A spate of sudden cancellations of Japanese music events in Shanghai has generated a wave of criticism and concern. Among the most notable incidents was that of singer Maki Otsuki, who had to stop her performance of the One Piece anime theme song mid-show when the lights and music were turned off without warning, prompting crew members to rush her off stage.
This action reflects the worsening diplomatic rift between Beijing and Tokyo, further complicated by remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. The situation escalated when pop star Ayumi Hamasaki was also forced to perform to an empty 14,000-seat venue after her concert was axed the same weekend.
Protests erupted as fans expressed their outrage over the cancellations, labeling them rude and extreme, citing the public's right to enjoy cultural entertainment. A poignant comparison was drawn on social media likening Otsuki's abrupt exit to the sudden removal of China's former leader Hu Jintao during an important meeting in 2022, which went viral under the meme the Hu Jintao treatment.
Diplomatic tensions intensified after Takaichi’s comments regarding possible military action if Beijing were to attack Taiwan, a territory that China claims. Beijing’s response through cultural sanctions raises concerns about how political motives can overshadow citizens' enjoyment, with many questioning why such cancellations were necessary in light of local audiences.
Amidst this turmoil, both Otsuki's and Hamasaki's managements indicated that disruptions were due to unavoidable circumstances. However, many fans both in China and Japan have taken to social media to express their discontent, leading to increased nationalist sentiments.
Despite the challenges, Hamasaki took to Instagram to express her wish for music to bridge cultures, stating her commitment to those who support her regardless of the current tensions.
