Yusuke Kawai, 44, a city councilor of Toda City, Saitama Prefecture, known as the “Joker Councilor,” updated his X (formerly Twitter) on April 4. He quoted a video that Seiji Chihara (55) of the comedy duo Chihara Brothers released on his YouTube channel on March 3: “Mr. Seiji Chihara has officially issued an apology video. [Photo] Mr. Kawai, who started the firestorm, was actually amazing! On July 18, Kawai appeared on Seiji’s YouTube channel and Nico Nico Channel Plus live distribution program. During the discussion on the issue of foreigners in Saitama Prefecture, Seiji said, “You were bullied, weren’t you? He was inundated with criticism for his comments, saying, “The people of Toda City who support this man Kawai are in trouble. Seiji’s YouTube channel has not been updated since then, and on March 3, he updated his video for the first time in 77 days with the title “Dear all. Dressed in a black suit, he said, “During the program, I got carried away by my emotions, lost sight of my position as MC, and made many comments that lacked consideration and could further mislead the viewers. My attitude and choice of words…I sincerely regret everything,” and apologized, “To everyone involved and to the viewers, I am truly, deeply sorry. After bowing seven times, Seiji said, “I am truly sorry for the trouble I have caused regarding my comments in the Nico Nico Channel Plus program and the uproar I caused. I am very sorry to those who support me and those who were offended by the various information regarding this disturbance,” but Kawai’s name was not mentioned. Seiji resigned as an advisor to the Japan Buddhist Association, a general incorporated association. The association emphasized that it had nothing to do with the flame war, saying, “I resigned as an advisor to the Japan Buddhist Association before the flames broke out,” and “Therefore, our association has nothing to do with the matter that Seiji Chihara is under fire for on social networking sites. (Yorozu~News editorial department)
Yorozu~News