The world of VTubers is full of unique creators, each thriving in their own style. Among them stands out Moryomaru Seigozaka, an environmental VTuber belonging to the agency “Cue Tone.” Armed with a chainsaw and a forklift license, Moryomaru entertains audiences while sharing his love for Japan’s natural beauty, forestry, and the charms of his hometown Nagano Prefecture through his VTuber persona.

We spoke with Moryomaru about his passion for being a VTuber, his connection to the forestry industry, and the tools that support his VTuber activities, including ” Alive Studio.”

Profile

The Chainsaw-Carrying VTuber

── Could you start by introducing yourself?

Nice to meet you! I’m Moryomaru Seigozaka, a first-generation VTuber from Cue Tone who’s all about forestry conservation. I’m a youkai who can cut trees with my trusty chainsaw!

── I hear you’re a youkai. Your father and grandmother are Karasu Tengu, and your mother is a space youkai?

Yes, that’s right!

── As a hybrid, do you have any special abilities like mystical arts from the Karasu Tengu side or physical prowess from the space youkai side?

My family is indeed very powerful, but I don’t have any of those abilities. I can carry logs, but otherwise, I’m pretty much like a regular person. In fact, I’m less physically robust than a human.

── Forestry involves handling heavy wood, right? I heard you have a forklift license?

Yes! I have lots of forestry-related qualifications.

── Focusing on forestry as a VTuber is quite the unique angle.

I know a few VTubers involved in forestry, but I believe I’m the first to really highlight it!

── Did you start VTubing after working in forestry?

I studied forestry for five years during school and worked in the field for 1-2 years after becoming a VTuber. Now, I’m in a different line of work, but the workforce shortage in forestry is a significant issue. I’m hoping that by showcasing forestry in my VTuber activities, I can encourage more people to take an interest.

── So you’re using your platform as a VTuber to spread the appeal of forestry. Your outfit seems to reflect that as well.

It’s not exactly intentional, but I do have a work clothing and chainsaw-themed outfit for forestry.

── That’s quite a striking look!

I’m really happy when people recognize it as a legitimate work outfit!

── What do you typically do during your streams? You do music streams, right?

Yes, I love singing!

── Your singing voice is wonderful. I think the way you switch to a mature voice when singing is one of your charms.

Thank you. It’s actually my natural voice, which I’ve always been self-conscious about.

── Really?

Yes, when I use this voice on the phone, people often ask, “Who is this?”

── So your voice has caused you some challenges.

Exactly. In elementary school, I was laughed at during reading time, thinking, “I hate this voice!” Even now, I consciously use an adult voice at work.

But when I started streaming, people praised my voice, which made me really happy. As I experimented with my voice, I realized having two voices was a strength. This realization, combined with singing and acting streams, has shaped my current style.

── So your complex turned into a talent in the VTuber world? Can you sing using your speaking voice?

Yes, but it’s hard to sing rock with this voice. I love PENICILLIN, SEX MACHINEGUNS, and Hi-STANDARD, but with this voice, they sound cuter than intended.

── I see. Your dream is to perform at Budokan?

Definitely, Budokan is my big dream!

── That’s why you’re primarily streaming music.

I only recently started branding myself as a forestry-themed VTuber. Before, I only talked about the labor shortage without actively advocating. When I joined an agency, I decided to embrace forestry, which is a significant part of my past. I want to raise awareness of forestry while using music to boost my visibility.
However, my ultimate VTuber goal remains Budokan. Although I haven’t been there physically, watching VTuber concerts makes me dream about performing there.

── So you’re hoping to use your platform to raise awareness about forestry and engage your audience?

Absolutely!

── It’s commendable that you’re driven by social contribution goals. Do you plan to donate revenue from your shows to forestry initiatives someday?

I hope to do that someday. Ideally, I’d donate all earnings to forestry causes.

Forests Need Tree Cutting for Preservation

── What is the most important message you want to convey about forestry?

There’s a prevailing belief that cutting trees is harmful, but in reality, cutting is essential for forest preservation. By removing trees and planting new ones, we sustain the forest environment. This practice is called “reforestation,” which involves a cycle of planting, nurturing, cutting, and planting again. While it’s challenging to change people’s perceptions, it’s crucial to educate the next generation about these practices. When they grow up understanding the importance of managing forests and maybe even pursuing careers in forestry, I believe we can ensure a sustainable future.

── Responsible cutting and replanting cycles prevent overgrowth. Proactive hand management is often necessary for healthy ecosystems.

Absolutely. Forests are managed so only certain trees are cut while others are preserved. When you hike, you might notice protective tape on certain trees, indicating they should not be cut. Japan’s forests are primarily man-managed, ensuring only necessary trees are harvested. I wish more people understood this.

── Humans have coexisted with trees for centuries; it must be sad to see a narrative suggesting tree cutting should cease entirely.

Indeed, although I received complaints when I worked in forestry, I understand the lack of awareness is the real issue. I hope to share truthful information that helps others appreciate forestry’s role.

── Your grounded motivations lend credibility to your work. What’s the story behind you studying forestry?

Honestly, it’s a trivial reason: I didn’t want to leave my hometown. My educational path was limited, and most school options would eventually lead me out of Nagano for university or creative pursuits. I chose forestry because it was local.

While studying forestry, I realized the industry’s severe need for successors. Witnessing Austria and Switzerland’s forestry models during a university study trip highlighted Japan’s challenges. Defined forester roles and appealing forestry careers starkly contrast Japan’s unstable employment in the field. Recognizing the deep societal indifference toward forestry, I became determined to make a positive impact through learning and advocacy.

Bringing Communities Together

── As someone who loves Nagano, do you have a favorite spot in the region?

Nawate Street in Matsumoto City, for its nostalgic charm. It’s near Matsumoto Castle, and the ancient-style street always evokes a sense of nostalgia. The taiyaki is delicious too!
Azumino’s natural beauty also captivates me, especially in summer when the vibrant greens contrast with the bright blue skies during a drive.

── That sounds like a must-visit!

Another favorite is the Kiso Horse Village in Kaida Highlands.

── Kiso horses have shorter legs than other regional horses, right?

Yes, they’re adorable with their distinctly short legs!

── Clearly having strong ties to your region adds credibility to your work. Sharing local charm online is a VTuber strength.

Thank you. I’m planning a virtual forest exploration project, where viewers can walk along forest trails through VR content or YouTube videos with a guided experience. I’d love to include variations with my synchro Luna Hoshikage or other Nagano VTubers to collectively uplift our community!

── That would be an extraordinary way to appreciate Azumino’s nature with your guidance!

Support from Listeners Keeps Me Going

── As a part-time VTuber, you stream after work. What does your daily schedule look like?

I wake up at 6 AM, finish household tasks, and leave for work by 7:30 AM. My job is from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, after which I return home to create thumbnails between 6 PM and 7 PM. Dinner follows, then a bath, dishwashing, and laundry around 7 PM to 7:30 PM. I stream from 9 PM to 11 PM, then spend 1-2 hours reflecting on my performance, analyzing stats to improve. I usually sleep around 1 or 2 AM, so it’s a pretty hectic schedule!

── That’s intense! It’s impressive that you manage analysis after such a long day. Is VTubing fun for you?

It’s incredibly fun!

── What do you find most enjoyable?

The growth experience with everyone. I mostly stream alone, but shared comments and subscriptions truly show channel growth. The numbers clarify progress, and learning about myself and my listeners is a joy!

── Connecting with your audience is a joy, but do you sometimes feel like skipping a stream?

Of course, but the desire to meet everyone overpowers it. Many people say they gain energy from my streams, and that really means a lot. Even when I’m unwell, I just go live and tell everyone I need encouragement (laughs). I absolutely rely on their energy, just as they do on mine. My agency says it’s okay not to stream daily, but…

── You’re in a supportive agency, then.

Yes. They encourage me to rest if needed, but I always insist I want to stream. Streaming benefits me greatly, which is why I maintain this approach.

── That’s amazing! Have any particular listener comments made you especially happy?

A listener once sent me a photo showing hair dyed to match my colors! It was a two-tone lime green and dark green look that overwhelmed me with joy!

── That’s incredible dedication.

Seeing famous VTuber-inspired hair colors online always made me wish for someone to do a Moryomaru-inspired look—but my listener did it without me asking! Knowing they thought of me made me jump with joy, crying.

Help with Video Editing from the Agency

── Oppositely, what’s challenging about VTubing?

The neck pain is the toughest. Sitting still while staring at a screen causes stiffness, shoulder pain, and severe eye fatigue.

── Regular camera time complicates taking breaks, I imagine.

Facial tracking is done through my iPhone, with the mic fixed in front. Moving too much disrupts lip-syncing, and detecting expressions can be tricky.

── So you’re rooted for 1-2 hours during streams. What’s your countermeasure?

I do thorough stretching before and after streams, and I use a custom pillow for neck and shoulder care. However, talking with everyone brings so much joy that I keep streaming despite the discomfort (laughs).

── That’s amazing dedication! I thought editing was hard, but this is fundamental.

No, editing is a different struggle altogether—I can’t do any video editing! I’ve said it often, but currently, my agency handles all of that.

── That support is a significant advantage of being in an agency.

Indeed! Cue Tone is originally a video company, I even declared during my audition, “I’m terrible at editing, which is why I chose you.” In return, I promised to work hard on my streams.

── The video company support is key. Was that why you transitioned from an indie VTuber to agency-bound?

Yes. I felt restricted by my tech limitations and struggled directing followers from X to the channel. An agency’s support seemed necessary, but I couldn’t afford regular video editing help. Many agencies required “rebirth”—starting anew with a new avatar.

── Including a new channel and avatar?

Yes, many demanded everything be restarted from zero. When auditioning, I expressed my determination to continue as Moryomaru Seigozaka, only to hear it was difficult from most agencies. But Cue Tone was different. They listened, respected my passion, and kept my channel and avatar unchanged, adding new outfits instead. Their willingness to support and hear us out is what makes Cue Tone enchanting!

── There’s also a unique talent you showcased at your audition, right?

Yes, my blindfolded cheesed beef bowl identification talent, distinguishing which chain store a dish is from! Sukiya’s cheese is rich, Yoshinoya’s meat flavor is strong, and Matsuya’s overall flavor is light and healthy. I passionately explained it during my audition, and it surprisingly went well (laughs).

── A distinctive talent might have made a good impression!

Indeed!

“Alive Studio” – Surprisingly Useful!

── Some readers might be considering auditioning. Beyond editing support, how else has agency life changed you?

Joining an agency revolutionized my VTuber mindset. As an indie, I just wanted to have fun, but now I strive for better streams.

── You developed a more professional outlook?

Yes! That’s where I discovered “Alive Studio.” It lets me switch backgrounds with one click and enhances stream presentations. It was exactly what I needed—so I quickly subscribed!

── How did you learn about “Alive Studio”?

I first saw it in a press release but didn’t fully understand its capabilities, so I waited. However, stumbling upon a discount and free trial on X convinced me to give it a shot. Discovering its abundant resources and love for its roulette feature confirmed this tool’s incredible usefulness, facilitating functions like OBS without excessive setup.

── We’re glad you’re enjoying the theme roulette!

Coming home from work leaves me needing fresh conversation topics, so it’s really helpful. The romance game-style message window also surprised me—perfect for streams, posts, or special events!

── That’s great to hear. “Alive Studio”—who would you recommend it to?

I recommend it widely, particularly to those wanting versatile backgrounds. Easily switch to a calm, serious room for discussions or a stage for singing. It’s so convenient to not have to search and download from stock sites or readjust OBS manually. “Alive Studio” shortcuts the entire process with a couple of clicks, offering immense time savings and ease. It’s indispensable for streaming now!

── Thanks! Our development team will be overjoyed to hear that.

“Alive Studio’s” strength lies in its seasonal and special event capabilities, highlighted by frequent updates and the hilarious current Calbee collaboration with Jagariko materials!

── Finally, any messages for your listeners and those learning about you from this article?

Thanks to everyone’s support, I’m growing bit by bit! Still a work in progress, but I hope to share the journey with you. Discovering forestry and rural lifestyles through Moryomaru is my ultimate joy!

── It’s inspiring to see you bridging forestry with VTubing. We’ll continue cheering you on!

Make Streaming More Fun with “Alive Studio”

If you want to craft a unique world like Moryomaru, try ” Alive Studio.” This platform offers over 1,000 customizable assets, perfect for mixing and switching backgrounds across talk shows, singing events, or gameplay streams effortlessly.

Elevate your streaming quality and realize your VTuber vision with ” Alive Studio!”