One of the many ongoing anime series this season, KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, has presented itself as an all-new player in the magical-girls-save-the-world-through-song genre. It blends the story-rich narrative that virtual singer agency KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO has been crafting since its conception with several new takes on the genre, packaged together with a fluid 3DCG animation style.
While the characters of the show exclusively exist as residents of the world within KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, they are based on real-world counterparts from the KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO virtual singer group V.W.P, as well as being voiced by the members. While many idol groups are born of mixed-media projects (IDOLM@STER, Love Live!, Macross Delta, etc.), KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION instead takes the pre-existing V.W.P talents and launches them into the anime world.
But just who are V.W.P? The five-member group has been active since 2021, originally debuting as part of member KAF's one-man live concert. It consists of members KAF, RIM, Isekaijoucho, Harusaruhi, and KOKO, all of whom also have successful solo careers outside of the group as part of KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO. But when the group is pulled together, you'll most commonly see them performing in arena-sized venues across Japan.
On the flip side, the characters of KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION originated from the mixed-media project of the same name, consisting of music, video, tabletop games, and, more recently, a set of two video games. The anime builds off the groundwork laid by these projects, compiling it into a complete series. So let's take a look at the characters and those behind them:
KAF / Kafu Morisaki
One of the original members of KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO, KAF was initially discovered at age 13 in 2017 by producer PIEDPIPER, who would go on to play an integral role in bringing together KAF's identity as a virtual singer. In the several years since, KAF has continued to develop as an artist, becoming the first virtual singer to perform at Japan's legendary Budokan venue, as well as hosting her own one-man live at Yoyogi National Arena. Before KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, her work with anime saw her contributing to the ending theme for Urusei Yatsura and Black Clover, as well as handling insert songs for Pompo: The Cinephile.
The anime builds on the visual and vocal style of KAF, entangled with the tragic backstory of Kafu Morisaki's character as she grapples with the harsh realities of Kamitsubaki City and the loss of those around her. It walks the fine line between KAF and Kafu Morisaki, giving an all-new perspective to the world KAF inhabits as a virtual artist.
RIM / Rime Tanioki
Debuting in 2019 and gaining significant traction following the release of her breakthrough 2020 hit single "Carnivorous Plant," RIM has continued to develop as a core member of the KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO roster. Consistently building upon her sound through uniquely defined production values, paired with powerful vocal delivery, RIM's work has lead her to sold-out one-man live shows at venues such as Tokyo Dome City Hall and more.
In the anime, RIM's character Rime Tanioki is consistently inquisitive, while playing a big sister role for several of the characters. Pulling from the visual identity originally crafted by PALOW. for RIM, her character is constantly finding herself struggling against her own self-doubts.
Isekaijoucho / Sekai Yorukawa
Originally joining KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO in 2019, Isekaijoucho is characterized through her ethereal voice and ballad-like music. With an ever-growing global fanbase, Isekaijoucho is consistently developing as an artist. In 2024 she took over the Pacifico Yokohama convention center with her third one-man live "Anima III", just five months after the release of her second album.
Within KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, Isekaijoucho's character Sekai Yorukawa uniquely possesses the ability to glimpse into the future. While seemingly stubborn in nature, her character possesses a strong will that will become pivotal to the witchlings.
Harusaruhi / Haru Asanushi
KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO's resident rapid-fire vocalist Harusaruhi has been part of the label since 2020, joining alongside Isekaijoucho. Consistently evolving on a sonic-level, Harusaruhi's emotion-driven rap stylings paired with her ability to switch up between fast-paced vocal delivery and deeper performances on slower numbers allows her to shine within the label's lineup of artists.
Facing off against the society of Kamitsubaki City head on, Harusaruhi's character Haru Asanushi elludes a high-tension energy alongside a hardworking nature to mask her vulnerabilities as a character.
KOKO / Koko Rinne
Bringing a high-tension energy wherever she goes, KOKO initially joined KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO in 2020. She specializes in impactful rock driven scores, and consistently delivers powerful performances. Earlier this year she delivered her third one-man live at Zepp Shinjuku with "Player III" to a sold-out audience.
In the world of KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, KOKO delivers this energy through her character Koko Rinne, often sharing her emotions in a straightforward manner, while consistently giving high-tension outbursts of energy around others.
While none of the characters are polar-opposites of their real-world counterparts, there definitely is no shortlist of differences that set them apart. Currently airing weekly on TBS and streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll outside of Japan, those interested in checking out more on KAMITSUBAKI CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION can head over to the series' official website.
