On July 26, the Japanese media outlet “Smart FLASH” reported that Kosuke Minowa, a well-known editor at the publishing house Gentosha, is allegedly involved in an extramarital affair with popular YouTuber Ikechan. According to the report, the two have been meeting regularly, and it was also revealed that Ikechan had moved into a high-rise apartment near Minowa’s residence.
Who is Ikechan?
Ikechan, 27, is a travel-focused YouTuber from Akita Prefecture with over 770,000 subscribers. She has gained popularity for her solo travel videos and refers to herself as a “lonely-type YouTuber.” Her total following across social media platforms exceeds two million.
After graduating from Tokyo University of Science, she passed the First-Class Architect exam in 2023 and now balances her YouTube career with work at an architecture firm. In addition to her online content, she has worked as a gravure model and ring girl. In 2021, she received both the VoCE Award and the Literary Award at Miss iD 2021.
Currently, she splits her time between Tokyo and the rural village of Higashinaruse in Akita Prefecture. Since April 2024, she has also been involved in a traditional Japanese house renovation project in the village.
About Kosuke Minowa
Kosuke Minowa is a prominent editor at Gentosha known for producing numerous best-selling books. He has attracted attention for his outspoken presence on social media and distinctive personality. In June 2025, he sparked controversy over comments related to Shoko Nakagawa and the resale of Nintendo Switch 2 units.
Details of the Report
According to Smart FLASH, Minowa was seen picking up Ikechan at the airport, after which they were spotted heading to the high-rise apartment in Tokyo where Ikechan now lives. The report described her in platform boots, casually handing over her suitcase to Minowa in a familiar manner.
In a YouTube video posted in June 2025, Ikechan shared that she had moved to a new residence. She stated, “The rent is a bit of a stretch,” and showcased a luxurious apartment with a modern kitchen and bathroom. It is believed that this apartment is the same high-rise mentioned in the report.
Reactions from Those Involved
Following the report, a woman believed to be Minowa’s wife expressed her sorrow on social media, saying she was at “the peak of sadness.” A former flight attendant and now an aromatherapist, she has reportedly voiced discontent about her husband’s behavior in the past.
Meanwhile, Ikechan’s fans have voiced disappointment. Just before the report broke, she had reposted a message saying she was “in a normal relationship,” which some critics interpreted as defiance or carelessness.
What Comes Next?
Neither party has released a detailed statement as of now. Given that Ikechan has built her popularity partly on a “pure and innocent” image, many are watching closely to see how this report may affect her public standing.
Attention also remains on how Gentosha will respond and what impact this may have on Minowa’s future activities.
