Following the graduation concert of the VTuber girl group Aqua Minato on August 28, Shion Murasaki (紫咲シオン), a second-generation member, began a live chat at midnight on August 29, Japan time. In this chat, she shared her experience watching Aqua’s graduation live from the COVER company and her final moments with VTuber “Aqua Minato.”
Shion Murasaki had recently returned from an extended break, during which she expressed that her goal was to capture her last memories with Aqua. Shio’s name sounds like “salt,” while Aqua means “water.” The Shio-Water couple is a beloved pairing that has remained popular since their debut six years ago. Hence, the graduation of one will undoubtedly concern fans about the other.
Shion held a chat after Aqua’s concert, stating, “It’s all for everyone.” She mentioned that she had moved past her sadness, though her fans might not have. “Shion also has many feelings, but this is not a farewell. This should signify the difference between me and you,” she confidently declared. “I was in the best position to appreciate that legendary moment.”
Earlier, Shion mentioned that she had Aqua’s contact information post-graduation, and even after VTuber Minato Aqua graduated, they would still plan to meet and remain friends forever.
The purpose of Aqua’s live event was to demonstrate that she had achieved her dream of becoming a legendary idol. Shion attended the event to witness Aqua’s performance and say goodbye. Company 2.7 billion motion capture photography was significant for this final journey.
Please go
No matter where we go, we will always be friends
#Aqua Minato graduation scene pic.twitter.com/42o4t86SWn— Murasakishionch🌙 Hololive (@murasakishionch) August 28, 2024
Shion initially had no plans to go to the studio. Although she performed as one of the second-generation members early in the concert and participated in the chorus, that segment was pre-recorded, and her presence on the day was not necessary.
However, Shion suddenly thought, “It would be fun if I brought an extra-large bouquet,” leading her to spring into action for a surprise for Aqua. She instructed the florist to primarily use pink and light blue to match Aqua’s colors. Upon receiving the bouquet, she exclaimed, “This is too big!” When Mane-chan (her agent) arrived to pick her up, she also complimented its beauty.
For typical idols, it is common to present flowers at events, but it held special meaning for Shion. When she approached Aqua before she went on stage, Aqua’s first reaction was, “What? Why are you here?”
When Aqua received the bouquet from Shion, she appeared genuinely touched, exclaiming, “Shion-chan really likes me, thank you! This bouquet is so beautiful; it’s my color!”
My manager told me yesterday, so I went out and bought a huge bouquet of flowers without telling him, and I’m glad she was happy with it 💐 https://t.co/EGZHyTWhDO
— Murasakishionch🌙 Hololive (@murasakishionch) August 28, 2024
Shion felt fortunate to see Aqua’s reaction. Though she had previously given carnations to her mother, this was her first time buying a bouquet for someone else. While the experience was different from her expectations, it was truly wonderful to see Aqua so joyful.
Shion recounted that during the recording session, fifth-generation member Hana Hana Rami unexpectedly arrived. This energetic individual quickly finished her recording and rushed to the scene, brightly exclaiming, “Shiomizu (あくしお) is too dazzling!” After saying a slew of playful comments, she left.
At that moment, Shion wanted to stay and offer some words of encouragement before leaving, but Aqua unexpectedly asked, “What? Are you leaving?”
Shion didn’t want to cry at the company, so she held her words back. Aqua then used her emotional ploy, saying, “If Shion isn’t here after the performance, I will be angry. You must stay.” Thus, Shion decided to remain.
Aqua mentioned that she had been chatting with elementary school students backstage when an enthusiastic flat-headed man unexpectedly joined in. (See the clip for details about Flathead Ramie)
While I was talking to the kid in the locker room, he got so excited and started cutting corners.
— Aqua Minato (real) Hololive graduate (@minatoaqua) August 28, 2024
Afterward, Shion and her manager quietly watched the live event with full attention. “My eyes got a little wet, and I was somewhat moved when the second-generation members came on stage… I didn’t cry then. When I calmly watched the guest part and the medley, there were upbeat songs, right? I thought, she (Aqua) really worked hard; she is truly an idol. I kept watching, and finally, the MC part began…”
Shion described how her tears were welling up but had yet to fall, saying, “The tears are definitely accumulating, but they haven’t fallen yet.” Mane-chan, seated next to her, remarked, “I cried so hard.” Shion admitted, “I understand!” and then she burst into tears. Their pent-up emotions spilled over all at once, and the two watched Aqua’s final performance with tears flowing.
However, they suddenly thought it would be awkward if the performing idols discovered they had been crying, so they tried to appear fine and greeted Aqua as she came off recording.
“Aqua returned with a smile and kept asking Shion if she had cried. I thought to myself, didn’t she just cry while singing? How annoying! (laughs)” She confessed to Aqua that she cried during the last song “Aqua Palette,” and Aqua seemed pleased, replying, “Ah~ I cried after all. Adashi cried too.”
Shion claimed, “I cried!” just like she always does with Aqua; fortunately, she didn’t end up crying alone at home. “It’s wonderful that I could watch it in the studio.”
Shion shared that on the way home from the studio, she and Aqua walked to the taxi stand together, where she commented, “You won’t be coming here again in the future, will you?” Aqua, already having bid farewell to her identity, seemed to realize this and replied with a smile, “Indeed, I should have taken a video as a souvenir.”
Witnessing this scene, Shion felt as if she was present for the moment that hololive’s Aqua Minato truly became “Aqua Minato.” “I was very moved. It was a historic moment. I witnessed a legend. It truly was a legend.” Yet, she also felt that “Aqua was still Aqua in the end. She never changed. (Her graduation) didn’t seem real.”
Afterward, the two bid each other farewell, with Aqua’s last words being, “Be sure to take me for a ride!” For Shion, who had just obtained a hand-car driver’s license during the break, this felt like a mission that had to be accomplished.
Back home, Shion rewatched the archived videos, and sadness began to set in once more. She remarked, “Aqua has been live streaming frequently lately, so I think the audience can recall many things, just as she (Aqua) can. It’s wonderful that everyone can hold onto so many memories. She has worked very hard, and I hope she can relax after this.”
Shion expressed her desire to stream about Aqua’s Graduation LIVE before she forgot her feelings, sharing her thoughts. The final waves of saltwater left fans feeling the warmth of her heart. Dar kebab!.
See you one day!
— Aqua Minato (real) Hololive graduate (@minatoaqua) August 28, 2024
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<h1>Shion Murasaki's Emotional Tribute to Aqua Minato's Graduation</h1>
<p>After the graduation concert of VTuber girl group Aqua Minato on August 28, Shion Murasaki (紫咲シオン), a beloved second-generation member, began a live chat on August 29 to reflect on her experience watching Aqua's graduation LIVE at the COVER company and her interactions with Aqua. This heartfelt moment has resonated deeply with fans who followed the journey of these iconic VTubers.</p>
<h2>Shion’s Return and Connection with Aqua</h2>
<p>Shion Murasaki recently returned from a long break, during which she took time to capture her last memories with Aqua. The duo’s names, Shion (meaning “salt”) and Aqua (meaning “water”), symbolize a beloved combination among fans—the "Shio-Water" pairing. The departure of Aqua has left many fans worried about Shion, highlighting the emotional connection created over their years together.</p>
<h2>A Heartfelt Chat: "It’s All for Everyone"</h2>
<p>In her live chat following Aqua's concert, Shion expressed profound sentiments, reassuring fans with her words, "It's all for everyone." While she spoke about moving past the sadness surrounding Aqua's graduation, she acknowledged the lingering emotions felt by her fans. "This is not a farewell; it’s a testament to the bond we share," Shion stated confidently. She positioned herself as a witness to what she called a legendary moment.</p>
<h2>Post-Graduation Plans: A Lasting Friendship</h2>
<p>Shion previously mentioned having Aqua's contact details post-graduation, indicating that their friendship would continue despite Aqua's departure from her VTuber persona. This affirmation has brought comfort to fans who cherish the duo's relationship and hope for their continued camaraderie.</p>
<h2>The Emotional Graduation Event: A Celebration of Dreams</h2>
<p>Aqua's LYIVE was a celebration of her successful journey to becoming a legendary idol. Shion attended the event, contributing her support and love. She described her decision to attend as spontaneous, deciding to surprise Aqua with a grand bouquet of flowers in Aqua’s signature colors—light blue and pink.</p>
<h3>Delivering a Surprise: The Flower Bouquet</h3>
<p>Shion’s surprise bouquet was not just an ordinary gift. The size and color were carefully chosen to reflect Aqua's essence. Upon receiving it, Aqua was visibly touched, exclaiming, "Shion-chan really likes me, thank you, this bouquet is so beautiful, it's my color!" This moment highlighted the strong bond between these two VTubers and showcased Shion's thoughtful gesture.</p>
<h2>Shared Moments Backstage: Laughter and Tears</h2>
<p>During the concert, Shion recalled how her emotions fluctuated. She shared that she was initially trying to hold back tears while watching Aqua perform but eventually succumbed to her feelings. “My eyes got a little wet watching the second-generation members on stage. I finally burst into tears once Aqua's performance started,” she recalled. This display of emotions further solidified her connection with Aqua and the entire graduation experience.</p>
<h3>Backstage Banter and Support</h3>
<p>Aqua and Shion shared lighthearted moments backstage. Aqua's playful nature shone through as she playfully interrogated Shion about her tears, which created a comfortable atmosphere amidst the bittersweet farewell. Aqua’s words, “If Shion is not here after the performance, I will be angry. You must be here,” reveal the depth of their friendship and the commitment to be present for each other.</p>
<h2>Reactions to Aqua's Performance: A Mix of Pride and Sadness</h2>
<p>Watching Aqua's performance live was an emotional rollercoaster for Shion. With tears welling up at the overwhelming moment, she declared, "The tears are definitely accumulating!" She felt pride in Aqua’s accomplishments and recognized the dedication Aqua had toward her craft. "She worked so hard, she is really an idol," Shion remarked, highlighting her admiration.</p>
<h2>Reflections on a Historic Moment</h2>
<p>After the concert, Shion felt the weight of what Aqua's graduation represented in the VTuber community. She noted, "I witnessed a legend. It was really a legend." This encapsulates the significance of Aqua’s journey and its impact on her friends, fans, and the industry.</p>
<h2>Parting Words: Looking Toward the Future</h2>
<p>As they parted ways, Aqua's last words to Shion were, "Be sure to take me for a ride!" This light-hearted farewell solidified their friendship and left Shion with a sense of mission and hope for future encounters. Shion later reflected on the necessity of documenting their memories, expressing a desire to remember these moments fondly.</p>
<h2>Shion's Afterthoughts: Cherishing Memories and Moving Forward</h2>
<p>Upon returning home, Shion rewatched archived videos of Aqua’s performances and felt a wave of nostalgia. She expressed hope that Aqua could find peace after the whirlwind of a successful career, stating, “It’s great that everyone can have so many memories with her.” Shion aims to livestream her thoughts on Aqua’s graduation to keep the memory alive, stating, “The final ripples of the salt water made the fans feel the warmth of her heart.”</p>
<h2>Social Media Highlights</h2>
<p>Shion has been actively engaging with her fans across social media platforms, further enhancing the emotional connection with her audience. Below are some of the memorable tweets from her live chat and reflections:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr">"See you one day!" — Aqua Minato</p>
<a href="https://twitter.com/minatoaqua/status/1828809525773877721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"></a>
</blockquote>
<h3>Key Takeaways from This Emotional Journey</h3>
<ul>
<li>Strong bonds are cultivated through shared experiences in the VTuber community.</li>
<li>The dynamic between Aqua Minato and Shion Murasaki symbolizes the deep emotional connections fans build with their favorite VTubers.</li>
<li>Aqua's graduation marks a significant moment in VTuber history, showcasing the evolution of their careers.</li>
<li>Community support plays a vital role in helping artists through emotional transitions.</li>
</ul>
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