A series of sudden cancellations of Japanese musical performances in Shanghai has ignited widespread criticism and highlighted growing diplomatic strains between China and Japan. The incidents occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments regarding Taiwan.
On Friday, singer Maki Otsuki was abruptly cut off mid-performance during her rendition of the popular anime ‘One Piece’ theme song at a Shanghai music festival. Stage lights and audio were suddenly terminated, after which crew members hurried her offstage. The following day, pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki performed to a completely empty 14,000-seat stadium after organizers canceled her concert, citing ‘force majeure’ circumstances.
These disruptions coincide with heightened diplomatic friction stemming from Prime Minister Takaichi’s suggestion last month that Japan might consider military intervention should China attack Taiwan. Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province, has consistently maintained its right to use force for reunification.
Otsuki’s management attributed the interruption to ‘unavoidable circumstances’ while acknowledging the professionalism of local staff. The three-day music festival subsequently canceled all remaining events after comprehensive consideration of various factors, according to Kyodo News.
The incident has sparked diverse reactions across social media platforms. Some fans created memes comparing Otsuki’s removal to the unexpected extraction of former Chinese leader Hu Jintao during a Communist Party meeting in 2022. Critics questioned why cultural events were being targeted when the diplomatic dispute involves governmental matters.
US Ambassador to Japan George Glass expressed regret that ‘there are people who can’t feel the power of music,’ while Hamasaki herself performed to empty seats as a tribute to her team and expressed her belief that entertainment should serve as a bridge between peoples.
Meanwhile, Chinese social media displayed nationalist sentiments, with some users questioning why Japanese events were permitted during periods of diplomatic tension. The cancellations follow recent announcements postponing releases of popular Japanese anime films in China, indicating the cultural sphere is increasingly affected by bilateral relations.