Masquerade AVTuber Group's Leader Goes Missing, Operations Restructured

The adult-themed virtual streamer group "Masquerade," managed by OCTOBER Co., has announced significant changes following the mysterious disappearance of its leader. The three active members revealed the restructuring of the organization and the future direction of the company in a YouTube announcement. Founded by Junji Matsuda, who previously created the VTuber pioneer Kizuna AI, "Masquerade" targets male audiences interested in both VTubers and adult content. It is the second AVTuber group following the industry’s first, emoeti, which is home to the popular AVTuber Rin Yuzuki.

After Matsuda's departure on June 30, 2022, "Masquerade" now features its second-generation members: Pepelo Nekota and Alice Yumemiya, along with fifth-generation member Hinata Aiharu, who actively engage with fans on platforms like YouTube and Ci-en. However, following the sudden disappearance of OCTOBER’s leader, the group announced in December that it would eliminate the "generation" system. The former "online salon" will now be rebranded as the "Fan Club," with changes to membership perks and viewing eligibility. For instance, the new copper-tier members will have access to "Premium Adult ASMR" archives.

Leadership Transition and Future Plans

Pepelo Nekota has been appointed as the group's "Head Maid," and the organization will continue its operations while launching a new Niconico channel for fresh initiatives. The trio plans to work closely with the existing management team to enhance viewer satisfaction. During a live stream discussing "Masquerade's Future Development," Nekota shared that the missing leader was the third person to take charge after Matsuda, having started in the summer of 2023 but vanished in September. This absence raised serious concerns about the agency's survival, prompting the need for staff updates and operational adjustments.

New Member Recruitment and Content Strategy

Reportedly, a plan for a new member debut was put on hold due to the leader’s disappearance. Now that the operations have stabilized, the new member will be introduced on December 15. The agency is actively recruiting fresh talent, with eligibility criteria including being at least 20 years old, committing to over four live streams per week, and being able to travel to the Tokyo studio two to three times a month.

Challenges for AVTuber Content Creators

As VTuber activity is heavily concentrated on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, recent restrictions have made it increasingly difficult for AVTubers focusing on adult content to operate. As a result, there is a noticeable trend of shifting platforms. "Masquerade" plans to utilize their newly established Niconico channel to implement projects and ASMR experiences that were previously unfeasible on other platforms, promising an innovative approach to engage with their audience.

Community Feedback and Engagement

In response to the operational changes, the community's feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about the new direction. The group is keen on fostering a collaborative environment where fans can directly influence content creation, enhancing the interactive experience that defines the AVTuber phenomenon. The members emphasize their commitment to maintaining a connection with their audience, ensuring that their desires and preferences are reflected in the upcoming content.

For more details, fans are encouraged to refer to the official announcements regarding the new content and recruitment opportunities, as "Masquerade" looks to navigate this transitional period with resilience and creativity.