Gawr Gura of hololive, the most subscribed VTuber in the world, has announced her graduation, set for May 1 Japan Time. As one of the biggest gateways to VTubing, her influence is almost impossible to overestimate. And while Gura’s infrequent streams made people wonder for years whether her departure was impending, to see it actually happen hits like a shockwave nevertheless.

Debuting in September 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as part of Myth—hololive’s first English generation—Gura brought comfort and humor to many while shattering virtually every record under the sun. Whether it was her simple-yet-effective character design, her sense of humor, or her remarkably soulful singing, the shark girl from Atlantis helped propel hololive into an international success story.

Gura is often cited as a major inspiration for others to become VTubers themselves, but there really is no one like her. She has that undeniable “it” factor perhaps more than anyone else in this sphere, and while I don’t know if I can fully explain the magic, I do think there is at least one important factor that makes it all click: To this day, even as she’s improved in so many ways, Gura still feels like an amateur.

As creators and personalities gain fame and influence, they often change in ways that reflect their greater status. This is not necessarily a bad thing, nor is it inherently a sign of selling out or inauthenticity, and this transformation often shows up as a greater image of confidence and a more polished presentation. But whether deliberate or unintentional, Gura always comes across as the same goofy and nervous, yet charming and witty girl who’s still fumbling her way through. The way she banters with her chat, the rough edges and scuff that still show up on stream, and even her singing are as if she’s performing for a small audience in a humble little room. Gura somehow manages to work as both an effective source of background noise while you’re doing other things, and as a primary thing to focus on and get lost in her ramblings. It’s like she draws you into her world, but leaves it up to you how far you want to fall in. 

I still remember the handful of times she’s actually responded to me in chat despite the sheer size of her audience and despite me often not being a paid member of her channel. I have to admit that it made me feel a little more special.

(I’m the Shrimp in that clip asking what’s the best thing she ate.)

During Gura’s graduation announcement, she mentioned how the thought of having so many eyes on her would often make her so nervous that she had trouble eating. And in one of her final streams with her friend and genmate Amelia Watson, Gura also revealed that she would ask Ame for advice, all while Gura was seen as the more successful of the two overall. I don’t know if that’s anxiety, humility, imposter syndrome, or simply an open mind and heart, but I can’t help but wonder if this is what gives Gura that “professional amateur” energy. 

I’m going to end this by simply linking two of my favorite things she’s ever done. The first is her 2024 birthday concert, titled “Shark City.” She begins with a surprise cover of the first Legend of the Galactic Heroes opening, sings multiple City Pop and City Pop–inspired hits, and even collabs with the soon-to-be-graduating Murasaki Shion along with one of my favorites in La+ Darknesss.

The second is the final Myth song with all five members, “The Show Goes On.” I still think it’s their best full-gen number.

Thank you, Gura. You’ve literally changed lives, and I hope you find the peace and balance you need to thrive, no matter where you end up.