Rifan Muazin
By Brianna Fox-Priest
August 28, 2025
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital entertainment, few figures have bridged the gap between virtual artistry and mainstream cultural resonance as effectively as KAF. A cornerstone of the KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO collective, KAF has transcended her origins as a virtual singer to become a multi-faceted performer. Following our previous conversation in October 2024, Otaku USA sat down with the artist once more to discuss her most significant leap yet: her debut in voice acting for the KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION anime, now streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Genesis of a Virtual Icon: Main Facts
KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION represents a watershed moment for both the studio and the virtual performer. For years, the project existed as a conceptual universe, a sprawling narrative tapestry woven through music, lore, and digital experiences. With its transition into a serialized anime, the project has moved from the periphery of internet subculture into the spotlight of global streaming platforms.
For KAF, this transition was not merely a career milestone; it was a fundamental shift in her creative identity. Moving from the solo-centric world of music production—where the artist controls the pacing, the tone, and the final mix—into the collaborative, high-pressure environment of voice acting, KAF has had to adapt her singular, emotive vocal style to the requirements of character-driven storytelling.
Chronology: From Concept to Screen
The trajectory of the KAMITSUBAKI CITY project has been meticulously planned, reflecting the studio’s philosophy of long-term world-building.
- Pre-2024: The project establishes its roots through music videos, ARG-style social media engagement, and lore drops that captivate a dedicated fanbase.
- October 2024: Otaku USA interviews KAF, capturing a moment of anticipation as the artist discusses her transition toward voice acting and her budding interest in English-language performance.
- Mid-2025: The KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION anime officially premieres on Crunchyroll, marking the first time the V.W.P (Virtual Witch Phenomenon) members are integrated into a standard anime production cycle.
- Late 2025: The project gains significant international traction, bolstered by music releases and the collaborative energy of the entire KAMITSUBAKI roster, culminating in the upcoming KAMITSUBAKI FES 2025.
The Challenges of Performance: Official Responses
The transition to voice acting presented unique hurdles. In our interview, KAF was candid about the vulnerability required to step into a role that demands emotional authenticity in real-time.
"Being shared across all manner of media, the story of KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION becoming an anime was, both to KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO and myself as a fledgling voice actor, a massive undertaking," KAF remarked. "The anime itself has been in the works for years, and it really feels like it’s finally here! Me and my fellow V.W.P members have been deeply moved since its release."
Mastering the Art of "Joy"
One of the most profound challenges for KAF was the articulation of specific human emotions that often sit outside the typical "cool" or "melancholic" register of a virtual singer.
"It was honestly difficult for me to convey the emotion of ‘joy’ in a natural way," KAF explained. "At first, I was finding myself lost in the unfamiliarity of everything that I had to worry about, 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 the solitary nature of recording vocal tracks for a song, where the artist can iterate until perfection is achieved, the anime production necessitated a "one-shot" group dynamic. This, KAF notes, was both the most daunting and most rewarding aspect of the experience. It fostered a sense of camaraderie that mirrors the bonds between the characters on screen.
Linguistic Evolution: "Chase the Day"
KAF’s commitment to her craft is perhaps best exemplified by her pursuit of English-language performance. The Episode 0 Ending Theme, "Chase the Day," performed by V.W.P, serves as a testament to her dedication.
"I checked my pronunciation so many times at home, and really tried to figure out what sounded like Japanese-English," she shared. "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."
This drive to expand her linguistic reach suggests that KAF is not content with remaining a domestic phenomenon. She is actively cultivating the tools necessary to connect with a global audience, treating the nuances of English phonetics with the same respect she accords to her native Japanese discography.
Supporting Data: Music and Remixes
Beyond the anime, KAF’s artistic output continues to thrive through her fourth remix album, Fable Γ. The album features collaborations with 13 artists, including prominent Vocaloid producers who have shaped the digital music scene.
When asked about her favorites, KAF highlights the KAIRUI remix of "Replaceable Goodbye." The track, which incorporates the sound of rain, transforms the original’s "dazzling sunrise" aesthetic into a piece of evocative, rain-soaked loneliness. This ability to recontextualize her own work through the vision of others is a hallmark of the collaborative spirit at KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO.
Furthermore, her collaboration with the veteran singer CHiCO on "Break Out" represents a dream fulfilled. "I’ve been listening to CHiCO’s songs since I was in elementary school," KAF said, laughing as she reflected on the surreal nature of the experience. "The songs created by honeyworks were among my formative musical experiences… I wish I could tell my 10-year-old self, but I don’t think she’d believe me."
Implications for the Future of Virtual Artistry
KAF’s vision for the future of the industry is one of synergy rather than total erasure of the boundaries between virtual and real. She advocates for a model where the unique constraints of each medium are used to enhance the final product.
"It doesn’t matter if it’s real or virtual! 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."
As she looks toward the remainder of 2025, her gaze is fixed on the horizon: performing at an outdoor live event. The prospect of a virtual artist singing under a blue sky—or even in the rain—is a powerful metaphor for the trajectory of her career. She is no longer satisfied with the digital void; she wants to inhabit the physical world, or at least, the simulation of it, with all the chaotic beauty that entails.
A Sustained Trajectory
With KAMITSUBAKI FES 2025 on the horizon and a newfound love for voice acting, KAF is entering a new phase of her professional life. When asked about her goals, her answer is deceptively simple: "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."
For a performer who has already achieved so much, this "diligent" approach remains her greatest strength. By treating every voice-acting line, every English lyric, and every remix collaboration with the same intensity, KAF is securing her place not just as a virtual icon, but as a genuine, enduring force in global entertainment. The "construction" of KAMITSUBAKI CITY is far from over, and with KAF at the helm, the blueprints look brighter than ever.
Nana Muazin
Sagoh
