On May 1st, 2025, Gawr Gura will graduate from Hololive, words that have shaken not only the Hololive community, but the wider VTubing world as well.

Since her debut in September 2020, Gura has been the face of VTubing, a symbol of its explosive global rise and mainstream recognition. But now, the time has come for her to leave this chapter behind and, as she herself might put it, return to the ocean.

Gura’s Journey

In September 2020, Hololive took a bold step into the unknown with the launch of Hololive English Myth. At the time, there was little evidence to suggest that a Western audience would embrace VTubers, especially within the idol-like framework that defines Hololive. Yet, the gamble paid off in a way no one could have predicted.

Gura was the fourth member of Myth to debut, and she was even late to her own debut stream. But in that moment, a legend was born. Her very first line? Simply “a”
That one-letter greeting would go on to become one of the most iconic moments in VTubing history.

Gura captured hearts instantly. In just 37 days, she became the most subscribed Hololive VTuber on YouTube, hitting 1 million subscribers on October 22nd, 2020, and then 2 million by January 17th, 2021
As of now, she holds over 4.7 million subscribers, making her still the most subscribed VTuber in the world.

Gura also had a strong bond with her genmates, especially Amelia Watson, with their pairing dubbed “Amesame” by fans. Hololive Myth as a whole became a phenomenon. Debuting during the global pandemic, a time when so many were isolated and turning to online spaces for comfort, Myth arrived at the perfect moment, ushering in a new era for Hololive and catapulting VTubing into the mainstream English-speaking market.

But the good times, as they often do, began to slow. Over the past two years, Gura’s streaming became increasingly irregular, with several extended hiatuses. Fans waited, hoped, and speculated.

Then, on April 15th, 2025, the announcement finally came. Gawr Gura would graduate from Hololive………

Ash Again

Gura’s final project as a Hololive talent was the music video Ash Again created in collaboration with composer Casey Edwards and animated by the brilliant Mazu. This was Gura’s so-called “dream team” and she shared how much this project meant to her calling the song powerful and deeply personal.

Ash Again is a phenomenal piece of music but it’s also clear that it comes from a place of vulnerability. It resonates with many fans because it touches on themes like impostor syndrome pressure and emotional exhaustion. In doing so it has helped the community better understand a glimpse of Gura’s internal struggles especially in the face of fame.

Being the most subscribed VTuber in the world not just in Hololive comes with immense baggage and expectation. Now that Gura is stepping down that mantle at least in terms of subscriber count will pass to Houshou Marine who will become Hololive’s top channel. Still, it’s fair to say that over the past two years Marine and Suisei have already become the most visible faces of Hololive especially in the realms of music media appearances and live performance.

Achievements

Gura achieved an incredible amount during her time in Hololive, with five singles to her name. Her debut single REFLECT has earned over 16 million views on YouTube, while her most viewed video overall is her cover of KING alongside Calliope Mori, which currently sits at an astonishing 41 million views. Her most popular stream remains her debut, which has been watched over 6 million times on YouTube.

Gura was involved in many memorable collaborations. One of the most prominent was UMISEA, a cross-branch subgroup that initially featured Minato Aqua, Houshou Marine, Ninomae Ina’nis, and Gura. Later, Chloe Sakamata joined the group. With Gura now graduating, Marine and Ina will be the only remaining active members.

Another fan-favorite collaboration was the Amesame Spelling Bee, a chaotic and hilarious stream that became one of Amelia Watson’s final projects before stepping back from regular streaming.

Despite the language barrier, Gura also built a close connection with Murasaki Shion, forming an unlikely but endearing friendship. And among her many fans within Hololive, Nekomata Okayu stands out—her desk is famously covered in Gura merchandise, a testament to the affection and admiration Gura inspired among her peers.

Final Word

Gura is moving on and leaves behind a legacy that helped shape Hololive into the global brand it is today.
She has been a defining chapter in this beautiful community, and while all chapters must come to an end, it is clear that moving on is what is best for Gura — and that is perfectly okay.

Gura did not become the most subscribed VTuber by accident. She earned that place. Her talent, charm, and extraordinary resilience allowed her to hold that crown for four years, even though the many challenges that come with being in the spotlight.

Whatever comes next for her, we will watch with gratitude and support.
As she returns to the sea, let us send her off with love, appreciation, and a wave goodbye.

Thank you, Gura

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