Hololive English’s enigmatic priestess, Ninomae Ina’nis, is navigating one of the busiest periods of her virtual career. Headlining the “Drawn to Dawn” concert alongside Myth generation-mate Kiara Takanashi on March 27-28, 2026, is just the crescendo of a season filled with major releases and collaborations. In a recent interview, Ina’nis opened up about the creative journey behind her new music, her first EP, and the intricate process of designing official Rebirth, Monster Hunter Wilds and Dragon Ace: The Veilguard”>Monster Hunter Wilds collaboration outfits.
The Long-Awaited Audience Anthem: “TAKO∞TAKOVER”
Kicking off this flurry of activity was the release of her new original song, “TAKO∞TAKOVER.” Far from a last-minute addition, Ina’nis revealed the core concept had been simmering in her mind for years. “I had the basic concept for ‘TAKO∞TAKOVER’ planned out for a few years!” she explained. The inspiration stemmed directly from her live performance experiences, where she became captivated by the symbiotic energy between performer and audience.
“After participating in multiple live performances over the years, I became captivated with how the audience can elevate the experience of these live performances by joining in on the chanting and cheers of the song,” Ina’nis said. Recognizing she lacked an original song built for such crowd interaction, she set out to create a track specifically designed for communal fun. “I wanted to make a really fun song for everyone to have fun singing!”
Collaborative Artistry Bringing a Vision to Life
The song’s accompanying music video features a distinct, whimsical yet darkly comical art style. Ina’nis was quick to credit the artist tellingbones for bringing her vision to fruition. Having previously collaborated on her “EVERMORE” 3D birthday live, Ina’nis knew exactly who to call. “I could not think of anyone but tellingbones!! I have always loved their character design and animation, and they have a unique style that I thought was perfect for the MV,” she stated.
After providing the rough song idea and desired artistic direction, Ina’nis was astounded by the initial drafts. “The portrayal of something that is very comical whilst being dark and doomed in nature was done so masterfully with the beautiful character design and whimsical animations!” Her praise for the collaborator was emphatic, highlighting the seamless translation of concept into a vibrant, animated reality.
Realizing a Musical Milestone with the re:Vision EP
Alongside the single came a significant career milestone: her first EP, titled “re:Vision.” The idea of compiling original songs into an album format was a long-held ambition for Ina’nis, but logistical hurdles had previously prevented it. The planning for the Drawn to Dawn concert finally provided the catalyst needed to make it happen.
“When the discussions started for Drawn to Dawn, we were thankfully able to arrange for the creation of the EP and have it released before the concert!” she shared. While the timeframe ruled out a full-length album, her pre-existing plans for specific songs allowed for a cohesive EP. “I already had a solid idea and planned out which songs I wanted to release ahead of time,” Ina’nis noted, underscoring the deliberate and thoughtful approach behind this debut collection.
Balancing Events: From Holiday Streams to Major Expos
Amidst the concert and music preparations, Ina’nis also participated in the annual “Speed Dating with holoMyth” Valentine’s event with Calliope Mori and Kiara Takanashi. This year’s iteration, overseen by a company director, stood out as particularly memorable for her. “I enjoyed the preparations and execution of the entire project, and having our kouhais fighting for our love was very cute!!” she remarked, referencing the junior Hololive members who participated.
The schedule intensified further with the hololive Super Expo 2026 in early March, running parallel to final concert rehearsals. The primary challenge, Ina’nis recalled, was mental. “I definitely remember my brain being overloaded with the number of choreo to remember for all the songs I am to perform.” With dance lessons and rehearsals starting months in advance, retaining intricate choreography for an extended period became a significant task. Beyond that, her focus was on maintaining health and meticulous schedule management to ensure every commitment was met.
Designing Armor from Monsters: A Dream Collaboration
Another major project saw Ina’nis step into the role of designer for a Monster Hunter Wilds collaboration. She created custom armor outfit designs inspired by the game’s monsters for both herself and fellow Hololive member Koseki Bijou. The monster selection process was revealing. “Bijou chose Gore Magala almost instantly and I thought it was the perfect choice for her!” Ina’nis said, adding that Bijou’s outfit came together smoothly from a strong initial image.
Her own choice, however, involved a last-minute change of heart. She initially selected the monster Uth Duna for its iridescent fins, but the subsequent reveal of Nu Udra, the game’s first cephalopod-inspired monster, captivated her. “The more I looked at Nu Udra the more I was captivated by its design!!” After securing permission to switch—”I was definitely not preparing a 50 page document on why it would be the greatest idea,” she joked—the real work began.
Official Feedback from Capcom’s Designers
Capcom provided highly detailed monster references, which thrilled the artist in Ina’nis. “I was internally dancing with joy that I got to see the materials…!” She meticulously incorporated key monster features into the outfit designs. The collaboration reached an unforgettable peak when she received feedback from the actual designer of Nu Udra at Capcom. “I was very honored and extremely happy!!!!” she exclaimed.
Reflecting on the significance, she added, “Nu Udra (and Xu Wu) were the first cephalopod monsters that was introduced in Monster Hunter Wilds, so I can only imagine the amount of thought and love they put into designing Nu Udra…and to officially design an outfit AND get feedback from them?! It felt like a dream!” The experience clearly represented a profound intersection of her passions for art, design, and gaming.
Looking Forward: New Dreams and Backlogged Games
As she approaches her sixth anniversary with COVER Corp., Ina’nis reflected on her diverse experiences. Having participated in numerous event types, she expressed a desire to use her platform for goodwill. “I really want to host some sort of charity event where I can give back sometime!” she shared, highlighting a forward-looking aspiration.
For 2026, her goals are both introspective and relatable to her fans. The past six years have been formative, and she wants to leverage that growth. “I want to take some time in 2026 to think about and explore new ways I can apply the knowledge and experiences I learned to create something I can to share with the world!” Alongside these creative explorations, she promises a return to a fundamental joy of streaming. “I also want to stream and play more games I have in my backlog since I was really focused on projects last year! Please look forward to it!”
From crafting anthems for live crowds and designing armor from virtual beasts to planning charitable endeavors and tackling a game backlog, Ninomae Ina’nis’s path continues to weave together artistry, community, and personal passion. The Drawn to Dawn concert is not merely a performance but a celebration of this multifaceted creative journey, a testament to years of development now flowering into a series of landmark achievements for the beloved Vtuber.
