Japanese Performance Abruptly Halted and Canceled at Bandai Namco Festival in Shanghai

On November 28, 2025, an unprecedented incident occurred at the 'Bandai Namco Festival 2025' held in Shanghai, China, where a performance by Japanese artists was suddenly interrupted and canceled. Singer Maki Otsuki, who was performing, reportedly had the stage lights cut off during her song and was forced to leave. Videos allegedly capturing this incident have spread widely on social media, causing a significant stir.

According to sources and multiple reports, the cancellation of the performance is attributed to an instruction from Chinese authorities stating, 'all performances by Japanese artists are strictly prohibited.' It is highly likely that diplomatic tensions between Japan and China have impacted even entertainment events. In response to this situation, social media has been flooded with criticism of the Chinese authorities and demands for Bandai Namco Entertainment to address the issue.

Online, expressions of surprise such as, 'A dystopia where officials burst in and suddenly stop a live performance saying, 'Enemy music is canceled!' really exists...' are being shared. There are also strong opinions urging a firm response from Bandai Namco, with comments like, 'Bandai Namco shouldn't hold game events in Shanghai anymore. They should protest the Chinese authorities!' More radical opinions advocating for complete withdrawal from the Chinese market are also scattered, suggesting, 'Wouldn't it be better for Bandai Namco to completely withdraw from the Chinese market? Even Gundam Base should withdraw.'

Furthermore, some view the incident as 'Thank you for deliberately broadcasting the China risk to the world,' highlighting how it has once again brought the business risks in China into sharp relief. There are also suggestions that this event should serve as an opportunity for Bandai Namco to reconsider its strategy of business expansion in China.

This incident has once again underscored the political and diplomatic challenges that the Japanese content industry faces as it pursues overseas expansion. While an official statement from Bandai Namco is awaited, concerns are rising about the potential impact on future Japan-China cultural exchange and business.

The context

China-Japan relations have historically been complex, marked by periods of tension stemming from wartime history, territorial disputes, and regional geopolitical rivalries. While economic ties are strong, political disagreements can sometimes spill over into cultural and business exchanges. For Japanese companies operating in China, the risk of political interference or nationalist sentiment impacting business operations, often referred to as 'China risk,' is a known challenge. This incident at the Bandai Namco Festival highlights how such political tensions can directly affect even seemingly apolitical entertainment events and business operations, creating uncertainty for foreign businesses in the market.