The VTuber community is abuzz with the sudden disappearance of Nijisanji English talent Aster Arcadia following allegations of harassment. The controversy has prompted Nijisanji to launch an official investigation, but the situation has left fans and critics with many unanswered questions.
Timeline of Events and Allegations
Aster Arcadia became the subject of intense scrutiny after an anonymous Nijisanji English talent alleged that he engaged in harassment both within the agency and toward independent VTubers. The accusations sparked heated discussions online and led to threats against various parties, including those reporting on the case.
Aster initially planned to host a cooking livestream titled “My First Cooking Stream + Special Announcement” on the day the allegations surfaced. However, the stream was postponed, citing “missing setup” issues, and subsequently delayed further to late January 2025.
Since then, Aster has missed four scheduled streams, leaving fans concerned and speculating about his absence. This prolonged silence coincided with Nijisanji’s release of a statement announcing a third-party investigation into allegations of harassment and unauthorized information leaks within the agency. The company pledged to review its policies and implement necessary changes to ensure a safe and professional environment for its talents and community.
Former Members Speak Out
The allegations against Aster Arcadia have reignited discussions about Nijisanji’s internal culture, with former talents weighing in. Quinn Bennett, formerly known as Kyo Kaneko, expressed discontent with Aster’s past behavior, describing interactions that he witnessed as “unhealthy” and “inappropriate toward women.” Although he refrained from outright confirming the recent allegations, Quinn stated that such behavior would not be out of character for Aster based on his personal experiences.
Additionally, former Nijisanji members have criticized the company for its handling of internal issues. Victoria Brightshield and other ex-livers have highlighted broader problems within Nijisanji, citing disagreements with management and concerns about how talents are treated.
Community Response and Broader Implications
The VTuber community has responded with a mix of outrage, disappointment, and support. While some fans have called for accountability and transparency, others have defended Aster, demanding due process. The controversy has also sparked discussions about the power dynamics within VTuber agencies and the need for better protections for talents.
Nijisanji’s decision to include unauthorized information leaks in its investigation has drawn criticism from commentators, who view it as an attempt to prioritize company interests over the concerns of victims. Critics argue that addressing harassment should take precedence over leaks, which many see as a secondary issue.
What’s Next?
The outcome of the investigation will likely have far-reaching implications for both Aster Arcadia and Nijisanji. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the challenges agencies face in balancing their responsibilities to talents, fans, and corporate interests. For now, fans await further updates from Nijisanji, hoping for clarity and justice in what has become one of the most controversial moments in VTuber history.
This case also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering safe and supportive environments within creative industries. Whether Aster Arcadia returns or remains absent, the VTuber community will be closely watching how Nijisanji addresses the findings of its investigation.