
The bubbly virtual girl has released her first video as part of the campaign, and it’s a great way to learn about the country’s charms.
You may have heard of Kizuna Ai, the virtual YouTuber whose introduction to the world at the end of 2016 became an instant hit. Her channel now boasts more than 1.5 million subscribers, and, despite not being a living human, her whole image and personality are crafted to seem like she is a real person, just in a different world. She is often cheerful, very expressive, and is always out to prove that she’s not just a picture on a screen. Her videos are also subtitled in English, which means that almost everyone can enjoy her funny antics.
▼ This is her first video, a self-introduction.
Having amassed such a huge following in just over a year, Kizuna Ai has been selected as the Ambassador for the new campaign of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s New York branch. “Come to Japan” is aimed at U.S. citizens, since, while Japan is a popular destination for people from Asia, for various reasons Westerners are less inclined to travel there.
Kizuna Ai has dutifully (and excitedly) accepted the nomination and has already released her first “Come to Japan” promotional video. The topic? Food, of course!
In the video, Kizuna Ai “receives information” from JNTO, but since she is not a human and hasn’t experienced Japanese food herself, she appears to be learning about it at the same time as we are, which makes for a nice change of pace from ordinary documentaries.
▼ There are lots of cute moments like this where her excitement gets the better of her!
Her video talks about three types of Japanese food: sushi, ramen, and Japanese sweets. But it’s not just about what they are; she also goes into detail about what kinds of each type of food there are, how best to eat them, and some fun facts about them, so even veterans of Japanese food might learn something from the video.
▼ There are even quizzes! Can you get them right?
While we at SoraNews24 have written a thing or two about Japanese food, even we think that, whether you’ve been to Japan or not, you’ll probably enjoy learning about it from Kizuna Ai. And while you’re waiting for her next installment, you can find out from another netizen what other kinds of things make Japan a really special place to visit.
Source: Kai-You
Images: YouTube/Visit Japan



Virtual YouTuber queen Kizuna Ai angrily addresses rumors her voice has been changed【Video】
The sweet smell of virtual YouTuber success – Kizuna Ai’s new fragrance on sale now
Virtual YouTuber Kizuna Ai appears in ad for new miso flavor Cup Noodles 【Video】
Popular virtual YouTubers Love-chan and Aipii get an adorable makeover
Japan’s original virtual YouTuber returns after a three-year hiatus with new music video【Video】
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Super Mario teams up with JR Kyushu for the perfect power-up steamed bun snack
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Japanese man drives truck that’s on fire directly to fire station, drops flaming potatoes[Videos]
Man in Japan falls into hole with a bear in it
As rumors swirl of 7-Eleven shorting customers on rice ball fillings, we check on their sujiko
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Popular Japanese YouTuber is virtual schoolgirl who plays games, has existential crises【Videos】
Virtual YouTuber cast as anime voice actress in new anime TV series in industry-first move【Video】
Virtual YouTuber anime idol spotted “drowning” horrifically in Tokyo Bay【Photos】
AV actresses turn up their cuteness factor cosplaying as virtual YouTubers in video shoot
Meet Ibaraki Prefecture’s Virtual YouTuber representative Hiyori Ibara, winning hearts everywhere
Newest virtual YouTuber blows her competition out of the water with high-quality intro【Video】
Japan’s newest virtual YouTuber boasts 17 years of idol experience, is only 12 years old【Videos】
Want to become a virtual YouTuber? Now there are apps for that too!
Japanese anime girl virtual YouTuber also speaks perfect English!【Video】
85-year-old great-grandmother from Hiroshima is Japan’s newest virtual YouTuber/idol【Video】
Food ASMR YouTuber caught spitting cheese tonkatsu out on camera【Video】
Virtual YouTuber video lets viewers experience what it’s like to dine with an anime girl
Newest virtual YouTuber is actually a rotting zombie with a cute voice, has a slug for a pet
Virtual YouTuber Kagura Mea Recounts Story of Receiving Poop From Hater
Real life ensues as virtual YouTuber anime girl fields call from “boyfriend” while broadcasting
Canadian YouTuber explains why she quit working on Japanese TV