Pandora, Inc., a VTuber agency, has filed a trademark for the term “XTuber” on March 16, prompting a wave of reactions within Japan’s VTuber community. The term—read as “cross-tuber”—is presented as a new kind of creator identity that blends activity in virtual spaces with a presence in real life.
A report from Otaku Soken explains that XTuber refers to creators who don’t just appear through digital avatars like traditional VTubers, but also engage openly as individuals outside the virtual world. Pandora, Inc. frames this idea as a way to expand the limits of the industry, while also challenging the long-held assumption that a creator’s real identity must stay completely hidden behind their avatar.
In its official statement, Pandora, Inc. noted that the VTuber market has reached a more mature stage, where fresh ideas are needed to keep things moving forward. With XTuber, the agency hopes to offer a more flexible style of entertainment—one that still preserves the creative freedom that has always been central to VTuber culture.
Still, not everyone is on board with the idea. Some users on social media have pointed out the similarity between “XTuber” and the name of an adult website, raising concerns about how the term might be perceived. Others have brought up potential legal issues, especially in relation to policies on platforms like YouTube, which are known to limit the use of the word “Tuber” in officially registered brand names.
There’s also been debate around how original the concept really is. Critics argue that creators who balance both virtual and real-world identities have existed for quite some time, meaning the idea itself isn’t entirely new. Because of that, some see Pandora, Inc.’s move as an attempt to reframe or reintroduce something the community has already developed on its own.
Despite the mixed responses, Pandora, Inc. is moving ahead with its plans. The agency has launched an audition program called Project YOHANE, open to applicants who meet the age requirements—even those with little to no experience in digital content creation. Registration for the program has reportedly been open since February 2026.
Interestingly, while XTuber emphasizes a blend of virtual and real-world activity, Pandora, Inc. has stated that applicants won’t be required to show their faces during the early stages of the selection process.
All in all, this move highlights how the VTuber space continues to evolve. At the same time, it opens up broader discussions ab
