Minato Aqua Announces Graduation from Hololive, Hiyuta Asano to Complete Season as Tribute

Tuesday, August 6, 2024 - Earlier tonight, beloved Hololive talent Minato Aqua announced her graduation from the organization, with her final streaming duties set to conclude on August 28, 2024. This announcement marks the end of an era for Aqua’s fans also known as the Aqua Crew and her presence in the racing community, particularly within the Adak-RMS Organization (ARO).

In response to Aqua's graduation, the representative driver for Minato Aqua in the ARO, Hiyuta Asano, will complete the remainder of the 2024 Formula Hololive and 2024 Hololive GT3 seasons in the iconic Minato Aqua #9 cars in both series. Following the conclusion of these seasons, the Minato Aqua team will retire permanently. The organization has also expressed openness to finding Asano a new seat where possible for the future.

The Aqua Crew are encouraged to cherish these final moments with her, both in the virtual racing series and her streaming activities. The entire ARO community, as well as the broader Hololive community are invited to celebrate Aqua's contributions and achievements.

Looking back at her representation in the ARO, several drivers have proudly represented Minato Aqua since 2022, including:

-Alexis Boan

-Santy Nii

-Aquamarine Jensen

-Gruffyn Wheatley

-Shawn Goh

-Alif Hartoyo

-Hiyuta Asano

Despite Aqua's significant stature and popularity, the #9 cars has been one of the major underachievers in the ARO. Here are some of the key statistics highlighting the journey of the Minato Aqua team:

HoloGT3 (as of the 2024 Sepang 400 Zako Series race)

Poles: 3 (Last pole: 2023 Motegi 400 Split B by Shawn Goh)

Wins: 0

Podiums: 3 (Best finish: 2nd, Suzuka East Split B race 2, 2022)

Top 10s: 17

Best Championship Finish: 13th (2023 Overall), 9th (2022 Postseason)

FHolo (as of the 2024 Tokachi SP Zako Cup race)

Poles: 1 (2024 Sepang GP Split B by Alif Hartoyo)

Wins: 0

Podiums: 0 (Best finish: 4th, SUGO GP by Shawn Goh)

Top 10s: 6

Best Championship Finish: 20th (2023 Overall), 12th (2023 Postseason)

Despite these underwhelming results, the dedication and effort put forth by Aqua's representatives have not gone unnoticed as these drivers have done their best to represent the gamer maid that brought smiles and gave them a lifetime of cherishment to her fans.

As the ARO approach into the final races with the Minato Aqua #9 car, the organization encourages all fans and participants to support Hiyuta Asano, Minato Aqua and the entire #9 team in their concluding efforts. Likewise, Asano will try to bring home a win at least once in either series to give the Minato Aqua cars, as well her herself and the Aqua crew some needed final victories.