VTuber Baacharu Announces Retirement, Details Set for August 9 Stream
Baacharu's retirement removes one of the earliest and most recognizable figures in the VTuber scene, a performer who helped introduce the medium to overseas audiences through a 2018 BBC special alongside Kizuna AI.
Key Facts
- Baacharu announced their retirement on August 6 via their X account.
- The retirement details will be explained in a birthday stream on August 9 at 15:00 JST.
- Baacharu debuted in 2017 and is affiliated with .LIVE, operated by Upland Inc.
- Baacharu produced the VTuber group Idol-bu, launched in 2018.
- Baacharu was featured in a BBC special on VTubers in December 2018 alongside Kizuna AI.
Reporting from 3 sources: KAI-YOU, Denfaminicogamer, PANORA.
VTuber Baacharu announced their retirement on August 6 via their X account. The announcement came with a characteristic mix of humor and seriousness, as they wrote, "The thumbnail looks like a joke, but it's not a joke; it's real." Baacharu also apologized to their fans, the Umagumi-san, saying, "I'm really sorry that I can't keep going forever." The specific timing of the retirement and the reason behind it have not been disclosed. Baacharu said these details will be explained during a birthday stream scheduled for August 9 at 15:00 JST. That date is significant because it marks the ninth anniversary of Baacharu's first YouTube video, posted on August 9, 2017, titled "World's first!? Male Virtual Youtuber 'Baacharu' is born." Baacharu is affiliated with .LIVE, a VTuber production company operated by Upland Inc., and is known for their horse mask and blue suit. They debuted in 2017 and have called themselves the "world's first male virtual YouTuber." Beyond their own streaming, Baacharu produced the VTuber group Idol-bu, launched in 2018, and has hosted numerous official streams and events.
Baacharu's retirement announcement came with a note that the stream's thumbnail, which appears to be a joke, is not one. The stream on August 9 is titled "Baacharu retires now [Baacharu-kun birthday stream]" and its description states, "We will explain when the retirement will be."
Baacharu's career has been tied to .LIVE, the production company operated by Upland Inc., which also includes Dennou Shojo Siro and Idol-bu. In 2018, Baacharu served as producer for Idol-bu and has been a regular host for official streams and events, earning a reputation as a skilled master of ceremonies. In May, Baacharu appeared as a DJ at the two-day event "Bafun∞" for Dennou Shojo Siro.
The retirement date and reason remain undisclosed as of now. Baacharu's announcement on X emphasized the reality of the news, and the apology to fans was direct. The August 9 stream will be held exactly nine years after Baacharu's first YouTube post, adding a layer of symmetry to the farewell.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 3 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- KAI-YOU “世界初男性VTuber”ばあちゃる、引退を発表 電脳少女シロの戦友
- Denfaminicogamer VTuber・ばあちゃるさんが引退を発表。時期などの詳細は8月9日15時からの配信で説明
- PANORA VTuber・ばあちゃるさんが引退を発表 引退時期など詳細を説明する配信を8/9 15時より実施