China Cancels Multiple Concerts Featuring Japanese Artists Amid Rising Diplomatic Strains

Japanese jazz bassist Yoshio Suzuki and his group were preparing for their performance in Beijing when their concert was suddenly cancelled by authorities. According to Christian Petersen-Clausen, a German concert promoter based in China, plain-clothes police informed the venue owner that "all concerts with Japanese people are cancelled – and there is no discussion." This decision comes amidst growing diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.

Over the past week, approximately a dozen concerts with Japanese performers scheduled in major Chinese cities have been called off without warning. The developments follow remarks by Japan's new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could provoke a Japanese military response. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has condemned the statement and indicated that consequences would follow.

Initial retaliatory measures by China included economic sanctions such as travel boycotts and bans on Japanese seafood imports. However, the measures have now expanded to cultural domains. Suzuki and his quintet, who underwent an extensive visa approval process, were reportedly "crushed" by the cancellation.

According to Petersen-Clausen, venues across China received instructions on Thursday and Friday to cancel all concerts featuring Japanese artists for the remainder of 2025. Additionally, organizers have been directed not to submit new applications for Japanese performers and are prohibited from promoting upcoming Japanese music events via text messages.

Other high-profile cancellations include a Beijing concert by Japanese singer KOKIA, which ended with fans chanting for refunds outside the venue after being denied entry despite the band’s readiness to perform. Similarly, Japanese rapper KID FRESINO’s China tour was postponed indefinitely.

China has a precedent of leveraging cultural boycotts during diplomatic disputes, evident in the ban on Korean pop acts since the 2016 THAAD missile controversy. These restrictions have negatively impacted not only cultural engagement but also economic activity—affecting flights, hotel bookings, and employment for local event staff.

Petersen-Clausen pointed out that live music events serve as a vital outlet for many young Chinese facing societal pressures amid economic challenges. He emphasized that political sentiments rarely surface at concerts, stating, "I’ve never, ever heard anybody bring politics into these moments."

Requests for comment from China’s foreign ministry were not immediately answered.