Splatoon competitive gamer Aki Usagi Akiu of Babo Ny Team writes a heartfelt blog post about the pain of being criticized about her appearance

Splatoon competitive gamer Aki Usagi (Aki-u) of Baby Ny Team wrote a heartfelt blog post about the challenges she has faced since competing and winning tournaments. And how the thrill of winning started to become sadder when she saw people commenting negative on her appearance.

Aki wrote, “When I was able to win the first qualifying tournament, I was very happy.  But when I got home and looked at Twitter and saw the voices of criticism against me.  I was so shocked at the time because the criticism was of me standing on the front page.  I did not go to a game tournament to be evaluated.  I didn’t know what would happen if I won.  I did not anticipate the feelings towards me at the time.  Some people criticized my photos and when I saw these tweets, I just shut down and made no response”.

Aki continued, “The abuse/slander has become more and more each time I participate in an official tournament”.

“It is all because of my appearance and I could not say anything.  I was sad that I remember the words of criticism more clearly than the words of congratulations to the winners. I never thought there would be times when sad feelings would outweigh the joy of winning.  If wish I can erase these memories and make them disappear”.

“I don’t want anyone to misunderstand.  I am glad I shed tears after I won, the cheers when I won, the joy and excitement that I’ve not had experienced elsewhere.  I don’t regret any moments of the competitive battles.  Not at all.”

Aki discussed how people criticizing her appearance has hurt her.

Aki said, “I’m afraid to take pictures and I am scared to see and talk with people.  I think that it’s my problem, the fear of annoying people who are turned off by my appearance have increased”.

And Aki wrote about how she is trying her best to be happy and how important sleep is and whenever one feels depressed, sad or negative or when you have tears, it’s best to sleep without thinking of anything.

Aki goes on to discuss having fun playing Splatoon and how grateful she is to be invited to become part of a team and how grateful the members have accepted her have made her feel good.

It’s sad to see negative people taking the thrill of one’s happiness by making people feel like crap.  But we hope Aki continues to rise and become stronger through this, know there are more supporters of her and her teammates than jerks who have nothing better than to troll and hurt people.