On July 27, 2025, popular YouTuber Ikechan and Gentosha editor Kosuke Minowa each issued apologies following reports of an alleged extramarital affair. Both addressed the matter on the same day via social media and YouTube, expressing remorse and outlining their plans moving forward.
Background of the Affair Allegations
According to a report by SmartFLASH on July 26, Ikechan, a 27-year-old YouTuber known for travel-related videos, and 39-year-old editor Kosuke Minowa—known for editing bestsellers such as Multi-Powered—were allegedly involved in a close personal relationship.
Ikechan is a well-known influencer based in Akita Prefecture, boasting approximately 770,000 YouTube subscribers and over 2 million total social media followers. She is known for portraying a “loner” character, and is also active as a gravure idol while holding a first-class architect’s license.
The report stated that in June 2024, Ikechan moved into a new residence in Tokyo, which happened to be within walking distance of Minowa’s home. The magazine published photos showing Minowa picking her up at the airport upon her return from Taiwan, as well as images of the two on dates in Tokyo.
Ikechan’s Apology
On the evening of July 27, Ikechan uploaded a three-minute video titled “Regarding the Recent Scandal” to her YouTube channel. Wearing a white shirt and appearing visibly shaken, she read a written statement aloud.
“I’m honestly not thinking very clearly right now, so I’ll be reading from this paper,” she said. “I deeply apologize for my immature actions, which have caused trouble and discomfort to many people.” Her voice broke into tears several times throughout the video.
“To the viewers who supported me, the people involved, and the families affected—I truly regret the pain I’ve caused,” she added.
Regarding her future, Ikechan stated, “I don’t expect to regain the trust I’ve lost overnight. That’s why I believe I must prove myself through my actions,” expressing her intention to continue her activities.
Kosuke Minowa’s Response
That same afternoon, Kosuke Minowa posted an apology via his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“I spoke with my wife about the situation. We told each other that we are grateful for having met and that we continue to respect each other. She is a beautiful woman with E-cup breasts, and being with her is fun. I deeply apologize for the commotion. We will handle this matter as a private family issue,” he wrote.
Minowa also addressed the scandal on his YouTube channel, commenting, “My life is pretty much over. I’ll just quietly fade away,” acknowledging the toll the controversy had taken on him.
Growing Fallout
Following the report, Minowa’s wife also responded on social media, further escalating the situation. She revealed she was at the “peak of sadness,” indicating serious emotional strain within the family.
Fans of Ikechan left a flurry of comments on her YouTube page, with messages like “Totally shocked,” “This is so sad,” and “No way… Ikechan was the hope of us introverts!” Many expressed concern for her mental health. However, others criticized her, pointing to a post she had recently shared stating, “I’m just dating normally,” interpreting it as dismissive or defiant.
Future Outlook
While both parties have issued apologies, their respective attitudes toward their futures appear to differ. Ikechan signaled her intent to continue her work, while Minowa remarked that he would “quietly fade away.”
Ikechan currently lives a dual life between Higashinaruse Village in Akita and Tokyo. She continues to engage in local activities and architectural work, and the impact of this scandal on those efforts remains to be seen.
Given Minowa’s prominent role in the publishing industry, the scandal may also have wider repercussions. As the editor behind numerous bestsellers, including works by Takafumi Horie, concerns have been raised about how this controversy might affect his professional endeavors.
Though the public apologies may mark a turning point, regaining lost trust will likely take considerable time. The public will continue to closely watch how both individuals navigate the aftermath.
