A foreign male streamer, reportedly from Spain, has issued an apology in a YouTube video following an incident where he pushed a passenger on a train who had admonished him. Initially, he claimed his reaction was justified as the passenger had 'first laid hands on him,' but criticism continued to mount. He later posted another video, tearfully apologizing unequivocally.
The Incident and Initial Justification
The incident occurred on what appears to be a JR Kyushu line in northern Kyushu. The streamer was live-streaming, shouting loudly while wearing a straw hat, impersonating Luffy from the popular Japanese manga 'One Piece,' and sitting in a priority seat. A middle-aged Japanese passenger approached him, tapped his chest with his right hand, and told him, 'You're being noisy.'
After several exchanges, the streamer pushed the passenger from behind, causing a commotion where the passenger complained to the conductor about 'violence.' This streamer had previously been seen in other controversial videos, including setting off fireworks at a karaoke bar and trespassing into what appeared to be a Japanese private residence, leading to police involvement.
Online criticism against the streamer erupted, leading to the deletion of his live streaming channel. On September 25, he posted a video on his YouTube channel titled 'Apology for pushing a passenger,' attempting to explain the incident. He revealed that the incident had been covered by media worldwide and, with clasped hands, bowed his head, saying, 'I ask for your forgiveness.' He admitted, 'I reacted terribly, and my actions were not right,' but still tried to justify himself. He claimed the passenger was drunk and not in a normal state, alleging that he was touched on the chest, had his nose and mouth grabbed, and experienced violence. He also labeled the passenger a 'typical racist.'
Regarding his own physical action, he claimed it was merely self-defense, stating, 'He tried to lay hands on me, so my reaction was natural.' While acknowledging that many people had defended him, he admitted he should have acted more wisely, such as moving to another car.
Tearful Apology and Continued Backlash
This video only intensified the backlash, with many dismissing it as a superficial apology. Consequently, on September 26, the streamer posted another video on his channel, tearfully bowing his head and offering a complete apology.
Addressing the 'Japanese community,' he explained in Japanese, 'I simply lacked intelligence. I was foolish and stupid.' He expressed a desire to 'go to Japan to talk to him and apologize for what happened' if the passenger could be found. He confessed, 'I am a misbehaving tourist. I went to Japan to exploit the hospitality and wonderfulness of the Japanese people.' He added, 'I want to grow as a human being and become a better person. And I want to return to Japan, the country I love most in the world.'
The streamer mentioned that the incident occurred during a '100 Euro Japan Challenge,' where he spent three months in Japan, traveling from Hokkaido to Kumamoto, where a Luffy statue is located. However, doubts and criticisms about his apology persist, keeping the situation inflamed.
Regarding the passenger dispute, JR Kyushu's public relations department provided details to J-CAST News on September 29, stating that the facts of the incident had been confirmed. The trouble was reported around 11:30 PM on September 22, in the last local train bound for Hakata Station, which was stopped at Tosu Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line in Tosu City, Saga Prefecture. A Japanese passenger reported to the conductor, 'A foreigner pushed me down. I was assaulted.' The conductor reported to JR, and station staff also rushed to assist. However, the streamer repeatedly said 'Sorry' and 'No,' making communication in English difficult. Since the passenger said, 'No need to delay the train. No need to call the police,' no report was made to the police. To separate them, the streamer was asked to move to the rearmost car, and the train departed five minutes late. It was unclear if the passenger was intoxicated. The cause of the trouble was not known as it was not heard from the passengers.
