Reader’s Question:
I’m considering commissioning a company to create a life-sized figure of my favorite Hololive VTuber. However, I’ve heard that for anime and game characters, companies often require a copyright permission letter before they can proceed with production. I’m curious about how this works specifically for Hololive and VTubers in
general. Since a life-sized figure is essentially just a larger version of a garage kit, there are precedents for this kind of thing. Do I need to obtain permission from Hololive or the artist who created the character’s design in order for the company to accept my commission?

Your Guide to Commissioning a Life-Sized Figure of Your Favorite Hololive VTuber

As a self-professed anime and VTuber enthusiast, I totally get the thrill of wanting to bring your favorite character to life—literally. Imagine, for a moment, walking into your living room and being greeted by a life-sized figure of your beloved Hololive VTuber. I mean, talk about an epic conversation starter! But before you dive headfirst into commissioning that stunning figure, let’s chat about a little thing called copyright—because, trust me, you don’t want to be caught in a legal mess over a giant anime statue.

The Basics of Commissioning a Figure

So, here’s the deal. When you think about commissioning a life-sized figure, you’re not just getting a larger version of a garage kit; you’re entering a whole new realm of art and business. And that’s where copyright comes in. Most companies that create these figures are looking to make a profit. Even if your intentions are pure (like just wanting to admire your figure in peace), the moment you involve a business, you enter the commercial sphere, and that’s where you need permissions in place. Now, I’ve been there—imagining what it’d be like to have a big, bold figure of my favorite VTuber standing proudly on my shelf, making every day feel like a Saturday morning anime binge. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Obtaining the right permissions is key here.

Understanding Copyright in the VTuber World

Here’s the scoop: Hololive and similar VTuber companies typically hold the copyright for their characters. That means, unless you have explicit permission from them, you’re stepping into potentially murky waters. The general rule of thumb is that if you’re commissioning a company to make something for you—especially something that could be seen as commercial like a life-sized figure—you need to secure that permission. Now, you might think, “But what if I just want it for personal use?” Well, it doesn’t really matter in this context. The company making the figure will still need proof that they have the right to create that likeness. This isn’t just about being a fan; it’s about respecting the hard work and creativity that goes into these characters.

Permission: Who to Ask?

You might wonder, “Do I need to ask the artist or Hololive?” The answer is simple: you need to go through Hololive, or more specifically, Cover Corporation, which manages the rights. While it’s true that artists often have a say in how their work is used, the character rights typically belong to the company. So, even if you adore the artist, your best bet is to talk to Hololive directly. This can feel a bit intimidating. I mean, reaching out to a big company can be scary! You don’t know how they’ll respond or even if they’ll respond at all. But it’s crucial if you want to avoid any potential legal trouble down the road. Plus, you get to be part of the process in a cool, authentic way—kind of like how those behind-the-scenes documentaries make you feel like you’re part of the magic, right?

The Garage Kit Precedent

You might be saying, “But what about garage kits? Don’t those just get made without permission all the time?” And yeah, you’re right—there are a lot of garage kits that float around, especially in events like Wonder Festival (or, as we call it, WonFes). But here’s the catch: a lot of those kits operate under a “day-of-event” copyright that allows creators to exhibit and sell their work for just that short period. It’s a temporary pass that makes it a bit of a gray area. However, relying on event-based permissions doesn’t translate well into the world of commissioned figures. These companies are looking for long-term rights, and that’s where the rubber meets the road. If you step outside that legal framework, you could be opening up a can of worms you really don’t want to deal with.

My Personal Thoughts: Navigating Fan Culture

As someone who’s been around the anime community for quite a while, I can tell you that fan culture is all about respect. We love our characters, and we want to celebrate them, but we also need to remember the people behind the curtain—the creators, the companies, the artists. They’ve poured their hearts and souls into creating these vibrant worlds, and that deserves recognition. When I first started collecting figures, I remember the rush of excitement over unboxing my first one. But as I’ve learned more about the industry—especially the nitty-gritty of copyright—I realized how much I wanted to support the creators and not just the characters. It’s a balancing act, for sure, but it’s one that ultimately enriches our fandom experience.

Final Thoughts

So, if you’re thinking about commissioning a life-sized figure of your favorite Hololive VTuber, keep that copyright in mind. It might seem like a hassle to seek out permissions, but in the long run, it’s a step that can lead to a more fulfilling experience for both you and the creators. Plus, think of the story you’ll have to tell when you finally stand next to that figure, knowing you did everything by the book. At the end of the day, our love for VTubers and anime is what binds us together as fans. So, let’s keep that love alive by showing our respect for the creators who make it all happen. Now, go ahead and dream about that life-sized figure—and just make sure to do it the right way!