85-Year-Old Great-Grandmother Is Japan’s Most Trending YouTuber/Virtual Idol

A new virtual YouTuber has just debuted in Japan. Her name is Hiroko and her avatar is of a pretty girl with her elegant hairstyle and striking colors. Dressed as a schoolgirl, she has a laid-back and warm personality.

It may sound very unusual as a Virtual Youtuber, but what sets Hiroko apart from everyone else is her age. Hiroko ‘s interpreter is actually an 85-year-old grandmother from Hiroshima.

And you’re probably wondering how did Hiroko become a virtual YouTuber instead of spending her spare time knitting sweaters or playing cards? In his own words:

“My grandson’s joker recommended me to become a VTuber, so I made my debut ‘You can do the things you couldn’t do in your youth as a VTuber’ they said, so I’m going crazy. I hope you don’t regret your advice, little grandson.”

Like other VTubers, part of Hiroko’s appeal is her candid conversational style. He has a strong Hiroshima accent which attracts people to his conversation and the topics he deals with, many of which are answering questions from his own audience.

Some VTubers, particularly those from marginalized communities, choose to use avatars to reflect their online identity for reasons of safety and personal comfort.

Using avatars to give an impression more in line with the comfort of VTuber has also been implemented in some konbini of the Lawson chain in Japan . When it’s time to pay people are served by “avatars” remotely controlled by employees making it possible for even those with mobility issues to enter the workforce.