China-Japan Diplomatic Tensions Lead to Cancellation and Interruption of Japanese Concerts in Shanghai

Context of Diplomatic Tensions\n\nDiplomatic relations between Beijing and Tokyo have experienced strain following remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. Last month, Ms. Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could potentially take military action if Beijing were to attack Taiwan. Beijing considers self-governed Taiwan as its territory and has not excluded the use of force for its unification. Both nations have subsequently lodged official protests against each other, impacting bilateral relations.\n\nConcert Cancellations in Shanghai\n\nAmid these diplomatic tensions, several Japanese music events scheduled in Shanghai were either canceled or interrupted.\n\n- On Saturday, pop star Ayumi Hamasaki's concert in Shanghai was canceled by organizers, who cited "force majeure." Ms. Hamasaki subsequently performed to an empty 14,000-seat stadium, expressing appreciation for her team and staff. She stated her belief that "entertainment should be a bridge that connects people."\n\n- On Friday, singer Maki Otsuki's performance of the theme song for the anime One Piece was halted midway during a three-day music festival in Shanghai. Lights and music were turned off, and she was escorted off stage. Her management attributed the interruption to "unavoidable circumstances," adding that "there were no particular problems, and the local staff were very kind and helpful." Subsequent events at the festival were also called off due to "various factors," according to Japan's Kyodo News.\n\nPublic and Official Reactions\n\nThe cancellations generated diverse public and official reactions. Some attendees expressed criticism, describing the actions as "rude" and "extreme." Online, a meme comparing the halting of Ms. Otsuki's performance to the removal of China's former leader Hu Jintao in October 2022 gained traction.\n\nSome social media users questioned the impact on cultural freedom for Chinese citizens, with one X post asking, "What's the point of turning the spearhead toward its own citizens?" Another user on Weibo queried, "Don't you care about the audience - they are after all Chinese, right?" Conversely, the incidents also contributed to nationalist discussions on Chinese social media. Some users questioned why such events were permitted given the diplomatic situation, with one Weibo user stating, "How could the event have gone on at a time when the whole nation is angry with Japan?"\n\nUnited States Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, commented on the situation via X, stating, "It's truly regrettable that there are people who can't feel the power of music," and addressing Ms. Otsuki directly, "Maki-san, Don't Stop Believin'—keep holding on to your convictions!"\n\nBroader Impact\n\nIn addition to the concert cancellations, Chinese state media had announced two weeks prior that the releases of at least two popular Japanese anime films would be postponed due to the diplomatic dispute.