TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japanese singer Hamasaki Ayumi performed in an empty arena in Shanghai after her concert, originally scheduled for Saturday, was abruptly canceled one day before it was set to begin.
Organizers cited “force majeure” for the cancellation, though some speculation points to rising political tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan, according to LTN.
Despite the empty venue, Hamasaki completed her performance from start to encore, sharing photos on social media of elaborate costumes, dynamic stage lighting, and flying paper decorations. She thanked the roughly 200 Chinese and Japanese crew members, band members, and dancers who supported the production, according to CNA.
“With 14,000 empty seats but felt so much love. It was one of the most unforgettable shows ever to me,” she wrote.
The cancellation followed comments in November by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, who described potential Chinese military action against Taiwan as an “existential threat” to Japan, prompting concerns of a possible Japanese military response. Subsequent measures by Chinese authorities have affected business and cultural exchanges between the two sides.
Chinese fans expressed frustration on social media over the abrupt cancellation. Some criticized organizers for invoking “force majeure” without issuing an apology, while others lamented wasted travel plans, tickets, and days of preparation.
Former Chinese state-affiliated Global Times editor Hu Xijin suggested the cancellation may have caused greater losses for Chinese stakeholders than for the Japanese side.
He noted that suspending Japanese performances in China can be part of broader strategic measures. However, the sudden cancellation carried economic repercussions, including losses for Shanghai’s entertainment and transport sectors and disruption for audiences who traveled from other cities.
Hamasaki posted: “Entertainment should serve as a bridge connecting individuals, and I hope to build that bridge. I have always believed this, and I still do.”
