Japanese agencies couldn’t pass up the Western audience, which was already hooked on virtual YouTubers. The launch of English-speaking branches was only a matter of time, and that’s how Nijisanji EN was born, quickly becoming a hit. Why are English-speaking VTubers so popular today, and which Nijisanji EN talents are worth checking out?
Virtual YouTubers are loved all over the world, and Japanese companies quickly realized that English-speaking VTubers were a promising direction they couldn’t ignore. Japanese VTuber agencies started launching English-speaking branches, and Nijisanji EN, which launched in 2021, was no exception.
Today, Nijisanji EN has 26 active male and female streamers hiding behind cute anime avatars. They’re true professionals, with a deep understanding of Japanese pop culture. Many of them are fluent in Japanese, making them appealing not only in the West but also in Japan. Read on to discover the most popular ones in our article.
How Did English-Speaking VTubers Become Popular?
Thanks to the rise of VTubing on YouTube, tons of entertaining anime content started appearing: gaming and talk streams, songs, animated videos, and music videos. Although virtual YouTubers initially spoke only Japanese, they quickly gained massive popularity, not only in Japan but also among Western audiences.
This was impressive considering that most international viewers didn’t speak Japanese, except for seasoned anime fans. These fans began creating YouTube fan channels, uploading clips of the funniest moments from Japanese VTubers and adding English subtitles. A study showed that 80% of VTuber discussions online happen in English.
Following the example of their successful Japanese counterparts, the first independent English-speaking virtual YouTubers started appearing on YouTube.
In 2017, Ironmouse (1.26 million subscribers) and Senzawa (1.38 million) debuted, and in 2020, Nyanners (1.44 million) joined the scene. Some of them later signed with VTuber agencies, which made them even more popular. Riding the wave of this success, the agency Nijisanji launched its English-speaking branch, Nijisanji EN, in 2021.
Did You Know? The most popular VTuber in the world by YouTube subscribers is the English-speaking Gawr Gura from Hololive, who surpassed everyone else with an impressive 4.69 million subscribers. In April 2025, she announced her departure, but her contribution to the rise of English-speaking VTubing is hard to overstate – she became beloved both in the West and Japan.
Although it hasn't been officially confirmed, fans are convinced that Gura is Senzawa, who stopped uploading videos in 2020, the same year Gura debuted with Hololive. Additionally, there’s a video where both of them sing the same song – and their voices do sound very similar.
The Most Popular Nijisanji VTubers
Subscribers: 1.34 million
The most popular English-speaking VTuber in Nijisanji and the first member of the EN branch to gain over a million subscribers on YouTube. Vox Akuma is a majestic demon from the past with immense power. He has a deep, commanding voice and a mysterious aura. His videos are often styled in black and red, with a dark theme, fitting his design and name (Akuma means "demon" in Japanese).
In real life, Vox Akuma studied at a film school, and after becoming a VTuber, he directed a short film called The Demon Hungers in the style of animated manga. The beautiful demon also has a playful side - he enjoys jokes and parodies, and sometimes acts intentionally goofy.
Buy Vox Akuma Merch at Lashinbang
Subscribers: 1.03 million
A charming blond and an extravagant mafia boss from the past, Luca Kaneshiro is the most outgoing and extroverted member of the Nijisanji EN male lineup. He’s friendly, sweet, and absolutely loves teasing others. Playful and full of energy, he calls himself an evil mafioso who’s not afraid to fight - but in reality, he’s kind and caring.
In addition to streaming, Luca also records songs in both English and Japanese, like this collaborative cover of the popular track “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by the Japanese hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts.
Buy Luca Kaneshiro figures at MediaWorld
Subscribers: 956 thousand
A dark sorcerer from the past dressed in a whimsical outfit decorated with animal skulls. Despite his gloomy aura, Shu Yamino is a very kind and calm guy. He has a soft voice that fans love, both during his streams and in many songs he performs. He’s fluent in both English and Japanese and can comfortably stream entirely in Japanese. He enjoys playing PC games like Osu!, Valorant, and Among Us, as well as anime and Vocaloid music.
Get Shu Yamino Merch from Japan
Subscribers: 950 thousand
Along with the three previous characters, he’s part of the first generation of male VTubers in Nijisanji EN, called Luxiem, which can be translated from Latin as “regal light.”
Ike Eveland is a writer from the past - well-read and passionate about literature. He’s a quiet guy in glasses who often comes across as the most rational and level-headed member of Luxiem. Despite his reserved nature, he has a rich and complex personality. And he loves to crack jokes at the most unexpected moments.
Find Ike Eveland products through ZenMarket
Subscribers: 717 thousand
A mischievous thief from the future who, due to amnesia, doesn’t remember his age. This cheerful guy is sure to appeal to fans of catboys, as he wears cat ears and a tail.
Alban Knox deeply values his fans and often expresses this during his streams, comparing them to treasures. Like a true elusive thief, he has remarkable stealth. He enjoys playing Minecraft and horror games, and always fills his viewers with positive energy.
Buy Alban Knox Merch at Lashinbang
Subscribers: 638 thousand
The most popular English-speaking female VTuber on Nijisanji EN among active streamers, though the top spot in subscriber count was previously held by Selen Tatsuki (698 thousand), who left the agency and now streams as the independent VTuber Dokibird.
Enna Alouette is a member of the third generation of Nijisanji EN, called Ethyria, which is themed around heaven and hell. Enna is a blue bird soaring through heavenly skies, singing songs. However, her personality is far from angelic - she’s straightforward, quick-tempered, loves teasing other VTubers, and swearing, which creates a funny contrast with her cute appearance.
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Subscribers: 557 thousand
A member of the seventh generation of Nijisanji EN, called XSOLEIL, which is a magic school studying the sun and infinity. By day, Meloco is a second-year high school student and the coordinator of the student council, and by night, she’s an exorcist who banishes demons and ghosts.
She’s a charming brunette with a playful smirk, exuding the charm of an onee-san (older sister), and loves dressing in a gothic style. On her channel, you can find not only music and gaming, but also cooking streams.
Interesting Fact! In reality, Meloco is Japanese and speaks English fluently. She didn’t pass the audition for the Japanese Nijisanji, so she tried to join the English branch – and succeeded! Because of this, she calls herself a “fake member of Nijisanji EN.”
Find Meloco Merch on Lashinbang
Subscribers: 521 thousand
Elira Pendora debuted back in 2021 as part of Nijisanji EN’s first generation, LazuLight. She’s an open and friendly girl whose character is a celestial dragon. Elira has a distinctive hairstyle with braids shaped like dragon wings - and a pair of real wings on her back. She’s very warm and kind, knows a lot about Japanese pop culture, and really connects with younger viewers. Elira can get along with anyone, which makes her a truly versatile streamer.
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Subscribers: 495 thousand
Despite her “sweet” name, Millie Parfait is a rather sharp and aggressive catgirl who hides her cat ears under a wide witch’s hat. Her character lore describes her as a monster cat sneaking through hell – and the word that best sums up her behavior is “chaos.” Millie is funny and energetic, loves teasing other VTubers, but she can also be incredibly sweet with her viewers. In real life, she has Filipino roots and gets along especially well with Enna Alouette, since they’re both part of the same generation, Ethyria.
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Subscribers: 490 thousand
A short girl with a cute, high-pitched voice, Petra Gurin wears a hoodie with a penguin-head hood and has a short haircut. Her personality is unpredictable - she can be calm one moment, then blunt, sassy, and grumpy the next.
She especially tends to swear when playing games and getting frustrated, openly showing her emotions. It’s easy to get a reaction out of her, which is why other VTubers love teasing her just to see how she’ll respond. She’s fluent in Japanese and streams in both English and Japanese.
Choose Petra Merch on Lashinbang
Merch for English-Speaking Nijisanji Fans
Your favorite English-speaking VTubers can feel even closer – because buying figures and merch from Nijisanji EN straight from Japan through our recommended stores, MediaWorld and Lashinbang, couldn’t be easier. Not sure what to treat yourself to? Here are a few fun ideas!
A foolproof option for any anime fan is figures, which will look great in your collection. Especially since this summer, several beautiful completed figures from ANYCOLOR, the company behind Nijisanji, are being released. A perfect reason to get your favorite character on your shelf!
Buy Nijisanji EN Figures on MediaWorld
Nendoroids
A more affordable option – cute little Nendoroids, which allow you to get chibi versions of your favorite English-speaking VTubers. The ability to pose the figures in different positions and swap out faces with different expressions is what fans love about Nendoroids!
Choose Nijisanji EN Nendoroids on MediaWorld
Plushies
For those looking for beautiful merch from Nijisanji EN, these fun and colorful plushies are a perfect choice. With a low price and a wide selection, you can easily pick your favorite character for yourself or as a gift!
Buy Nijisanji EN Plushies on Lashinbang
Conclusion
English-speaking virtual YouTubers are now just as much a part of popular culture as their Japanese counterparts. They not only entertain Western audiences but are incredibly popular even among the Japanese. Which ones do you watch? Let’s discuss our favorite VTubers together!
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