The 2025 Return

At 8:00 PM JST on February 26, 2025, Kizuna AI's YouTube channel went live with a simple title: 'おはよう' (Good Morning). Nearly 50,000 fans flooded the stream within minutes.

The stream revealed a stunning new 3D model featuring updated graphics, improved facial tracking, and more expressive movements—a testament to how much VTuber technology had evolved during her three-year absence.

She announced that her return would focus heavily on music creation, with plans to release new singles, collaborate with artists, and perform at live events.

During her 'sleep,' Kizuna AI's management company developed 'Kizuna #KZN,' an experimental AI project that allowed fans to interact with an AI-powered version of her personality.

The VTuber industry itself had exploded: Hololive now had millions of subscribers across dozens of talents, Nijisanji expanded globally, and VTubing became a billion-dollar industry.

Technology advanced significantly: AI voice synthesis, neural rendering, and metaverse integration became standard tools that enhanced what was possible for virtual entertainers.

Unlike her original run which balanced gaming, variety content, and music, the 2025 return positioned Kizuna AI primarily as a virtual artist and singer.

Her first post-return single 'かもね (Maybe)' showcased a more mature vocal style and sophisticated production, signaling artistic growth during her time away.

In December 2025, she released an innovative interactive music video for 'Hello, Morning' that allowed viewers to control camera angles and participate in the experience.

In November 2025, Kizuna AI performed at Taiwan's Golden V Award ceremony, one of the VTuber industry's most prestigious events, marking her return to the international stage.

The January 2026 Fortnite collaboration represents her biggest mainstream crossover yet, introducing her to millions of players who may have never heard of VTubers before.

Her return proved that despite three years away, her legacy remained intact—she was still the face of VTuber culture to many outside the community.

Long-time fans welcomed her back with overwhelming support, trending #おかえりAIちゃん (Welcome Back AI-chan) worldwide on Twitter.

Some newer fans discovered her for the first time through the return, creating a unique mix of nostalgia and fresh energy in her community.

The return stream peaked at nearly 50,000 concurrent viewers, proving her enduring popularity despite the long absence.