Ask Onix
Pokémon event at Yasukuni Shrine scrapped amid diplomatic tensions
The Pokémon Company has cancelled a trading card game event scheduled at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine following sharp criticism from Chinese state media and netizens. The company called the event a mistake and issued an apology on Friday.
Event details and cancellation
The event, organised by an external partner, was set to take place on Saturday at the Yasukuni Shrine, a site near Tokyo's Imperial Palace that honours Japan's war dead, including convicted war criminals. The Pokémon Company said the event was "mistakenly posted" on its official card game website due to insufficient oversight.
"After the incident was discovered, the event was promptly cancelled," the company stated. "We sincerely apologise for the various reactions and opinions that have been generated as a result of this publication."
The firm added it would "thoroughly review and strengthen" its approval process to prevent similar incidents.
Controversy over Yasukuni Shrine
The Yasukuni Shrine commemorates approximately 2.5 million Japanese soldiers who died in conflicts, including the Sino-Japanese wars and World War II. However, the inclusion of over 1,000 convicted war criminals among those honoured has long made the site a point of contention for nations that suffered under Japanese occupation.
Chinese state media condemned the event, with the People's Daily, the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper, stating: "Brands that disregard history and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will ultimately be abandoned."
"The relevant enterprises must take social responsibility and not make light of the heavy weight of history in the name of entertainment."
People's Daily
China's response and broader tensions
The Global Times, another state-run outlet, praised Chinese netizens for criticising the event, calling it "an open affront to historical truth." The paper added that hosting entertainment events, particularly those aimed at children, at such a site was "even more egregious."
The incident occurs amid heightened tensions between China and Japan over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's November remarks suggesting Tokyo could deploy its self-defence forces if China attacked Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to assert control.
Recent months have seen both governments advise their citizens against travel to the other country, while the release of two popular Japanese films in China was also postponed.
Pokémon's global reach
Pokémon, originally launched as a video game in 1996, has grown into a global franchise encompassing films, television series, and trading card games. The brand's international popularity has made it a frequent subject of cultural and diplomatic scrutiny.
