Japanese Singer Maki Otsuki Cuts Short Shanghai Performance Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Maki Otsuki, the vocalist behind the theme song for the widely followed anime “One Piece,” halted her performance midway during an event in Shanghai, her management team confirmed. The incident adds to a series of cultural exchanges disrupted by recent strains between Japan and China.
Otsuki was scheduled to appear over two days starting Friday at the Bandai Namco Festival 2025 in Shanghai. However, she was “compelled to stop abruptly due to unforeseen circumstances” during her set, her management stated on her official website Saturday.
The suspension marks the latest in a string of cancellations across cultural gatherings involving the two Asian nations. Relations deteriorated this month following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, hinting at potential military intervention concerning Taiwan.
China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and retains the option of forceful reunification, strongly objected to Takaichi’s remarks. Beijing summoned Japan’s ambassador and issued advisories discouraging Chinese citizens from traveling to Japan.
The Bandai Namco Festival, initially planned through Sunday, was suspended entirely after organizers cited “comprehensive considerations of multiple factors” in a WeChat announcement. Kyodo News reported that Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z, set to perform Saturday, was also impacted.
Other canceled engagements in China include concerts by pop artist Ayumi Hamasaki and jazz musician Hiromi Uehara. Hamasaki expressed regret on Instagram after her Shanghai tour was canceled abruptly, stating, “I still firmly believe entertainment can bridge connections, and I aim to foster those bonds.” The decision came just one day before her scheduled appearance.
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