Amid a recent wave of cancellations of Japanese artists' performances in China due to diplomatic tensions, Japanese singer Hamasaki Ayumi abruptly canceled her Shanghai concert one day before the show and issued a statement.
On the 28th, Ayumi posted a personal statement on her social media saying, "This morning I received an urgent request to halt the performance."
Ayumi said, "Two hundred Japanese and Chinese staff completed the stage day and night over five days, but due to a sudden request it became impossible to proceed," and added, "I am deeply sorry that about 100 Chinese staff and the staff, dancers and band members who came from Japan could not be given the chance to perform."
She went on to write, "We had to dismantle the stage without being able to apologize in person to the 14,000 fans who came from China, Japan and many other countries," and added, "This makes no sense. It is hard to believe."
The specific background for the concert cancellation has not been disclosed. Ayumi also drew a line, saying, "I have no intention of commenting on matters I do not know about."
However, with Japanese artists' performances being repeatedly canceled in China recently, observers say this move may not be unrelated to rising diplomatic tensions.
Earlier, Reuters reported that China has been suspending some Japanese musicians' performances as it tightens restrictions on Japanese content. Following halted film reviews and approvals and postponed releases, concerts are also being canceled in some cities, suggesting an expanding sphere of impact.
Local fandoms and online communities view Ayumi's canceled performance as part of this regulatory trend. In fact, the prepared Shanghai stage was reportedly dismantled starting that afternoon.
Meanwhile, Ayumi had been conducting her Asia tour "A I am ayu -ep.Ⅱ-," and the Shanghai concert was her first large solo show in China.
[Photo] SNS
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