In the ever-expanding world of VTubers, where fantasy often takes the spotlight, Ruqi’s story cuts through the noise with a sharp note of reality and honesty. A former patient recovering from a life-altering surgery, Ruqi didn’t just step into the virtual realm—he ran into it, powered by resilience, introspection, and a deep desire to give back what was once given to him: belief. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the journey of a half-demon streamer with a heart full of gratitude and a community of mischievous ‘Rookies’ rallying behind him.
Q. Could you share with us your background and what led you to become a VTuber?
I had a major shift in life recently. I underwent surgery to remove the metal bar supporting my chest from a condition called pectus excavatum (funnel chest). For most of my life, I was told it wasn’t a big deal. But one doctor looked at my posture, lung capacity, and the severity of the deformity and made it clear that this wasn’t a cosmetic issue—it was essential for my quality of life. After surgery, I began training with a personal trainer and met a close friend who deeply inspired me. They believed in me when I didn’t know how to believe in myself, and that gave me strength to break free from fear, ego, societal norms, and personal scars. I realized how deeply my view of the world was shaped by unresolved pain and how much I limited my own growth. I wanted to be the kind of person who could ignite someone else’s flame, just like someone did for me. That’s when I discovered VTubing.
Coincidentally, a friend introduced me to the world of VTubing just when I had started to consider streaming. I’ve always loved anime—especially shounen—for its themes of growth and moral clarity, and I enjoy playing a wide variety of games. I talk a lot when I’m excited, so the fit felt perfect. Within a month, I had my model ready and hit the ‘Go Live’ button. I didn’t know much about VTuber culture at the time, so when people asked me to do “ara ara,” I had no clue what they meant! But as I explored the scene and saw how both indie and corporate VTubers spread joy and comfort, I knew this was something I wanted to be part of.
Q. What was the inspiration behind your half-demon character design?
It’s rooted in how I saw the world. Before all of this, my worldview was really dark. I didn’t believe people could be like the characters in the anime I watched. That was just fiction, right? But then I met people who consistently pushed themselves in every way—not just physically, but morally and emotionally too. They held themselves accountable, did the right thing even when no one was watching, and kept growing. That’s when it clicked: anime characters are fictional, but the values behind them are real—made by real people with real purpose. I realized those shows resonated with so many people because others must crave the same things I did: integrity, growth, hope. So my half-demon character represents that balance—the cynicism I once had, and the optimism I’m choosing now.
Q. Which games do you enjoy streaming the most?
Definitely horror games and chat-interactive games! I used to avoid solo games because I’d feel too lonely. Horror especially just stressed me out. But playing on stream changes everything. With my community watching, I actually feel brave—like I’m protecting them (they’re the scaredy cats, not me!). I also love games that let chat join in, like Kukoro. They can play using chat commands, and I get to lovingly “bully” them when it’s streamer vs chat.
Q. How would you describe your streaming style?
My style is a mix of cozy vibes, semi-serious TED talks, and just the right amount of sus humor. I don’t stick to one game and usually go with what feels most fun that day—except on Spoopy Fridays, which are always reserved for something spooky! I don’t think my channel is drastically different from others, but I’ve been told that it’s very “real” and comforting. I always try to be transparent and let my community in on my life—my workouts, my goals, even my off-key singing. I hope by doing that, I can inspire them to grow in areas they’re interested in too.
Q. Can you tell us more about your fandom, “The Rookies”?
The name is a pun—Ruqi and Rookies! They’re mischievous cat-imp demons (I’m still working out the lore), but they’ve been nothing but sweet to me. Some have made VOD channels, clips, wikis, even cosplay and merch to support me. I get fanart filled with tiny thoughtful details—favorite drinks, inside jokes, stream moments. They even anonymously send encouragement on Tellonym or help brainstorm stream improvements. I try to remind them that every form of support counts—whether it’s showing up, liking a tweet, or just taking care of themselves. They’ve done so much for me, and I’m incredibly grateful.
Q. What are your hobbies outside of streaming?
I enjoy working out and watching anime. I live pretty minimally but want to start decorating my space with merch from VTubers I admire or friends I support. Working out keeps me grounded. It’s a way to train not just the body, but also the mind—pushing through failure, holding yourself accountable, staying consistent. That mindset translates well into everything I do, including streaming.
Q. What are your long-term goals as a VTuber?
I want to keep learning and evolving. VTubing is such a flexible and creative medium, especially with new tech. There’s so much room to create fun, silly, or even powerful moments for others. I want to be part of that momentum.
Q. How do you bring humor into your streams?
My humor leans toward the outrageous and unserious. A little bit of sus goes a long way! Especially when real life feels heavy, being able to laugh at something ridiculous is refreshing. Most games have those silly moments, or scenarios that mirror real life a little too much—it’s fun to react to those in over-the-top ways.
Q. Is there a particular moment from your journey that reflects your core values?
Yes—my birthday stream. My community surprised me with a video filled with messages saying how much they appreciated the stream, the comfy vibes, and even my “famous TED talks.” That meant everything to me. It reminded me that being authentic and consistent resonates with people. I go back to that VOD often whenever I need motivation.
Q. What challenges have you faced as an independent VTuber?
Time is the biggest challenge. My community helps so much with editing and promotion, and I want to be better at pulling my weight too. I’ve also struggled to keep up with chat during streams because I love to yap like they do! To fix that, I started using two chat windows—one real-time, one delayed—so I don’t miss messages. Branding and tech stuff have also been hard to learn, but I’ve been lucky to meet friends who help me behind the scenes. I wouldn’t be here without them.
In the end, Ruqi’s story is not just about becoming a VTuber—it’s about becoming someone who reflects what they needed most in their darkest times. With humor, honesty, and the backing of an incredibly supportive community, Ruqi is carving out a space in the virtual world that feels deeply human.
