Amid diplomatic tensions between China and Japan over remarks by Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who stated that Japan might respond if China took military action against Taiwan, the Chinese central government issued strict instructions for the Chinese public to boycott Japan in any form.
In response to this tense situation, multiple Chinese event organizers and venues were notified not to approve, host, or allow performances by Japanese artists. Several scheduled cultural events featuring Japanese performers—including Ayumi Hamasaki, KOKIA, and Maki Otsuki—were canceled or interrupted. For example, KOKIA’s concert in Beijing was abruptly blocked, with fans denied entry, while Maki Otsuki was asked to leave the stage during a performance of anime theme songs in Shanghai.
Ayumi Hamasaki’s concert was originally scheduled for November 29, 2025, at Shanghai’s Oriental Sports Center as part of her “I Am Ayu Tour.” However, on November 28, the day before the show, organizers suddenly announced the cancellation, citing “force majeure.” Despite this, Hamasaki posted on Instagram that since the entire stage and equipment had already been set up, she and her team decided to perform the concert fully according to plan—including the original setlist, costume changes, choreography, musical accompaniment, and visual lighting effects. Although there was no audience, she gave the performance her all, singing from the first song through the encore.
Hamasaki’s “empty concert” has been seen as a dignified response to the sudden cancellation and political pressure. Nevertheless, concerns remain over the future of Japanese artists performing in China. The schedules and follow-up arrangements for Hamasaki and other affected performers are still under coordination between organizers and various parties.