Japanese Music Events Canceled in China Amid Rising Tensions

Several Japanese music artists and Japanese music-themed events have canceled concerts and other events in China in the last 24 hours, amid rising political tension between japan and China.

The anime music magazine LisAni! has canceled its “LisAni! LIVE Shanghai 2025” concert, which was slated for Saturday and Sunday. Artists scheduled too perform at the event included KOTOKO, She is Legend, Minori Chihara, halca, fripSide, Miho Okasaki, sajou no hana, Konomi Suzuki, and Ami Maeshima.

lisani! explained the event was canceled due to “force majeure,” a term in contracts that refers to circumstances beyond the parties’ control preventing them from fulfilling their contractual obligations.The company apologized and stated it will refund all tickets within 30 days.

The Bandai Namco Festival 2025, being held in Shanghai on Friday through Sunday, canceled all stage performances. Momoiro Clover Z, Regallily, Maki Otsuki, ASH DA HERO, and other acts were scheduled to perform.

Maki Otsuki reported on her X (formerly Twitter) account that her performance was abruptly interrupted mid-song and canceled due to “unavoidable circumstances” on Friday.

Several other artists canceled performances in China this weekend. Ayumi Hamasaki canceled a performance in Shanghai on Saturday; KAF canceled a solo live event in Shanghai planned for Saturday and Sunday; and SID canceled a concert in Shanghai on Friday and in Beijing on sunday. Most of these cancellations were made at the last minute.

Additionally, Shuka Saitō canceled a solo concert planned in shanghai on December 2nd.