Maki Otsuki's 'One Piece' Performance Halted Amid Sore Relations Between Japan and China
A diplomatic spat between Tokyo and Beijing has hit its way to Chinese entertainment scene once again, with Japanese singer Maki Otsuki's "One Piece" performance abruptly halted mid-stage. Otsuki was set to perform at the Bandai Namco Festival 2025 in Shanghai for two days starting from this Friday.
Her management claimed that she had to stop her performance due to unforeseen circumstances. Although she was still performing, the abrupt halt has left fans and organizers baffled. This is not an isolated incident; multiple cultural events involving Japan and China have been cancelled or affected by the souring of relations between the two nations.
Last week, Tokyo's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sparked a furious reaction from Beijing after suggesting that Japan could intervene militarily in any attack on Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to take it over. The Beijing government summoned Tokyo's ambassador and warned Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan.
The Bandai Namco Festival 2025 was scheduled until Sunday but the organizers have cancelled the whole event due to various factors. Other artists, including Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z and pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki, who were set to perform at the same event, have also been affected by the cancellations.
In a statement on her Instagram, Ayumi Hamasaki expressed disappointment at the cancellation of her Shanghai tour, saying that entertainment should be a bridge between nations. Despite the challenges posed by sour relations, Otsuki's performance was cut short under mysterious circumstances.
A diplomatic spat between Tokyo and Beijing has hit its way to Chinese entertainment scene once again, with Japanese singer Maki Otsuki's "One Piece" performance abruptly halted mid-stage. Otsuki was set to perform at the Bandai Namco Festival 2025 in Shanghai for two days starting from this Friday.
Her management claimed that she had to stop her performance due to unforeseen circumstances. Although she was still performing, the abrupt halt has left fans and organizers baffled. This is not an isolated incident; multiple cultural events involving Japan and China have been cancelled or affected by the souring of relations between the two nations.
Last week, Tokyo's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sparked a furious reaction from Beijing after suggesting that Japan could intervene militarily in any attack on Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to take it over. The Beijing government summoned Tokyo's ambassador and warned Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan.
The Bandai Namco Festival 2025 was scheduled until Sunday but the organizers have cancelled the whole event due to various factors. Other artists, including Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z and pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki, who were set to perform at the same event, have also been affected by the cancellations.
In a statement on her Instagram, Ayumi Hamasaki expressed disappointment at the cancellation of her Shanghai tour, saying that entertainment should be a bridge between nations. Despite the challenges posed by sour relations, Otsuki's performance was cut short under mysterious circumstances.
... I mean, I get it, tensions are high and all, but can't we just enjoy some culture without politics getting in the way? 
It's like, what's next? Cancelling anime conventions or video game tournaments too? 
Maki Otsuki's performance was supposed to be a fun event for fans, not another casualty of diplomatic drama. And honestly, I'm kinda surprised that more artists weren't affected by this... I mean, they did have to cancel their shows anyway 
. Maybe it's time for some creative thinking on how to bring people together despite our differences? 
Just a thought 
. It's not just about the music, it's about people coming together and having a good time. Cultural exchange is such an important thing, you know? 
I feel like we're missing out on so many amazing opportunities because of our leaders' disagreements. 
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. i hope things can go back to normal soon and people can enjoy entertainment without worrying about politics 
. But now this diplomatic spat is affecting concerts and events? It just goes to show how complicated things can get 
... still holding out hope that these events will happen in the future 
. Guess you could say "One Piece" literally can't be pieced together with all these tensions going on 
. And now Momoiro Clover Z has to deal with the mess too... what's next? 
I've been looking forward to Ayumi Hamasaki's tour, too... now it's cancelled 
I get that tensions are high, but come on, can't we just enjoy some good music and fun for once? 
... and I feel for Ayumi Hamasaki too, she was looking forward to her tour and now it's all because of politics 
I'm literally so bummed about this... Maki Otsuki's 'One Piece' performance got cancelled mid-stage 
I mean, who needs politics and all that drama ruining a good time for fans? 
. I get it, tensions are high and all that, but can't we just enjoy some good ol' entertainment without all the drama? 
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. I feel her, though 
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. Like, what about their fans? Have they got any idea what's going on? 
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and what's up with ayumi hamasaki saying she thinks entertainment should be a bridge between nations? shouldn't we just focus on the music lol? 
... 2 countries can't even get their acts together for a music fest without drama 
. fans were all hyped for maki otsuki's perf and now it's just cancelled 
. anyway, hope the other artists who got affected get their acts back on track soon 
Maybe next time, let's try to keep the drama at bay and get back to enjoying some great shows