What is Taiji (Taichannel)? For First-Time Visitors

Taiji (Taichannel) is a Japanese streamer and game commentator from Hokkaido, born on March 24, 1991. He began game commentary on Niconico in 2009 and is currently active on three platforms: Twitch, OpenREC.tv, and YouTube. On Twitch, he is one of Japan’s top-tier streamers, ranking third in Japan with an average concurrent viewership of over 9,400 and a peak concurrent viewership of 55,656 (as of April 2026). Affectionately known by the nickname “Yaritaji,” he enjoys strong support from a wide range of audiences, primarily gamers in their 20s and 30s . His authentic gameplay, backed by competitive achievements such as two consecutive Splatoon 2 World Championship titles, combined with his honest and unpretentious personality, has sustained the support of his fans for over 17 years.

Profile: A Former World Champion’s Journey from Professional Esports to Streaming

What is Shibuya Haru? For those hearing about it for the first time

Pocky is a Japanese game streamer and YouTuber from Mie Prefecture, born on January 27, 1998. He began his YouTube career in 2011, and his main channel, “Pocky,” launched in 2013, currently boasts 3.77 million subscribers and over 3.9 billion total views (as of April 2026), making him one of Japan’s top-tier, highly skilled streamers. Affectionately known as “Poki-san,” he enjoys immense popularity among a wide range of age groups, from Gen Z middle and high school students to working adults. His unique eye for content—focused primarily on horror games and overseas indie titles—and his natural, easy-going conversational style have sustained the support of his fans over the years.

Profile: A game streamer who has stayed true to his own unique style for 15 years since his debut in middle school

Pocky grew up playing games on his father’s computer and home video game consoles, and by the time he entered middle school, he had purchased his own computer. Inspired by the videos of other game streamers, he began posting gameplay videos on YouTube in 2011. He launched his current main channel, “Pocky,” in July 2013, and after graduating from high school, he began working full-time as a YouTuber. From 2014 to 2020, he was affiliated with UUUM, Japan’s largest YouTuber agency. He has steadily increased his fan base, surpassing 1 million subscribers in September 2016, 2 million in July 2018, and 3 million in February 2021.

Pocky’s most distinctive feature is his unique focus on foreign indie games and horror games—genres that Japanese game streamers typically avoid. He cites PewDiePie—who runs the world’s largest gaming channel—as his role model, and it was PewDiePie’s influence that sparked his passion for overseas indie games. Pocky’s approach of “finding and introducing games that no one knows about” has remained consistent from the very beginning, and this sets him apart from other streamers.

3 Reasons Why Pocky Live Streams Are So Engaging

① The ability to discover and bring you the best in horror and indie games faster than anyone else

Pocky’s greatest strength lies in its unparalleled ability to discover games . Long before Japanese streamers took notice, Pocky was quick to highlight overseas indie games and horror titles, consistently delivering fresh surprises to its viewers. Videos are selected based on the criteria of “standalone games that can be completed quickly,” so even complete beginners with zero gaming knowledge can enjoy watching from start to finish. Pocky has been selected as the Official Indie Game Ambassador for three consecutive years—2022, 2023, and 2024—at the Tokyo Game Show, demonstrating the industry’s unwavering trust in the channel.

② A sense of familiarity created by genuine reactions and natural conversation

Pocky’s commentary style is characterized by his unpretentious, natural delivery and genuine reactions to the games. His honest screams during horror games and his bewilderment when playing a game for the first time create a sense that “I’m playing the game myself,” allowing even beginners who have never played before to enjoy the videos with a sense of anticipation about what will happen next. In an interview with the Sankei Shimbun, his style was described as “an innovative approach that has garnered immense popularity in game commentary,” and his uniqueness has been highly praised by the media.

③ The Explosive Power of Entertainment Created with Friends, as Demonstrated by “Pomiso Shiru”

In July 2022, Pocky formed a gaming commentary group called “Pomiso Shiru,” bringing together 10 popular creators. The lineup includes creators immensely popular among Gen Z, such as Nefright and Kanta from Mizutamari Bond, and their lively collaborative streams—a departure from their individual channels—have become a major talking point among fans. The group’s motto is “streams where we enjoy anything, regardless of genre,” making it the perfect gateway for newcomers to the gaming community.

Tips for Beginners on How to Enjoy Pocky Videos

For those watching Pocky’s videos for the first time, I recommend starting with his horror game playthrough videos. Each video covers nearly the entire game, providing a complete experience in a short amount of time, so you don’t have to follow a long series of videos. Indie horror games, in particular, offer the joy of discovery—the fun of playing a game you’ve never heard of before—so even beginners can enjoy them purely as entertainment. Additionally, Pocky published a book in 2023 titled It’s Too Soon for the Ending (KADOKAWA), which is also a great way to get to know his perspective and personality as a streamer.

Current Activities as of 2026

Pocky continues to be very active in 2026. On his main channel, he regularly posts gameplay videos of the latest horror and indie games, and he continues his group activities as “Pomiso Shiru.” In January 2026, they held a live stream reflecting on their career to deepen their connection with fans. With a spotless track record and a consistently clean style of content creation over the years, they are one of the few creators whom aspiring gamers can subscribe to with confidence, and we look forward to their continued success.

Summary: Pocky is the best guide to the fun of discovering new games

Pocky is a pioneer in the gaming commentary world who has remained at the forefront for 15 years in the unique niche of horror games and overseas indie titles. His unwavering commitment to “being the first to introduce games no one else knows about,” combined with the rapport he builds with viewers through his natural, down-to-earth commentary, is at the heart of why he is loved by everyone from Gen Z to a wide range of other generations. For beginners just starting to explore the world of gaming, Pocky’s videos serve as the perfect gateway to that initial revelation: “Games can be this much fun!” Start by watching one of the horror game playthrough videos on his main channel or !

キヨ。とは？はじめて知る方へ

キヨ。は、北海道出身の日本を代表するゲーム実況者・YouTuberです。2009年にニコニコ動画でゲーム実況をスタートし、2014年に開設したYouTubeチャンネル「キヨ。」は現在登録者数561万人・総再生回数67億回超（2026年4月現在）を誇り、専業ゲーム実況者として日本No.1の規模を維持し続けています。ゲーム実況グループ「最終兵器俺達」のメンバーとしても知られており、レトルト・牛沢・ガッチマンとともに「日本TOP4」と称される伝説的な存在です。

プロフィール：ニコニコ動画から東京ドームへ、14年の実況人生

キヨ。のゲーム実況の歴史は、2009年10月20日に投稿した「ポケットモンスター プラチナ」の実況動画から始まります。高校の同級生であるこーすけと組んだ2人組でのスタートでしたが、その独自のトーク力と大声でのリアクションが次第に注目を集め、ニコニコ動画では2011年に動画総再生ランキングで堂々の1位を獲得しました。その後YouTubeへと活動の主軸を移し、2017年9月には登録者数100万人を突破。2018年1月には日本武道館でゲーム実況イベント「LEVEL.3」を開催し、同年12月にはさいたまスーパーアリーナでのLEVEL.4を成功させるなど、ゲーム実況者の域を超えたエンターテイナーとしての地位を確立していきました。

そして2024年10月31日には、自身の実況デビュー15周年を記念した単独イベント「キヨの東キヨドーム in TOKYO DOME」を東京ドームで開催。ゲーム実況者による東京ドーム単独イベントという前人未踏の記録を打ち立て、改めてその圧倒的な人気を証明しました。また2025年10月には雑誌「anan AWARD 2025 絶対王者部門」を受賞するなど、エンタメ界全体に認知される存在となっています。

キヨ。の実況の魅力3選

① 唯一無二のワードセンスと大声リアクション

キヨ。の最大の魅力は、ゲームに対する予測不能な言葉選びと大声リアクションです。ホラーゲームをプレイする際の絶叫や、理不尽な場面での怒りの叫びは、視聴者を思わず笑わせる強烈なエンターテインメントとして機能しています。朝日新聞の2026年好きなYouTuberランキングでは「独特なワードセンスと楽しさに注目が集まった」と評され、世代を超えた幅広いファン層に支持されています。ゲームをしたことがない初心者でも「何かおもしろいことが起きそう」という期待感を持って視聴を始められるのが、キヨ。ならではの敷居の低さです。

② ゲーム実況界の”最高峰”が選ぶゲームタイトル

キヨ。は、その動画選定眼の確かさでも知られています。2022年・2023年のYouTube国内トップゲーム動画で「ゼルダの伝説」シリーズが2年連続年間1位を獲得したのは、キヨ。の実況が牽引した結果です。またリトルナイトメア3では2025年10月に世界で唯一の独占先行実況プレイ動画を公開するなど、メーカーから厚い信頼を寄せられるトップクリエイターです。2026年に入ってからも「REANIMAL」「ミメシス」といった最新の話題作を次々と実況し、4時間以上の長尺動画でも圧倒的な再生数をたたき出し続けています。

③ 「最終兵器俺達」×「日本TOP4」が生む最強コラボ実況

キヨ。の実況の醍醐味のひとつが、仲間たちとのコラボ動画です。長年ともに活動してきた最終兵器俺達（キヨ・こーすけ・ヒラ・フジ）の4人コラボや、レトルト・牛沢・ガッチマンと組む日本TOP4のコラボ実況は、それぞれが長年かけて培ったキャラクターが絡み合う化学反応で、視聴者を大爆笑に引き込みます。最近の動画「自分たちの声と行動を真似する敵から逃げるホラーゲーム『ミメシス』4人実況」は160万再生を超えるヒットとなっており、初心者がゲームコミュニティへと踏み込む最良の入口となっています。

初心者がキヨ。の動画を楽しむためのポイント

キヨ。の動画を初めて視聴する方には、まずホラーゲームの実況動画から入ることをおすすめします。キヨ。はゲームが苦手な方でも純粋に「笑える」コンテンツとして楽しめるため、ゲーム知識が一切なくても問題ありません。特に「青鬼」「リトルナイトメア」シリーズはキヨ。の真骨頂と呼ばれる作品で、シリーズを通して実況スタイルの魅力を存分に体感できます。また、「ゼルダの伝説 ブレスオブザワイルド」「ティアーズオブザキングダム」の実況は、ゲームの深い世界観を楽しみながらキヨ。の緩急あるトークを味わえる作品として多くのファンに推薦されています。

Current Activities as of 2026

2026年もキヨ。の勢いは全く衰えていません。2026年2月には話題の新作ホラーゲーム「REANIMAL」の実況を4時間以上にわたって公開しSNSで大反響を呼びました。また「マリオカートワールド & マリオカート8DX」の2人実況や「ミメシス」4人実況など、最新ゲームとコラボ実況を精力的に展開中です。14年以上炎上ゼロで活動を続けるそのクリーンなイメージは、ゲーム初心者から中級者まで誰でも安心してチャンネル登録できる最大の強みとなっています。

まとめ：キヨ。は”笑いとゲーム”の最高の入口

キヨ。は、14年以上のキャリアで一度も炎上することなく、日本の専業ゲーム実況者No.1の座を守り続ける真の”実況界の帝王”です。独自のワードセンス・圧倒的なリアクション・信頼のコラボ実況という三本柱で、ゲームを知らない人でも「ゲームって楽しそうだな」と感じさせてくれる唯一無二の存在。まずはホラーゲーム実況のアーカイブ動画を1本見るだけで、その魅力に一瞬で引き込まれるはずです。ゲームの世界への最高の扉は、キヨ。のチャンネルにあります。

What is Shibuya Haru? For those hearing about it for the first time

Haru Shibuya is a virtual YouTuber (VTuber) active on YouTube and Twitch, and wields immense influence in the streaming community as the organizer of “VTuber Saikyo Ketteisen,” one of Japan’s largest FPS tournaments. She began streaming in 2018 and is currently affiliated with “Neo-Porte,” an agency she co-founded with Mafumafu and Soraru. Her specialty lies in the FPS (first-person shooter) genre, including games like Apex Legends, VALORANT, and PUBG, and she captivates many fans with her high-level gameplay skills and tournament production abilities.

Profile: A promoter in the VTuber world, originally from Osaka

Particularly noteworthy is her impressive list of awards. In addition to winning the VTuber Award at the 2024 “Japan e-Sports Awards,” she also won the “Game Streamer Award” in 2022. Furthermore, in March 2023, she signed a contract as a “Red Bull Player,” solidifying her reputation as a highly regarded professional and semi-professional gamer.

Particularly noteworthy is her impressive list of awards. In addition to winning the VTuber Award at the 2024 Japan e-Sports Awards, she also won the Game Streamer Award in 2022. Furthermore, she signed a contract as a “Red Bull Player” in March 2023, solidifying her reputation as a highly regarded streamer in both professional and semi-professional gaming circles.

Three Things That Make Shibuya Haru Special

① VTuber Championship: The creative vision behind Japan’s largest FPS tournament

Shibuya Haru’s greatest achievement is undoubtedly organizing the VTuber Championship. This tournament pits VTubers against each other in FPS games to determine the strongest team, and the Apex Legends edition has grown in scale with each passing season. In 2025, a VALORANT edition was also held, and the event has grown into a massive-scale production that attracts hundreds of thousands of concurrent viewers every time. This tournament is driven by Shibuya Haru’s strong desire to “create entertainment that lets people enjoy games.” The skillful production and commentary that make even beginners feel they can “enjoy the tournament just by watching” is a unique strength that other streamers cannot replicate.

② Unparalleled Apex Legends skills and commentary

Haru Shibuya isn’t just a “tournament organizer”—he’s also a top-tier Apex Legends player himself. His official Red Bull profile describes him as a “former competitive player specializing in FPS games,” and he has experience competing in world championships. Along with his exceptional skill, he provides real-time commentary during his streams explaining “why he’s making a particular move,” so even FPS beginners can enjoy his streams while thinking, “Oh, I see!” Her style of breaking down complex gaming terminology and tactics into simple, natural language often inspires beginners to think, “I want to give Apex Legends a try.”

③ Collaborative livestreams with friends centered around Neo-Porte

Haru Shibuya’s streams aren’t limited to solo performances. Her lively collaborative streams with Neo-Porte members—including Mafumafu and Soraru—are a major draw. On January 17, 2026, a live stream titled “Neo-Porte Owners’ Meeting” was held, showcasing the group openly discussing the agency’s direction and new projects with their peers. This “behind-the-scenes” streaming style has helped bridge the gap with fans and fostered a strong, long-standing fan base.

Tips for Beginners to Enjoy Shibuya Haru

If you’re new to Shibuya Haru’s streams, I recommend starting with the archived videos on YouTube. In particular, the footage from the “VTuber Championship” is edited in a way that lets you enjoy the drama and commentary even if you’re not familiar with FPS games—it’s so well-produced that even beginners will find the four to five hours fly by. For those who prefer to enjoy gaming as a “spectator sport” rather than playing it themselves, Shibuya Haru’s tournament series is the perfect place to start. Additionally, if you become interested in Apex Legends, watching Shibuya Haru’s own ranked match streams will help you learn the game’s basic mechanics and the importance of teamwork.

Current Activities as of 2026

Even in 2026, Shibuya Haru remains as active as ever. On January 17, they held the “Neo-Porte Owners' Meeting” live stream. While continuing their regular streams focused on Apex Legends and VALORANT, they are also preparing new tournament plans and collaborative streams. Additionally, Neo-Porte is continuing to hold auditions in 2026, maintaining its course of expansion as an agency. Their clean, scandal-free approach—free from controversies or hiatuses—and their long-standing, stable popularity are key reasons why even gaming beginners can feel confident following them.

Summary: Shibuya Haru is the perfect gateway to the “spectator gaming experience”

Shibuya Haru is a true dual-threat: not only is she the “promoter of the streaming world” who organizes Japan’s largest tournament, the VTuber Championship, but she is also a top-tier FPS player herself. Her streaming style—a perfect blend of exceptional gaming skills, easy-to-understand commentary, and the ability to plan large-scale events—is highly recommended not only for FPS beginners but for anyone who wants to enjoy games as entertainment. Start by watching past archives of the VTuber Championship and dive into Shibuya Haru’s world!

What is k4sen? The “three-pronged” streamer unveils a one-of-a-kind world

Game streamer, game caster, and video director—k4sen is a true “three-in-one” talent in the streaming world, excelling at all these roles to the highest standard. Born on September 15, 1991, in Osaka Prefecture. With over 1 million followers on Twitch and YouTube subscribers set to surpass 1 million in 2025, his momentum shows no signs of slowing down as of 2026. He continues to excel far beyond the typical scope of a streamer, serving as a member of the CREATOR division of the esports team “ZETA DIVISION” while also serving as the representative of the video production company “Eiga Lab. LLC.”

Profile: From Call of Duty streamer to game industry producer

k4sen first discovered gaming in high school when a friend invited him to play *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2*. Since then, he has been completely hooked on the CoD series and began working as a game caster for community tournaments around 2010. After graduating from vocational school, he moved to Tokyo, and in 2012, he gained attention by posting gameplay commentary videos on Niconico. In particular, the “SR2on2 Rule” for *Call of Duty: Black Ops II*, which he devised in 2013, was widely adopted by the Japanese esports community and contributed significantly to the development of the competitive scene.

He subsequently expanded his career as a commentator and analyst for official Call of Duty series tournaments, serving as an on-site reporter for the “CoD: WWII Pro Showdown” hosted by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and the Call of Duty World League 2019. In October 2018, he founded “Eiga Lab. LLC,” a company specializing in video production and design, further solidifying his identity as a creator. In February 2021, he shifted his streaming base to Twitch, and in September of the same year, he announced his joining of ZETA DIVISION’s CREATOR division, stepping onto a new stage as a streamer.

3 Reasons Why k4sen's Streams Are So Appealing: Why Even Beginners Can Enjoy Them

① Professional-level “exceptional ability to articulate ideas”

k4sen’s greatest strength is his exceptional ability to articulate his thoughts, honed through years of experience as a game caster. His ability to instantly analyze the situation during a game and convey to viewers exactly “what is happening right now” and “why that play is exciting” in a precise yet entertaining manner is arguably unmatched in the industry. Even beginners unfamiliar with the game can naturally grasp the situation just by listening to k4sen’s commentary. This is a skill he has honed through years of experience as a caster on the biggest professional stages.

② Video directors create streams that are “easy to watch and never get boring”

As the head of Eiga Lab., k4sen’s streams and videos showcase a meticulous attention to “watchability” throughout. Everything from the screen layout and the timing of on-screen text to the use of sound effects is meticulously calculated, and the quality of his highlight reels is among the best in the industry. Even beginners unfamiliar with the game will likely find themselves thinking, “The screen layout is easy to follow” or “This has a great pace,” and that is solely because k4sen designs his streams with the expertise of a video professional.

③ The Moving Drama Created by “The k4sen”

“The k4sen,” a gaming event organized by k4sen, is a major initiative that continues to have a significant impact on Japan's gaming community. Featuring a variety of games such as League of Legends (LoL), Street Fighter 6, and Project Zomboid, the event brings together famous streamers and beginners to compete in teams. The sight of beginners growing rapidly and shining in the actual matches, and the moments when k4sen offers warm words of encouragement to players disappointed by defeat—these are the very essence of “sports spirit,” and each event produces such dramatic moments that even those unfamiliar with gaming find themselves moved to tears. In 2024, “The k4sen Con” was held at the Tokyo Garden Theatre, achieving great success as a live event.

初心者がk4senの配信を楽しむためのポイント

k4sen plays a wide variety of games, including League of Legends (LoL), VALORANT, Apex Legends, and various indie titles. While LoL is often perceived as difficult for beginners due to its complex rules, k4sen’s streams are thoroughly enjoyable even if you don’t know the rules, thanks to his commentary and presentation. We recommend starting with clip videos on YouTube or the “The k4sen” digest videos. The content is designed to be enjoyed more as a “human drama” than as a game, so even those who have never played the game will naturally find themselves drawn in.

Current Activities as of 2026

Even in 2026, k4sen’s activities continue to span a wide range of fields. In February 2026, he officially launched “k4sen Academy” and is focusing his efforts on nurturing the next generation of streamers. On Twitch, he primarily streams League of Legends and Crimson Desert, while regularly planning and hosting new seasons of the major event “The k4sen.” As a member of ZETA DIVISION’s CREATOR division, he is also actively developing collaborative projects with the team. Wearing multiple hats as a streamer, caster, producer, and business owner, his ability to excel at all of them at a high level makes him an ideal role model for those new to game streaming.

Summary: k4sen is a genius producer who maximizes the “fun” of games

k4sen is more than just a “streamer who plays games.” He is a one-of-a-kind figure in the streaming world, combining the verbal skills honed as a game caster, the directorial flair of a video producer, and the production expertise epitomized by “The k4sen.” Even if you're a complete beginner, watching k4sen's streams will undoubtedly make you realize just how much fun gaming can be. Why not start by checking out some of his highlight clips on YouTube?

Who is SHAKA? Japan’s top FPS streamer

There is a streamer who continues to reign supreme in the FPS category of Japan’s gaming streaming scene—so much so that people say, “When it comes to FPS games, it’s SHAKA.” His real name is Chikara Kawakami; he was born on December 27, 1991, in Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. With over 1.55 million Twitch followers (as of February 2026), he boasts an overwhelming track record as the second-most-followed streamer on Twitch in Japan, trailing only Junichi Kato. In December 2023, he even ranked first in the world for total viewing hours on Twitch, solidifying his status as a globally recognized streamer who represents Japan.

Profile: A boy who moved to Tokyo alone with 200,000 yen in part-time earnings and went on to conquer the world

SHAKA’s life is a true-to-life video game success story. He became obsessed with gaming after his father bought him a PC when he was in middle school, and around 2009, he discovered the FPS game *Alliance of Valiant Arms* (AVA). His talent blossomed immediately, and in 2010, armed with only 200,000 yen he had saved from part-time jobs and his PC, he moved to Tokyo on his own, relying on friends for support. The following year, in 2011, he joined the professional esports team “DeToNator” and launched his full-fledged career as a professional gamer.

SHAKA’s career as a professional player was nothing short of spectacular. He won a total of 18 official AVA tournaments and represented Japan at the World Championships for four consecutive years. His talent extended far beyond Japan’s borders, as he also achieved impressive results at international tournaments in Romania, Taiwan, and China. In 2018, he participated in the PUBG International Tournament held in Berlin, Germany, sharing the stage with world-renowned streamers such as Shroud and Dr DisRespect. After retiring from competitive play, he carved out a new career as a streamer. In July 2025, he joined the esports team “ZETA DIVISION” and continues to be actively involved with the team today.

3 Reasons Why SHAKA's Streams Are So Engaging: Why Even FPS Beginners Can Enjoy Them

① “Real FPS gameplay” from a former pro

SHAKA’s greatest appeal is, without a doubt, his overwhelming gaming skills—a testament to his background as a former pro gamer. His precise aim and calm decision-making in popular FPS titles like VALORANT and Apex Legends are so refined that beginners often find themselves wondering, “How can he move at that exact moment?” Simply watching his streams naturally helps viewers pick up the basics of FPS gameplay and strategic thinking, making him the perfect resource for beginners who want to start playing FPS games but don’t know where to begin.

② “Legendary Moments” Born from Long-Form Streams

SHAKA is known for his long-hour streams, during which numerous legendary moments have unfolded. Perhaps the most famous of these is the incident in June 2020, when he suddenly fainted while streaming a game on Twitch. The clip of that moment has been viewed over 1.8 million times and became a hot topic on social media around the world. Another legendary anecdote that’s often recounted is how he “retired from Othello after a 21-hour live stream, having failed to win a single game against the game’s beginner-level AI.” These unpredictable twists are the true thrill of SHAKA’s streams, and the longer you watch, the more you’ll find yourself becoming a devoted fan.

③ “Easy-to-understand commentary” as an FPS commentator

During his time as a professional gamer, SHAKA served as a commentator for the “PUBG Japan Series (PJS).” As a result, his explanations of the situation during streams and his analysis of enemy movements are extremely clear, making it easy even for FPS beginners to understand what’s happening. He excels at articulating the flow of a match, and many viewers have commented that they only truly understood the appeal of FPS games after watching his streams. An environment where you can learn by watching professional gameplay with commentary is also ideal for intermediate players looking to take their skills to the next level.

Game titles SHAKA mainly plays

The game genres SHAKA primarily covers in his streams are FPS and MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena). His main titles are VALORANT, Apex Legends, and League of Legends (LoL). VALORANT is a tactical shooter that emphasizes strategy and requires both teamwork and individual skill—a genre where SHAKA’s analytical skills and calm judgment truly shine. Apex Legends is a fast-paced battle royale game where SHAKA’s quick reflexes and gameplay tactics stand out. If you’re thinking about getting into FPS games, start by checking out these titles as played by SHAKA.

Current Activities as of 2026

As of 2026, SHAKA remains extremely active. In March, he hosted the gaming event “LEGENDUS DRAGON BALL GEKISHIN SQUADRA,” and continues to energetically promote large-scale projects that leverage his influence. While maintaining his daily streams on Twitch, he also contributes to the development of the esports industry as a member of ZETA DIVISION. As of March 2026, he remains in second place in the Japanese Twitch rankings, demonstrating that his popularity and influence show no signs of waning.

Summary: SHAKA is the “best gateway” to FPS games

SHAKA is a streamer who continues to captivate a wide audience—from FPS beginners to advanced players—with his gaming skills backed by genuine professional experience, lengthy streams that produce legendary moments, and an easy-to-understand commentary style. For gaming beginners who are just starting to wonder, “What is FPS all about?”, SHAKA’s streams are the perfect resource for naturally improving your skills while having fun. We encourage you to start by casually watching some of his highlights on Twitch or YouTube.

Who is Junichi Kato (Unko-chan)? A Comprehensive Look at the King of the Gaming Streaming World

Have you ever heard the name “Junichi Kato”? While he’s a household name among gamers, those who have only recently started getting into game streaming might not be familiar with him yet. Junichi Kato, affectionately known by his nickname “Unko-chan,” is one of Japan’s leading streamers. In 2025, he was named Japan’s No. 1 streamer in Twitch’s annual “2025 Twitch Recap.” Boasting an impressive 1.27 million YouTube subscribers and 1.1 million Twitch followers, his popularity shows no signs of waning as of 2026.

Profile: From Healthcare Professional to Top Streamer

Junichi Kato was born on August 17, 1985, in Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture. He is currently 40 years old. His career began on July 5, 2009, when he uploaded a video of himself playing a video game to Niconico Douga. His account name at the time, “Unko-chan,” became his trademark. In fact, when he first started, he was an “ordinary office worker” employed in the medical field. He continued streaming on the side and revealed his real name, “Junichi Kato,” in 2015. In 2016, he left his day job, joined the talent agency “MURASH,” and transitioned to becoming a full-time streamer.

His unique background—as an office worker who started out as a hobbyist and went on to become the best in Japan—has given hope to many viewers who dream of becoming game streamers. In addition to his work as a streamer, he is now active as an entrepreneur in various fields, including as the owner of the hair salon “CUT Jun” and the head of the esports team “Murasu Gaming.”

Why Is He So Popular? 3 Reasons Why Junichi Kato’s Streams Are So Captivating

① Outstanding conversational skills and unpredictable plot twists

The biggest draw of Junichi Kato’s streams is his rapid-fire banter. The back-and-forth with viewers while he plays, his commentary born from his unique perspective, and the constant stream of unpredictable twists keep viewers entertained. Many fans find it more fun to watch “how Junichi Kato will react” than to follow the game’s outcome, and even beginners who aren’t very familiar with the game can thoroughly enjoy the stream just for his banter alone.

② High-level gaming skills and a serious challenge

Not only is he a skilled talker, but his gaming skills are top-notch as well. A prime example is the “Kato Masu” project held in 2021. In this grueling, marathon-style stream where he aimed to reach Master rank in Apex Legends, he recorded a peak concurrent viewership of 240,000. Also that year, the moment he cleared the Pokémon challenge “Golden Screw” drew 423,000 concurrent viewers and dominated Twitter trends. For beginners, a major appeal is the chance to enjoy watching skilled players give it their all.

③ A scale that transcends the boundaries of streaming

In March 2022, he simultaneously streamed his wedding reception on YouTube and Twitch, generating over 215.65 million yen in Super Chat (donations) on YouTube alone. He also ranked first in the 2022 global YouTube Super Chat rankings. Furthermore, in 2023 and 2024, he organized the “Streamer Hyper Game Tournament,” successfully hosting in-person events at venues such as Makuhari Messe and K Arena Yokohama that drew tens of thousands of attendees in total. He has gone beyond mere game streaming to pioneer a new genre of entertainment.

Here are the streaming genres beginners should check out first

Junichi Kato’s streams can be broadly divided into two categories: “game commentary” and “chit-chat streams.” For those unfamiliar with his content, I recommend starting with the “chit-chat streams.” These casual streams, where he responds to viewer comments in real time and unexpected topics pop up one after another, feel just like watching a live comedy show. Once you’ve gotten used to gaming, try watching his live streams of FPS games like VALORANT and Apex Legends. Even if you don’t understand the terminology, simply watching Junichi Kato’s commentary should help you naturally pick up the game’s rules.

Current Activities as of 2026

Junichi Kato’s activities have remained diverse even in 2026. While continuing his regular streams on Twitch and YouTube, he actively participates in gaming tournaments, manages the hair salon “CUT Jun,” and supports the esports team “Murasu Gaming.” As of March 2026, he remains at the top of the Twitch Japanese streamer rankings and boasts one of the largest viewerships in all of Asia. Having remained at the forefront of the industry for over 15 years, his career can be said to embody the very history of the gaming streaming culture.

Summary: Junichi Kato is the perfect gateway to game streaming

Junichi Kato (Unko-chan) is a truly one-of-a-kind streamer who combines engaging conversational skills that make his content enjoyable even for those without gaming knowledge, the genuine skill to tackle challenges head-on, and entertainment value that goes beyond the typical stream. Even for beginners just starting out with games, simply watching his streams can naturally build their knowledge and is likely to spark a love for gaming. I encourage you to start by casually checking out some of his YouTube highlights. You’re sure to be drawn into his world.