Most Japanese Kids Want to Be VTubers Instead of Doctors, Says 2025 Survey

A new 2025 survey has revealed a surprising trend: most Japanese kids want to be VTubers instead of doctors. Conducted by the Japanese portal Nifty Kids, the survey shows that today’s youth are increasingly drawn to careers in the digital spotlight over traditional professions.

Most Japanese Kids Want to Be VTubers Instead of Doctors, Says 2025 Survey

The study collected 2,313 responses, with the majority coming from elementary school students (grades 1–6) and the rest from middle schoolers (grades 7–9). When asked what profession they wanted in the future, VTuber ranked 4th overall, while YouTuber placed 6th — both ahead of the once highly respected profession of doctor, which tied in 6th place with idol.

Here’s the full ranking of dream jobs among Japanese kids:

1. Schoolteacher – 6.5%

2. Illustrator – 5.8%

3. Utaite (cover singer) – 5.2%

4. VTuber – 4.6%

5. Actor/Actress/Model – 4.3%

6. YouTuber – 3.5%

7. Doctor – 3.5%

8. Idol – 3.5%

9. Musician – 3.4%

10. Preschool Teacher / Civil Servant – 3.2% each

Although traditional careers like teaching still rank high, it’s clear that most Japanese kids want to be VTubers instead of doctors, signaling a cultural shift fueled by the rise of internet fame.

Breaking down the responses by school level reveals an even clearer pattern. Among elementary school kids, the top five dream jobs were:

1. Illustrator (6.7%)

2. Utaite (5.6%)

3. Schoolteacher (5.4%)

4. VTuber (5.4%)

5. YouTuber (4.4%)

Meanwhile, middle school students preferred more conventional career paths:

1. Schoolteacher (9.5%)

2. Pharmacist (6.4%)

3. Civil Servant (5.3%)

4. Musician (4.8%)

5. Voice Actor/Actress (4.3%)

As kids grow older, their career choices appear to shift from digital fame to more traditional roles — though VTuber and YouTuber still hold strong appeal in early years. Interestingly, 81% of survey respondents were girls, which may also reflect the growing number of successful female VTubers in Japan.

The Rise of VTuber Dreams Reflects a Global Trend

This trend isn’t unique to Japan. As far back as 2017, similar surveys in the U.S. showed that children increasingly dream of becoming influencers. The appeal of working online has only grown — and not just for kids. Many adults are now also looking to enter the digital creator space.

Jobs like VTuber offer anonymity, creative freedom, and the potential for stardom without having to show your real face — making them even more attractive in a hyper-connected world.

via: Nifty Kids