The abrupt cancellations of several Japanese music events in Shanghai — including one halted mid-performance — have sparked criticism among fans, who called the actions “rude” and “extreme.”
Maki Otsuki was halfway through performing the theme song of the hit anime One Piece on Friday when the lights and music were suddenly cut. Moments later, two crew members rushed her off the stage.
A day later, Japanese pop star Ayumi Hamasaki performed to an entirely empty 14,000-seat stadium after organizers cancelled her Shanghai concert, citing “force majeure.”
These cancellations follow growing diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments on Taiwan. During a parliamentary session last month, Takaichi — known for her tough stance on China — suggested Japan could consider military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan.
China sees self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force for “reunification.” Since the remarks, both countries have lodged formal protests, and tensions have begun affecting daily life and cultural exchanges.
Otsuki’s management attributed the abrupt interruption to “unavoidable circumstances.” They added that except for the cancellation, there were “no particular problems” and that the local staff “were very kind and helpful.”
Her performance was part of a three-day music festival in Shanghai. According to Kyodo News, later events in the festival were also cancelled after organizers “comprehensively considered various factors.”
When asked about the incident, China’s foreign ministry said: “I suggest you ask the Chinese organizers.”
Some fans have shared a viral meme comparing Otsuki’s sudden removal to the dramatic ousting of former Chinese leader Hu Jintao during a Communist Party meeting in 2022. Comments online accused authorities of restricting their own citizens’ cultural rights in an attempt to pressure Japan.
Others questioned why the events were allowed to proceed at all amid the diplomatic row: “How could this event take place when the entire nation is angry with Japan?”
Ayumi Hamasaki said she was informed only on Friday that her concert had to be cancelled. To show gratitude to her team and fans, she still performed — alone — in the empty stadium.
“I still strongly believe that entertainment should be a bridge between people,” she wrote on Instagram.
Two weeks earlier, Chinese state media announced that the releases of at least two Japanese anime films would be postponed due to the ongoing dispute.
