Kadokawa’s Sakura Knights, part of the professional Mahjong League (M-League), has publicly apologized following remarks made by team member Sayaka Okada during an online event. The apology was issued on February 26, 2025, after Okada made inappropriate comments directed at announcer Yui Ito during the live broadcast on January 24, 2025.
According to the team's official statement, Okada’s remarks during the M-League online public viewing led to considerable backlash. The statement acknowledged the severity of the incident, stating, “KADOKAWA Sakura Knights' Sayaka Okada made inappropriate remarks during the online broadcast on January 24, 2025... We sincerely apologize for these comments and our team's lack of supervision.”
The incident sparked considerable reactions online, with many expressing concern over Ito's well-being and the nature of the comments made by Okada. The backlash prompted Kadokawa's Sakura Knights to address the issue publicly. The team's management also mentioned their commitment to ensuring proper conduct and supervision of team members moving forward.
Okada also took to social media to express her regret, stating, “It’s all my fault. I am truly sorry for those who felt uncomfortable. I will reflect on this.” This admission came soon after the controversy began, and it highlighted her acknowledgment of the impact her words had on viewers and her colleagues.
Meanwhile, Yui Ito informed her followers on January 31, 2025, of her decision to miss broadcasts due to health issues, stating, “Due to health reasons, I will be absent from tomorrow’s broadcast. I apologize for the inconvenience.” This absence coincided with the controversy surrounding the remarks made by Okada.
On February 15, Ito revealed on her Instagram Stories her decision to leave the programs she was involved with, indicating the emotional toll the incident may have taken on her. This announcement drew significant concern from her followers and fans, who had already been worried about her well-being.
Kadokawa's management has indicated their desire to facilitate direct reconciliation between Okada and Ito. The statement mentioned, “Okada expressed her desire to apologize directly to Ito and the team is working to arrange this meeting. Unfortunately, Ito has been unwell, which has hindered these efforts.”
The management has also been actively collaborating with Ito’s representation to discuss the situation and has submitted apology documentation to Ito's agency, Saint Force, which they have acknowledged receiving.
Besides the worries for Ito, there has also been concern about inappropriate commentary directed at both women within online platforms and social media. Kadokawa's team has urged against any form of harassment, stating, “We request everyone to refrain from any defamatory remarks directed toward Ito Yui or any of the team members involved.”
Looking forward, Kadokawa Sakura Knights have reiterated their commitment to addressing these issues within their organization and preventing recurrence. They emphasized the importance of accountability among all team members. “We are dedicated to ensuring this does not happen again, and we hope for continued support for the Kadokawa Sakura Knights,” the statement concluded.