On January 16, 2025, Nishino Ryohiro, of the popular comedy duo King Kong, made headlines with his heartfelt apology posted on social media. The apology centered around his inability to support his business partner Kajihara Yuta's catchphrase "Onashasu!" sufficiently over the past year. Nishino's message struck a chord with his followers, who were quick to offer encouragement and support.
Nishino's post began with a direct address to his fans: "I deeply apologize for the fact my business partner, Kajihara Yuta's gag ‘Onashasu!’ was not widely popularized last year. I failed to support him adequately, and for this, I am sincerely sorry.” This acknowledgment of his shortcomings reflects the pressure on entertainers to cultivate viral memorability and popularity.
Over the last year, Kajihara has dedicated himself to promoting the gag, which had not caught on as widely as anticipated. Nishino recognized his partner's tireless efforts, stating, "Kajihara has poured his heart and soul to keep this gag alive, yet I have not done enough to amplify his voice and the message behind ‘Onashasu!’"
Fans reacted overwhelmingly to the post, with many expressing their excitement and support. Comments such as "Let’s aim for the catchphrase award!!" and "I will definitely start using Onashasu!!" flooded Nishino's social media pages, as users rallied behind the duo and their endeavor. The viral nature of social media played out once again, with fans eager to see "Onashasu!" gain traction and resonate with wider audiences.
The incident sheds light on the challenges faced by entertainers today, where moments can be fleeting, and the demand for consistent popularity can weigh heavily on artists. Nishino’s candid reflection on his role—or perceived lack thereof—in promoting his partner’s work reveals the often understated pressures experienced behind the scenes of celebrity culture.
Looking forward, Nishino has vowed to put more effort not only behind the catchphrase but also to strengthen his support for Kajihara’s comedic pursuits. “I will dedicate myself to ensuring ‘Onashasu!’ reaches more ears and brings laughter to more faces,” Nishino professed, solidifying his commitment to the partnership and their shared goals.
This episode is not just about Nishino and Kajihara; it’s emblematic of the larger artistic community’s yearning for recognition and support from peers and fans alike. Nishino’s apology, paired with enthusiastic fan responses, opens the door for Kajihara's catchphrase to reinvent itself and perhaps, with enough backing, secure its place as the next big cultural phenomenon.
With the entertainment world continuously shifting, it remains to be seen if "Onashasu!" can turn the corner. The combination of Nishino’s apology and proactive fan involvement may become the catalyst needed for this gag to achieve its rightful place among Japan's popular comedic expressions.