A travel vlog by a Japanese content creator has ignited widespread backlash on social media after her remarks about an Air India flight were perceived as insensitive. What began as a routine travel video documenting her first visit to India soon turned into a heated online discussion around cultural stereotypes, criticism, and intent.
What triggered the controversy
The vlog, uploaded on January 17 on YouTube and later shared on X, shows Japanese YouTuber Ikechan flying to India on Air India, reviewing in-flight meals and sharing her travel experience. However, the caption accompanying the post drew immediate attention. Referring to Air India as “notoriously bad” and stating that the flight was “packed with Indians,” the wording struck many users as unnecessary and offensive.
The YouTube video crossed 1.22 lakh views, while the thumbnail posted on X reportedly garnered over 15 million views, significantly amplifying scrutiny.
Social media outrage gathers momentum
Screenshots and short clips from the vlog circulated widely, triggering strong reactions from Indian users. The criticism intensified after users alleged that the original thumbnail appeared to allude to last year’s Air India crash, a claim that further fuelled outrage.
One user wrote, “Japan was my dream destination and I had always heard they are disciplined and respectful, but this girl lost all my respect for Japan and broke my dream destination plan.”
Others accused the creator of reinforcing stereotypes rather than offering constructive criticism.
Divided reactions: Criticism or overreaction?
While many condemned the phrasing, a section of users pushed back against the outrage, arguing that criticism should not be mistaken for hatred.
An X user commented, “Indian and Japanese friendship lies in strong cultural and social bonds. Just because she criticised something doesn’t mean it’s hate or bias. Stop taking everything as a personal attack and learn to digest criticism.”
Another user defended the vlogger’s approach, reacting with, “The price of being honest.”
Vlogger issues clarification
Responding to the backlash, Ikechan clarified that she had no strong intention behind the thumbnail text and said she made a slight change once concerns were pointed out. She urged viewers to watch the full vlog instead of judging it through isolated clips and screenshots.
She also stated that she invests significant time and effort into creating content and hoped audiences would consider the broader context of her work.
