VShojo in 2025: A Year of Expansion, Departures, and Controversy

VShojo, the San Francisco-based VTuber agency founded in 2020 by former Twitch employee Justin “TheGunrun” Ignacio, YouTuber Phillip “MowtenDoo” Fortunat, and COO Daniel “Apek” Sanders, has had a tumultuous yet transformative year in 2025. Known for its “talent-first” approach, VShojo empowers VTubers with resources like models, merchandising, and sponsorships while allowing them to retain ownership of their intellectual property (IP). This article provides a comprehensive overview of VShojo’s key updates, including new talent debuts, expansions, significant departures, and ongoing controversies, based on the latest available information.

New Talent and VShojo NOVA: Expanding into Japan

In a bold move to globalize its brand, VShojo announced the debut of “VShojo NOVA,” its first full Japanese generation of VTubers, on November 14, 2024. The group, consisting of four Japanese-speaking members—Akatsuki Hotaru, Hestia Happiness, Okamoto Nagi, and Yutori Peke—introduces a unique post-apocalyptic theme blending magic and technology.

Their debut streams were scheduled for November 22 and 23, 2024, primarily on Twitch, with models crafted by the renowned Iron Vertex for stunning Live2D visuals. This expansion builds on VShojo’s earlier Japanese division launch in July 2022 at Anime Expo, which introduced Kson and Amemiya Nazuna, signaling the agency’s ambition to bridge Western and Japanese VTuber markets.

Additionally, VShojo welcomed singer, voice actress, and VTuber AmaLee on January 26, 2025, further diversifying its roster. AmaLee’s addition highlights VShojo’s commitment to recruiting established creators with unique backgrounds.

Significant Departures and Contract Terminations

2025 has been marked by high-profile exits from VShojo, raising questions about the agency’s internal dynamics. The most notable departure was that of founding member Ironmouse, who announced her immediate exit on July 21, 2025, amid serious allegations against VShojo. Ironmouse accused the agency of withholding significant personal earnings and failing to transfer over $500,000 in charity funds raised for the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) through her record-breaking subathons, including one in September 2024 that surpassed 310,000 Twitch subscribers.

Ironmouse, a Puerto Rican-American VTuber known for her demon queen persona and advocacy for the IDF due to her own health struggles, cited feeling “guilt-tripped” by VShojo, which reportedly suggested her departure could harm other talents. She is now streaming independently and pursuing legal action against the agency.

Other significant departures include:

• Matara Kan: On April 28, 2025, VShojo announced it was parting ways with Matara Kan, effective May 5, 2025. Matara, who debuted with VShojo in October 2023, stated that the decision was made by the agency on March 6. Fans speculate that financial disputes, particularly around merchandise revenue, may have contributed, as Matara sold products through Orchid Eight, potentially limiting VShojo’s profits.
• GEEGA: On June 25, 2025, GEEGA terminated her contract with VShojo, effective June 27. She emphasized her intent to continue VTubing independently while retaining her IP, a testament to VShojo’s talent-friendly policies.
• Zentreya: Founding member Zentreya, Twitch’s most-watched VTuber, announced her departure on June 27, 2025, effective July 11. Citing a desire to explore “new pathways,” Zentreya hinted at underlying issues within the agency, expressing support for the community amidst recent controversies.

These exits follow earlier departures in 2023 by Nyanners, Silvervale, and Veibae, who chose not to renew their contracts, and Amemiya Nazuna, whose contract ended mutually in December 2023. The pattern of departures, particularly of founding members, has sparked speculation about VShojo’s long-term stability.

Community Backlash and Financial Allegations

Ironmouse’s public accusations against VShojo have fueled significant backlash on platforms like X and Reddit. Fans and commentators have expressed outrage over the alleged withholding of over $500,000 in charity funds, with some calling VShojo’s actions “scummy” and predicting further talent departures.

Posts on X suggest that talents like Michi Mochievee and Kuro Kurenai may also be distancing themselves from the agency, as evidenced by their removal of VShojo branding from their profiles. The community has rallied behind Ironmouse, with calls for donations to help recover the unpaid charity funds.

Achievements and Collaborations

Despite the controversies, VShojo and its talents have continued to make strides in 2025. Ironmouse’s appearance at the Sanrio Virtual Festival 2025 and her record-breaking Twitch subscriber count underscore her influence in the VTuber space.

The agency also released a “VTuber Style VShojo BOOK” in Japan on September 3, 2024, featuring talent profiles and exclusive interviews, available at Lawson stores and online via BOOTH. Additionally, VShojo collaborated with SMITE 2 to bring Zentreya’s voice pack and announcer pack to the game, showcasing its ongoing efforts to integrate VTubers into broader gaming culture.

VShojo’s Mission and Challenges Ahead

VShojo’s mission remains centered on empowering VTubers through dedicated management, tech innovations, and collaboration, allowing talents to retain control over their IP—a policy that has been praised as talent-friendly compared to other agencies. With a roster of 17 members boasting 6.4 million Twitch followers and 7.5 million YouTube subscribers as of April 2025, VShojo remains a major player in the VTuber industry. However, the recent wave of departures and financial allegations pose significant challenges. Industry observers note that Ironmouse’s exit, in particular, could be a turning point, given her prominence and the community’s reaction.

Conclusion

VShojo’s 2025 has been a year of ambitious growth, marked by the launch of VShojo NOVA and new talent like AmaLee, alongside significant setbacks with the departure of key figures like Ironmouse, Zentreya, GEEGA, and Matara Kan. The allegations of financial mismanagement have cast a shadow over the agency’s reputation, prompting community scrutiny and potential legal battles. As VShojo navigates these challenges, its commitment to talent freedom and innovation will be tested, with the VTuber community closely watching its next moves.