On November 28, 2025, Ayumi Hamasaki’s scheduled concert in Shanghai was officially cancelled. The organisers cited “force majeure” as the reason.
Hamasaki, in a social-media post, said she and a crew of some 200 Japanese and Chinese staff had spent five days building the stage only to receive an urgent request to cancel hours before showtime.
The sudden decision disappointed the many fans who had planned to attend; over 14,000 people were expected to gather at the venue.
Why the Cancellation? A Wider Diplomatic Context
Many observers link the cancellation to a broader cooling in cultural exchange between China and Japan. In November 2025, tightening diplomatic tensions triggered by remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concerning a hypothetical Taiwan conflict have spurred a wave of cancellations of Japanese artists in China.
Among other cancelled events were anime-related concerts and shows scheduled for Japanese performers.
Given that backdrop, many believe Hamasaki’s Shanghai concert fell victim to political cross-winds rather than logistical failings.
The “Empty Arena” Performance Rumours and Reality
Shortly after the cancellation, unconfirmed reports and social-media posts began circulating claiming that Ayumi Hamasaki nonetheless went ahead and performed her full concert set to an empty arena. The show, according to these claims, was recorded and will later be made available to fans.
If true, this move would reflect a high degree of professionalism and dedication performing for the music, the team, and fans, even without a live audience. For now, these reports are unverified, but they have sparked admiration among many fans and industry watchers.
Reactions From Fans, Staff, and Industry
In her official statement, Hamasaki expressed deep regret not just to fans who had come from Japan, China, and other countries, but also to the Chinese and Japanese staff, dancers, and band members who had prepared the show. “We had to dismantle the stage without even being able to apologise directly to 14,000 fans,” she wrote.
Media outlets suggest that the cancellation and acts like a possible “empty-arena performance” mark a sad new chapter for cultural exchange between the two nations. As one report puts it, “the latest in a long list of performances and exchanges called off between the two countries.”
Some fans on social media have reacted with disappointment and dismay; others have praised Hamasaki’s resolve, calling it a sign of “true artist spirit.”
What’s Next Uncertainty Amid Geopolitics
At present, it remains unclear whether future concerts of Japanese artists in China will continue as planned. The sudden cancellation of Hamasaki’s concert just a day after final stage preparations underscores the fragile state of cultural events amid diplomatic upheaval.
For her part, Hamasaki still has an overseas show scheduled in Macau on January 10, 2026.
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