Controversial Comments Ignite Backlash Against Announcer Yuri Kawaguchi

On August 8, freelance announcer Yuri Kawaguchi (29) sparked outrage after posting a critical comment about men’s body odor on her X account. The now-deleted post read, “I’m extremely sensitive to the smell of men and body odor from those who are unhealthy during the summer,” which led to accusations of sexism and a major controversy.

In response to the backlash, Kawaguchi’s agency terminated her contract. She issued an apology, stating, “I deeply regret that my careless remarks caused discomfort and hurt to many people.” Although the initial uproar seemed to settle, further criticism reignited shortly thereafter.

Controversy Escalates with New Comments

On August 17, Kawaguchi appeared on a live broadcast of the YouTube channel “ReHacQ” where she reiterated her apology, saying, “I specifically want to apologize to those in fieldwork, particularly those in construction, as I realize my comments might have unintentionally hurt them. My intention was not to criticize those who work hard and sweat but rather to encourage better personal hygiene for those who do not take care of it.”

However, her comments during the live stream soon led to accusations of professional discrimination, and her attempts to highlight her personal struggles, including claims of rapid weight loss and memory issues, were met with criticism. Commenters accused her of seeking sympathy and failing to take responsibility for her actions.

Ongoing Criticism and Mockery

The criticism continued when Kawaguchi appeared on August 18 on a YouTube channel run by impersonator Hiroyuki Nishimura. During the appearance, she reiterated her views on body odor, stating, “I am still convinced that there are smelly people in Tokyo. Tokyo really smells bad,” showing no sign of remorse.

This latest round of comments only fueled the fire, with many viewers suggesting that she should stop speaking publicly and reconsider her career in the entertainment industry. Comments such as “You should stop talking” and “Your choice of words is disastrous; you’re not suited for public appearances,” indicate the growing frustration among the public.

Despite expressing her desire to continue her career in entertainment, Kawaguchi’s path forward appears increasingly challenging amid the persistent backlash.