>>61883274she's said it time and time again
she says it because she knows real idols both personally and as a fan and otaku
a vtuber is only very vaguely an approximation of a real JP idol, and that's a common sentiment JPs and kiara share. don't go to /jp/ and post about your vtuber oshi in a 3D idol thread.
but that's why they still do their best when they have to perform and take it so seriously because it's a celebration of the culture they love so much