Hiyuta Asano and Shawn Goh Address Minato Aqua's Graduation in Press Conference at Autopolis, Asano to Race for Gigi Murin in FHolo In Late 2024

(pictured above; Hiyuta Asano (left) and Shawn Goh (right)

Autopolis, Oita, August 8th 2024 - In an emotional press conference held at Autopolis, Oita, past and present Minato Aqua drivers Hiyuta Asano and Shawn Goh addressed the impending graduation of Minato Aqua from Hololive. Asano also confirmed that he will be racing for Gigi Murin in the 2024-25 Hololive International season and beyond.

Journalists were eager to hear the drivers' thoughts on what Minato Aqua meant to them. Shawn Goh responded first, sharing his heartfelt sentiments: "There's two people who brought me into this rabbit hole, Uruha Rushia, who I sadly never got to drive for, and Minato Aqua, thanks to her iconic onion meme and her being cute and shy. Being able to drive for her is already an honor itself, despite no wins due to my own mistakes and only a pole during my run. So to say I have no regrets now when she'll be leaving the Hololive family is definitely lying. As for the future, with Asano taking Minato's ride right now, I won't say I'll let him go easily. I'll just say maybe Michael vs. Seb during Michael's last race in F1 could happen."

Goh remarked in the earlier quote about Asano in relation to the Zako Cup race to take place at the Autopolis Superprix weekend, where a repeat of Formula One champions Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher's handover battle at the final race of the 2012 season at Interlagos could happen between the former and current Minato Aqua drivers at Autopolis next week.

Asano, when asked what Minato Aqua meant to him, responded with deep respect and admiration: "A person I respected. She was the last oshi I truly idolized, so this is going to hurt, but I'm happy for her." 

Both drivers were asked how it felt to represent Aqua in the ARO competitions. Goh expressed a mix of pride and regret: "Despite the highs and lows, representing her has been an honor." Asano echoed similar feelings: "It felt pretty nice. That's all I can say."

Looking ahead to the remaining races, Asano shared his goals: "I want to see the race doing its best. I'll also do my best for Aqua while she's here, and for the rest of the season. A win is the main target."

When asked about his plans for 2025, Asano revealed an exciting development: "I just talked to the series manager about this, he gave me 12 rides to pick. So allow me to also announce that I'll be racing for Gigi Murin in car #44 for this FHolo INT season and onwards."

Mohd Shazren Redza, CEO of the Adak-RMS Organization, acknowledged Asano's transfer: "We understand Asano's rollercoaster of emotions since Aqua's planned graduation from Hololive, and it just feels right for him to continue racing here for Gigi Murin. I hope he's able to give it all for Aqua in these final six races in FHolo and HoloGT3."

Asano has six races remaining for Aqua: four in Formula Hololive Japan and two in Hololive GT3. Aqua's last race overall is the 2024 Motegi Grand Prix Finale Zako Cup race in Formula Hololive Japan on November 30, 2024. Her final race while still an active VTuber will be next weekend's Autopolis Superprix Zako Cup race on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

Goh, the ARO community and Aqua's fans, the Aqua Crew are urged to support Asano in these final races, making the most of these precious moments with Aqua before her departure.