A series of last-minute cancellations in Shanghai has disappointed thousands of fans. It shows how political problems between China and Japan are now affecting cultural events. In late 2025, performances by famous Japanese singers like Ayumi Hamasaki and Maki Otsuki were suddenly cancelled over one weekend. A big Japanese festival was also stopped. Organizers said there were logistical problems, but many people believe it is because relations between the two countries have gotten worse.
The trouble started after Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, made comments about Taiwan the month before. China says Taiwan is a part of its country and was very angry with her words. This political disagreement quickly spread to culture. In one strange event, Maki Otsuki's concert stopped in the middle of a song. The lights came on and she was led off the stage. Her team only said there were "unavoidable circumstances."
The next day, Ayumi Hamasaki's big concert was cancelled, leaving the arena empty. Organizers used the term "force majeure," which means unexpected events they cannot control. The large Bandai Namco Festival for anime and games was also cancelled. Its organizers said they considered many factors.
Fans are upset and have complained on social media. They feel the situation was not handled respectfully. Experts think these cancellations are a message. They show that political arguments can hurt cultural and business activities too. This sets a worrying example for the future. When government talks fail, art and music events can be the first to suffer. The empty venues in Shanghai are a clear sign of this growing problem.