For many hololive fans, the August 29th event “hololive night” in the first day at the Taipei Dome was more than just a baseball game—it was a pilgrimage for their “oshi.” Fans, carrying itabags and dressed in happi coats or official T-shirts, streamed into the venue alongside traditional baseball fans, creating a vibrant and eye-catching scene within the indoor stadium.
The “hololive night” event, hosted by the professional baseball team Wei Chuan Dragons, featured four members from hololive English: FUWAMOCO (Fuwawa Abyssgard, Mococo Abyssgard) and the “Justice” duo, Gigi Murin and Raora Panthera. They were showcased as virtual players through a mix of large screen projections, dynamic support songs, static backdrops, and exclusive merchandise.
A particularly memorable moment was when the specially arranged support song “Goal for one” played, with its Chinese lyrics “再給你一個魔法三振他” (“give him another magic strikeout”) echoing through the Taipei Dome. This moment seamlessly blended the two cultures of “watching baseball” and “supporting Vtubers” in a single space.
Among fans, the most talked-about part of the day was undoubtedly the first pitch ceremony by COVER CEO Motoaki “Yagoo” Tanigo. To hololive fans, Yagoo is not a cold, distant CEO, but an endearing figure affectionately known by the community as the “Best Girl.”
As he stood on the pitcher’s mound, he threw a somewhat “slippery” grounder. However, to the fans, it was a “ball of dreams” full of meaning. From the stage to the baseball field, this single throw symbolized both the journey of COVER since its establishment and the rise of Vtubers into an entertainment core capable of sharing passion with the public in a real-world setting.
At the Taipei Dome, it was evident that traditional baseball fans and hololive enthusiasts, identified by their itabags and Vtuber apparel, were coexisting. The interviewed fans generally expressed their willingness to support official collaborations by purchasing merchandise and sharing their collections. For traditional baseball fans, while their focus remained on the game, most were open to the fresh atmosphere brought by “hololive night,” feeling that it was a positive development for professional baseball by attracting more spectators.
The “hololive night” themed day was more than just a collaboration; it was a festival for the fans. The shared experience and cheers between fans and baseball enthusiasts at the Taipei Dome will become lasting memories. We might see more of these cross-industry collaborations in the future.
This is because as long as there is an “oshi” to support and fans are willing to gather, whether the stage is on a screen or a baseball field, that passion will continue to thrive.
