Ali Ikhwan
By [Your Publication Name] Staff
The landscape of modern entertainment is undergoing a seismic shift, one where the boundaries between the physical and the virtual are becoming increasingly porous. At the center of this revolution is KAF, the pioneering Japanese virtual singer whose ethereal vocals and enigmatic presence have redefined what it means to be a contemporary pop icon. Following her breakout success in the digital music scene, KAF has reached a new milestone: the global launch of the anime KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION on Crunchyroll.
In an expansive follow-up to her October 2024 interview, KAF sat down to discuss the culmination of years of development, her transition from the recording booth to the voice-acting studio, and her latest musical ventures, including the ambitious remix album Fable γ and a dream collaboration with J-pop veteran CHiCO.
Main Facts: A Multi-Media Milestone
KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION represents more than just a seasonal anime; it is the flagship narrative project of KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO, a creative powerhouse dedicated to the intersection of technology and art. The series, which recently began streaming to international audiences via Crunchyroll, marks KAF’s first major credit as a voice actor (seiyuu), portraying a character—Kafu—who mirrors her own virtual identity while navigating a complex, speculative urban landscape.
The project is the result of several years of cross-media world-building, involving mobile experiences, music videos, and lore-heavy social media campaigns. For the global audience, the anime serves as an entry point into the "Kamitsubaki-verse," a meticulously crafted ecosystem where music is the primary driver of the plot. The series also features the Virtual Witch Phenomenon (V.W.P), a musical unit comprised of KAF and her fellow virtual labelmates, who provide the vocal backbone for the show’s soundtrack.
Chronology: The Journey to the Screen
The path to KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION has been a marathon rather than a sprint. To understand the significance of the 2025 anime launch, one must look at the trajectory of KAF’s career:
- The Debut (2018–2020): KAF emerged as a "Virtual Singer," a sub-genre of the VTuber movement that prioritized high-concept music production and cinematic visuals over live-streaming banter.
- The Expansion (2021–2023): KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO began teasing the "City" project through an alternate reality game (ARG) and digital installations. During this time, KAF’s discography grew to include collaborations with high-profile producers like Guiano and Iori Kanzaki.
- The Strategic Pivot (Late 2024): In October 2024, KAF signaled a desire to expand her international reach, expressing interest in English-language performance and more traditional media roles.
- The Global Launch (August 2025): The anime officially premieres on Crunchyroll, supported by the release of the V.W.P English-language track "Chase the Day" and KAF’s fourth remix album, Fable γ.
Supporting Data: The Rise of the Virtual Artist
The success of KAF and the Kamitsubaki project is supported by a growing market trend. According to industry reports, the "Virtual Human" market is projected to grow significantly by 2030, with music and animation being the primary sectors of monetization. Unlike traditional idols, virtual artists offer a 24/7 engagement model and a brand consistency that is highly attractive to global streaming platforms like Crunchyroll.
KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION leverages this by using the "Phygital" (Physical + Digital) approach. While the characters are digital avatars, the emotions, the voice acting, and the musical craftsmanship are deeply human. This hybridity is what KAF attributes to the show’s warm reception on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where fans have praised the series for its emotional depth and avant-garde aesthetic.
Official Responses: An Interview with KAF
In her interview, KAF provided rare insight into the creative hurdles of bringing a virtual world to life and her personal growth as an artist.
On the Transition to Voice Acting
Stepping into the role of Kafu required KAF to move beyond her comfort zone in the recording studio. "The anime itself has been in the works for years, and it really feels like it’s finally here," she noted, reflecting on the relief she and her V.W.P members felt upon the release.
The challenge, she admits, was not just about reading lines, but about emotional nuance. "It was honestly difficult for me to convey the emotion of ‘joy’ in a natural way," KAF revealed. "At first, I was finding myself lost in the unfamiliarity… 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 vocal tracks can be layered and edited in isolation, the anime’s voice recordings were conducted in group sessions. "It almost had to be done in one shot, which was both nerve-wracking and challenging," she explained. "At the same time, though, there was a feeling of doing this together as a team, which felt very rewarding."
On International Ambitions and "Chase the Day"
Fulfilling her 2024 promise to engage more with her global fanbase, KAF performed "Chase the Day," the Episode 0 ending theme, entirely in English. The preparation was rigorous. "I checked my pronunciation so many times at home," she said.
Her approach to the language was specifically tailored to the song’s tone. "When I speak normally, I tend to give priority to conveying my message, and pronunciation usually becomes a secondary concern, but it’s not like that when I’m singing. ‘Chase the Day’ is such a lovely ballad with this flowing melody, so I tried my best to make my vocalization with smoothness in mind."
On Musical Collaborations and Fable γ
KAF’s recently released fourth remix album, Fable γ, features contributions from 13 different artists, many of whom are legendary figures in the Vocaloid and indie electronic scenes. KAF expressed deep emotional gratitude for the project, noting that many of the collaborators had been following her career since its inception.
She highlighted the remix of "Replaceable Goodbye" by KAIRUI as a standout track. "At the beginning, you can hear the sound of rain, which completely changes the image of the original, which is like a dazzling sunrise… While the loneliness of the song remains, it feels like a completely different scene."
Perhaps most poignant was her collaboration with CHiCO on the track "Break Out." For KAF, this was a full-circle moment. "I’ve been listening to CHiCO’s songs since I was in elementary school," she shared. "It was a dream come true to be able to sing with a singer I’d admired for so long. I wish I could tell my 10-year-old self, but I don’t think she’d believe me."
Implications: The Future of Virtual-Real Synergy
The collaboration between a virtual artist like KAF and a "real-world" artist like CHiCO serves as a blueprint for the future of the music industry. When asked about the future of these partnerships, KAF’s vision was one of mutual enhancement rather than total assimilation.
"It doesn’t matter if it’s real or virtual!" KAF asserted. "Rather than a perfect fusion, 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."
This philosophy extends to her live performance goals. Despite her digital nature, KAF harbors a desire to break the "screen" barrier. "As someone who works virtually, I long to perform at an outdoor live event! I’d love to sing under a blue sky, or even in the rain."
Looking Ahead to KAMITSUBAKI FES 2025
The remainder of 2025 looks to be a busy period for the artist. The upcoming "KAMITSUBAKI FES 2025" in November promises to be a landmark event, bringing together the entire label’s roster for a massive showcase of virtual performance technology and new music.
As for KAF’s personal aspirations, her foray into the world of anime has ignited a new passion. "I really enjoy acting. If the opportunity arises, I’d love to try it again," she said. Despite the growing fame and the complexity of her projects, her core mission remains grounded: "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."
Conclusion: A New Paradigm of Stardom
KAF’s journey from a niche virtual singer to a multi-hyphenate lead in a global anime series signifies a turning point in digital culture. By focusing on emotional authenticity and high-quality artistic collaborations, she has managed to bypass the "uncanny valley" that often plagues virtual avatars.
As KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION continues its run on Crunchyroll, KAF stands as a testament to the idea that the "voice" is what matters most, regardless of whether the body that carries it is made of flesh or pixels. Her success suggests that the next generation of global superstars may not be born in the traditional sense, but constructed—with just as much heart, sweat, and ambition as any who came before them.
Suro Senen
Asep Darmawan
