I open a browser window on my phone and type in a few search terms—“last name,” “rarest,” and “Japan.” The info I’m looking for comes up right away. Rare names are apparently famous for being rare, and a lot of sites have info on them. But…
No, this isn’t going to work.
“I figured it out, Abaddon.”
“Really? That took you almost no time at all…”
“Her name will be Misaki Saemonsaburou.”
“Oh that’s quite…idiosyncratic. Excessively so, if you ask me.”
“Yeah, that one’s definitely out. It doesn’t roll off the tongue at all.”
Apologies to anyone from the Saemonsaburou family, but I simply can’t use that name for our product. I want something a little easier to say—a name that’s catchy, with a ring to it. Especially if it will add to the 3D model’s character.
“Well, why don’t we look at the model and think of something that fits?”
“You mean base it on what she looks like?”
Going by appearance, she seems sweet and cute. I’m not sure she’s the sort I’d feel comfortable speaking frankly to, but she’s definitely the type to have a lot of friends. She can probably move nimbly about the classroom, always staying one of the popular kids.
“She seems like a bright, friendly extrovert, so how about Misaki Hanano?” In Japanese, Hanano means “field of flowers.”
“That fits her personality to a tee! I guess her big keyword would be ‘flower’ then, right?”
“I think we can move things in that direction, yes.”
Even her name feels like a scheme. The whole thing is awfully calculating. But I suppose I’m the one who suggested it.
“Now that we have a name, let’s move on to her age, likes, and hobbies.”
“For someone who doesn’t know the first thing about VTubers, you sure have a solid game plan.”
“I did some online research about how to become one, and I’m just following the steps. Normally, you’re supposed to decide on a personality—and a name, obviously—before you even commission the 3D model.”
“Does that mean you have an idea about what kind of videos you want to make?”
“The how-to site I found suggested I start out with a character introduction.”
“Oh, so that’s why you need to figure out her age and hobbies in advance!”
“That’s right.”
Abaddon and I go down the list, deciding on a personality for the 3D model. But even coming up with a name was difficult, and it takes quite a bit of effort to pick her hobbies, likes, and quirks. A little under an hour passes before we finish filling everything in.
Misaki Hanano is sixteen years old and attending high school. Her interests include watching movies, reading books, and gardening. She likes pretty flowers, sweets, dogs, and cats. She dislikes crowds, violent people, and dirty jokes. Her dream for the future is to get married to a wonderful man and open a flower shop.
In short, she’s filth. Utterly magnificent filth.
All of this is the result of pushing the “flower” keyword to the forefront.
“Well, now we have a character whose likes and interests are all sweet, but I’m beginning to find her appearance a little drab. Simplicity isn’t bad, but I think we could go for a little extra appeal.”
“Yes, I agree,” I say, turning to look at one of the devices in the room.
According to the manufacturer, I can use vocal commands to communicate with the equipment. I lock my eyes on one of the many microphones and cameras scattered about the room and focus on projecting my voice toward whatever is on the other side.
“Excuse me. Would you be able to add decorations to the 3D model’s head? Like a flower clip? And if possible, could you add flower accessories to any extra space on her hands and legs?”
In response to my request, the 3D model on the screen begins to change. A hair clip shaped like a bunch of flowers appears in her hair. Then a schoolbag with another flower-themed accessory shows up out of nowhere to hang by her legs. Finally, a smaller flower badge is added to her chest.
While this kind of flower mania would be cringeworthy in real life, it’s tolerable on a 3D model. In fact, it seems perfectly natural. Mechanical life-forms have a sharper aesthetic sense than I’d imagined.
“Wow! Now that’s something.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
The 3D model on the screen gives a little bow in response. I figure the gesture is meant to tell me that the equipment is still listening. Once again, I’m shocked by how quickly it’s made the adjustments.
The model is perfect now, visually speaking. I think she’ll work well as a sort of flower fairy.
“But are you sure you can fully become this character?” asks Abaddon. “She’s very charming.”
“……”
His casual remark leaves me speechless. He’s right, I think.
“What’s wrong? You look completely flabbergasted. Like a pigeon hit with a pea shooter.”
“No, I don’t. It’s nothing.”
“Or wait, people use automatic rifles these days, right?”
“Stop. I feel bad for the pigeon.”
I’d decided on a persona based solely on prospective viewer popularity, but she’s no more than a puppet. Someone has to slip into her shoes and give her a voice. I bet Robot Girl could handle even that using her super-science, but then I wouldn’t be doing anything. But can I really bring such a bright, sunny character to life?
“Don’t tell me you forgot you’d have to speak through her.”
“I was so focused on the marketing side that I overlooked a rather important detail.”
“Is that right? I thought for sure she was a manifestation of your desire to change yourself.”
“……”
I was completely preoccupied with getting views and totally forgot about my utter lack of social skills. But maybe it’ll work out once I get started. VTubers are a dime a dozen. I just have to find another bright, cheerful character and do what they do. I mean, I can hardly back down now and ask to start over from scratch. That said, everyone seems to think I’m gloomy—even I agree.
Just as my heart rate is starting to pick up, Robot Girl’s voice echoes through the room.
“Elder Sister, Elder Brother, today is a day off, but the family is gathering at home.”