Nakama JP, from the popular YouTuber duo Nakama Kyoudai, updated his personal YouTube channel on March 6, 2025, with a reflective video titled "I'm Still Happy," wherein he addressed the controversy stemming from inappropriate remarks made about the road subsidence accident in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture. This incident has sparked significant public outrage and necessitated apologies from both JP and his sister, Nakama Suzuna.
During the volatile discussions approximately one month prior, Suzuna made comments about the incident, inadvertently trivializing the severity of the tragic event. Her remarks, along with JP's comments—highlighting the idea of life lessons learned through perilous situations—were condemned widely, leading to the deletion of their offending video and subsequent apologies issued shortly thereafter. JP publicly conceded, stating, "This time, we are entirely at fault, and I'm really reflecting on it," showcasing both acknowledgment and regret.
JP's new video appears as twofold—a sincere apology and his personal reflection on happiness and growth amid adversity. He noted, "I want to convey 'I'm still happy' and reflect on my life," emphasizing his complex feelings about facing criticism and maintaining positivity. Through this introspection, JP recounted formative experiences, including living abroad as a child and facing bullying upon his return to Japan. His reflections encompassed gratitude for the friends he had acquired along the way, attributing much of his life's happiness to them.
During his emotional disclosure, JP underscored the barrage of slanderous messages everyone faced, extending sympathy particularly toward his family, who were adversely affected by the scandal. "The situation created distress, and I'm genuinely remorseful for causing harm to my family," he stated, asking fans to continue supporting Suzuna, not merely as another Youtube figure but as his sister.
Further complicity was noted as Suzuna announced her decision to withdraw from external work engagements following the backlash. Her modeling contract with CanCam, along with potential brand collaborations, were also terminated as she reevaluates her responsibilities and public presence. JP affirmed, "We will include external individuals to review videos to prevent similar incidents from occurring," demonstrating the duo's commitment to improvement and sensitivity moving forward.
Public sentiment remains mixed, with some fans rallying behind the siblings, commending their accountability, whilst others remain skeptical about their intentions post-donation to help the victims of the Yashio incident. Commenters on their platforms expressed concerns about the perceived disingenuousness of JP’s announcement, with critiques labeling the donation appeal as more of an image defense than genuine remorse. Online critiques of JP’s handling of the situation reached fever pitch as fellow creator Rafael weighed in, asserting, "Maybe they should join an agency; their apology videos and SNS skills are poor." His observation highlights the precarious balance public figures must strike between authentic confession and social media management.
With continued scrutiny directed at Nakama Kyoudai, it is evident their path to recovery from the scandal will demand more than mere apologies. JP's heartfelt declaration of appreciation for supportive followers encapsulates the duality of social media fame—wherein public resilience harmonizes with personal vulnerability. "I don't want to cause another controversy and wish to create positive videos," he reiterated, signaling his desire to chart new, responsible content paths.
Yet, as he poignantly articulated the toll the incident had taken on his family, he reaffirmed his deep-seated love for them, lamenting the undue pressure they have endured. "I love my family immensely, and I am heartbroken for the distress my actions caused them." His emotional plea beckons viewers to see beyond the flashy content creation and comprehend the reality of personal struggles behind the screen.
JP's reflections on growth, responsibility, and the importance of familial bonds convey poignant reminders of the impact of digital dialogues, shaping the online community engaged with him. The balance between creating enjoyable content and recognizing the weight of one's words will likely define Nakama Kyoudai's narrative going forward.