On November 29, Ayumi Hamasaki was set to perform in Shanghai, China as part of her “ayumi hamasaki ASIA TOUR 2025 A I am ayu -ep.II-.” However, the day before the show, she was forced to cancel the concert. Her crew of 200 people from Japan and China had spent the previous five days setting up the stage for the concert.
Ever the entertainer, Ayumi continued on with the show as usual, but with no audience. The concert was recorded and is set for release at a later date.
This is the latest cancellation in light of the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Japan and China. The issue reignited earlier this month when Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, said in the Japanese parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could potentially constitute an “existential crisis”, allowing Japan to take military action in collective self-defence. China, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory, objected to what it views as Japan’s outside interference.
This reignited issue has led to protests and boycotts in both countries, including in the cultural sphere. Since the spat began, KAF, Cornelius, fishbowl, SiD, Yuzu, Saito Shuka, and “LisAni!” have canceled their performances in China.
The most shocking incident came a few days ago when Otsuki Maki was taken off stage mid-performance at Bandi Namco Festival in Shanghai. The whole incident was caught on video and can be seen here.
