VTubing has established itself as one of the emerging forms of storytelling this decade. First capturing the hearts of Japanese audiences in the late 2010s, it was the launch of English Legends Live in 2020 that turned VTubing into a global phenomenon.
Among the members of Myth are Ninomae Ina'nis. Through her VTuber activities, you can get a sense of her personality—both as a streamer and as a member who controls the tentacles of the occult. Recently, fans saw a new side of Ina in her second original song, “MECONOPSIS.”
In contrast to her energetic bandmates, Ina is reserved and shrouded in mystery about the Ancient Ones. Who was Ina when she joined the hoolive and how did her story unfold?
Learn how the passionate VTuber takes control of her own journey through storytelling, collaboration, and self-discovery.
In the world of VTubing, you can be anything you want to be. From a time-traveling detective to a rap harvester, the only limit is your imagination and creativity. Many around the world know you simply as Ninomae Ina'nis. How does it feel to be a career-loving priestess in Holographic Mythology? How does your personality shine through your various costumes?
When I first debuted, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to convey the role of the Ancient Ones' priestess well, but… I think there's a huge gap between being the Ancient Ones' priestess and being a comfortable floor-loving hermit that worked out pretty well!
I mean, no wonder the world isn't destroyed yet-the nun is busy rolling around on the floor! I think having a great dad [Kuroboshi Kouhaku]a genius at coming up with outfits that not only fit my image but also my personality, has really helped me feel more confident in my streaming activities.
Through your music, you build on the lore surrounding Ninomae Ina’nis. “VIOLET” explores the origins of the priestess Ina, who later escapes from her duties in “MECONOPSIS.” Likewise, your cover songs explore their own stories. What inspired your story? How does it reflect your personal journey as a VTuber?
I feel like music is a very powerful tool for telling a story, and it becomes even more powerful when combined with visuals! For example, I always like Vocaloid songs that have their own story. They branch out from just being “music” and become a “story”. Being able to try this with my own original songs or covers is fun!
I also really enjoy seeing fans try to decipher the story told in the songs/visuals! Sometimes their ideas give me ideas for other projects!
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In the words of M2U, “Music is a great tool to convey emotions, tell stories, and connect people.” Through your own music, you have brought together many talented creators to tell the story of Ninomae Ina’nis. “MECONOPSIS” is certainly no exception. What was the inspiration behind the song? How did you feel about working with M2U?
For “MECONOPSIS,” I wanted a song that was the complete opposite, a song with a darker theme compared to my first song “VIOLET.” I really wanted a melodic yet powerful song that could convey the image I had in mind for the song. I’ve been a big fan of M2U-san for many years and have always loved his musical style, so it was an honor to work with him on “MECONOPSIS!”
WUNDER RiKU's lyrical work taps into your love of otaku music and is filled with wordplay. Building on your mastery of wordplay, the chorus even opens with a powerful “INAFF”. What part of Ninomae Ina'nis did you want to express through the song? How do you feel the lyrics express your personality?
I really like to give the creatives I work with a lot of freedom in their work and they always find ways to add little extras that surprise me!
I wanted to show Ninomae Ina'nis's “role” as the priestess of the Ancient Ones more through the song and I think WUNDER RiKU did a great job of fleshing out the story!
There is a huge conflict within Ina, even though she is a priestess of the Ancient Ones, she does not want the world to be destroyed or bring sadness to those around her because of their influence. I think the lyrics really express the decisions I would make if I had to choose one side or the other! (Or at least try to!)
© 2016 COVER Corp.
In addition to conceptualizing “MECONOPSIS” and providing its vocals, you also drew the illustrations yourself. Compared to your first original song, “VIOLET,” “MECONOPSIS” explores a completely different theme through its own sound. What challenges did you face while exploring uncharted territory? How did the lyrics and instrumentals inform your illustrations?
I think when I was working on the visuals for “VIOLET,” I had a very clear vision of what the art would look like. For “MECONOPSIS,” I remember struggling a lot to find the right inspiration for the illustrations. I definitely wanted a more muted/dark overall atmosphere, but the details of the costumes or poses didn’t come into focus until later. M2U-san has a great, melodic style of music that got my imagination going, but it also left me with too many options to actually choose the designs. I think it wasn’t until the lyrics were done and the music production was almost done that I finally settled on the designs for the illustrations.
The release of “MECONOPSIS” was a dangerous one, with many setbacks that delayed it until May 2023. You finally performed the song during the Neverland Paradox livestream in December, before its official release. How did it feel to finally release the song? How did you feel when you first saw LUMINA’s work in the music video?
I'm really relieved and happy that it's finally out!! I remember being so nervous and regretful that I couldn't fully release the song when it was first performed! But after watching it all come together, I think I'm glad we had the time to put out something that everyone can be proud of!
I have worked with LUMINA-san before on various projects and I have always been impressed with the quality and thought that goes into each project.
I think the effort they put into making the MV for “MECONOPSIS” is superior to anything they’ve done before. I was blown away by the speed and style of the MV!
© 2016 COVER Corp.
During last year's Myth Live, you shared a story about almost backing out of the three-way audition process. How do you feel you've grown since the audition? If you could send a message to past Ina, what would it say?
For a long time in my life, I didn’t really take my life in the direction I wanted it to go, but just let things happen as they did. At first, I think I thought “I’ve come this far; I’ll just follow it until I can’t.” It felt like I was on a boat and letting the water take me wherever it went. However, interacting with the members, staff, and other fans really made me realize that it’s okay to start setting goals and start steering my ship towards that goal! There are so many things that I can achieve during my time in hololive that I shouldn’t be afraid that I’m “going nowhere,” because if I keep trying new things, I’ll eventually get “somewhere”!
If I could have sent Ina a message before… I’m not sure she would have actually listened! I guess the best thing I could have said to her was “FOLLOW IT FOR SURE!!!” Because I think the hardships and lessons I learned along the way have made me who I am today, so I don’t want Ina to miss out on that opportunity!
Your fans, the Takodachis, are a particularly creative bunch. Your debut sparked their passion for hobbies like drawing. Since then, you have inspired many others to take up a variety of creative pursuits, including celebrating their birthdays together every year. What do you think is the positive impact you have had on your community? How does it feel to see them thrive in their creative endeavors?
I always feel so honored and blessed when someone tells me that I helped them rekindle their passion for a hobby! For me, I also grew up admiring so many creative people and I get this warm feeling every time I see someone who has done the same thing by following me. I am so glad that I can be a small part of their journey and I cheer for them as they cheer for me!!!
© 2016 COVER Corp.
You had your official 3D showcase last February, but your use of 3D models has been around since hololive fes 3rd. Since then, you have performed at hololive festivals every year, such as hololive's first US concert – Connect the World -, two solo performances, and many more! What is it like performing on a big stage? How did your dance training come about?
There was a time when I was really struggling with burnout and health issues and had to take a break. I thought it would be hard for me to get back on track quickly without fixing my issues and to be honest it didn't go so well at first.
Knowing that we would be performing at fes. and then the 3D showcase, I really didn't want to miss the opportunity to do that with the other Myth members and definitely didn't want to keep my fans waiting any longer (since our 3D showcase has been delayed for years due to various circumstances).
After going to the set and seeing how passionate the backstage staff were about their work, and also meeting other members who were also very enthusiastic about their work, it really sparked my motivation and desire to continue! I think without their enthusiasm, I wouldn't have had the courage to sing and dance in front of so many people!
World domination has been the goal since your debut in September 2020. What progress have you and your Takodachis made since then?
I giggle every time I hear about wild Takodachi sightings around the world at various locations and events. Well done everyone! World domination… slowly! (But surely!)
Ninomae Ina'nis can be found on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).