Raul Delapena Setiawan
By Brianna Fox-Priest
August 28, 2025
In the rapidly shifting landscape of modern entertainment, few figures have bridged the gap between the virtual and the visceral as effectively as KAF. A cornerstone of the KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO collective, the singer has spent the last few years redefining what it means to be a "virtual artist." Now, with the highly anticipated debut of the KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION anime on Crunchyroll, KAF has added a new dimension to her repertoire: voice acting.
Following our previous discussion in October 2024, Otaku USA sat down with KAF to unpack the creative pressures of her first major anime credit, her foray into English-language performance, and the collaborative philosophy driving her recent musical endeavors.
The Genesis of a Virtual Icon: Main Facts and Context
KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION is more than just an anime; it is the culmination of a multi-media project that has been in development for years. For KAF, who is widely recognized for her ethereal vocals and emotive performances, transitioning into the role of a character—rather than simply an avatar for her own music—presented a unique set of challenges.
The anime serves as a narrative anchor for the broader KAMITSUBAKI ecosystem, a world-building exercise that invites global audiences to engage with the lore of the studio’s talent pool. With its recent launch on Crunchyroll, the series has moved from a niche project into the global spotlight, marking a significant milestone for both the studio and the V.W.P (Virtual Witch Phenomenon) collective.
A Chronology of Growth: From Studio to Screen
The journey to the screen has been a long-term strategic evolution for the artist.
- Pre-2024: Development of the KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION concept, establishing the world’s internal logic and character designs.
- October 2024: Our initial sit-down with KAF, where she first expressed her ambitions regarding vocal performance and her growing interest in multilingual communication.
- Early 2025: Intense voice-acting rehearsals and the recording process for the series, characterized by group sessions that differed drastically from her solo recording booths.
- August 2025: The global streaming launch of the anime on Crunchyroll, accompanied by the release of the V.W.P Ending Theme, "Chase the Day."
- Late 2025 and Beyond: Scheduled appearance at the landmark KAMITSUBAKI FES 2025 in November.
The Art of the Performance: Challenges and Rewards
When asked about the most daunting aspect of the project, KAF is remarkably candid. "It was honestly difficult for me to convey the emotion of ‘joy’ in a natural way," she admits.
Unlike musical performance, where the melody often carries the emotional weight, voice acting requires a nuanced delivery that must stand alone. KAF describes the early stages as a process of "getting lost in the unfamiliarity," but credits the shift in perspective—thinking through the eyes of her character, Kafu—as the breakthrough moment.
Perhaps the most significant departure from her standard workflow was the collaborative nature of the recording booth. "Unlike when I’m making music, the voice recordings were done as a group," she explains. "It almost had to be done in one shot, which was both nerve-wracking and challenging." Yet, she highlights this same pressure as the project’s most rewarding element, noting that the collective effort fostered a sense of team unity that is rarely present in the solitary environment of a vocal recording studio.
Linguistic Ambition: The "Chase the Day" Session
A standout element of the anime’s production is the Episode 0 ending theme, "Chase the Day," performed by V.W.P entirely in English. For an artist who previously prioritized the clarity of her message in Japanese over strict pronunciation, this was a paradigm shift.
"I checked my pronunciation so many times at home," KAF notes. "I really tried to figure out what sounded like ‘Japanese-English’ and how to move past it." The track, described by the artist as a "lovely ballad with a flowing melody," required a focus on vocal smoothness—a stark contrast to the staccato, message-driven delivery she often employs in her solo work. Her dedication to the track showcases a commitment to global accessibility, a trend that is becoming increasingly vital for virtual artists operating in the international anime space.
Remixes and Collaborations: The Fable γ Project
Outside of her anime work, KAF has been busy with her fourth remix album, Fable γ. Featuring collaborations with 13 artists, including a significant number of Vocaloid producers, the project serves as a bridge between the classic era of internet music and the future of the medium.
"I’m overwhelmed with emotion because Vocaloid producers, alongside other wonderful artists who had been listening to my songs for a long time, helped create this wonderful remix album," she says.
She highlights KAIRUI’s remix of "Replaceable Goodbye" as a personal favorite. By introducing the ambient sound of rain, the remix fundamentally alters the song’s atmosphere—moving from the "dazzling, painful brightness" of a sunrise to a scene of intimate, lingering loneliness. This ability to see her own work transformed by others is, for KAF, the ultimate validation of her career.
Furthermore, her collaboration with CHiCO on "Break Out" represents a "dream come true." Having grown up listening to CHiCO and the HoneyWorks collective, KAF describes the experience as a surreal milestone. "I wish I could tell my 10-year-old self," she laughs, "but I don’t think she’d believe me."
Implications: The Future of Virtual Performance
Looking ahead, KAF is optimistic about the trajectory of virtual artists. She rejects the idea that the goal should be a "perfect fusion" of virtual and real-world performance. Instead, she advocates for a symbiotic relationship.
"I hope we can create a relationship where we can create an even more amazing and fresh experience through synergy, while retaining the limitations, advantages, and charms of each world," she says.
This philosophy is reflected in her future ambitions. While she thrives in the digital space, she possesses a longing for the physical: "I long to perform at an outdoor live event! I’d love to sing under a blue sky, or even in the rain."
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As the year draws to a close, KAF remains focused on the upcoming KAMITSUBAKI FES 2025 in November. This massive gathering of labelmates serves as a testament to the growth of the studio and her own professional maturity.
When asked about her future in the anime industry, her answer is definitive: "I really enjoy acting. If the opportunity arises, I’d love to try it again."
Ultimately, KAF’s journey is one of relentless diligence. She remains committed to the task at hand, whether it is mastering a new language, refining her acting, or pushing the boundaries of what a virtual artist can achieve. By focusing on the "tasks in front of me," she is ensuring that her career, and the community she has helped build, will continue to resonate for years to come.
For fans of the series and the artist alike, the message is clear: the city is still under construction, and the architect is only just getting started.
Suro Senen
