Offkai 2026 Final Thoughts

I went to Offkai 2026 in San Jose, 3rd weekend of July. And let me tell you, it was one of the most fun time I've had in a convention setting like this. I've been to plenty of niche-interest events like this (though now some have outgrown their niche) and this has been my first time at a specifically Vtuber convention. This felt different than all of those. In a way, this was a networking event, a community and fan event, an entertainment event, and a party event all put into half a convention hall. Still plenty of space for everything though. I'm all the more happier that I went, and even inspired to try even more with this whole Vtubing stuff.

I could go into a day-by-day recap here. But I think that'd be boring. I'll do a deeper feelings-based summary buuut here are some highlights before that:

-Longanisa Sando from Milk Belly

-Sakura Market Meals

-Getting an A rank in the Densha Arcade Game

-Beating Crisis Zone

-Watching not one, not two, but three stellar musical performances (Minyuet, VTSO Chamber, and Offkai Relay Concert feat. the Offkai House Band)

-Meeting so many fantastic people (Rosa, Riku, Jey, Moyasi, HollowBelico, members of the house band and Project Mikan, Claira, and those who wanted to find me too I appreciate it sooo much)

-Hot Pot

-Shoutouts to the homie Amaro Northstar and the other homie Rina for hanging out with me~

I have to say, I am a deeply introverted person. Like back then I would have loved to stay home and just chill in my room doing my own things. One of my motivations to start doing this whole Vtuber thing more seriously was to meet more people and be less by myself. I wasn't the most social person growing up because I used my disability as a way to build a wall between me and others. I grew up with thoughts like "oh, they don't need me" or "I'm not important enough to join then" or "they should be friends with someone who is complete and not a burden like myself". It was only now in my mid 20's and early 30's where I'm like "that mentality sucks and I want to change that".

Offkai was a way for me to push myself more out of my comfort zone. To enter a space where I feel that I can manage but I need to just actually do the thing. To meet people. To socialize. To tell folks that they mean a lot to me. And above all not caring about stats and numbers of mine but rather just going for it.

I matter in this space, in this world. And I'm not saying this to be conceited or make it all about me. I say this to grow out of the past and move forward with the confidence that past me wished he had.

Offkai has been a motivator for me, above everything. Meeting folks that actually want to see me for the first time in my life, hearing and meeting musician Vtubers in person and being inspired by them, and just being in a space full of energy from all the different fandoms and communities and camaraderie just really inspires me to have a small slice of my own one day. Goals to work towards.

Coming back, my Summer Bonanza this year is not going to reach it's ultimate goal unless a miracle happens. My follower counts have grown, but not reaching any big milestones anytime soon. My viewer count is still the same as always, but thankful that some folks are now at least dropping in. By all accounts, this information should be demotivating. But I choose to take it more in a positive light. Seeing all these Vtubers accomplish their dreams, I want to work towards mine. I believe I have things to offer and things that set me apart from others, and I just got to put my head to the grindstone and move at my own pace. I know I can do it. I'm thankful for the people I have now who support me, whether it's silent or loud.

Next year, Offkai will be in the spring. I think going would be a bit dicey for me since it won't be during a break. Welp, no use in thinking about it now. I got other things I got to worry about.

In any case, I'm glad I went to Offkai this year. Like I said in my tweet, it was something I didn't know I needed until it ended. As I start to transition back into my real career and job, I still want to try and make things that I enjoy even if I'm busy my job. Just gotta make time for it. I want to do my best to support my friends too. The fun part about my job is that things every year get a little easier. Though still challenging, and that's why I've stuck through with it all this time. It's fun. And I want to enjoy all the time I have in this life, in this world. Whether it be my job, my hobbies. As I continue on in my old unc age of 30+, I want to spend it the way my old saxophone professor taught me - with peace of mind.

Thank you, dear reader, for making it this far. Hope your day is blessed~!!