On March 6, 2025, Japanese comedian Gunpyi of the comedy duo 'Haru to Hiko-ki', known for his persona 'Bakibaki Doji', addressed his social media followers with an apology for posting controversial content on his YouTube channel. The video entitled 'The Confessions of Echona' has since been removed from the platform.
Gunpyi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to explain his regret for uploading the video without sufficient knowledge or consideration of its themes, particularly concerning the sex industry and the use of generative AI. "I apologize for posting it without sufficient knowledge or consideration," he wrote, acknowledging the adverse reactions from viewers.
The controversy surrounding the video was ignited by viewer comments raising serious concerns about its content. Gunpyi cited various criticisms, including accusations of facilitating employment advertisement for the sex industry and concerns about deceptive marketing practices related to AI-generated adult content. He noted the absence of legal frameworks addressing these issues, stating, "I realized my compliance awareness is disconnected from social norms.”
Reflecting on his decision to film the video, Gunpyi expressed his belief he was supporting fellow entertainers. He remarked, “I filmed it out of support for my old comedian friends without fully considering the societal ramifications.” He characterized his actions as thoughtless and lacking imagination.
Following the backlash, Gunpyi announced the deletion of the video as part of his commitment to reassessing his approach to content creation. "For this reason, the video has been deleted," he confirmed, emphasizing the importance of ensuring such content is appropriate for all audiences.
Moving forward, Gunpyi expressed determination to enrich his knowledge of the sex industry and generative AI. He vowed, "I will deepen my knowledge about the sex industry and generative AI," indicating plans for thorough reviews of future content to maintain high standards. He underscored the responsibility he feels toward both his audience and the industry, pledging to prioritize their interests and expectations.
The term 'Echona', which he coined for the video to imply 'Echchi na Oneesan' or 'sexy older sister', has created additional discussion about the nature of content produced for entertainment today. Gunpyi's remarks highlight the need for greater sensitivity when dealing with complex topics.
Haru to Hiko-ki, the comedy duo to which Gunpyi belongs, operates under the Titan entertainment agency. Gunpyi’s notoriety reached new heights during his appearances on popular shows, leading him to describe himself as 'Bakibaki Doji' during interviews—a term which has become synonymous with his public persona and has contributed to his rise as a figure of interest on social media.
The incident serves as both a cautionary tale and learning opportunity for content creators, particularly about engaging with sensitive topics. Gunpyi's experience reveals the potential repercussions of creating content without adequate preparation or social awareness, encouraging future comedians and entertainers to tread carefully when addressing themes related to sexuality and technology.
Through this reflection, Gunpyi aims to not only improve his craft but also contribute positively to the conversation about responsible content creation within the entertainment industry. His proactive stance following the controversy indicates his commitment to growth and learning, ensuring he remains sensitive to the broader societal norms as he continues his career.