Japanese Pop Culture Takes a Hit in China

A recent diplomatic spat between China and Japan has led to a wave of cancellations of Japanese concerts and events in China, leaving fans disappointed and organizers scrambling. The trouble started when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made comments about Taiwan that didn't sit well with Beijing. Since then, at least 30 Japanese performances, including big names like Ayumi Hamasaki and Kokia, have been called off. Fans were left in the lurch, with some shows getting the axe just hours before they were set to start. Organizers say they were hit with impossible conditions or outright cancellations by local authorities. In one case, a singer was literally pulled off stage mid-song. Chinese social media users have criticized the abrupt cancellations, calling them "rude" and lacking in professionalism. This isn't the first time politics has messed with pop culture. Back in 2016, China put the kibosh on South Korean performances and dramas after a diplomatic dust-up. Now, event organizers and promoters are worried history might be repeating itself. But it's not all doom and gloom for Japanese pop culture in China. The latest "Demon Slayer" movie is still pulling in big bucks at the box office, proving that Chinese audiences still have a strong appetite for Japanese entertainment. Young Chinese fans, however, are feeling the heat. Some are getting flak online for showing interest in Japanese culture, with one fan even ditching a pricey kimono costume for an anime convention to avoid backlash. For organizers like Koushin Zhao, the cancellations mean lost time, money, and effort. His team had to scrap a concert after local police imposed strict conditions, leaving them out of pocket and worried about the future. Meanwhile, a German concert promoter in Shanghai has had to cancel six shows featuring Japanese musicians. He suspects the cancellations are tied to the diplomatic row, though no one is saying so outright. With tensions showing no signs of easing, fans and organizers alike are left wondering what's next for Japanese pop culture in China.