
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】
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
7-Eleven Japan releases new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing range for autumn, with a must-try daifuku and teriyaki burger
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
Japan’s Tsukimi One-hand Bento’s name is all wrong, but it still looks entirely delicious
Join Naked in the Niwa garden: Kyoto Station’s newest spot to craft traditional art
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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
Japan’s newest virtual YouTuber boasts 17 years of idol experience, is only 12 years old【Videos】
Newest virtual YouTuber blows her competition out of the water with high-quality intro【Video】
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