A Japanese YouTuber Ikechan has come under fire on social media after posting a vlog about an Air India flight, using the phrase “packed with Indians” and a caption that read “bad Air India,” triggering
widespread outrage online.
The controversy intensified after users pointed out that the caption appeared to reference the last year’s Air India plane crash, which many said was insensitive and inappropriate. Screenshots and clips from the vlog circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing sharp criticism from thousands of users.
The controversy began after Ikechan shared her Air India flight vlog on YouTube and X with the caption, “Taking the notoriously bad Air India for my first-ever trip to India!! The plane is packed with Indians.”
The caption, along with the original thumbnail that was seen as referencing last year’s tragic Air India crash, triggered outrage among thousands of users.
評判の悪いエアインディアに乗って、人生初のインド旅！！機内はインド人だらけです・・・🇮🇳https://t.co/ZkjlhmgUMI pic.twitter.com/zuiX3Tn0pR
— いけちゃん (@ikechan0920) January 17, 2026
Social media users accused Ikechan of trivialising the tragedy, with many saying the image seemed to mock the deaths of those who lost their lives.
Uploaded on January 17, the video shows Ikechan travelling on an Air India flight, tasting in-flight meals and documenting the journey. While the vlog has crossed 1.22 lakh views on YouTube, the thumbnail shared on X drew more than 15 million views, with users criticising Ikechan for what they described as offensive content.
Several viewers accused Ikechan of holding preconceived notions about India and Indians. One user said her vlog appeared to be influenced by viral online narratives, adding that as the world’s most populous country, India inevitably offers a mix of positive and negative experiences.
Another commented, “If you have a problem with India, then don’t come. Nobody has forced you.”
Others objected specifically to the thumbnail, saying that although it was later changed, the original image had already caused genuine hurt.
“Although the thumbnail has been changed, it’s undeniable that the original image caused offence to many people. A more thorough apology would have been better,” a user wrote.
Other Japanese creators also reacted to the post. @TomomuraYoutube, publicly criticised Ikechan and defended India, saying that using a tone that appeared to look down on other nationalities was “the height of rudeness.”
He said content creators must be held accountable for what they post online, adding that tarnishing Japan’s reputation for personal gain should not be tolerated.
特に強い意図は無かったので、指摘されていたサムネの文字を少し変更しました！
動画はいつもしっかり作っているので、断片ではなく全部見てほしいです！全部見たらその国の魅力が伝わると思って作っています✨ https://t.co/VpdnyYhLmL pic.twitter.com/M3Q5WSmjAN
— いけちゃん (@ikechan0920) January 19, 2026
Responding to the backlash, Ikechan posted an update saying she had no ill intent with the thumbnail and had slightly altered the text after the issue was raised. She urged viewers to watch the full video rather than judging it by clips, emphasizing the effort she invests in her content and her goal of showcasing the appeal of the countries she visits.
