INTERVIEW: Zentreya Talks About the Eternal Battle with Her Chat
This interview is part of our series “So You Wanna Be An Anime Girl?”—a series of articles and interviews with the members of the VTuber agency VShojo. Each interview is accompanied by the VTubers’ Top 30 Anime of All Time. You can see Zentreya’s Top Anime here!
We’ve known for a while now that VTubers have taken over the planet, but one of my favorite things about them is that every single stream you tune into is completely unique. Every stream gives you this very special blend of (what is usually) a high fantasy anime character and the genuine personality of a performer that you can’t really get anywhere else. Zentreya is… unique. Her streams are perhaps some of the most chaotic streaming experiences you can ever hope to experience. From chibi geckos to holding the world back from a technodystopian future, Zen’s really got it all.
We had the opportunity to talk with Zentreya about her VTubing career, what makes VTubers special, and what it’s like to travel back in time to save the world.
Crunchyroll: For our readers who may not be familiar, could you please introduce yourself?
Zentreya: Ah yes! Hello, I am Zentreya! I am from VShojo. I was previously an indie Vtuber who joined this group in 2020. I have traveled back in time to save the future, but people are telling me I haven’t done anything. I am trying, okay? Thank you for having me!
As a cyborg from the post-apocalyptic future, how does it feel living in 2022?
Zentreya: I mean you guys have actual working TVs and I don’t have people trying to kill me 24/7. Oh, there is this thing called … what is it … Poptarts! I love those! I ordered five cases of the Wild Berry ones since they are so hard to find! Yes… I said five cases! Also you all have anime and manga. Oh and games. MMOs are pretty fun. I don’t play them 24/7 if that’s what you’re thinking. I also don’t spend a bunch of money on cosmetics and sit around in my chair for days on end playing them. I am out saving the world.
What’s a day in the life of Zentreya like?
Zentreya: Ah … it is messy. I deal with two beagles — Marlo and Millie. They drive me up the walls. Then I deal with my community who I am fighting more than I fought enemies in the future. Do you realize I get roasted daily?! They call me a freaking toaster! I have been downgraded to a toaster… It’s humiliating. But in the end, you get used to it. Though I have been told most people would have already gone insane and quit. I am built quite different. Literally.
How did you first get into anime and/or gaming?
Zentreya: I watched Gundam. Lot’s of Gundam. Toonami or whatever it was showed me the series and it was so freaking cool. I mean, giant robots, come on! But then I guess I started gradually watching more series. Lucky Star, Toradora!, Daily Lives of Highschool Boys, Vampire Knight Guilty, Shugo Chara, Ouran Highschool Host Club… I love slice of life and romcoms now. Oh, and I started off with Mario for the SNES. That and Speedy Gonzalez. Yes, they made a game for him on the SNES. It was pretty fun. Then Halo and Mass Effect came out and I just became a gamer. I prefer MMOs and JRPGs!
As a VTuber, you have to juggle being entertaining, talking with your audience, adjusting facial expressions, and sometimes gaming at the same time… how do you balance all of that?!
Zentreya: One word. ADHD. That will answer all of your questions for that. I am doing 10 things while you think I am doing 1 thing.
How did you decide to get into VTubing?
Zentreya: I traveled into the past to save humanity. Found out I could warn people better through this thing called the internet and social media. Then I ended up getting sucked into this fun little excursion of memes, games and Vtubers. Obviously I will save the future. That can be later though. No rush. Not like the world’s going to end tomorrow.
Why do you think VTubing has become so popular?
Zentreya: I mean, you get to be anime. You get to express yourself through your character. You get to tell a story. But you also get to be you and have fun with it. And as long as you’re having fun, that is what counts. And getting to make people laugh and smile is a bonus for me.
Are there any misconceptions about VTubing you wish people got right or things you wish people knew more about?
Zentreya: I mean, this question goes for any other community that people first get introduced into. It’s just about understanding. While some won’t understand, others will. I’m gunna be honest, I don’t think I pay attention to what people criticize about Vtubing. If there are any misunderstandings, I guess it’s more of why the anime character? And it’s kinda simple. It’s fun. So have fun with it!
VTubers really inspire a deep connection in people. What about this medium do you think hits people so deeply?
Zentreya: Hmm. I think while people who use webcams get to really shine with everything, Vtubers have to really shine with their personality more than anything. Yes, you can have the expressions and the flashy effects. But the connection is the personality and what it says about you. People see that more than anything on stream! They feel it! They can see it! How you laugh, or how you approach certain topics or people. In the end, they are watching you for who you are.
Do you have any advice for people interested in trying out VTubing?
Zentreya: Don’t raise a chat that fight’s back. It’s a pain in the ass. I’m kidding. There are free programs to use where you can make your avatar, as well as assets and everything all over twitter and discords. Go out there and start learning! It’s only scary ’cause you haven’t tried yet!
Any last message to your fans?
Zentreya: Thank you for everything you have done for me and so many others. We fight a lot, but the Vtuber community and you guys are what make this all possible. Thank you, stay safe, stay strong, and as always, rock on.
Other articles in this series:
You can watch Zentreya stream on her Twitch channel here!
Cayla Coats tweets @ceicocat. You can watch her YouTube analysis videos on her channel.
