls for “More!”, clearly relishing the communication with their fans during this live.
The Grand Finale: Emotional Bonds and Future Hopes
The concert then flowed into a series of exquisite solo performances. Pekora’s “Saikyo Megami † Usapeko” rocked K-Arena Yokohama with deafening calls, while Flare delivered solace with the refreshing performance of “Kakuu to Hontou.” After Noel showcased stimulating lines and bold sleeping poses during “Gyudon Carnival!”, Marine led the audience on an adventurous voyage under a fluttering pirate flag with “Ahoy!! Warera Houshou Kaizokudan☆.”
Changing into their white idol costumes, the four members reunited for “Kyuru☆Cheer” once more. The 3rd Generation, the band members, and the audience, all giving their utmost, created an explosive atmosphere that defied the late hour of the second day.
Marine exclaimed, “It’s because you all had such huge demands that we could hold a live show in such a big venue. Your ‘oshi-katsu’ (fan activities) created this stage! So, this is all thanks to you!” The other members echoed their gratitude, with Noel adding, “There are tough times in life, with daily work and school. But I’m sure everyone enjoyed today to the fullest and made lasting memories, so you’ll be able to overcome future hardships!” This heartfelt exchange created an emotional atmosphere. As Noel, pushing back her sadness, introduced the next song, the stage darkened, and a video showcasing the live’s preparations and moments played. The piano melody of the ballad “3tay on, 3tay together” perfectly suited the ending, yet it was not a farewell song. The lyrics, “Our story will continue from now on,” sung with smiles by the four members, left a comforting feeling that one could face daily life with renewed strength.
After a brief exit, the four members reappeared for an encore. Dressed in white live T-shirts, they began to clap rhythmically, spelling out letters one by one, signaling the start of “REALITY FANTASY.” The emotional intensity of before gave way to a joyous, after-party like atmosphere.
Flare, tears welling up, shared, “Thinking back, it makes me cry. I’d be happy if, should we have another opportunity like this, everyone would shout loudly and wave their penlights with such energy. We want to do a live show with the 3rd Generation again.” Pekora, with vibrant energy, commented, “I honestly didn’t think we’d be able to have a 3rd Gen 2nd live. Whether you’ve known us for years or just recently, I’m truly happy it came true thanks to everyone’s support, and I reconfirmed that your presence is essential. 3rd Generation is the best!” Turning tears and challenges into energy for future smiles, the encore segment neared its end. During “Ai Ai Ai Ai ♡ I Love You,” colorful silver confetti danced through the air. Even after the four members, having powered through two days, exited with radiant smiles, calls from the audience spontaneously arose during the instrumental BGM of the end credits. In response, a final surprise came: the live voices of the 3rd Generation shouting, “Thank you very much!”
Throughout these two days, beyond the idol concept, the core message of “communicating love” was fully realized. This was evident not only from the 3rd Generation but also from their fans. In this setting, where voices could be directly heard unlike regular streams, the sentiment of “we’re having the best time right now” was expressed through smiles and calls. This created an intensity that transcended the vastness of K-Arena Yokohama. The simple communication of “we want to entertain you” and “we’re enjoying ourselves” exchanged through music and call-and-response made this space truly exciting and, above all, beautiful.
Archive Viewing & Merchandise Information
For those who wish to relive the magic or experience it for the first time, archive viewing tickets are available. Live merchandise from the event is also currently on its second round of sales.
Archive Viewing Tickets:
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Ticket Types & Prices:
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2-Day Pass: 12,000 JPY
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Single Day Ticket: 6,500 JPY
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Sales Period: Until February 18, 2026, at 8:00 PM (JST).
- Archive viewing will be available as soon as preparation is complete after the performance and can be watched repeatedly until 11:59 PM (JST) on the last day of the sales period.
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Platforms:
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ABEMA (Japan):
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ABEMA (Overseas):
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SPWN (Japan): https://spwn.jp/events/evt_26011701-jpholo3rdgenlive
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SPWN (Overseas): https://spwn.jp/events/evt_26011702-engholo3rdgenlive
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ZAIKO (Japan/Overseas): https://hololive-production.zaiko.io/item/376079
Live Goods Second Sales:
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Sales Period: Until February 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM (JST).
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Shop Links:
This event underscores the powerful connection between virtual idols and their global fanbase, a testament to the evolving landscape of Kawaii culture. As hololive production continues to innovate, these live experiences will surely deepen the bonds of ‘oshi-katsu’ and inspire new forms of entertainment worldwide.
About hololive production
hololive production is one of the world’s largest VTuber agencies, managing the female VTuber group “hololive” and the male VTuber group “HOLOSTARS.” With a combined YouTube subscriber count exceeding 80 million, they engage with fans globally through live streaming, music, and events.
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Official Website: https://hololivepro.com/
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Official X: https://x.com/hololivetv
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Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hololive_official
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Event Official X: https://x.com/hololive_event
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Official Shop: https://shop.hololivepro.com/
About COVER Corporation
COVER Corporation is a next-generation IT entertainment company focused on IP business utilizing the internet. It boasts world-class VTuber IPs and a passionate fan community. With a mission to “Create Culture Loved by the World,” COVER Corporation develops Japanese-origin, globally expanding two-dimensional entertainment, including its VTuber business. They also aim to create virtual culture loved worldwide by leveraging content x technology, such as developing platforms and metaverses as new communication tools.
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Corporate Site: https://cover-corp.com/
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Recruitment Page: https://hrmos.co/pages/cover-corp/
