The Gunjo Foundation, Inc. (Location: Takatsuki City, Osaka; Representative: Hitoki Horie) is pleased to announce that it has become a sponsor of the academic idol VTuber “Usui Clear” (宇推くりあ), who disseminates information on rocket engineering.
This sponsorship marks the first initiative of the Foundation’s “Project to Support Science Communication in the Humanities and Social Sciences or Natural Sciences,” which will be fully launched starting in the next fiscal year. Through this sponsorship, the Foundation aims to support individual science communicators engaged in cutting-edge outreach activities and contribute to the further promotion of academia and science and technology.
Background of the Sponsorship
One of the Foundation’s important objectives is the “promotion of academia.” Usui Clear primarily shares specialized knowledge of rocket engineering through YouTube in an accessible and passionate manner. She is a rare virtual YouTuber (VTuber) who attracts a large audience of people interested in science.
Her activities, which bridge specialized fields and the general public, embody the “science communication” that the Foundation idealizes. The deep resonance with the Foundation’s philosophy led to this sponsorship. The Foundation is confident that this partnership will contribute to the revitalization of science communication and the development of internet culture.
Support Details and the Foundation’s Role
The Foundation will fully respect Usui Clear’s independence and autonomy as a creator, refraining from any interference in the content of her activities. Over a period of one and a half years, it will provide continuous financial support to help stabilize the foundation of her activities.
This initiative serves as a pioneering case study in supporting individuals who engage in outreach in the emerging field of academic VTubers. The Foundation positions it as an important opportunity to create new value and demonstrate its presence in the field of academic support.
Future Outlook and Expected Effects
By supporting Usui Clear’s further growth, the Foundation aims to promote next-generation science communication and the advancement of internet culture.
This sponsorship is closely linked to the Foundation’s future activities and service development, and will serve as an important pillar driving its medium- to long-term management strategy. In the Science Communication Support Project, the Foundation plans to successively expand support for other individuals who engage in high-quality outreach activities on a personal basis, starting with this case.
About Usui Clear
Usui Clear is a “rocket engineering idol VTuber” who shares the profound fascination of space and rockets on a daily basis. Her activities focus on highly passionate live streams that provide real-time commentary on actual rocket launches, as well as introductions to the latest news and cutting-edge technologies in space development, specializing in the fields of space and rockets.
With a strength in “explanations that are easy to understand even for beginners” based on solid specialized knowledge, she is active across a wide range of areas beyond the virtual realm, including collaborations with companies and research institutions, appearances at related events, article writing, and narration.
About the “Science Communicators” Eligible for Support
The Foundation defines “science communication” as “activities that convey information and issues related to efforts to systematically construct knowledge about the world and phenomena based on objective observation, experimentation, and verifiable hypotheses or predictions, and to deepen mutual understanding and dialogue in a bidirectional manner.”
Eligible “science communicators” are those who practice this “science communication” on an individual basis.
About the Foundation
The Foundation is dedicated to preserving and passing on records related to information and communications technology and modern maritime history, protecting them from weathering and dissipation. Its bases of activity are located in Osaka, Japan, and Honiara in the Solomon Islands.
The name “Gunjo” (群青) means “the blue beyond the sea,” expressing the deep connection between the Foundation and the ocean. It was established on April 1, 2025 (Reiwa 7), as a new organization succeeding all operations from its predecessor entity except for memorial activities.