On January 24, 2025, Sakurai Taito, known for being part of the KADOKAWA Sakura Knights team, found himself embroiled in controversy following inappropriate remarks made during the M-League livestream. The incident transpired during the first game of the league, where he was present observing and watching the proceedings alongside team members. His comments, directed at female reporter Ito Yuri, were deemed deeply offensive by viewers and sparked significant backlash.
During the livestream, as Ito was conducting her interview, Sakurai interjected with comments questioning her ability to communicate effectively, saying, "ハキハキしゃべれんかね、麻雀のこと分からんくせに," which translates to, "Can’t you speak clearly, knowing nothing about mahjong?" Such remarks were not only deemed dismissive but also denigrated the journalist's competence, leading to widespread criticism from the audience who found his statements ill-mannered and disrespectful. Viewers took to social media, expressing their discontent and calling for accountability, describing his behavior as "very unpleasant" and indicative of his character.
The swift fallout from the remarks prompted Sakurai to issue an apology the following day via social media, stating, "全部私が悪いです。不快に思った全ての方、本当にすみませんでした。反省します。" This translates to, "It is all my fault. I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable. I will reflect on my actions." His public acknowledgment of wrongdoing aimed to mitigate the outrage, but not without drawing attention to the surrounding environment during the incident, where his teammates unfortunately failed to intervene. Sakurai clearly stated, "The responsibility lies entirely with me; the fans of Sakura Knights should not bear the brunt of criticism."
Following this apology, the KADOKAWA Sakura Knights organization, led by their coach Mori Takumi, also released a formal statement expressing their regret over the incident. The statement emphasized the team’s commitment to fostering respect within the community, where they stated, "サクラナイツ所属選手による不適切な発言があり、視聴者の皆様をはじめ、Mリーグファン、Mリーグ関係者、サクラナイツファンの皆様にご不快な思いとご迷惑をおかけしましたこと、心よりお詫び申し上げます," meaning, "We sincerely apologize for the inappropriate remarks made by our team member, which have caused discomfort to viewers and fans. We take this matter seriously and will work on preventative measures to avoid similar incidents."
This incident has highlighted the significant impact and responsibility carried by public figures, especially within the sports domain where personalities are closely followed and often idolized. Sakurai, who has gained attention for his charming persona, now faces scrutiny over how his public behavior aligns with the expectations of his role. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their professional capabilities.
The aftermath leaves both Sakurai and the KADOKAWA Sakura Knights with the task of restoring trust among their supporters. The focus on compliance and ethical speech within the team serves as the foundation for how they can move forward from this contentious episode. Sakurai’s future communications will certainly be under more intense observation, capturing lessons learned from the backlash. The M-League community looks to see if this will result in broader discussions on decorum and professionalism among its representatives.
This controversy and its resolution will likely shape how future interactions are managed within the league, not merely as entertainment but as forums of public dialogue. Such incidents remind individuals and organizations of their influence, urging them to voice their concerns with care and thoughtfulness. The road to recovery involves introspection, dialogue, and committed action to support those they have affected, ensuring accountability becomes part of the culture instead of just crisis management.
The KADOKAWA Sakura Knights, having acknowledged the lapse, appear set on taking serious strides toward creating more responsible dialogue moving forward to prevent similar issues from arising.