Ayumi Hamasaki Faces Sudden Concert Cancellation
AYUMI HAMASAKI – The Japanese pop star faced an unexpected challenge when her concert in Shanghai, China, was suddenly canceled just one day before it was supposed to happen.
The event, which was part of her Asian tour, had been scheduled for November 29, 2025, at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center. Organizers cited force majeure as the reason, which disappointed both Ayumi and her Chinese fans who had been looking forward to the show. The cancellation was believed to be connected to rising tensions between Japan and China, following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding possible safety threats related to the situation in Taiwan.
Despite the sudden cancellation, Ayumi decided to go on with her performance, even though the venue’s 14,000 seats were empty. She shared on Instagram that she believes entertainment has the power to connect people, and she wanted to be part of creating that connection. To ensure her fans could still experience the show, she recorded the concert and plans to release it online. She also thanked the 200 crew members, band members, and dancers who helped make the performance possible, calling it one of the most unforgettable shows of her career, despite having no audience.
Ayumi was not the only Japanese artist affected by the tension. Singer Maki Otsuki, known for anime songs such as One Piece, also experienced problems during the Bandai Namco Festival in Shanghai on November 28, 2025. The lights and microphone reportedly turned off while she was on stage, forcing her to stop her performance and leave, clearly shocked and unable to continue.
The treatment of Japanese entertainers in China has drawn criticism from fans and observers, stressing how political conflicts can affect cultural and entertainment events. Still, Ayumi’s decision to perform despite the empty venue showed her dedication to her fans and her strong belief in the power of music to bring people together.