One Piece Singer Halts Performance Amid China-Japan Dispute

The abrupt cancellation of several Japanese music events in Shanghai has drawn criticism from fans, labeling the actions as “rude” and “extreme.” Maki Otsuki was stopped mid-performance of the One Piece theme, with her being hurried off stage, while Ayumi Hamasaki performed to an empty 14,000-seat venue after her concert was cancelled due to “force majeure.” These cancellations occur amid rising diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo following controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.

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