Pokémon and Detective Conan Face Boycotts in China Amidst Historical Disputes

Popular Japanese franchises Pokémon and Detective Conan are experiencing backlash in China, leading to product withdrawals and event cancellations, fueled by ongoing historical and political tensions. The situation highlights the increasing intersection of cultural products and geopolitical issues.

Pokémon Collaboration Products Disappear from Chinese Stores

Pokémon collaboration products have been removed from major Uniqlo stores in Shanghai and Shenyang, China, and related pages have been taken down from the online store. Store employees cited “political reasons” for the removal, according to The Yomiuri Shimbun. Li Ning, a prominent Chinese sportswear brand, has too ceased sales of Pokémon collaboration items following instructions from headquarters.

Event Controversy at Yasukuni Shrine

The initial catalyst for the boycott was an announcement of a Pokémon card game event scheduled to be held at Yasukuni Shrine, hosted by a third party. This sparked widespread criticism on Chinese social media. While The Pokémon Company promptly deleted the announcement and suspended the event, the public outcry persisted.

Detective Conan Faces Similar Scrutiny

Detective Conan is facing a similar wave of backlash stemming from a collaboration with the anime series My Hero Academia. The character name “Maruta,” used in a 2020 episode, drew criticism in China due to its association with victims of biological experimentation during Unit 731. The renewed partnership with content considered taboo has led to bans on the sale of Conan cosplay and related merchandise in cities like Beijing and Qingdao.

State Media Pressure and Broader Tensions

China’s state-run Global Times is reportedly pressuring the Japanese content industry to prioritize “cultural responsibilities beyond commercial interests.” This situation follows broader tensions between China and Japan, including disagreements over Taiwan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks regarding Taiwan’s “existence crisis” in November 2023 appear to have exacerbated the situation, leading to a hardening of China’s stance on issues related to Japan, as reported by The Yomiuri Shimbun.

Impact on Diplomatic and Economic Relations

The tensions extend beyond entertainment. Discussions regarding the loan of new pandas from Ueno Zoo, a traditional symbol of friendship, have stalled. Japanese companies are also diversifying their supply chains, particularly for rare earth elements, reducing reliance on China. Sojitsu, a general trading company, is exploring sources in Australia and France, while the Japanese government is accelerating plans for domestic seabed mining near Minamitori Island.

Expert Analysis

Masaki Ienaga, a professor at Tokyo Women’s University, told The Asahi Shimbun that China has historically used “soft power” like pandas and animation as diplomatic tools. He suggests that with increased political conflict, China has less incentive to continue cultural exchange.

The situation represents a significant test for Japan’s soft power, as political considerations increasingly outweigh economic and cultural factors.