Received media attention for controversial workplace culture.
Key Events
Initial Success at the Start of the Year:
High stock prices but poor work culture.
One VTuber attempted suicide due to toxic culture.
Response to Crisis:
Termination of the VTuber involved rather than addressing workplace issues.
Company claimed the financial fallout would be negligible, which was a poor public relations move.
Issues with VTuber Ownership
Many VTubers are essentially owned by their organizations.
Organizations hold the rights to their character's IP and content, which raises concerns regarding autonomy and the potential for exploitation.
Stock and Reputation Decline
Initial stock price decrease followed by attempts at recovery.
Public Humiliation:
Negative publicity surrounding management practices and workplace culture harmed recruitment and public perception.
Industry Comparisons
Niji Sanji compared to Blizzard for toxic work environment.
Market comparisons suggest Niji Sanji is lagging behind competitors like Hololive, which is better received due to perceived positive work culture.
Anime Expo 2024 Presentation Plans
Planned concerts for July 6th and 7th showcasing English and Japanese talents.
Tickets were not selling well, raising questions about their appeal.
Cancellation of Concerts:
Concerts were cancelled as tickets failed to sell, leading to a financial loss and disappointment for fans.
Fans were left frustrated, particularly those who booked flights and accommodations specifically for the concerts.
Social Media & Public Reaction
Fans expressed loud disappointment on social media.
The situation was so embarrassing that people made jokes about the empty booths at Anime Expo.
Comparison with Hololive’s Event:
Hololive hosted a successful event that drew large crowds, in contrast to Niji Sanji’s nearly empty booth at the Expo.
Conclusion
Niji Sanji's failure to attract audiences represents a significant drop in their market position.
As the VTuber market shifts towards competitors who foster better environments for talent, Niji Sanji faces challenges in reputation repair and market recovery.
Going forward, its recovery hinges on changing public perception and addressing workplace culture issues.