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Japanese concerts in Shanghai abruptly canceled amid diplomatic tensions
Several Japanese music performances in Shanghai were suddenly halted over the weekend, sparking outrage among fans and escalating cultural fallout from a diplomatic dispute between Beijing and Tokyo.
Mid-performance shutdown stuns audience
Singer Maki Otsuki's Friday concert was interrupted mid-song when stage lights and music cut off abruptly. Two crew members escorted her offstage, leaving the audience in shock. The incident occurred during her rendition of the One Piece anime theme, part of a three-day music festival in Shanghai.
Organizers later cited "unavoidable circumstances" for the cancellation, though Otsuki's management noted in a Monday statement that local staff had been "kind and helpful." Subsequent festival events were also scrapped after "comprehensively considering various factors," according to Japan's Kyodo News.
Ayumi Hamasaki performs to empty stadium
On Saturday, pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki took the stage at Shanghai's 14,000-seat arena-only to find it empty. Despite the cancellation, she proceeded with her performance as a gesture of gratitude to her team and fans. In an Instagram post, Hamasaki reaffirmed her belief in music as "a bridge that connects people," despite the political tensions.
"I still strongly believe that entertainment should be a bridge that connects people, and I want to be on the side of creating that bridge."
Ayumi Hamasaki, via Instagram
Diplomatic row triggers cultural backlash
The cancellations follow Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's controversial remarks last month, suggesting Tokyo could intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan-a self-governed island Beijing claims as its territory. The comments ignited protests from both governments, with repercussions now extending to cultural exchanges.
Chinese state media had already postponed releases of two Japanese anime films earlier this month amid the dispute. Social media reactions in China were divided: some users criticized the cancellations as punishing domestic audiences, while nationalists questioned why the events were permitted at all during the diplomatic standoff.
"How could the event have gone on at a time when the whole nation is angry with Japan?"
Weibo user, translated
Global reactions and memes
Fans drew parallels between Otsuki's abrupt exit and the 2022 removal of former Chinese leader Hu Jintao from a Communist Party session, dubbing it the "Hu Jintao treatment" in viral memes. Criticism also targeted Beijing's approach, with some accusing authorities of restricting cultural access for their own citizens.
U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), calling the situation "regrettable" and sharing a link to Journey's Don't Stop Believin'. "Maki-san, Don't Stop Believin'-keep holding on to your convictions!" he wrote.
Organizers remain tight-lipped
When pressed about the incident, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson deflected questions to "Chinese organizers." The BBC reached out to Bandai Namco, a festival co-organizer, but received no immediate response. Otsuki's team declined further interviews, stating only that no additional issues arose beyond the cancellation.
The abrupt halts underscore how quickly political tensions can disrupt cultural ties, leaving artists and audiences caught in the crossfire.
