LOS ANGELES – The boundary between the digital and physical realms is increasingly blurred, as virtual personalities known as VTubers significantly expand their presence in live, in-person events across Los Angeles. This growing trend highlights the evolving landscape of entertainment, where animated avatars are stepping off the screen and into concert halls and even major sports venues.
The Rise of Virtual Entertainers
VTubers, or virtual YouTubers, are online entertainers who use animated avatars generated by computer graphics and motion capture technology. While the concept existed previously, their popularity exploded globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. This format offers performers a degree of anonymity while allowing for creative expression through unique, often anime-inspired, digital personas. The ability to blend real-time performance with digital animation has cultivated dedicated fanbases drawn to the characters’ personalities and interactions.
Hollywood Hosts Virtual Music
The push into physical spaces is exemplified by a scheduled concert in Hollywood on Thursday night, July 3, 2025. This event, part of the “Fantastic Reality” concert series, will feature prominent virtual artists, including the popular vampire-themed VTuber Kou Mariya. Alongside other notable VTubers, Mariya’s performance underscores the viability of virtual artists headlining live music events, drawing digital communities into tangible gathering spaces.
Another significant virtual performer slated to appear at the Fantastic Reality concert on Thursday is Ironmouse, a VTuber known for her energetic personality and diverse content.
VTubers Take the Field at Dodger Stadium
Adding a unique twist to the integration of virtual entertainment with traditional events, Dodger Stadium is set to host “Hololive Night” for the second consecutive year this weekend. This special event will showcase three English-speaking VTubers from Hololive, a division of the Japanese entertainment company Cover Corp. The featured virtual talents are Ninomae Ina’nis, IRyS, and Koseki Bijou.
These virtual personalities are scheduled to participate in several key aspects of the game night, albeit virtually. They will virtually cheer on the Los Angeles Dodgers team and are slated to sing the iconic seventh-inning stretch. Following the game, the VTubers will lead a post-game dance party directly on the field, further merging the digital personas with the physical space of the stadium through large-screen projections and interactive elements.
Fans attending “Hololive Night” have the opportunity to purchase a special event ticket that includes collectible playing cards featuring the three highlighted VTubers. This merchandise offering demonstrates another facet of how virtual entertainment IP is being leveraged in real-world consumer products, connecting with the dedicated fanbase on a tangible level.
Bridging the Digital-Physical Divide
The increasing frequency and scale of these physical events in Los Angeles – from dedicated concerts to integrated sports experiences – signal a significant evolution in how virtual entertainers engage with their audiences. What began as a predominantly online phenomenon, amplified during a period of necessary digital interaction, is now actively seeking and finding success in live environments.
This trend reflects a broader shift in the entertainment industry, where digital content creators and virtual personalities are proving their ability to draw crowds and generate revenue beyond streaming platforms. The fusion of anime-inspired aesthetics, interactive online personalities, and real-world event production presents a novel model for entertainment consumption.
As VTubing continues to mature, events like the Fantastic Reality concert and Hololive Night at Dodger Stadium serve as prominent examples of how these virtual stars are becoming increasingly visible and influential figures in the tangible world of live entertainment, particularly in a major cultural hub like Los Angeles.
