The sudden cancellation of several Japanese music events in Shanghai, including one halted mid-performance, has sparked outrage among fans, who describe the actions as “rude” and “extreme.”
Singer Maki Otsuki was mid-song during the One Piece theme when the lights and audio were cut, and she was rushed off stage. A day later, pop star Ayumi Hamasaki performed to an empty 14,000-seat arena after organisers cancelled her show, citing “force majeure.”
The cancellations come amid escalating diplomatic tensions over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks suggesting Tokyo could respond militarily if China attacked Taiwan.
Both sides have lodged formal protests, and cultural events have become collateral damage. Otsuki’s management blamed “unavoidable circumstances,” while Japanese media reported further events were cancelled after “comprehensive consideration.”
