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| "Pity his acting is awful compared to the BL actors out there." — Fans slam Japanese 'flop' actor as he faces mass unfollowing after controversial comments. (Photo: Yahoo JP) |
A routine fan club livestream took an unexpected turn for Yokohama Ryusei after one question about starring in a Boys' Love (BL) drama sparked a wave of online debate. His candid response, which he repeatedly described as a personal opinion, quickly spread beyond his fanbase, prompting criticism, support and plenty of heated discussion from viewers in Japan and overseas.
According to accounts circulating online, the Japanese actor responded by stressing that his answer reflected only his personal opinion. He reportedly said he was not interested in BL, did not understand the genre or the broader concept of diversity in that context, and that while he recognised BL existed because audiences enjoyed it, it simply was not something he personally understood or connected with.
The comments immediately triggered discussion across multiple platforms. For some fans, the issue was not that Yokohama Ryusei declined the possibility of appearing in a BL project, but the wording of his explanation.
Critics argued that the remarks came across as dismissive and out of touch, with some describing the comments as disappointing for an entertainment industry that has increasingly embraced a wider variety of stories and audiences.
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The discussion also resurfaced older interview quotes that have circulated online over the years regarding gender roles and marriage.
Those past remarks, which included his preference for a traditional household where he would work while his wife stayed at home and managed domestic responsibilities, were shared again by some users who argued they reflected a consistent personal viewpoint.
【注目発言】
— バブ子のパパ (@babukonopapa) July 25, 2026
横浜流星BLについて自身の考え方を発言
横浜流星
『あくまでも私個人の意見として聞いてください。私はBLとか、そういうの興味なくて』
↓
『全然分かんないので、なし。あくまでも私個人の話ですよ。多様性、意味が分からないので』
↓… pic.twitter.com/Zj8YTErIH2
Others pointed out that opinions expressed in previous interviews should be considered within their original context rather than being judged solely through today's conversations.
As the conversation gathered momentum, reactions appeared to split into several camps.
Some longtime followers said they were disappointed and claimed they would no longer support the actor, with social media users noting that a number of Japanese fans had reportedly unfollowed his official accounts.
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Outside Japan, the discussion took on a rather different tone. Many international users who were unfamiliar with Yokohama Ryusei reacted less to the comments themselves and more to the sudden appearance of his name in trending topics.
His old interview has also resurfaced and is now going viral.
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Posts questioning who he was or joking that they had never heard of him quickly became part of the wider conversation.
Social media has a remarkable talent for introducing people to celebrities they somehow managed to avoid for years—usually during the least peaceful moment possible.
横浜流星「BL興味ない」「結婚したら奥さんは家にいて欲しい」こういう考えの人も認めるのが多様性なのに叩いてる人ってなんなん？ pic.twitter.com/QFJfDSy2vk https://t.co/eAEgnyYlAt
— こうこう@秋元強真vsクレベルコイケが見たい (@kohtown111) July 25, 2026
Among the harsher reactions circulating online, one social media user wrote, "I've only watched one of his dramas, and never again. All I can say is his acting is awful, flop, so I can understand why he's jealous of talented BL actors."
Plenty of social media users responded with humour rather than outrage. Memes and sarcastic replies quickly spread across platforms, with some joking, "Who asked him?" while others quipped, "His opinion is not relevant."
As of now, Yokohama Ryusei has not publicly responded to the backlash or issued any clarification regarding the remarks that many critics have described as homophobic. He has also not released a statement addressing the wider debate surrounding his comments on BL and diversity, leaving online discussion to continue without any official response from the actor or his management.. as fans say he will regret what he said.