**Rivision History**
December 23, 2019: The crowdfunding campaign has reached 100% completion, and in less than a day after starting! Congratulations to Ishiguro-san and all who contributed! Ishiguro-san is now coming up with stretch goals which we will report on once they are announced.
December 29, 2019: The first stretch goal has been announced! See the ‘Stretch Goals’ section below for more information!
January 11, 2020: The first stretch goal has been fulfilled!
January 21, 2020: A second stretch goal has just been announced! See the ‘Stretch Goals’ section to learn about it!
January 29, 2020: Ishiguro-san’s birthday livestream content now revealed!
February 4, 2020: Videos of the new design and 3D model for Yukari Mฮผ from the livestream now shared on Twitter!
Prior to the Yuzuki Yukari & Kizuna Akari birthday livestream on December 22, 2019, Chihiro Ishiguro has been teasing fans about a big new announcement concerning CHIHILAB! that she will make during the livestream.
And towards the end of the stream, she made good on her promise, announcing what she calls the 2.5D Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ Project!
The term 2.5D refers to a character that this not completely 2D (like a fictional anime or video game character), but not full-on 3D (a real person) either. 2.5D is instead used to refer to a fictional character who is manifested in the real world in a more substantial way than simply drawn on paper or animated in a cartoon. Fans of VOCALOID concerts or Vtuber videos – where the fictional character’s persona, voice, image, personalities and more are manifested to make them seem almost real – perhaps understand this concept the best.
And now, Ishiguro is creating her own in-house developed version of Yuzuki Yukari to use in a variety of media like livestreams, VR concerts, and more in real time (as in nothing pre-recorded); all of her spoken sentences and movements would be done fully live and on-the-spot by Ishiguro herself. Again, think Vtubers. To this end, she has started a crowdfunding campaign called Chihiro Ishiguro x Yuzuki Yukari! Let’s make the 2.5D character ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ’ together on CAMPFIRE!
Project Overview
Letter to Fans
Readers may remember how Ishiguro retired from her agency earlier this year in June, and formed a new independent company called CHIHILAB! As has been her way of making announcements recently, she penned a letter to fans that can be read on the crowdfunding site:
Long time no see, everyone! This is Chihiro Ishiguro.
I’m writing to inform everyone that CHIHILAB! is taking on a brand new project that we’ve never done before. It’s the 2.5D Yuzuki Yukari Project!
This is something that I’ve been preparing for tirelessly ever since becoming independent this summer. I’ve consulted with VOCALOMAKETS, and received backing from so many different creators! I have been practicing my singing and my dancing a ton for this day.
I’ll be working hard in order to give fans who love Yuzuki Yukari many more fun activities for us to all enjoy together! I appreciate your continued support!
–Chihiro Ishiguro
Creation of Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ
Illustrator: LAM
LAM designed Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ to be suitable for live performances, which will be her key function. LAM is known for designing for VR fashion shows like FAVRIC, for VR mystery adventure games like Tokyo Chronos, and even the Vtuber Kujo Ringo, making them the ideal designer for Yukari Mฮผ. LAM even got input for cute accessories to add from Ishiguro herself!
Theme song producer: ๆกๆ ็ / Shin Oumura, a.k.a. ็บๅฑ / Machiya
Hokkaido native Machiya will be writing and playing the guitar for Yukari Mฮผ’s theme song.
VR tech support and 3D modeling: Masafumi Mikami and Yakuya Ikarashi of Gugenka
Other Collaborating Artists
Here are the VOCALOID producers whom Ishiguro will be collaborating with and lending their support for song-writing:
ใฆใชใฃใปใซใใณ / Yurry Canon
And here are some VOICEROID producers who will help Ishiguro make VOICEROID videos with Yukari Mฮผ!
ใใใใใใ / Moyashi-shamo
Project Goals
Real-time Live Concerts
ใปHold 2.5D live concerts in which Ishiguro can perform through Yukari Mฮผ
ใปYukari Mฮผ moving and dancing completely in real-time while onstage
ใปYukari Mฮผ speaking in real-time onstage using not only Ishiguro’s voice, but also voice effects
ใปCreate original music and an original musical identity for Yukari Mฮผ with the help of various VOCALOID producers, artists, and other creators
VR Live Concerts
ใปCreating new potential for VR concerts
ใปHolding live concerts that go beyond the boundaries of the stage, creating extraordinary spectacles that fully immerse the audience in the VR world
ใปUsing binaural mics and stereo sound to heighten the sense of being in another reality (ex: waves crashing in the ocean or sounds of forest)
ใปUsing spoken lines and sound effects to heighten the sense of immersion
ใปContinuously deliver on fan expectations, creating fully convincing VR live concerts
Livestreams
ใปHold livestreams with Yukari Mฮผ emoting rich facial expressions
ใปDeliver content for Yukari and Yukari Mฮผ fans once a week (whether in the form of livestreams or recorded videos is still under consideration)
Livestream content example:
ใผ Introducing new Yukari music videos
ใผ Inviting VOCALOID producers, video-makers, and other creators to the show for interviews
ใผ Create videos in collaboration with many different video-makers
ใผ Hold games that listeners can participate in and sing requested songs live
Planned Timetable
Beginning of 2020
Create Yukari Mฮผ’s 3D model, songs, talk ing voice, and other preparations
Spring 2020
Begin broadcasting programs, and hold a ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ Real-Time Birthday Live Show’
Summer 2020
Hold a ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ VR Birthday Live Show’
Rest of 2020
Continue to broadcast programs and hold live shows
If the Project Hadn’t Been Started
Although Ishiguro has laid all the groundwork for the project by herself, it won’t be successful without the necessary funds. So now that the project has begun, donations are appreciated!
Stretch Goals
If the crowdfunding campaign reaches 100% completion, stretch goals will be considered. Besides the obvious like new outfits and other improvements for Yukari Mฮผ, Ishiguro promises to think up many other uses for the extra funds that will please fans.
**UPDATE ON DECEMBER 23, 2019**
In a new update, Ishiguro-san thanks her supporters with the following message:
To all supporters…!
Thank you all for making the Chihiro Ishiguro x Yuzuki Yukari! Let’s make the 2.5D character ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ’ together project garner such amazing support.
In not even 24 hours since the crowdfunder launched, it managed to raise the targeted ๏ฟฅ2,5000,000 JPY, which means that the project can now officially begin.
This makes me so happy that I still feel like I’m dreaming…
I’m also truly grateful for all the people who have shown their warm support and encouragement through Twitter…!
This project has been one that I’ve been wanting to make happen for such a long time, and which I take as a serious challenge. Like many of you, I love Yukari dearly, and as a single user of hers, I will do my utmost best to make this an even more enjoyable project for fellow users and lovers of VOCALOID and VOICEROID as we take this challenge on together.
We’ve managed to raise ๏ฟฅ2,500,000 JPY for this project, but given how large-scale it is and how little time we have, I would like to humbly ask the creators for more of their generous help and cooperation with it. Even this new stretch goal is one that I’ve decided on after only a short amount of consideration time!…
I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to all the creators who have lent me their strength…!
Thank you all so much!
And with that, Ishiguro-san has announced the new stretch goal of ๏ฟฅ5,000,000 and what she will do if it is reached!
โ Request the producer ใชใใใใใ / Nakyamurya to create a new song for Yukari Mฮผ
โก Have LAM create a new illustration for Yukari Mฮผ
โข Use said illustration for a new outfit and 3D model for Yukari Mฮผ
Ishiguro-san even asks fans to express what kind of Yukari Mฮผ they would like to see, asking that they tweet their thoughts on Twitter with the hashtag #็ตๆใใใMฮผ!
**UPDATE ON JANUARY 11, 2020**
The first stretch goal of ๏ฟฅ5,000,000 JPY has been reached, and now the new song and illustration from Nakyamurya and LAM will be made!
**UPDATE ON JANUARY 21, 2020**
Now a second stretch goal has been announced! Ishiguro-san explains the new goal and even the new donation options below:
Thanks to everyone’s ever growing support, we’ve reached our stretch goal on January 11, 2020! Thank you all so, so much!
The aims of this stretch goal were:
ใปHave LAM design a new illustration and 3D outfit for Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ
ใปHave Nakyamurya create a new song for Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ
And now the above goals will definitely happen!
I can’t wait to show everyone the new outfit! Thank you to all who submitted your suggestions on Twitter!
Taking everyone’s opinion into account, we will be creating all sorts of variations to Yukari ฮฮผ’s concert outfit. Our concert preparations have been proceeding smoothly, and I look forward to the day when we can present it to everyone.
Now that we are 300 supporters strong and have just over a month remaining in the crowdfunding campaign, I’m now adding a second stretch goal! And this will probably be the last one, too…!
Second stretch goal: ๏ฟฅ7,500,000 JPY
โ ๆกๆ็ / Shin Oumura to create a 30-second anime music video for Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ’s theme song
โก ใใใฟ / Ajimi to create a song for VR use, and ใใงใชๅญ / Cherico to serve as the illustrator for the song’s music video
If the stretch goal is reached, we’ll improve on the illustrations being used for the music video, and make many more videos with them.
We have also opened up a new donation option.
๏ฟฅ10,000 JPY Course
Receive:
ใปA T-shirt with Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ’s new design (T-shirt to be designed by LESS Kitayama)
ใปA poster with Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ’s new design
ใปA movie featuring Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ’s new design expressing her gratitude
This course features some brand new and splendid merch featuring Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ’s new design!
โปPlease note that this course does NOT include the merch that you can get in the ๏ฟฅ1,000 and ๏ฟฅ6,500 JPY courses
The Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ project is showing no signs of stopping. We will do our absolute best to meet the expectations of everyone who supported us so much! Look forward to follow-up news!
**UPDATE ON JANUARY 29, 2020**
The new design has been revealed, being dubbed Mฮผ White!
Furthermore, we now get to hear a sample of Ajimi’s song!
Title: ๅพๆญฉๅไธๅนด / Toho Juuichi Nen (11 Years On Foot)
โปStill work in progress
**UPDATE ON FEBRUARY 4, 2020**
Here are the video recordings from the livestream talking about Mฮผ White and the 3D model!
Donation Options and Rewards
The CAMPFIRE crowdfunding project site can be found here, and the goal is to raise ๏ฟฅ2,500,000 JPY.
๏ฟฅ1,000 JPY Course
ใปThank-you video A
A short movie of Yukari Mฮผ expressing her thanks
ใปThank-you email
An email from Yukari Mฮผ expressing her thanks
*NEW* ๏ฟฅ10,000 JPY Course
ใปA T-shirt with Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ’s new design
ใปA poster with Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ’s new design
ใปA movie featuring Yuzuki Yukari ฮฮผ’s new design expressing her gratitude
โปThis course does NOT include the merch that you can get in the ๏ฟฅ1,000 and ๏ฟฅ6,500 JPY courses
โปThe rewards for this course are now available in other courses
**UPDATE ON JANUARY 29, 2020**
T-shirt design now revealed!
๏ฟฅ6,500 JPY Course
ใปAll of the above
ใปLive digest video
A digest video for ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ Real-Time Birthday Live Show’ (to be recorded and sent to you after the show takes place)
ใปT-Shirt
A T-shirt with Yukari Mฮผ’s logo design. You can choose from available sizes:
ใปBookmark
Illustrated with a mini Yukari Mฮผ by ใใฃใ / Sazza
ใปA sticker with Yukari Mฮผ’s logo
๏ฟฅ20,000 JPY Course
ใปAll of the above
ใปThank-you video B
Different content from Thank-you video A
ใปFabric poster illustrated by LAM
ใปMini character acrylic keychain illustrated by ใใฃใ / Sazza
ใปVoice message
A message of thanks from Yukari Mฮผ who can address you by name. You must give them the name that you want her to speak in hiragana. We suggest consulting with someone who knows Japanese, and you may consult with us by email or social media if you would like.
ใปTicket B to ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ Real-Time Birthday Live Show’ OR ticket to ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ VR Birthday Live Show’
๏ฟฅ50,000 JPY Course
ใปAll of the above
ใปAutographed portable instant camera
Comes loaded with a photo of Yukari Mฮผ’s 3d model and an autograph from her
ใปCollection of birth record documents for Yukari Mฮผ
A pamphlet with comments and interviews with supports and staff behind Yukari Mฮผ’s creation, plus the secret story to her creation
ใปAcrylic character stand illustrated by LAM
ใป3 additional voice messages
Supply 3 messages that you would like Yukari Mฮผ to say to you, no longer than 15 seconds each. Anything too long will be modified by the staff. Messages will be sent to you as mp3 files.
ใปTicket B to ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ Real-Time Birthday Live Show’ AND ticket to ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ VR Birthday Live Show’
๏ฟฅ200,000 JPY Course
ใปGiclรฉe-printed illustration by LAM
A2 size, autographed by Yukari Mฮผ and sent in a picture frame
ใปCall and response for a new song
Your own personal call included in an original Yukari Mฮผ song. The creators will send you a demo and script of the song, and you can then record your call with your phone and send it back to them to use for the song.
๏ฟฅ600,000 JPY Course
ใปAll of the above
ใปA song that Yukari Mฮผ will sing specifically for you
An original song that Yukari Mฮผ will sing just for you. They ask that you send a simple biography of yourself for the producers to write lyrics from. Sent to you as an mp3 file
ใปYour name in the credits for ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ Real-Time Birthday Live Show’
You must provide your name or nickname
ใปInvitation to a meeting for a live broadcast program
Details to be given out after the crowdfunder ends
Closing Remark
To everyone…
Thank you for reading up to this point. This is Chihiro Ishiguro.
I have been a voice actress for 10 years now. Among all the different roles that I have played, Yuzuki Yukari is especially precious to me.
What I would like is for more people to know about Yukari, and want to work together with creators who use her! That’s is the dream that I wish to fulfill!
In order to accomplish this goal, I’ve stopped being a voice actress who plays many different roles, and have founded CHIHILAB! in order to walk my future path alongside Yukari alone, a drastic change in my life.
This new project that I’ve formed is like a culmination of all my wishes.
I’ve utilized everything that I have learned and all my strengths developed as a voice actress, as well as all the physical endurance that I’ve developed from exercises like dancing and swimming, in order to get this project set up.
This is also the first time that I’ve reached out to so many people in this line of business for help and assistance. I’ve had many talks with people who run platforms for VR shows, worked together with many real-time live show specialists, and perform checks on all the equipment!
All of this has been a completely new experience for me, and it would give me great pleasure if I could work together with all of you and make the process a truly enjoyable and exciting one for all of us.
I absolutely love Yuzuki Yukari!! Do you all love your own version of Yukari as well?
From here on out, I wish to accomplish all sorts of goals along with anyone else who also loves Yukari!
This may just be one small step, but it could turn out to be an important first step towards an amazing future! In order to make that happen, I need everyone’s support. So, will you take my hand in yours, and let us walk this path together?
Looking forward to working with you all!
-Chihirose (Chihiro ishiguro)
We at VocaSphere want to commend Ishiguro-san for her tremendous courage and equally tremendous effort to start this new undertaking in her life, all inspired by her deep and heartfelt love for Yukari. It is our hope that she finds nothing but success in this endeavor, and meets many like-minded fans along the way to support her in all her goals.
Wishing Ishiguro-san all the best, and wishing for anyone reading this who feels inspired by her to lend her some of your support!
Links
Crowdfunding page for ‘Chihiro Ishiguro x Yuzuki Yukari! Let’s make the 2.5D character ‘Yuzuki Yukari Mฮผ’ together’
VocaSphere 