Layla Zulfa
The intersection of virtual identity, avant-garde music, and high-concept animation has found a new vanguard in KAF. As one of Japan’s most prominent virtual singers, KAF—a flagship artist of KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO—has spent years transcending the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds. With the recent global launch of the anime KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION on Crunchyroll, the artist marks a pivotal transition from a musical icon to a multidisciplinary performer.
In an extensive follow-up to her late 2024 profile, KAF reflects on the culmination of years of world-building, the technical rigors of voice acting, and the philosophical implications of a career lived through a digital avatar.
Main Facts: A New Milestone for Virtual Artistry
In August 2025, the anime KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION (Kamitsubaki Shi Kensetsu-chu) officially began its international broadcast, signaling a massive expansion for KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO’s intellectual property. The project, which began as a fragmented narrative across music videos and social media "ARG" (Alternate Reality Game) elements, has matured into a fully realized televised narrative.
KAF, who voices the character Kafu, leads a cast composed of her fellow members from the virtual music group V.W.P (Virtual Witch Phenomenon). The show’s arrival on Crunchyroll represents more than just a new seasonal entry; it is a proof-of-concept for how virtual artists can anchor a traditional media franchise. Alongside the anime, KAF has continued her prolific musical output, releasing her fourth remix album, Fable γ, and collaborating with industry veterans like CHiCO, further cementing her status as a bridge between the "real" and "virtual" music scenes.
Chronology: From Experimental IP to Global Broadcast
The journey of KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION is a case study in slow-burn world-building. To understand the significance of the 2025 anime launch, one must look at the timeline of KAF’s evolution:
- 2018–2021: The Genesis: KAF debuted as a pioneer in the Japanese "Virtual Singer" (V-Singer) movement. Unlike traditional VTubers focused on live-streaming, KAF’s focus remained strictly on high-production music videos and conceptual storytelling.
- 2021–2023: The City Concept: KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO began introducing the concept of "Kamitsubaki City"—a fictional, digital metropolis that served as the setting for various music projects and community-driven mysteries.
- October 2024: The Preparation: In her previous interview with Otaku USA, KAF hinted at the massive undertaking of the anime project and her personal goal of improving her English to connect with a global audience.
- Early 2025: Musical Expansion: The release of "Chase the Day," V.W.P’s first fully English ending theme, signaled the studio’s intent to capture the Western market.
- August 2025: The Launch: KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION premiered on Crunchyroll, accompanied by the release of Fable γ and high-profile collaborations.
"The anime itself has been in the works for years," KAF notes. "It really feels like it’s finally here. Me and my fellow V.W.P members have been deeply moved since its release."
Supporting Data: The Technicality of Voice and Song
The transition from singing to voice acting is notoriously difficult, but for a virtual artist, it adds a layer of metaphysical complexity. KAF’s character, Kafu, is an extension of her own persona, yet requires a distinct performative range.
The Challenge of "Joy"
KAF admits that conveying "joy" was her greatest hurdle in the recording booth. "At first, I was finding myself lost in the unfamiliarity of everything," she explains. "But as I slowly began imagining how Kafu as a character would think, the more I was able to think, ‘This is how I want it to be heard!’"
Unlike music production, where a singer can record multiple takes and layer vocals over weeks, the anime voice recordings were conducted in a group setting. This "one-shot" environment created a sense of collective pressure and camaraderie that KAF found rewarding.
Linguistic Evolution: "Chase the Day"
A significant data point in KAF’s 2025 trajectory is the track "Chase the Day," the Episode 0 ending theme for the anime. The song is performed entirely in English—a first for the artist.
- Preparation: KAF focused on "Japanese-English" phonetics, balancing clarity with her signature vocal style.
- Execution: The track is a ballad requiring smooth legato, a departure from the staccato, high-energy tracks often associated with virtual idols.
Remix Culture and Collaboration
The release of Fable γ highlights the collaborative nature of the Vocaloid and V-Singer community. Featuring 13 different artists, including the producer KAIRUI, the album reinterprets KAF’s existing catalog. One standout is the remix of "Replaceable Goodbye," which replaces the "dazzling sunrise" atmosphere of the original with the somber sound of rain—a testament to the versatility of her vocal stems.
Official Responses: Insights from the Artist
In her dialogue with Otaku USA, KAF provided candid reflections on her career’s current state and her personal milestones.
On Working with CHiCO:
One of the most emotional highlights for KAF was her collaboration with CHiCO on the track "Break Out." CHiCO, known for her work with HoneyWorks, was a childhood idol for KAF. "I’ve been listening to CHiCO’s songs since I was in elementary school," KAF reveals. "I wish I could tell my 10-year-old self, but I don’t think she’d believe me." She describes the blend of their voices as a "satisfying unity," where their differing vocal qualities create a fresh synergy.
On the Bond of the "Witch":
KAF’s favorite musical moment in the anime is the a cappella performance of "Closing one’s eyes." This scene, involving the characters Koko and Kugel, highlights the "mysterious bond" central to the show’s lore. For KAF, the simplicity of the a cappella arrangement serves to underscore the "warm, loving, and precious relationship" that defines the series’ emotional core.
On Future Goals:
When asked about what remains for 2024 and 2025, KAF points to KAMITSUBAKI FES 2025, scheduled for November. This event is expected to be a massive showcase for the studio’s entire roster, potentially utilizing the latest in AR and projection technology to bring the "under construction" city to life for a live audience.
Implications: The Future of Real and Virtual Synergy
KAF’s success with KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION has broader implications for the entertainment industry at large.
1. The Erasure of the "Uncanny Valley"
KAF’s philosophy is one of "synergy" rather than "fusion." She argues that the future of entertainment doesn’t require virtual artists to become indistinguishable from humans, nor vice versa. Instead, she advocates for a relationship where both worlds retain their unique "limitations, advantages, and charms." This approach allows virtual artists to exist as a legitimate, parallel medium of expression.
2. Technical Aspirations: The Outdoor Live
One of the most intriguing takeaways from KAF’s current outlook is her desire to perform at an outdoor live event. "I’d love to sing under a blue sky, or even in the rain," she says. This is a significant technical challenge for virtual artists, who usually rely on controlled lighting and darkened stages to make holograms or LED projections visible. A successful outdoor virtual concert would represent a major leap in display technology and augmented reality.
3. Multi-Platform Storytelling
The success of the Kamitsubaki IP suggests that the future of anime may lie in "transmedia" storytelling. By launching an anime after years of music and community interaction, the studio has created a built-in audience that is deeply invested in the lore. This "bottom-up" approach to IP development contrasts with the traditional "top-down" method of adapting a manga or light novel.
4. Global Accessibility
By partnering with Crunchyroll and releasing English-language music, KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO is aggressively pursuing a global footprint. KAF’s willingness to adapt her linguistic skills and collaborate with "real-world" artists like CHiCO suggests that the "virtual" label is no longer a barrier to mainstream, international success.
Conclusion
KAF’s journey from a digital singer to the lead of a global anime franchise is a testament to the power of the "Virtual Artist" as a modern archetype. As KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION continues its run, the world will be watching to see how KAF and her labelmates continue to build their digital metropolis.
For KAF, the mission remains humble despite the grand scale of her projects: "I intend to continue working diligently on each and every task in front of me so that myself and everyone else at KAMITSUBAKI can continue our activities for a long time." Whether under a digital sky or a real one, KAF’s voice is clearly being heard.
Iffa Jayyana
Laily UPN
