NEWS
Industry Cooperation
- Publish Date：2025-02-12
NYCU Virtual Idol Niku Shines in the Anime Scene, Drawing Crowds at Taiwan’s Largest Fan Event!
Fans are typing on their phones to interact with Niku.
Edited by Hsiu-Cheng Chang
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Taiwan's first university-created VTuber has made her mark at one of the most anticipated events in the island's animation and comics scene. Niku, an idol trainee VTuber created collectively by the Office of International Promotion and Outreach (OIPO) of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) and DreamCity Studio, dressed up and made her debut at FF44 (Fancy Frontier Petit Fancy, one of the most significant events in Taiwan's animation and comics industry) held in Taipei Expo Dome from February 7 to February 9, 2025! This marks not only a significant milestone for Niku but also a key moment for NYCU to demonstrate its innovative strength in the field of virtual influencers.
Niku: The Face of NYCU's Virtual Vision
With her striking long blonde hair, fox ears and tail, and a distinctive dark blue miniskirt, Niku embodies the dynamic spirit of NYCU. Her appearance draws inspiration from NYCU's mascot, the "Bamboo Fox," while subtle details like a bamboo slip pendant containing a screwdriver and rocket boots highlight the university's engineering and technological focus. These elements come together to make Niku the perfect representation of the university's culture, blending campus life with a fun, approachable charm.
Since her launch in October 2023, Niku has quickly become a campus icon, engaging with students and fans alike. Through live-streamed music performances, talks, and introductions to NYCU's Healthy Minds Volunteer Group, she has built a loyal following. Tony Won, the person in charge of DreamCity, says, "Niku is more confident in performing songs, which has deepened the audience's memory and discussion." Niku's YouTube channel has surpassed 10,000 subscribers, and fans love her for her quirky yet poised personality as a "corky," "understanding," and "classy little songstress."
Virtual Power to Shorten Distance with New Generations
Niku's ability to connect with her audience has been a key factor in her success. In addition to her musical performances, she has embraced diverse content, including mukbang, music games, and interactive live stream themed on campus life to further draw closer to fans.
Niku: The Face of NYCU's Virtual Vision
With her striking long blonde hair, fox ears and tail, and a distinctive dark blue miniskirt, Niku embodies the dynamic spirit of NYCU. Her appearance draws inspiration from NYCU's mascot, the "Bamboo Fox," while subtle details like a bamboo slip pendant containing a screwdriver and rocket boots highlight the university's engineering and technological focus. These elements come together to make Niku the perfect representation of the university's culture, blending campus life with a fun, approachable charm.
Since her launch in October 2023, Niku has quickly become a campus icon, engaging with students and fans alike. Through live-streamed music performances, talks, and introductions to NYCU's Healthy Minds Volunteer Group, she has built a loyal following. Tony Won, the person in charge of DreamCity, says, "Niku is more confident in performing songs, which has deepened the audience's memory and discussion." Niku's YouTube channel has surpassed 10,000 subscribers, and fans love her for her quirky yet poised personality as a "corky," "understanding," and "classy little songstress."
Virtual Power to Shorten Distance with New Generations
Niku's ability to connect with her audience has been a key factor in her success. In addition to her musical performances, she has embraced diverse content, including mukbang, music games, and interactive live stream themed on campus life to further draw closer to fans.
In 2024, Niku was selected as a finalist for the "Best Marketing Program and Innovative Application Award" at the 2nd Taiwan Public Television Service (PTS) Golden VTuber Awards for her groundbreaking creative content, underscoring both NYCU's and DreamCity's leadership in digital innovation. Her success has paved a new path for NYCU by utilizing virtual influencers like Niku to engage younger generations and demonstrate the campus' unique charm of diversity, tolerance, and innovative culture.
Niku Looks to the Future with Support of Global Trends
With the rise of the global VTuber industry, Niku is well-positioned to ride the wave of virtual idol success. Yagoo, CEO of COVER Corporation in Japan, pointed out in early 2025 that virtual idols are quickly becoming a major asset for international brands, marking a new chapter in global entertainment. Niku is prepared to step into this spotlight.
In 2025, DreamCity plans to enhance Niku's virtual presence by integrating AI technologies like interactive chatbots, expanding her reach and potential. Niku is also preparing to release her first personalized single in collaboration with professional music producers, further elevating her musical career.
As the driving force behind Niku, Tony Won, says, "We are committed to creating more innovative content that blends campus culture with the VTuber world, highlighting our forward-thinking approach to the industry."
NYCU’s virtual idol Niku (center) and the university’s mascot.Related Image(s)：
