Maki Otsuki was performing the One Piece theme on Friday when lights and music cut out and she was escorted off stage by two crew members. On Saturday, pop star Ayumi Hamasaki performed to an empty 14,000-seat stadium after organisers cited “force majeure” for cancelling her concert.
The cancellations come amid rising diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi‘s remarks on Taiwan. Takaichi, a vocal critic of China, suggested that Tokyo could respond militarily if Beijing attacked Taiwan. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out force.
Otsuki’s management described her Friday performance as interrupted due to “unavoidable circumstances” and said staff were helpful. Other events at the three-day festival were also called off after “comprehensively taking into consideration various factors”, according to Kyodo News. Bandai Namco, one of the festival organisers, has not commented.
The incident sparked widespread discussion online. Some fans compared Otsuki’s abrupt removal to the 2022 ousting of former Chinese leader Hu Jintao, with memes and criticism of authorities restricting cultural enjoyment. US Ambassador to Japan George Glass tweeted support for Otsuki, while Chinese social media also saw nationalist reactions questioning why the events were allowed amid the diplomatic dispute.
Hamasaki, who had been on her Asia tour, said she was suddenly asked to cancel her concert but performed to empty seats to show appreciation for staff and fans. She posted on Instagram that entertainment should serve as a bridge connecting people.
The diplomatic tensions have also affected Japanese anime, with state media announcing the postponement of at least two popular films in China.
