ChroNoiR's 'Linaria' MV: A Sweet and Bittersweet Tale Embraced by Fans with 'Kaya no Soto' Charm

The music video (MV) for "Linaria," the new song released by popular unit ChroNoiR, is creating a significant buzz, particularly on social media, thanks to its sweet yet poignant world and intricate animation.

In the MV, members Kuzuha and Kanae appear as charming cafe staff. Their gentle smiles and meticulous service captivated customers, leading many fans to exclaim, "My heart can't stop fluttering!" and "If there were staff like that, I'd go every day!" Kuzuha, in particular, received high praise for the detailed production, with his ears rounded and claws shortened to fit the staff setting, which fans called "the best camouflage."

However, the MV's progression defied many viewers' expectations. The fleeting interactions depicted between the two staff members and a female customer created a romantic atmosphere, described by some as "like a theme song for a Monday night drama." Yet, the ending provoked comments such as "overwhelmingly excluded ending" and "it's great that we're heartbroken," providing fans with a bittersweet sense of relief.

While many fans initially felt it was "too much for 'Yumejoshi' (fans who project themselves into romantic scenarios with characters)," comments soon followed expressing satisfaction that an ideal distance between characters and fans was maintained: "So we're ultimately on the outside, I get it, I love it," and "Thanks to being on the outside, my brain automatically course-corrected to interpret it perfectly." This "Kaya no Soto" (outside the mosquito net) expression beautifully captures the fan psychology of respecting the characters' story without overly intervening, making it one of the MV's major attractions.

With its emotionally stirring story and beautifully animated full-feature animation, the "Linaria" MV is ChroNoiR's early Christmas present to their fans, deeply etched in the hearts of many.

The context

ChroNoiR is a popular male VTuber unit from NIJISANJI, a major Japanese VTuber agency. The unit consists of two highly popular individual VTubers: Kuzuha and Kanae. They are known for their strong synergy, gaming streams, and music releases. For non-Japanese readers, a VTuber (Virtual YouTuber) is an online entertainer who uses a virtual avatar generated by computer graphics and motion capture technology. They stream live content, interact with viewers, and create various forms of media.

The term "Yumejoshi" (夢女子) refers to a specific type of female fan in Japan who enjoys imagining romantic relationships between themselves and fictional characters, often involving self-insertion into narratives. The MV's initial romantic undertones with a female customer could have been perceived as catering to this demographic, potentially making some fans feel excluded if they were hoping for a different kind of interaction.

The phrase "Kaya no Soto" (蚊帳の外) literally translates to "outside the mosquito net." Figuratively, it means being excluded, or an outsider to an ongoing event or relationship. In the context of this MV, fans used it to describe their position as observers rather than participants in the romantic storyline. While initially bittersweet, many fans ultimately found satisfaction in being "Kaya no Soto" because it allowed the characters, Kuzuha and Kanae, to have their own distinct narrative and relationships without the fans needing to self-insert. This preserved the characters' integrity and offered a unique, respectful way for fans to enjoy the story from a comfortable distance.