Overview
- About a dozen concerts by Japanese artists in major Chinese cities were abruptly canceled this week after plain-clothes police visits and directives to venues, according to promoters.
- In Beijing, venues cited force majeure or technical issues when announcing cancellations and promised automatic refunds, and fans reported being barred at the door.
- Promoters say authorities warned that remaining 2025 performances could be canceled, that new applications for Japanese acts should not be filed next year, and that promotional texts are restricted.
- No Chinese ministry has publicly issued a nationwide ban on Japanese concerts, even as officials escalate other steps including travel and study warnings for Japan and threats of broader seafood import curbs.
- Organizers and analysts warn of knock-on business effects from canceled shows and postponed film releases, with Nomura estimating Japan’s GDP could be reduced by 0.29% if tensions persist.