In the first couple of years during the pandemic, it has been fun yet a challenge for Centaku Media to try out new things. It included the launch of the Centaku Media Journal podcast, to the grind of growing our library of visual media with the Twitch channel. With the former, we need to bring attention to the virtual person who was able to make most of our efforts possible.

In 2020, we introduced a virtual content creator within the ranks of Centaku Media. We’ve had contributors such as Zippy with his must-read articles to help us through the period of the early 2020s when in-person communication had to be altered due to the Coronavirus pandemic. As such, the pandemic prompted the exploration of the concept of VTubers. Enter our very own VTuber, Nakaichi!

Unveiling the Virtual Persona: An Exclusive Interview with Our VTuber, Nakaichi

Nakaichi (goes by She/They pronouns) made their debut on May 31st, 2021, during an impromptu stream on Twitch of Game Dev Story. Everything went well for a one-off stream, and it’s the beginning of a story to come leading out of the era of lockdowns and the uprising of the VTubers in the age of Virtual and Artificial Intelligence—or AI.

In this interview, we talk to Nakaichi about their experiences and career insights as a VTuber content creator, as well as the interesting concept of going through a decade-long backlog of gaming titles.

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We have an amazing new VTuber joining the growing virtual world! Is there a particular genre or theme you’re planning to focus on with your content, and why?

I’ve been here and there as far as dabbling in various interests when it comes Otaku culture. I want to share a scope that brings the best of all geek worlds without anyone feeling ashamed of being in the interest of one over the other.

For example: one might be interested in anime, when one is interested in gaming. The one with the gaming interest wants to interact with the one interested in anime. But there’s a conflict of interest because the anime fan has no interest in learning what’s new in the world of gaming. I want to eliminate that stigma—especially within the anime fandom—because in the end, we’re in the center of various subcultures.

As a new VTuber, what inspired you to embark on this exciting journey?

I’ve been into anime and all things of that nature for a long time. I was previously involved in a lot of roles specifically in the world of gaming for years, but the good peeps of Centaku Media recruited me because we share the same level of interests that best fit the brand.

I got my start in the digital world as many things: fleche-wielding, magic-casting a cat girl; an elf Warlock; and even a mecha pilot when I went by “Nakashima”* nearly two decades ago. One day I decided to reevaluate myself and make it simple to the Nakaichi you see today. I’m taking things easy as of late, which is why I’m donning the laid-back appearance.

How do you know the owner of Centaku Media?

I’ve known Sanjo-chan for about two decades! We got along immediately and have been on so many adventures together. There was a time we separated for several years, but we eventually got into contact again where I’ve been on and off helping her with the relaunch of CEN.TAKU.ME into Centaku Media in 2015.

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Better Late Than Never to the Party

Have you ever been this busy?

I think 2022 was the most busiest year for year in a long time, since 2005 I think. I was a little out of shape, but this journey of being a VTuber and observing the world of VTubers put a pep in my step and I was able to carry the Twitch channel to Affiliate! Having accomplished that goal, I was able to focus on what else I could bring to the channel, which evolved into the concept of a “Backlog Gamer”.

Could you tell us more of the “Backlog Gamer” concept?

It’s basically building a library of games that you’ve heard about for years, but either gave it little to no chance due to various circumstances. We originally thought of implementing this in the form of Let’s Play videos on our YouTube channel, and that is still a possibility in the future. However, there are some games we’ve looked at and experimented on whether it would be better suited in a Let’s Play format or as a livestreams. Right now, there are over 25 games in my backlog and growing I want to share with the audience!

Is there a certain game you feel it’s better suited as a Let’s Play or through streaming?

One of the earlier games we played on the channel was the original release of Persona 5. Long story short: it would have been better as a Let’s Play series instead of a stream a few nights a week. For one: it’s a long game, clocking in at least 90 hours at best. Second: it was after the fact that playing through Persona 5 Royal would have benefited in many ways such as channel growth, and to make sense of the story to everyone, as Atlus likes to repackage their games like the K-Pop industry does with their album repackaging of popular groups! The good news is that Persona 5 Royal is in the cards as a Let’s Play in the future. Right now we’re exploring efficient ways to produce Let’s Plays as a 1.5 person team (Sanjo-chan and Nakaichi). We are also looking into making Let’s Plays of Pokémon Scarlet/Violet and Final Fantasy XVI.

Is there a particular franchise right now that you are hyped about that you’ve played through in your Backlog Gaming adventures?

One of them right now is an endeavor I’m really excited about, which is playing through all of the Like A Dragon (Yakuza) franchise, as well as Ace Attorney. These two have been holdouts for the longest time. When I first heard of Yakuza in the mid-2000s, I was really excited about Sega returning to the concept of an open-world game following the release of Shenmue several years earlier. I had also heard of Ace Attorney through the hype of the release of the Nintendo DS. It was originally released for the Gameboy Advance in Japan, but when it was released outside of Japan, I had somewhat of an interest. But there was so much going on in my life around this time that I would ignore it until over 15 years later. And I’m excited to be able to play these games in such a capacity as an undiscovered VTuber and content creator!

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A VTuber Behind the Scenes

What is your favorite role to date as a virtual being?

If you mean as a virtual being… I really enjoyed my time as Nakashima, a Mithra in my adventures in Final Fantasy XI. I got to see so many places and met a lot of amazing people, but it took a toll on me. I eventually got to where people expected more of me due to the environment of the game. I couldn’t keep up and had to take a long break. I do miss playing as her, and after a 15-year hiatus I got a chance to revisit Vana’diel a couple of years back. Alas, with my new schedule, I have to take my travels in moderation with having recently visited Tural (in our playthrough of Final Fantasy XIV’s Dawntrail DLC ). I hope I will get to re-explore Vana’diel on a stream one day, one way or another!

Many VTubers have a signature catchphrase or gesture. Have you thought about incorporating any unique elements that will help you leave a lasting impression on your viewers?

My favorite one is the “ARE YOU SERIOUS?!” reaction sound effect. It was actually started by Sanjo-chan during an impromptu session of Overwatch years ago, but it was so funny that I latched on to it, and I was given permission to use it whenever something unfortunate happens.

What is your dream outfit?

As a VTuber I’m expected to step up my game, but being a part of Centaku Media, the goal is to just take it easy and enjoy the job at my own pace–as with the goal of the brand as a whole (since we talk about everything else besides anime and related subcultures). Sanjo encourages me to implement whatever I see that would look like a lot of fun! Although I wouldn’t mind having a pair of cat ears, which is fitting considering I played a cat girl at one point! 😸

Are you having fun so far?

I am! It’s only been four years, but I’m ready to branch out. It’s a little easy since I don’t have to see everyone face to face. Sanjo is giving me a bit of time before we consider even having a physical appearance schedule, hahaha!

Do you plan to engage with your audience outside of streams and videos? Are there any interactive elements or activities you have in mind to make the experience more immersive?

There could be a VRChat debut in the future, just need to free up the schedule to make it happen, as well as the technical logistics to put myself in the VRC world.

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That’s all the questions we have for Nakaichi today! We really appreciate them taking the time to talk to us on this long-awaited interview!

Before we go, Nakaichi got a chance to record the VTuber Q&A self intro meme for our YouTube channel! Let’s give it a watch!

https://youtu.be/sx-CPte9vHs

If you want to watch Nakaichi live in action, check out the following Centaku Media channels below! Additionally, be sure to join our Discord server below and subscribe to the Centaku Media VODs channel on YouTube for archived Let’s Play streams!

Centaku Media Discord Server

➡ https://centakumedia/discord

Streaming Channels:

➡ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/centakumedia

➡ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@centakumedia/live

➡ Kick: https://kick.com/centakumedia (note: must be a follower of the channel to chat)

➡ Trovo: https://trovo.live/s/CentakuMedia

Centaku Media VODs:

➡ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CentakuMediaVODs

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Closing Note from Sanjo-chan: this VTuber might not be perfect to everyone, so it is still a work in progress. I don’t have solid, convincing lore for Nakaichi, or don’t have any outward features like vampire fangs or demon horns to stand out like most VTubers. Your continued support, however, motivates me to be inspired and do more not just for Centaku Media, but for Nakaichi. If you’ve read up to this point, thank you so much for reading!