Rising diplomatic tensions between China and Japan have begun affecting the entertainment world, leading to abrupt cancellations of several Japanese music events in Shanghai — including one shocking incident where a singer was stopped mid-performance.
Japanese singer Maki Otsuki, famous for performing the theme song of the iconic anime One Piece, had just begun her set on Friday when the lights suddenly went off and the music stopped. Moments later, she was escorted off the stage by crew members, leaving fans stunned and confused.
The interruption happened during a three-day music festival in Shanghai, whose subsequent events were also cancelled after organizers said they were “considering various factors.” Otsuki’s management later described the disruption as due to “unavoidable circumstances”, adding that local staff were cooperative and helpful.
Another Shock: Ayumi Hamasaki Performs to an Empty Stadium
The next day, Japanese pop superstar Ayumi Hamasaki arrived to perform in Shanghai as part of her Asian tour — only to be informed that her show had been cancelled due to “force majeure.” In an emotional gesture of gratitude toward her team and fans, Hamasaki performed to 14,000 empty seats, describing it as her way of appreciating the Chinese and Japanese staff who worked hard on the tour.
“I still strongly believe entertainment should be a bridge that connects people,” she wrote on Instagram.
Background: Political Dispute Ignites Cultural Fallout
These cancellations come amid worsening diplomatic relations between Beijing and Tokyo following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who recently suggested that Japan could consider military action if China attacks Taiwan. Beijing, which views Taiwan as its territory, strongly condemned the statement. Both countries have since exchanged formal protests, and the tension is beginning to affect everyday life — including entertainment.
Fans Express Outrage Online
Fans across social media criticized the abrupt shutdowns, calling them “rude” and “extreme.” Some even compared Otsuki’s disappearance from stage to the dramatic removal of former Chinese leader Hu Jintao from a Communist Party meeting in 2022 — a meme now circulating widely.
Japanese and Chinese fans alike questioned why authorities would disrupt cultural experiences meant for their own people. One Weibo user wrote:
“Don’t you care about the audience? They are Chinese too.”
Even George Glass, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, weighed in via X (formerly Twitter):
“It’s truly regrettable that some people cannot feel the power of music.”
He also encouraged Otsuki, adding: “Don’t stop believing.”
Nationalist Sentiments Also Rise
While many fans expressed disappointment, some users on Chinese social media supported the cancellations, arguing that Japanese events should not take place amid the current political dispute.
“How could the concert go on when the entire nation is angry with Japan?” wrote one netizen.
Anime Releases Also Affected
Earlier, Chinese state media announced the postponement of the release of two major Japanese anime films — another sign that the diplomatic feud is now spilling over into cultural and entertainment industries.